Wollochet

A forested neighborhood minutes from downtown Gig Harbor, Shore Acres offers quiet homes amidst the trees along Puget Sound. The area offers spectacular views of the Sound and Mount Rainier that you can enjoy with your morning coffee. Close to Route 16 and about 10 miles from Tacoma, Shore Acres is tucked away but convenient to shopping areas and major roadways. Homes in Shore Acres start at around $775,000 and can reach up to $1.3 million. Once you drive onto its side streets, the waterside neighborhood feels like a hidden getaway. Reid Drive Northwest serves as the area's primary boulevard. The road is flanked on either side by thick treelines, with residential side streets rolling down toward the water or climbing up inland -- these roads-less-traveled ensconse the area's homes, many merging modern and rustic styles. You'll find beige and green facades built out with exposed wood or siding, shingled roofs, plentiful windows, and solar panels on these waterside properties. "You can find some of the most exclusive homes in Gig Harbor off of Reid Road," says Jennie Wetter, a top three broker in the Gig Harbor area and the managing broker and owner of Infinity Real Estate. "You'll see some beautiful sunrises and views of Mt. Rainier from the easterly-facing homes." While downtown Gig Harbor is within walking distance from parts of the neighborhood, driving is the primary way of getting around in Shore Acres. Wetter says one of the big benefits of living in this area is the proximity to Route 16, a main artery for transit in the Gig Harbor area and beyond. The Cushman Trail, a hiking and biking trail, runs along Route 16. While it's primarily used for recreation, it does offer a different way to get around in Shore Acres. Residents with boats will be able to dock at Marina's in Gig Harbor, making Shore Acres a triple threat when it comes to transit. The Cushman Trail also runs through Grandview Forest Park, a popular 8-acre wooded area in the neighborhood. The park is threaded with walking trails lined with trunks of fallen trees, and you'll find local artwork throughout the park; it's a relaxing spot to take a walk after work. Students in the area are part of the Penninsula School District, which has an A-minus rating on Niche and is in the top five school districts in Pierce County. The area's youngest learners begin their academic journey at Harbor Heights Elementary School, a top 25 public elementary school in Pierce County, according to Niche. The school has an A-minus rating and is particularly known for its dedication to student success. Students continue at Goodman Middle School, which is in the top 15 public middle schools in Pierce County and has a B-plus rating on Niche. Learners finish their secondary academic journey at Gig Harbor High School, a top 15 public high school in Pierce County with a B-plus rating on Niche. The school has a popular performing arts department that offers two levels of drama classes, along with a theatre design and technology class. Hungry locals head to downtown Gig Harbor. "Shore Acres is a very desirable place to live," says Wetter. "In part because you can walk to downtown Gig Harbor from some of the homes there." For a bite to eat, residents grab a table at Tides Tavern. Located where you can hear the tide rolling in, this local favorite offers tasty pub food in a relaxed environment. Take a seat at one of the high tables or a booth by the window where you can watch the water lap against the shore. Groceries are close by, too. Just head to the Olympic Towne Center, located off Route 16. Fred Meyer Marketplace is a popular local grocery chain, and there are a number of fast-casual restaurants in the center as well if you're looking for a quick bite to eat. For a homebuyer looking to move into a desirable community off the water, Shore Ares offers a future surrounded by trees and the atmosphere of Puget Sound.