~Gig Harbor Jobs~ (Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia: real estate, construction, contractor)

[Vykki04]

Hello. I have written a previous post asking about the weather and conditions in the Gig Harbor area. Thanks to everyone who replied, I received a lot a great information and appreciate everyone's time.

After writing back and forth with my real estate agent and telling her that my husband has recently received his California contractor's license (which took several months and extensive testing and he had to show proof of all his years in contracting) she informed me that she wasn't sure there was much work in the area. We know that getting a contractor's license in Washington is fairly easy and quick.

We assumed that he would have to travel to Seattle or Tacoma for work, which isn't a problem. Where we currently live, he often travels an hour or more for work because our town is so small (population 200).

Does anyone know if work is exceptionally slow out in Washington? I know that Gig Harbor is having some commercial buildings, but after that ... do the Seattle and Tacoma areas have work being they are larger cities?

Thanks for your time! Have a beautiful day!!!
*Vykki*

[mthomson]

Construction is fairly slow out this way right now. We probably overbuilt over the past few years.
That being said, Gig Harbor is very central to many larger cities (Bremerton, Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia all within 15-60min).
It may not be easy for him, but there should be work he can piece together if he's willing to travel to different sites.

[cabocurtis]

Speaking from Seattle perspective this local economy reminds me a bit like back in 1989-1992 where Seattle seemed strong while most of the rest of the country was near recession then when the rest of the country was recovering we tailed them into a recession. If your drive downtown Seattle there are an amazing amount of building cranes operating. We also have much public works projects including light rail going on. We have some huge infrastructure projects that are near crisis situation like the Alaska Way Viaduct, 520 bridge that if do not become a priority nature will make it(earthquake or just natural aging). Also many bridges on I5 need replacement so one way or another construction will long term be okay for jobs. I think the model will be toll roads to pay for this just like the new narrows bridge. Look how fast Minnesota just finished replacing the bridge lost a year ago August. So we might have a bit short term recession but we have plenty of strong corporations keeping employement relatively stable and of course with our mountains and waterways there is nowhere to sprawl so real estate may depress a bit more but still be long term good. Tacoma seems to be progressive in remaking its image with retail and downtown becoming a place to be so I would think if you did choose Gig Harbor and were okay with the 1 hour drive there would be decent job opportunities long term.