Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

If you’ve spent any time around Tacoma or Gig Harbor, you already know the water is a big deal here. The Puget Sound isn’t just something you drive by—it’s part of everyday life. From sailing and kayaking to paddle boarding and fishing, there’s always a way to get out and enjoy it. And honestly, it’s one of the biggest reasons people pack up and move here, just I like I did years ago. Sailing the Sound For many locals, sailing is more than a weekend hobby—it’s part of their identity. The calm bays and open stretches of the Sound are perfect whether you’re still learning or have years of experience behind the wheel. You’ll find friendly communities at places like the Tacoma Yacht Club and Gig Harbor Yacht Club, where people swap stories, plan races, and set off for day trips. Picture this: cruising past evergreen-covered shorelines, spotting seals or even orcas in the water, and dropping anchor in a quiet cove for lunch. Not a bad Saturday from my perspective. Kayaking Up Close Kaya...

Gig Harbor Summer  - Video Tucked along the shores of the Puget Sound, Gig Harbor is one of those rare places that seems to have it all—rich history, stunning yet quaint scenery, and a warm, welcoming vibe. Known as the “Maritime City,” it has grown from a sleepy fishing village into one of the most desirable communities in the Pacific Northwest… all while holding onto its small-town charm. If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Gig Harbor, let’s jump into why it’s a great idea. A Little History of Gig Harbor Gig Harbor’s story started back in 1841 when a small crew from the U.S. Exploring Expedition took shelter here during a storm. They named the harbor after the captain’s “gig,” a small boat, and the name stuck. Not long after, Scandinavian and Croatian immigrants settled here, bringing fishing and boatbuilding traditions that still shape the town’s personality today. For decades, Gig Harbor was a hardworking fishing town. Everything changed with the arrival of the T...

If you've thought about moving to Seattle, and the arts are a pivotal reason, Seattle’s theater scene is nothing short of electric, and at the heart of it all lies a rich mixture of theater that rivals most any major city in the country. From ornate historic playhouses to cutting-edge contemporary venues, the Emerald City offers an amazing stage experience for locals and visitors. Whether you’re a lifelong theatergoer or looking to catch your first live performance, these five destination theaters will make you fall in love with Seattle’s vibrant performing arts culture. 1. The Paramount Theatre Walking into the Paramount is like stepping back into the golden age of theater. Built in 1928, this opulent, Spanish-Baroque style palace greets audiences before the curtain even rises. The Paramount hosts an impressive amount of Broadway tours, concerts, comedy acts, and film events. Whether it’s Hamilton , Les Misérables , or a world-class ballet, the Paramount delivers grandeur and a...

Few places embody the heart and soul of Seattle like Pike Place Market . Set above the Elliott Bay Waterfront , this always-bustling public market has been a cornerstone of the city’s culture, economy, and identity since 1907. Whether you’re visiting the world-famous Pike Place Fish Market to watch the fishmongers toss salmon or meandering through the artisan stalls at North Arcade , Pike Place Market is both a living destination and a thriving community hub. The Early Days: 1907 and the Birth of the Market The origins of Pike Place Market go all the way back to August 17, 1907, when it officially opened as a way for farmers to sell directly to consumers, cutting out the middleman since they were being squeezed by higher food costs. On its first day, eight farmers arrived with wagons of produce to meet hundreds of eager customers. Located along First Avenue between Pike and Pine Streets, the PPM quickly became a vital link between Seattle’s growing population and local agriculture....

  Is it just me, or does it feel like we’re waiting for the other shoe to drop? Politics aside, the new administration has made bold moves across all levels of government to affect the change they desire. Markets love stability and predictability and this current housing market feels just downright different than anything we've felt in many years.  You've heard me say many times, real estate is hyperlocal. What's happening in Seattle may not be happening in Gig Harbor or Spokane. And sometimes even zip codes can buck the trend and perform differently than nearby neighborhoods.  What isn't hyperlocal is the affordability crisis across the country. And we're not just talking about housing. From food, to utilities to travel and healthcare, the cost to live has skyrocketed over the last several years, and nothing seems to be helping. Wages are not rising fast enough to keep up, and the middle class responsible for much of the real estate market's success is being...

Affectionately known as Grit City and Originally The City of Destiny, Tacoma, Washington offers an interesting blend of modern conveniences while still keeping much of its historical charm. The cultural energy, access to incredible nature and waterways, scenic beauty, and easy access to the mountains and ocean give Tacoma a wonderful personality. And if you’re looking to relocate, Tacoma is far and away less expensive than Seattle, and only 40 minutes South.  Culture and Arts Though not specifically a cultural hub of the Northwest, the heart of Tacoma’s downtown Museum District bursts with world-class attractions—including the Museum of Glass (with the iconic Chihuly Bridge of Glass), Tacoma Art Museum (home to the premier collection of Northwest and Chihuly glass artworks), and the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma Arts Month and monthly public art initiatives keep creativity alive city‑wide.  Tacoma has an incredible number of arts organizations from painting, t...