Gig Harbor 74 Excellent
Gig Harbor Livability #171 ranked city in Washington#4,100 ranked city in the USARanks better than 86% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Gig Harbor

PROS
  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

  • Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

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What's it like Living in Gig Harbor?

Gig Harbor, Washington is a moderately-sized city with a population of 10,280 inhabitants. At 86%, the majority of the Gig Harbor population is White; this is followed by 6% Asian and 1% Black. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Gig Harbor your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 28 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Gig Harbor could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Washington if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Gig Harbor and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Gig Harbor to Washington and the national average.

Gig Harbor has a livability score of 75 out of 100 and is ranked #160 in Washington and #3,323 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Gig Harbor could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Gig Harbor scores well for education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (B+) Gig Harbor does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Gig Harbor, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 0.68% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Gig Harbor, the average school test scores are an impressive 65%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Gig Harbor has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Gig Harbor is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Gig Harbor come in at $509,800, which is 89.3% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Gig Harbor, the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 39.5% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Gig Harbor

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Gig Harbor?

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Compare Gig Harbor, WA Livability

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      Gig Harbor transportation information

      Statistic Gig Harbor Washington National
      Average one way commute28min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.8%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.7%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.6%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.3%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.6%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home8.2%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Gig Harbor, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).