THE AREA
WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT THE SOUTH PUGET SOUND REGION
- Jaw-dropping beautiful scenery - even when the mountain is not out, (this would be Mt. Rainier_ it's easy to live like it is!
- Smaller, tight-knit communities rich in history within the larger towns and cities surrounding
- Prosperous local economies offering lots of local activities year round
- A relaxed and yet sophisticated lifestyle surrounded by waterfront and views
PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE
The residents living in these smaller tight-knit communities are comprised of families that have been around for generations as well as newcomers seeking lifestyle changes, excellent schools, and access to boating, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, fly-fishing and golfing to name a few. Close to the airport, a few hours to skiing, and the same to a variety of ocean and beach communities, what more could you ask for? When it comes to boating it’s easy to visit these maritime towns via water. Fly fishing from the scenic beaches, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and golfing are all at your fingertips. There is a distinct appreciation for this southern Puget Sound of Washington region and way of life as we can enjoy an array of exciting outdoor recreational activities. There is something for everyone and a dedication to the preservation of nature as it’s meant to be.
1,332 miles of shoreline border Puget Sound, which is the linear extent of a complex waterway system, simply put, 5,280 feet per mile: It’s a playground for outdoor enthusiast and nature lovers!
RUSTON
47.2982° N, 122.5103° W
Point Ruston is a smaller, historic waterfront district in Tacoma featuring luxury condos, marinas, boutique hotels, restaurants and walking paths with Olympic Mountain and Mount Rainier views. Located along Commencement Bay in Puget Sound, it was first established in 1906 as a part of Tacoma and In 2012, it became its own city.
Ruston is known for its Point Ruston waterfront district. This area combines the charm of old homes with new buildings. A formerly polluted site was tastefully transformed into a beautiful waterfront which is home to luxury condos, a boutique hotel, an AMC theater, marinas, yacht clubs, and well known restaurants like Anthony's and Duke's. There are also boutique shops and walking paths that offer great views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the bay. It's just a short drive from downtown Tacoma via Ruston Way.
The city is nearly surrounded by Tacoma on three sides, with Puget Sound to the north. Ruston has a flourishing community made up of young professionals, families, and retirees. People enjoy walking around, kayaking, and taking beach strolls. The city is also close to Point Defiance Park, which has trails and a zoo.
Ruston is quite small, covering only 0.34 square miles. This includes 0.26 square miles of land and 0.08 square miles of water. It stretches about 0.6 miles from its southern part to the northern tip at Point Ruston. The waterfront there is almost a mile long and is perfect for watching sunsets and doing water sports.
As of 2025, about 1,050 people live in Ruston. people per square mile, Ruston has a cozy, urban-suburban feel in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
NORTH TACOMA
47.2673° N, 122.4826° W
North Tacoma Neighborhoods, also called the North End of Tacoma, Washington, are a group of historic and lively areas by Commencement Bay in Pierce County.
One popular spot is the Proctor District, where you can find lots of local shopping along 6th Avenue. The Stadium District is known for its beautiful historic Craftsman homes, tree lined streets and the well known Stadium High School overlooking stunning views of Puget Sound.
The University of Puget Sound area combines a college atmosphere with a friendly, family feel. Old Town keeps its pioneer charm, while places like Point Ruston and Ruston offer lovely waterfront views.
These neighborhoods have tree-lined streets, nice restaurants, and special one-of-a-kind shops. They are close to cultural spots and only a few minutes from downtown Tacoma by Schuster Parkway or I-5. You can see stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, Vashon Island, and Mount Rainier.
With around 29,200 people, the area is walkable and has a cozy suburban feel with a fun vibe of its own. It stretches about 3.5 miles from the Narrows Bridge to Point Defiance Peninsula.
There are about 4 miles of waterfront along Ruston Way and Owen Beach at Point Defiance. These spots are great for kayaking, jogging, picnicking, or walking during sunset while enjoying the beauty of Puget Sound.
UNIVERSITY PLACE
47.2357° N, 122.5504° W
University Place, is a lively suburb in Pierce County. It sits on the eastern shore of Puget Sound and became a city in 1995. Before that, it was just open land northwest of Tacoma.
The city has friendly neighborhoods, shopping areas like The Bridge, and recreational destinations such as Chambers Bay golf course. This golf course is known for its Scottish links-style and famously hosted the 2015 U.S. Open. There are also many easily accessible trails, parks, and beaches. It’s easy to get to Tacoma, which is just 5 miles away, using I-5 or Highway 16. The views of the Olympic Mountains and the Sound attract young professionals, families, and retirees alike. The community is diverse with great eateries and specialty grocery stores.
The city is roughly 3 miles long, from the northern tip near the University of Puget Sound to the southern end at Steilacoom. It has about 3.5 miles of beautiful waterfront along Puget Sound and Chambers Bay. This area is perfect for kayaking, beachcombing, picnicking, and taking sunset walks through the dunes and forests.
As of 2025, about 35,400 people live in University Place. a friendly, walkable community. The city is also home to great schools like Curtis Senior High and hosts cultural events throughout the year.
FOX ISLAND
47.2502° N, 122.6343° W
Fox Island is a quiet island in Puget Sound, located in Pierce County. It is just south of Gig Harbor and has amazing views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Tacoma Narrows. The island is named after assistant surgeon J.L. Fox from the 1830s U.S. Exploring Expedition.
Fox Island covers 6.4 square miles, The island is about 4 miles long and has around 20 miles of beautiful waterfront along Hale Passage and nearby bays. This makes it a great place for boating, kayaking, fishing, and beach combing. About 4,000 people live on the island, which has wooded trails, private docks, beautiful homes and properties. There are many local community activities to be involved in from garden clubs, the museum, the historic chapel on Echo Bay events and FICRA the Fox Island Community and Recreation Association and more. It has no retail except for a local store store and bar-restaurant in back, Zogs - where neighbors connect and enjoy gathering without leaving the island.
GIG HARBOR
47.3294° N, 122.5809° W
Gig Harbor is a quaint city in Pierce County on the west side of Puget Sound. It gets its name, "Maritime City" because of its history with fishing, boat-building, and sailing. These traditions started with Croatian and Scandinavian settlers in the late 1800s. Today, Gig Harbor has a mix of old charm and modern shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and beautiful parks like Skansie Park and Jerisich Beach.
The city has stunning views of Mount Rainier and is easy to reach via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Tacoma is just 6 miles east, and Seattle is about 40 miles north. Gig Harbor proper covers 6.0 square miles, mostly land with bustling waterfront and harbor, and is about 3 miles long from the southern homes to the northern harbor. The Downtown Waterfront Association and Chamber of Commerce hold many events throughout the year making getting involved in the community incredibly easy. It’s an easy 45 minutes to Seattle and to Seattle-Tacoma International airport.
KEY PENINSULA
47.2914° N, 122.7754° W
The Key Peninsula is a large, forested area in northwest Pierce County. It protrudes out south from Gig Harbor, sitting between Carr Inlet on the east and Case Inlet on the west. The peninsula is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land called the Purdy isthmus and the famous Purdy Spit bridge from the 1950s. The peninsula has over 100 miles of saltwater shoreline with panoramic views.
Life here is relaxed and feels off-the-grid. People enjoy living among old cedar trees, small farms, multiple saltwater waterfront bays, and quiet towns like Home, Lakebay, Key Center, Vaughn, and Longbranch. Residents value their privacy and love activities like boating and crabbing. They also enjoy beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier, all without traffic lights or large stores. It benefits from its proximity to North Gig Harbor and its amenities as well as St. Anthony’s Hospital.
The Key Peninsula covers about 180 square miles, including many small islands like Herron, Raft, and McNeil. It is about 20 miles long from Purdy in the north to Taylor Bay in the south. Here you’ll find small public beaches, many community parks, and private docks. These spots are great for boating, kayaking and gathering oysters.
The community is close-knit and independent, proudly calling itself “two bridges from civilization.”
PORT ORCHARD
47.5404° N, 122.6362° W
Port Orchard is a busy waterfront city. It is the county seat of Kitsap County on the Kitsap Peninsula. The city is located along the southern shore of Sinclair Inlet, which is part of Puget Sound.
It's known for its beautiful views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. The downtown area is lively, with historic buildings, farmers' markets, art galleries, craft breweries, and seafood restaurants. It can easily reach Port Orchard by taking the Washington State Ferries from Bremerton to Seattle, which takes about 60 minutes. It is also a 45-minute drive north across the Narrows Bridge.
Many families, military personnel from the nearby Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and retirees enjoy living here. The city has a mix of suburban charm and outdoor activities, especially at Manchester State Park. The tech and tourism industries are growing.
Port Orchard was incorporated in 1890 and was the first town in Kitsap County. It was originally called Sidney but changed its name in 1903. The city covers a total area of 11.21 square miles, with 9.64 square miles of land. It stretches about 4 miles from the eastern residential areas to the western inlet near downtown. The city has roughly 8 miles of shoreline along Sinclair Inlet, which is great for kayaking, sailing from the Port of Bremerton's large marina, fishing, and walking along waterfront trails.
The city has a vibrant and diverse community surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
POULSBO
47.7359° N, 122.6465° W
Poulsbo, is often called “Little Norway.” This name comes from its strong Norwegian roots and Scandinavian charm - a beautiful smaller city by the waterfront on Liberty Bay in northern Kitsap County with water views.
Poulsbo is famous for its colorful downtown area along Front Street. Here, you can find real bakeries like Sluys, known for its Poulsbo bread and cardamom pastries. There are also murals, the Sons of Norway lodge, and marine shops. The Kiana Lodge is well-known too. It has stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and is easy to reach by State Route 305. It's just 12 miles south to the Seattle ferry on Bainbridge Island or a 30-minute drive to the Bremerton naval base.
Poulsbo was founded in the 1880s by Norwegian immigrants. They loved the fjord-like bay and misty hills that reminded them of home. Today, Poulsbo mixes its historic pride with a modern vibe, like craft breweries, kayak rentals, and a busy marina. The marina hosts summer festivals and wooden boat shows.
The city covers about 5.37 square miles, with 4.76 miles of land. It stretches about 3 miles from its southern neighborhoods to the northern tip of the bay. There are around 6 miles of walking paths by the water along Liberty Bay and Dogfish Creek. These areas are great for paddleboarding, crabbing, and enjoying sunset walks.
KINGSTON
47.7987° N, 122.4982° W
Kingston, is a charming Puget Sound waterfront community in northern Kitsap County on the Kitsap Peninsula, perched at the mouth of scenic Appletree Cove—an estuary inlet of Puget Sound.
It has a rich maritime history tied to early Norwegian settlers and the Mosquito Fleet steamers, now serving as a vital ferry gateway to the Olympic Peninsula via the Washington State Ferry terminal offering 30-minute crossings to Edmonds, complete with a busy marina, waterfront eateries. Here you can find fresh seafood at Port of Kingston, boutique shops, and recreational spots such as Village Green Park for picnics and kayaking, all framed by forested hills and Olympic Mountain views that draw commuters, families, and retirees seeking a serene yet connected lifestyle just 15 miles west of downtown Seattle by water or 45 minutes by car via State Route 104.
This tight-knit community, celebrated for its annual Wooden Boat Festival and proximity to Point No Point Lighthouse—the oldest on Puget Sound—blends small-town Norwegian flair with modern amenities, top-rated schools in the North Kitsap district.
It encompasses a total area of 2.1 square miles (1.9 land and 0.2 water), stretching roughly 1.5 miles in length from its southern residential edges inland to the northern ferry terminal tip, and features approximately 2 linear miles of accessible, indented waterfront along Appletree Cove and the Sound, perfect for beachcombing, sailing, and crabbing amid the Pacific Northwest's coastal allure. It fosters a welcoming, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with a tight knit community.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
47.6249° N, 122.5210° W
Bainbridge Island, Washington, is often called just Bainbridge. It is a beautiful upscale island city in Kitsap County, near Puget Sound. It’s just a scenic 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle.
Bainbridge is known for its lively, vibrant downtown area called Winslow and its strong sense of community. Here, you can find unique and designer shops, restaurants that serve fresh food, craft breweries, and the famous Bloedel Reserve gardens. The island has a rich history connected to the Suquamish Tribe and World War II. Many who visit and live here enjoy outdoor activities like hiking on the 50 miles of public trails, kayaking in Eagle Harbor, and wine tasting at local vineyards. The island is surrounded by forested hills, waterfront parks, and offers great views of the Cascade and Olympic mountains.
The community is popular among tech workers, families, and retirees because of its small-town feel and eco-friendly atmosphere. Bainbridge became a city in 1991 when Winslow annexed the rest of the island. It mixes beautiful nature with modern conveniences. You can reach the Kitsap Peninsula via the Agate Pass Bridge or SR 305. People love living here because of the high quality of life, top schools, and fun events like the annual Arts Walk.
The island covers about 65 square miles. This includes 27.6 square miles of land and 37.4 square miles of water. The island is roughly 10 miles long, stretching from its northern tip near Agate Pass to the southern ferry terminal. It has about 53 miles of shoreline along Puget Sound, Port Orchard Bay, and tidal areas like Rich Passage. This makes it a great place for sailing, beachcombing, and watching wildlife among the bluffs, dunes, and inlets.
Luxury Real Estate Advisor
Direc: (253) 732-4663
Office: (253) 514-8294
claudia@saltwaterhomes.com
Windermere Professional Partners
Gig Harbor Downtown | 3111 Harborview Drive, Suite 200A
Gig Harbor Soundview | 5801 Soundview Drive, Suite 101
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
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