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Wauna

Wauna

Located in Pierce County

$750,098 Average Value

If you’re looking for a home in the evergreen forests outside Tacoma, Washington, you might consider the peaceful, rural community of Wauna. Bordered by the deep blue waters of the Puget Sound, it’s perfect for outdoorsy types who want a reprieve from the buzz of city life. “It has a rural feel, the water is beautiful and you’re in an amazing school district — and you’ll get it at a better price than Gig Harbor,” says Realtor Paige Schulte of Neighborhood Experts, who is a top seller in the area.

Home to just over 4,000 residents, Wauna derives its name from a Native American term meaning “mighty water,” an appropriate title given the breathtaking views you’ll get from the shoreline. Take a drive through the neighborhood's winding, country roads and you’ll see a broad mix of home styles tucked away in bristly greenery, including some that brush up against the pebbly shoreline of the sound. Spacious contemporary homes, midcentury styles, ranch homes and stunning luxury homes can all be found here. Many of them offer large front and rear windows so you’ll have gorgeous views of the surrounding scenery and peek-a-boo views of Mount Rainer in the distance. Generous setbacks, large lots and leafy foliage provide residents with plenty of privacy. Home prices typically range from $250,000 to upwards of $1.5 million, with larger, newer homes near the waterfront selling for the highest price point.

Scenic hiking destinations are close to home for Wauna residents. Make sure you check out Gateway Park, a lovely greenspace with a playground, grassy picnic areas and a dog park. It's also a trailhead for 360 Trails, a 3-mile loop that's perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding through the Key Peninsula woodlands. Nearby, you can spend the day at Horseshoe Lake Park, a laidback recreation area where you can swim, fish and canoe. Head south to the opposite side of Henderson Bay and you can relax outdoors at Kopachuck State Park, a 280-acre park with sandy beaches, rugged hiking trails and lots of opportunities for fishing and shellfish harvesting during open season.

Students can attend highly rated schools in the Peninsula school district. Minter Creek Elementary School holds a B-plus rating from Niche, Harbor Ridge Middle School holds an A-minus and Peninsula High School holds a B-plus, putting them among the upper echelon of schools in greater Tacoma. Peninsula High offers a wide range of sports programs and clubs — you'll find everything from a chess club and a trap shooting club to award-winning football and cross-country running teams. “People really want to be in this school district,” Schulte says.

While dining options are limited within the neighborhood, you’ll have several places you can go for a quick bite. Wauna Burger is a great spot for a juicy burger and fries, while those in the mood for deep-dish take out might try a pie at Seabeck Pizza. For big box stores and major chain grocers, you can head just a few miles east to a nearby shopping center in Gig Harbor with a Costco, Albertsons, Target, Home Depot, Petco and Walgreens.

Route 16 is just a few miles from the neighborhood, making for an easy commute to regional employment centers and cultural destinations. Hop on the highway and it’s about a 30-minute drive to Tacoma and about an hour to downtown Seattle. With homes along the woodsy waterfront of the Puget Sound, Wauna might be the rural lifestyle you’re looking for in the Pacific Northwest.

William King
Photography Contributed By
William King
Zoe Sarris
Video By
Zoe Sarris

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Emily Niles, an experienced agent in this area.

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Area Facts

Number of Homes
1

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Oct 18
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    9207 158th Street Ct NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98329

    $1,125,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,246 Sq Ft
    • 9207 158th Street Ct NW

    Step into your dream home in desirable Somerford Estates, an exclusive gated neighborhood offering over an acre of room to enjoy. Boasting $75,000+ in recent improvements, including a new furnace and heat pump, this custom-built residence stands out. The inviting entry welcomes you with soaring 20’ ceilings and an airy, open feel. Elegant details like designer wallpaper enhance the formal dining

    Jennifer Stevenson Windermere Prof Partners

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  • Sunday, Oct 19
    Open Sun 11AM - 1PM

    9711 159th St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98329

    $899,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,949 Sq Ft
    • 9711 159th St NW

    Welcome to your own retreat! This spacious 3+ bedroom home sits on over an acre, offering comfort, style, and serenity. Step inside to soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and an open floor plan that feels light, bright, and welcoming. Freshly painted interiors, new hardwoods, and care make the home shine, while flexible spaces—including an office, finished bonus room, and a loft. A heat pump

    Whitney Johnsen Hawkins Poe

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  • Sunday, Oct 19
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    15102 85th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98329

    $580,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,723 Sq Ft
    • 15102 85th Ave NW

    Welcome to your very own sanctuary w/ daily visits from deer & other wildlife. On a peaceful acre, this spacious home has possibilities of multi-gen living. With 3 bedrooms, 3 full bath & 2 living spaces + bonus room + flex space. With one of the bedrooms featuring its own private full bath. The primary bedroom features a walk-in closet, 5-piece ensuite & bonus retreat rm. A two car garage added

    Amanda Hyndshaw Keller Williams Realty

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Wauna Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,254
Median Age
45
Population under 18
21.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,985
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,004

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
35%
Advanced Degrees
12.3%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

23 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

10 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Wauna
Emily Niles
PropertiesNW of Gig Harbor Ltd
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