Gig Harbor questions... (Seattle, Tacoma, Fox Island: to rent, crime, mobile home)

[icebluejanuary]

Our family is relocating to Washington since my husband has recieved a job in Tacoma. We are looking to move to the Gig Harbor area. We have two young children, one already in elementary school. Are there any areas in Gig Harbor that we should stay away from? It seems like the schools in North Gig Harbor, Vaughn and Lakebay don't seem to rank as well as the others. I'm just curious if any eyes on the ground can give me a clue as to wether or not there are "bad" or less desirable areas of Gig Harbor. It seems from my research and this board that Gig Harbor is a great place.

Thanks in advance,

January

[Noodle2U]

Thanks for posting this. Spouse and I are also wondering the same as we will be relocating back to Seattle this summer and considering GH as our top choice, but need more info on the schools. We will have elementary, Jr High & HS aged children.

[noinwi]

I'm not sure about the schools on the Key Peninsula, but as far as living there, I wouldn't. When we left several years ago from that area there was a lot of vandalism, theft and drugs(ie, meth labs). Lots of people moved out there to "get away" from the city and the traffic got ridiculous. The commute to Tacoma was horrible(just getting off the peninsula's two-laner). The better areas were Gig Harbor, Fox Island, and other areas closer to the Narrows bridge. Just my recollection.

[mthomson]

All of the schools in those areas are part of the Peninsula School District, which is very highly rated. However, noinwi seems to echo many people's feelings that the KPN isn't as desirable. That being said, there are many places on the Key Peninsula that are very nice, and you can get a lot more house for the money there. The crime has subsided significantly, but the commute can still be an issue.
Another thing to consider out there is the response time for emergency vehicles. It's all county regulated, so fire/medics etc. can take a while through no fault of their own.
"Gig Harbor" proper is generally considered zip codes 98335 and 98332. 98329 is Key Peninsula. 98333 is Fox Island, also part of the Peninsula School District.
I wouldn't say there are parts of GH to avoid, but some areas are certainly more convenient than others. If you'll be commuting to Tacoma or other areas, you may want to avoid the KPN simply for traffic reasons.

[exit82]

Can someone tell me if I am correct in thinking that if I wanted to go to West Seattle (from Gig Harbor) - I could just drive up to the Southworth Ferry dock and either park and walk on the ferry or take the car over on the ferry? Or even take a commuter bus? wouldn't that be a faster way to go? (rather than driving all the way around?) I never see that option mentioned. It wouldn't be something I would need to do on a daily basis.

[exit82]

Mthompson-

Are you familar with a retirement communtiy in Gig Harbor called The Lakes? could you give me your opinion please? (or anyone that is familiar with it)? Thanks

[mthomson]

The only "The Lakes" that I am familiar with is off of Peacock Hill, and his a mobile home park, but not age restricted. It's a pretty good location, but has had a history of drug and theft problems (contact Pierce Cnty Sheriffs for more info).
You could definately drive up to the ferry and head to Seattle that way. I'm not sure about the ferry costs, but you could check their website to get that.

[tpesch]

Gig Harbor schools are very good. Alot of sports activities for kids, great location
the area is growing alot with new costco, hospital, borders, theatre, etc...
With the new bridge now open, the traffic issues coming back from Tacoma, Seattle, etc.. are no longer a problem. I commute to Seattle every day and drive around and it takes around 50 minutes to an hour.
Alot of great nieghborhoods..

[icebluejanuary]

Just an update since I posted the original post here asking questions. Our family has moved to Gig Harbor and we are loving it! We've been here for 2 1/2 weeks now. We managed to find a nice home to rent on Craigslist from a family that was relocating out of Gig Harbor for work. We were able to attend the Maritime Gig Festival (although our dog ran away on Sunday, so we missed the Belssing of the Fleet. We found him, in case you were worried). I love the sense of community and the small town feel without being to far away from big city attractions. Kind of a best of both worlds thing.

[mthomson]

Glad you're loving the area and glad you found your dog! Have you gone downtown and visited Green Cottage Pets or FC Pawprints yet? Two great local doggy stores.