What is Mosquito Fleet?
By Maria Kalafatich |
MOSQUITO FLEET Long before road systems were introduced in Western Washington, the only option for reaching Gig Harbor ...
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WHY GIG HARBOR IS A GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE
Why is Gig Harbor, Washington such a delightful place to spend your retirement years?
Gig Harbor is embraced as an idyllic haven for retirees in Western Washington, and it's not hard to see why! Nestled amidst breathtaking waterfront vistas and exuding a cozy small-town ambiance on the picturesque Olympic Peninsula, Gig Harbor boasts notably low crime rates. According to SmartAsset.com, approximately 24.6% of Gig Harbor's population are retirees, making it the 4th best place to retire in the entire U.S.
What makes Gig Harbor so special for retirees? Well, there's a plethora of attractions and amenities tailored just for you! Explore the rich maritime heritage at the Harbor History Museum, enjoy serene strolls at Skansie Brothers Park, or embark on scenic bike rides along the Cushman Trail. For those seeking a taste of local spirits, the Heritage Distilling Co. awaits with open doors. And let's not forget the Gig Harbor Yacht Club for those with a passion for sailing!
But it's not just about leisure; Gig Harbor offers essential services and facilities to ensure a comfortable retirement lifestyle. From the YMCA and Gig Harbor Senior Center to retirement communities like Heron's Key and Kensington Place, there's a supportive network in place. Plus, health care needs are covered with facilities like St. Anthony's Hospital and Pt. Fosdick Medical Center nearby.
When it comes to staying active, Gig Harbor has you covered with esteemed golf clubs like Canterwood Golf & County Club and Gig Harbor Golf Club. And for those who prefer a quiet night out, the Galaxy movie theatre offers discounted screenings for seniors every Tuesday.
For added convenience, transportation options abound, including city buses, Uber, and Gig Harbor Taxi. And if you ever need assistance with estate planning, clutter reduction, or legal matters, Gig Harbor provides access to professionals specializing in elder care.
So, why wait? Come join the vibrant community of retirees in Gig Harbor, where every day feels like a blissful adventure by the sea!
In March, the real estate market witnessed a slight uptick in both active listings and pending homes, heralding a notable shift in market dynamics. With more properties hitting the market and a surge in pending sales, our monthly supply soared to 2.32 months, signaling the further transition into a seller's market. This increase in supply, coupled with heightened buyer demand, has tilted the balance in favor of sellers, paving the way for potentially favorable outcomes in negotiations.
MORTGAGE RATES UPDATE
Mortgage rates saw a general decrease from November to April, staying steady this month. According to Mortgage News Daily, we saw rates drop from 7.69% on 11/01 to 7.05% on 04/01. Make sure to click the graphic above to hear about helpful loan programs at CCM!
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Discover secluded hideaways where crystal-clear waters meet pristine beaches, offering unparalleled luxury and relaxation. From the lush landscapes of Fiji to the exclusive retreats in the Caribbean, each resort in this blog promises an unforgettable experience tailored to your desires. Escape to paradise and read more here!
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: RAFT ISLAND
Initially named Allshouse by Captain Wilkes in 1841, the name Raft Island was given since those at the time thought it looked like a "raft floating on the water".
The whole island was purchased back in 1928 by a Californian by the name of George O. Noble, a wealthy mining engineer, who had planned a personal estate with "a private wharf, stables for riding horses, roads, trails and terrace landscaping," the newspaper said. George actually had a 788 foot wood bridge built to access the island from the mainland. This aging bridge was replaced with a new bridge fairly recently in 2014.
Located just 5.5 miles from the city of Gig Harbor, Raft Island is roughly 160 acres in size (at high tide) and surrounded by the mainland with views to the west of the Olympic Mountains and Cutts Island to the south. With its protected location, this is a fun island to kayak and paddleboard around. The water is warm (relatively) in the close-by inlets, which makes it a good place to boat, ski and swim. There are two neighborhood stores, each within 2-5 minutes from the bridge on the mainland.
There are roughly 200 homes total on the island. Those who own homes on the island become members of the Raft Island Improvement Association (RIIA) and have access to 2 community beaches. One is on the south end next to the bridge and includes a boat launch, dock, kayak racks and picnic tables. The second park is on the north end of the island facing the Olympic Mountains. There are also tennis courts in the middle of the island that are currently being rebuilt and improved.
This stunning waterfront home was recently listed on Raft Island. With breathtaking views, thoughtful updates, and possibly the longest dock with deep water moorage in all of Gig Harbor, it is no wonder it went under contract in just a week!
Take a tour around the island and see what it's all about. You may fall in love with it!
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
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Explore the cutting-edge innovations and stylish trends shaping the heart of your home. Whether you're planning a renovation or simply seeking inspiration, these top trends are sure to elevate your home to the next level of sophistication and comfort. Get inspired here.
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LUXURY LISTINGS
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Curious about the newest luxury listings around? Explore these stunning homes, and possibly discover your dream home today.
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SHREDDING EVENT & FOOD DRIVE
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Are you drowning in old paperwork? Need to clear out the clutter? Join us on May 18th at our Soundview office in Gig Harbor for our complimentary shredding event! Simply drive up to the shred truck, dump your papers, and be on your way. We will also be collecting non-perishable food donations for the Gig Harbor Fish Food Bank, so while you're shredding, why not clean out your pantry and bring along a few items to help those in need?
Join us for a day of community, convenience, and charity. Hope to see you there!
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HOME VALUATION TOOL
Interested in maximizing the value of your home? Homebot is a financial technology platform that allows you to make informed decisions about your mortgage, home equity, and overall financial situation. By providing tailored market trends, property values, and mortgage rates, Homebot can help you manage your finances more effectively. Whether you are looking to refinance, tap into your home equity, or optimize your mortgage payments, this is an essential tool for all homeowners. Sign up here for free!
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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