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.
The sun sets on the coast of Wauna.
Stunning homes line the hills of the rural streetscape.
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Homes can have lush greenery and waterfront views
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.
One of many beach bungalow-style homes lines the coast of Wauna.
Large contemporary homes sit in the hills of Wauna, Washington.
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Trails, a lake and a state park are near Gateway
Scenic hiking destinations are close to home for Wauna residents. Make sure you check out Gateway Park, a lovely green space 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.
Hiker with her dogs starts at the trailhead for 360 trails.
A family plays together at the Gateway Park in Wauna WA.
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Peninsula School District is highly rated
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.
Entrance to Minter Creek Elementary on a blustering day.
Harbor Ridge Middle School lined with trees for privacy.
Peninsula High School offers multiple programs and scores a B-plus on Niche.
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Restaurants are in Wauna, while stores are nearby in Gig Harbor
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 takeout 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.
Seabecks has been a local staple in Wauna, WA, since 1985.
The extraordinary little rock shop Wild Earth Rocks is one of Wauna's local gems.
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Tacoma is a 30-minute drive away on Route 16
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.
Photography Contributed By
William King
Video By
Zoe Sarris
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Becca Pitts,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Updated 1920s Craftsman on a rare 1-acre lot backing directly to 360 acres of park trails! This beautiful home sits on a cleared parcel bordering Gateway Park / 360 Trails giving you direct access to miles of trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding, making it feel like your backyard is 360 acres larger. The home has undergone a recent interior remodel including a completely new
Tucked away on over half an acre with peaceful Henderson Bay views, this thoughtfully updated home offers privacy, charm, and flexibility in a serene Gig Harbor setting. The main level features bright, inviting living spaces, stylish updates, and a functional layout designed for comfortable everyday living. The remodeled kitchen includes sleek cabinetry, quartz-style countertops, stainless steel
Updated 1920s Craftsman on a rare 1-acre lot backing directly to 360 acres of park trails! This beautiful home sits on a cleared parcel bordering Gateway Park / 360 Trails giving you direct access to miles of trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding, making it feel like your backyard is 360 acres larger. The home has undergone a recent interior remodel including a completely new
Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-level duplex condo in Gig Harbor! Offering 2 bedrooms plus an office room and 1.75 baths, this spacious home features an open-concept layout designed for comfortable everyday living. The bright living area includes a cozy fireplace and flows seamlessly into the dining space and kitchen with ample cabinetry and a granite countertop with extended
A Storybook Hobby Farm Where Nature, Comfort, & Possibility Meet. Tucked away on more than 7 acres of breathtaking PNW landscape, this secluded hobby farm feels like a world of its own. A salmon stream winds gently through the property. The pasture is partially fenced & ready for animals to roam. The barn is equipped with stalls, a workshop, & water, while the chicken coop (w/electricity & heat
Charming Geodesic Retreat on 1.75 Park-Like Acres! Discover timeless character & unique architectural appeal in this one-of-a-kind home set on beautifully maintained, park-Like grounds. Filled with old-world charm, the home features beautiful flooring, cozy alcoves, and walls of windows that bring in abundant natural light. The updated kitchen offers quartz counters, a garden/herb window,
Cute and affordable, just minutes from Gateway Park and the Purdy Sand Spit beach, not far from shopping ! This remodeled 3-bedroom home sits on a spacious, nearly half-acre flat lot with room for RV parking, gardening, and entertaining around the fire pit. This charming home is bright and inviting with new light fixtures, new flooring, new carpet, new paint interior and exterior, and 2021 roof!
Perched on a rare stretch of pristine waterfront in Gig Harbor, this extraordinary remodeled estate offers refined Northwest design and resort-style living with 433 feet of private beach. A lighted pathway leads down to the quiet shoreline, complete with two mooring buoys and a newer boathouse. Inside, Northwest-chic design shines with custom décor, gorgeous hardwood floors, and a striking river
1.5 acres • Single-story rambler • RV parking • Updated kitchen + quartz counters Set on 1.5 acres in Gig Harbor, this single-story rambler offers a combination of updated interior finishes and usable outdoor space. Long private driveway with RV parking and room for additional vehicles. Surrounded by mature evergreens, the property includes cleared areas, landscaped rock beds, and a level
Excellent duplex located off Danforth Drive & 94th Ave NW. Each unit has been updated and is 2 bedroom, 1 bath, plus a den. Both have strong consistent rental income with one currently rented at $2200 and the other, newly updated will command $2300+ ,or would be perfect as owner occupied. Situated on a sunny one acre lot, this property offers low maintenance and minimal annual expenses. The
First time on the resale market, this exceptional two-story estate is located within a private upscale gated community offering exclusive beach access, kayak and paddleboard storage steps from the water’s edge and a picnic table to enjoy a waterside bite. This stunning residence welcomes you through custom iron entry doors into a grand foyer showcasing elegant travertine and marble flooring. Your
Welcome to 11518 Cedar Grove St NW, nestled in a desirable neighborhood of Gig Harbor. This well-maintained home offers comfortable living spaces filled with natural light and a functional layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy a peaceful residential setting while being just minutes from shopping, dining, parks, and waterfront amenities. Convenient access to Highway 16 makes
Thoughtful blend of style plus value. Recently updated with modern finishes, this home features a new roof, new laminate hardwood flooring, comfy carpet, beautiful hardwoods, stainless steel appliances in the brand new kitchen including quartz counters. The neighborhood and spacious yard offer privacy, space to roam, a deck and patio perfect for entertaining— Main floor bedrooms take advantage of
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