APRIL'S ALL ABOUT LUXURY
WHY IS GIG HARBOR A GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE?
Gig Harbor has become known as a destination for retirees. Nestled amidst breathtaking waterfront vistas and exuding a cozy small-town ambiance, there are many reasons why people are choosing to retire here. According to SmartAsset.com, approximately 24.6% of Gig Harbor’s population are retirees, making it to be the 4th best place to retire in the entire U.S.
Gig Harbor offers essential services, housing 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 is a supportive network in place. The local St. Anthonys Hospital, Virginia Mason Franciscan Medical Center and MultiCare Medical Park along with many health care professionals all combine to make it easy to manage health care needs.
There are plenty of well-qualified attorneys, advisors and elder-care professionals to assist with estate planning, clutter reduction or legal matters.
There is a plethora of attractions and amenities tailored for seniors (as well as for the general population). Explore the rich maritime heritage at the Harbor History Museum, enjoy serene strolls around the Harbor, and summer concerts in the park at the downtown Skansie Brothers Park. Embark on scenic bike rides along the Cushman Trail or through Crescent Valley up to Olalla. For those seeking a taste of local spirits, the Heritage Distilling Co. awaits with open doors. Being a maritime community, there are lots of opportunities for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing.
Gig Harbor is definitely an active retirement community, with three golf courses including the esteemed Canterwood Golf and Country Club, plus plenty of tennis and pickleball courts throughout the area. For those who prefer a quiet night out, the Galaxy movie theater with 10 screens and an IMAX offers discounted screenings to seniors every Tuesday.
Shopping in Gig Harbor is covered as well. From historic Gig Harbor with all its boutiques and restaurants, to Uptown Gig Harbor - South Sound’s premier outdoor shopping experience with a cornucopia of shops, restaurant and services, and Gig Harbor North – home to the “big box” stores (including Costco), there is no need to cross the bridge!
The Sea-Tac airport is 35 miles away for those who like or need to travel, with the Bremerton Kitsap Airporter available for added convenience. Transportation options around town are plentiful with city buses, Gig Harbor Taxi and Uber.
Gig Harbor seems to have it all, it’s a charming & friendly community with spectacular views of both Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Welcome home!
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
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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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SHREDDING EVENT & FOOD DRIVE
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