Wollochet is a rural escape near Gig Harbor and Tacoma
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.”
Route 16 crosses the Narrows Bridge for quick access to downtown Tacoma.
Many Wollochet homes offer waterside views of the Tacoma Narrows.
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Houses are typically big and on the water in Wollochet
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.
Wollochet homes often sit on wooded lots for added privacy and charm.
Secluded Wollochet homes combine luxury living with sweeping bay views.
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Beaches, a dog park and a golf course are nearby
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 just a short drive to major regional parks, gardens, and hiking destinations, such as 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.
Narrows Park offers scenic beach walks along Puget Sound in Wollochet.
Narrows Park features a stationary viewfinder overlooking Puget Sound.
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Gig Harbor has the closest shopping and dining spots
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.
Domo Sushi offers window-side dining with views in Wollochet.
Domo Sushi serves fresh rolls and Japanese favorites in Wollochet.
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Local public schools earn B-plus ratings or higher
Students can attend highly rated schools in the Peninsula School District, including 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.
Harbor Heights Elementary School serves families in the Wollochet neighborhood.
Goodman Middle School serves students in the Wollochet neighborhood.
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Drivers pay tolls on state Route 16
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
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Reach out to
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West Anchor Mobile Home Park, a desirable 55+ community offering peaceful living with stunning views of the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridge and beautiful Puget Sound. 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features an attached carport, storage shed, private patio, and covered front porch—perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living room, formal dining area, and a bright
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Gig Harbor Villa - Renovated Modern Apartments!! You will enjoy an excellent location within convenient distance of major bus lines, the downtown Gig Harbor area, walking distance to shopping centers and a straight shot down the 16 to Tacoma or Bremerton. You'll probably spend most of your free time on the nearby Cushman Trail or hanging out on your private balcony or patio. **** Contact us today!
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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.<br><br>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."<br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<br><br>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. <br><br>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.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Wollochet Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
6,760
Median Age
48
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$121,539
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$153,877
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.9%
College Graduates
47.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat friendly
Bike Score®®
30/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Walk Score®®
30/ 100
Not friendly
Transit Score®®
0/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
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.
