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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/2
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
Genevieve Stoll,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Perched just above the shoreline, this extraordinary waterfront retreat offers the rare feeling of living on the water. At high tide, it feels as though you're floating aboard a houseboat, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking views from the great room, primary suite, and home office. Watch bald eagles soar, seals and otters play, whales pass in season, and spectacular sunsets and
See the last available lot in the desirable Springfield gated community. Bring your dreams & aspirations! Imagine the joy of designing and building your perfect forever home in one of Gig Harbor's most exquisite areas of stunning homes. This beautiful 1-acre level lot has a private well, septic test pit information, and power in the street. Whether you're looking to build now or secure land for
Discover the potential of this .53-acre improved lot in Gig Harbor, just across the Purdy Bay Bridge. The property features a new 2-bedroom septic system and a non-title eliminated manufactured home—perfect for redevelopment or future new construction. With utilities in place and easy access to nearby shopping and amenities, this is a prime opportunity to create your dream home or investment
Discover your own private oasis overlooking picturesque Burley Lagoon, where captivating water views, abundant wildlife, and ever-changing marine activity create a peaceful retreat. This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 3,194 SF of thoughtfully designed living space on 1.17 acres. Expansive windows frame the views from nearly every room, while multiple outdoor living areas provide
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic water and mountain views from this beautifully updated two-story home in the sought-after Emerald Shores community, just minutes from downtown Gig Harbor and the Purdy Spit. Blending timeless design with modern upgrades, this home offers a classic and functional floor plan. This is the type of home that photos hardly capture how amazing the views truly are in person.
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
A rare find in Gig Harbor. This custom single-level home by BCJC Legacy Crafted Homes sits on a private .44-acre lot and blends warm PNW design with thoughtful craftsmanship. The vaulted great room brings in natural light and features a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and cedar cove lighting. The gourmet kitchen offers high-end finishes and a butcher-block island. The primary suite includes a
PRICED TO SELL – RARE SINGLE LOT OPPORTUNITY! After 10 years on the market, the seller is highly motivated and ready to liquidate this prime parcel. Previously held at top dollar, the owner’s change in plans creates an excellent opportunity for a builder or homeowner. DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS: Prior Approvals Available: This lot previously had architectural designs and septic plans approved,
Private 1.33-acre retreat featuring a sport court, established gardens, fruit trees, and a chicken coop—where recreation, relaxation, and homesteading come together. Garden enthusiasts will appreciate the established growing spaces, abundant fruit trees, shrubs and room to expand their agricultural dreams. The chicken coop creates an ideal setup for collecting fresh eggs and embracing a more
PRICED TO SELL – RARE SINGLE LOT OPPORTUNITY! After 10 years on the market, the seller is highly motivated and ready to liquidate this prime parcel. Previously held at top dollar, the owner’s change in plans creates an excellent opportunity for a builder or homeowner. DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS: Prime Waterfront Community: Located in an exclusive Belmar 2 gated community with beach access and
Fantastic duplex opportunity just minutes off the Purdy Spit, set on a full acre with room to breathe. Whether you are looking for an investment property, multigenerational living, or the chance to live in one side and rent the other, this property offers flexibility in a highly convenient Gig Harbor location. One unit features an updated kitchen, and both sides benefit from key improvements
Improved price! This lovely bright 3 bedroom 1 bath home home is tucked away on a cul de sac in the Gig Harbor's Minter area. PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED NEW ROOF WITH WARRANTY INSTALLED IN MARCH, some fresh paint, granite counter tops, S/S appliances, wood laminate flooring, BATHROOM HAS HEATED FLOOR, white vinyl double pane windows, a fully fenced private back yard with a LARGE 10x20 separate
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
