Wollochet

Cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge over the deep blue Puget Sound and you’ll find yourself in the evergreen oasis of Wollochet. This wooded, residential neighborhood of around 6,500 people is perfectly situated between the small-town digs of Gig Harbor and the city of Tacoma, making it perfect for commuters who want to come home to lush, natural scenery. “It’s a retreat from the city and it really gives you that rural feeling. That’s why we moved here,” says Realtor Linda Helm of Windermere Real Estate, a Wollochet resident whose lived in the area for 20 years. “Outdoor and water activities are the biggest draws. And the mountain and bay views are amazing.”

As you drive along winding, country roads, you’ll see a broad mix of homes, some of which are tucked away on large lots that extend deep into the woodlands while others are situated in small subdivisions. Spacious contemporary homes, midcentury homes and grandiose, luxury styles can all be found here, including waterfront homes perched on hillsides with sweeping views of the Tacoma Narrows. “Some communities have private beaches with places to store your kayaks and canoes,” Helm says. Many homes were designed with nature in mind with large front and rear windows where you can take in the great outdoors. Smaller, older homes can sell for as low as $350,000 while luxury homes close to the water’s edge can cost upwards of $1 million, and in some cases, as high as $3 million.

Local parks are plentiful in this area. Make sure you stop by Narrows Park, a 34-acre, waterside recreational area where you can walk along pebbly, saltwater beaches, paddle the surf in your canoe or take in the views from a gazebo overlook. Nearby, you can let your pups roam free at Tubby’s Trail Dog Park, a fully fenced, 8-acre field that’s perfect for throwing the frisbee. It's also only a short drive to major regional parks, gardens and hiking destinations like Kopachuck State Park and Point Defiance Park. Avid golfers will enjoy the rolling fairways and manicured greens at nearby Madrona Links, a public, 18-hole golf course with a restaurant, banquet hall and pro shop.

For all your shopping and dining needs, you can head a few miles north to shopping plazas in Gig Harbor where you’ll find a wealth of local eateries, chain restaurants, shops and big box stores. Domo Sushi is a great spot to try some Japanese cuisine, while those in the mood for something upscale might enjoy Greenhouse Restaurant. For groceries and other goods, you’ll find everything you need at Safeway, Kohl’s, Marshalls, Fred Meyer Marketplace and Metropolitan Market, an upscale, regional grocer. Catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster or kids’ movie at Galaxy Theatres Gig Harbor, a popular local movie house with an IMAX screen.

Students can attend highly rated schools in the Peninsula School District like Harbor Heights Elementary School, Goodman Middle School and Gig Harbor High School, all of which hold B-plus ratings or higher from Niche, an online school review site. Gig Harbor High’s graduation rate typically tops 90%, putting it well above the state average. The school offers a range of award-winning sports and extracurricular programs, including football, baseball, cross-country running, concert band and a speech and debate team.

The neighborhood is traversed by State Route 16, so you’ll have an easy commute over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge into the city. The bridge has a hefty toll, however, so you might want to factor that into your travels. If you’re looking for a home with waterfront views and natural scenery near the big city, you might consider wild woodlands of Wollochet.

Written By

Daniel Berti

Photography Contributed By

Kristinah Archer

Video By

Zoe Sarris