Why is Gig Harbor a Great Place to Retire?
By Maria Kalafatich |
WHY GIG HARBOR IS A GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE Why is Gig Harbor, Washington such a delightful place ...
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MOSQUITO FLEET
Long before road systems were introduced in Western Washington, the only option for reaching Gig Harbor and other towns along the waterways was by way of the Mosquito Fleet steamships. Starting in 1836, this fleet of ships carrying passengers and freight ran all along the Puget Sound and nearby waterways and rivers stopping at every waterfront dock.
By the late 1920s, automobiles and highways were the preferred method of transportation. A new Tacoma Narrows bridge was built, which from our last article did not survive, and was named "Galloping Gertie." Between the time when Galloping Gertie collapsed and when the second bridge was completed, a state-run ferry service delivered drivers directly into downtown Gig Harbor. Remains of the ferry dock can still be seen just outside the mouth of the harbor at the southeast end of Harborview Drive.
The only two Mosquito Fleet vessels still in existence are the Virginia V, now listed on the National Register of Historical Places docked in South Lake Union, and the Carlisle II, a passenger-only ferry built in 1917 which still runs between Bremerton and Port Orchard.
For more in-depth information, try "Mosquito Fleet of South Puget Sound (Images of America)", a great book by Jean Findlay and Robin Paterson.
January inventory in the luxury market is down 1% over last month, however, sales increased 6% with the average price per sq. ft. up 3% over this time last year. With 94 homes for sale in Pierce County (over $1.2M) and 27 under contract, the ratio is 29%, suggesting a solid "buyers market".
MORTGAGE RATES UPDATE
Mortgage rates saw a general decrease from September to February. According to Mortgage News Daily, we saw rates drop from 7.08% on 09/01 to 6.63% on 02/01.
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Escape the cold and embrace the sun with this curated list of 11 warm-weather vacations to take this winter! From the pristine beaches of Cabo and the vibrant atmosphere of Florida to the lush landscapes of Kauai and the serene shores of Bermuda, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences under the sun. Dive into this blog to discover the perfect winter getaway that suits your taste and budget, and start planning your dream vacation today!
READ OTHER ISSUES OF MARIA'S LUXURY NEWSLETTER
Narrows Bridge History
By Maria Kalafatich |
NARROWS BRIDGE HISTORY The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, also known as "Galloping Gertie," was an engineering marvel that spanned ...
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Why is Gig Harbor Called Gig Harbor?
By Maria Kalafatich |
WHY IS GIG HARBOR CALLED GIG HARBOR? Incorporated in 1946, Gig Harbor is one of the most picturesque ...
Read More NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: SHORE ACRES
The Gig Harbor neighborhoods of Shore Acres and Reid Drive stand out as distinctive pockets, characterized by their suburban and coastal charm and boasting valuable waterfront real estate. With high-end view and waterfront homes within established neighborhoods and located just minutes above downtown and a short drive from Uptown, these neighborhoods are highly coveted for their proximity to Gig Harbor's amenities and easy access to Hwy. 16. Stunning views of orcas, eagles, abundant marine traffic, and Mt. Rainier add to the allure. Access to the Cushman Trail from these areas is convenient, offering residents the opportunity to walk or ride bikes for miles.
Residents in the Shore Acres/Reid Rd. locales enjoy an upper-middle-income status, rendering it an above-average income neighborhood. Almost 50% of the working population holds executive, management, and professional occupations, contributing to the neighborhood's notable efficiency in commuting, with the majority spending under 15 minutes commuting one-way—one of the shortest commutes nationwide.
Remarkably, the Shore Acres neighborhood hosts a higher percentage of people with Norwegian and Croatian ancestry than almost any other neighborhood in America.
Overlooking the Shore Acres/Reid Rd. is the Olympic Village which was established in 1990 as a clean and modern one-stop shopping center. A notable anchor within is the popular Cutters Point coffee shop, featuring indoor-outdoor options, great coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. The village houses essential businesses and diverse food options, including Asian cuisine, fast food, a gas station, a beauty supply, massage, an auto shop, Mail Plus, Ross, Ulta, Bartell Drugs, Goodwill, and newcomers like the Stretch Zone.
Adjacent to Olympic Village are the Rush Buildings, comprising two three-story office buildings hosting various professional businesses such as physical therapy, dentistry, orthodontics, orthopedic surgery, financial companies, and Windermere Professional Partners. Further down the street lies the new Original Pancake House, a popular breakfast spot in the area.
A spectacular waterfront house recently listed at $2.375M just sold after only 4 days on the market in the Reid Dr. neighborhood. View the listing here for more details and to see the incredible views that many homes in Shore Acres get to experience.
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Step into the world of seamless indoor-outdoor living with this captivating blog featuring 20 stunning spaces that invite the sun to illuminate your home. From expansive glass walls framing picturesque views to chic patio setups perfect for lounging under the sky, these spaces seamlessly blend the comforts of indoor living with the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you're seeking design inspiration or simply craving a breath of fresh air, explore this curated collection and reimagine your living spaces with a touch of sunshine.
STAY TUNED
Keep your eyes open for an exciting event coming your way this May (date TBD)! Windermere Real Estate is hosting a free shredding event, where you can securely dispose of your documents while enjoying a fantastic BBQ. It's the perfect opportunity to declutter your space and enjoy some delicious food with the community. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of shredding and savoring!
For additional information or any questions with regard to the current market or if you are interested in a no obligation valuation of your home, please feel free to contact me anytime and as always, I appreciate your referrals!
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