Gig Harbor v Edmonds (Seattle, Tacoma: for sale, lease, condo)

[jmundyrosner]

We're moving up from So. California to the Seattle area in a few weeks. Can anyone compare the lifestyles of Gig Harbor and Edmonds. We want to get away from suburbia yet not be rural. I'd like to live in the city but that's too urban for my husband. We want good restaurants, a sense of community - be able to walk to get a cup of coffe/meal and not have to get in the car to do everything. What is commuting time from these two areas into Seattle? I'd appreciate any info. Thanks.
P.S. I read a few posts from an MD called Pugetsoundman - I think you were thinking of same areas - I'd appreciate your input.

[Ira500]

It's much easier to commute from Edmonds into Seattle than from Gig Harbor, and the Sounder commuter train goes from Edmonds into downtown Seattle, and is a pretty ride mostly along the waterfront.
They are both nice towns. Edmonds has more shopping, and in both you can walk to coffee, etc...
What I'm curious is: What about these two towns appeal to you? Seems like having water nearby is important? What else would you want in an ideal world?

[jmundyrosner]

Thanks for your interest. It is just the two of us and our two older dogs & outside cat- our children are grown up. Well, we're looking for somewhere with character (and characters!), friendly but not nosy, sophisticated, liberal, not too snobby, not suburban, a sense of community, picturesque, non-homogenous population, arty but not "arty-farty" and yes, not land-locked. Somewhere we can rent for a couple of years to make sure we're in the right place....not that we are fussy!!!

[jmundyrosner]

P.S. my husband will commute (some days) into Seattle and Tacoma? but he likes driving so and hour's commute is okay.

[mayfair]

Edmonds is lovely and you can walk to shops and restaurants if you live near downtown. The town is well-kept and somewhat upscale (but I wouldn't say snobby). You'll find many people in your age range there and should be able to find community.

[mthomson]

In order to avoid using the car in Gig Harbor, you'd have to buy near downtown or the Uptown Center. We're lacking a good variety of restaurants. Gig Harbor is a great, quiet town, wonderful for walking and relaxing. Not much of a social scene or nightlife. Commute to Tacoma is a breeze, Seattle would be 60-75min. If you're a city fan, Gig Harbor may not be right for you.

[Felicity1]

I can vouch for Gig Harbor -- nice quiet town -- we actually have an updated two bedroom condo for sale or lease walking distance to restaurants, coffee, water, etc.

[Hbud]

Originally Posted by jmundyrosner

We're moving up from So. California to the Seattle area in a few weeks. Can anyone compare the lifestyles of Gig Harbor and Edmonds. We want to get away from suburbia yet not be rural. I'd like to live in the city but that's too urban for my husband. We want good restaurants, a sense of community - be able to walk to get a cup of coffe/meal and not have to get in the car to do everything. What is commuting time from these two areas into Seattle? I'd appreciate any info. Thanks.
P.S. I read a few posts from an MD called Pugetsoundman - I think you were thinking of same areas - I'd appreciate your input.

Edmonds is your dream city from what you wrote...down in the Edmonds "bowl" area near the ferry