That's great news for Gig Harbor. That wasn't my recollection from 15 years ago. The second beige and newer stores definitely make it more attractive than when I was looking.

 

Anyone live or know anything about Maple Valley? We're considering that area in addition to Gig Harbor. Based on our research, real estate is fairly affordable and the Tahoma school district is good. It is closer distance wise to SEA compared to Gig Harbor. But with no major highways into town, not sure about commute times to the airport. We've been to GH and really like it. However, the drive through the bridge and Tacoma has me worried.

 

I live close to MV, and have family in MV proper. It's a nice community with good shopping, dining and recreation opportunities in town. The drive to the airport is perhaps 30-45 minutes without traffic. MV largely serves as a bedroom community for Bellevue/Redmond and Seattle, so during rush hour the drive is probably around 45-60 mins. Lots of new housing out here is going to put pressure on the existing infrastructure, and I expect the traffic situation will get worse. The schools in MV are generally regarded as very good, and a couple of new ones are under construction. You will certainly get more for your money in MV vs the East Side. You'll avoid the headache of crossing the bridge and battling the WA-16/I-5 interchange from Gig Harbor. But the traffic is a wildcard. Seattle and Bellevue housing prices are driving a lot of people to the south suburbs.

Editorial comment: I know that "good schools" are all the craze these days, and people are willing to pay a housing premium for it - but there is a point at which you might just as well send your kids to private school. Also, the Federal Way, Dash Point, and and North Tacoma areas are under-recognized, in my opinion. (But maybe that's just me exhibiting symptoms of "the grass is greener" syndrome.)

 

Thanks for the input flyboy. We're gonna go and snoop around that area in a few weeks to find out for ourselves. Your info is very much appreciated.

 

Joanie Hernandez. Great realtor and helped me and the wife find an awesome spot.

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