Highway 16 Purdy/Key Peninsula Exit (Tacoma, Bremerton: homes, neighborhoods, living)

[cindycat]

We're fairly new to the area. Recently we've made a few trips northbound on Highway 16 from Tacoma to Bremerton. At the Purdy/Key Peninsula exit there's a sign saying "Through Traffic Keep Left" and another with something about using the shoulder during rush hours. Is there a big population around there somewhere? A lot of commuters?

[mthomson]

No, for a long time Canterwood BLVD was closed at the exit right before that, so the traffic on that off ramp more than doubled. It's the only way to Key Peninsula, so at peak times it gets very backed up. They added the shoulder driving as a way to try and create 2 lanes while Canterwood Blvd was closed. Canterwood BLVD opened this past weekend, so the traffic on the Purdy off ramp should significantly lighten up again.
Living on the Key Peninsula is tough because there is only that one route, and traffic is a mess at the two peak times (morning and night), but you can get some gorgeous waterfront and waterview for very cheap because of the struggles of commuting.

[Penwoodise]

Yes , there is a huge commuting population spread all over Key Peninsula and Mason county. Population is growing fast. mthomson must be a realtor. Property is not cheap on the peninsula.

[mthomson]

The "Realtor" under my name gives me away! There are several properties on the Peninsula for under $150k. There are waterfront properties in the $300k's. That's cheap for this area.

[sredkey]

Thanks, Matt. I live in the Key Peninsula, and I think there are many misconceptions about this area. Yes, there are $1million homes here, but as you pointed out, there are acres of lovely homes and neighborhoods at affordable prices. The more remote lifestyle can make it worth the traffic backups at the spit.