“How does it feel
When there's no destination that's too far?
And somewhere on the way you might find out who you are
Living in America (ow!)”
—James Brown
Our clients predominantly live in Gig Harbor and the greater Puget Sound, but word has gotten out. Today, our clients span the United States—from coast to coast—and many spend time living abroad throughout the year.
Even so, with so many still retiring near our headquarters across the street from Skansie Park, we thought it was worth sharing a few ways to make the most of retirement here in the Harbor. These ideas come from conversations with clients, friends, and colleagues. More importantly, the underlying principles apply no matter where you live—as you think about the where that best supports your what and why.
Location Matters—But Timing Matters Too
Gig Harbor shines in the warmer months. From May through mid-September, it feels like a retiree’s paradise: lush, green, mostly sunny, and comfortably warm without much humidity. It challenges the gray-weather stereotype of the Pacific Northwest.
That said, it’s not a one-season destination. Winters are cooler and on the long side, but not extreme. It also doesn’t snow much here, contrary to popular belief. And if you retain any love of a winter wonderland, the rare times snow does descend into the Puget Sound is breathtakingly beautiful.
Many clients choose to split the difference by becoming “snowbirds,” escaping part of the fall and winter for a dose of southern sunshine. This approach often works well. Keep in mind that there is no need to rush into buying a second home—renting an Airbnb for a few weeks or a month can give you a feel for a location without the commitment or maintenance. Over time, if you find a place you love, you can always revisit the idea of ownership. Some clients will rent their second residence to defray the cost as well.
Taxes Matter—But Don’t Let Them Drive Everything
Many of our Washington state clients already know, but in general the state has been raising taxes. Washington is one of the few moving in that direction–in the last five years, over 20 states have actually reduced their state income tax to compete for residents and businesses. Washington, on the other hand, has instituted a long term care tax, a capital gains tax, a restructured estate tax, and effectively a state income tax.
As an aside, even most high net worth families who are retired will not pay the state income tax–the tax only kicks in with over $1 million in income. That is a difficult number to hit when you are no longer working–especially if your portfolio is invested in a tax efficient way aligned with a longer term financial plan. These taxes mostly tend to target higher net worth families and business owners–which has led many of our clients to question whether they should shift residence to another state.
The capital gains tax is also difficult to hit for even affluent families, as it excludes real estate and is only on gains over at least $278,000.
Still, for higher-net-worth families or those anticipating a major liquidity event, taxes can become a meaningful consideration. If clients are effectively splitting their year in Gig Harbor and Arizona, for example, they may decide to shift their official residence to Arizona. This can be a low effort way to avoid the estate tax, circumvent the capital gains tax, and minimize the state income tax (though Arizona has its own state income tax–it’s all about tradeoffs). Of course, if you spend a month in Yuma and the rest of the year in Gig Harbor, it may be a tough sell to establish residency.
Is it worth reshaping your lifestyle primarily to reduce taxes? For some, yes. For many, no. We often find that clients start by focusing on what they are “giving up” by staying in a higher-tax state. The more useful question tends to be: what are you gaining by staying?
This is where you consider your circumstance. Is it really worth it to bend over backwards and rearrange your life to avoid paying taxes? The answer depends on your situation, your values, your family dynamic, and your means. Many of our clients fall into the trap of saying “Look how much money I am giving up by living here!”. My answer to them is often “Yes, but you can afford it.” And if your children and grandchildren are nearby, your friends and trusted doctors and happy routines and favorite haunting places are all close…maybe you shrug it off and pay more for the convenience. As opposed to uprooting your life.
Moving also has its own costs. The potential closing costs and capital gains on a house you may have owned for decades might deter you on the raw numbers front–not just the convenience factor.
With thoughtful planning—through trusts, gifting strategies, and tax-aware income planning—many retirees can manage or reduce their tax exposure without making drastic life changes.
For others, relocating makes sense. Some embrace the opportunity to start fresh, while others face situations where the financial stakes are high enough to justify a move. A large business sale or concentrated stock position, for example, can look very different depending on where you live.
Ultimately, taxes should inform the decision—but not dictate it.
Community, Activity, and Purpose
Gig Harbor offers a lifestyle that aligns with how many people picture retirement.
There are miles of waterfront, dozens of parks, and an abundance of trails. Boating, kayaking, and outdoor activities are part of daily life for many residents.
For golfers, the area is particularly strong. Within a short drive, there are more than 40 courses, ranging from accessible options like Madrona Links to high-quality public courses such as Gold Mountain and McCormick Woods, all the way up to private club experiences like Canterwood.
And if golf isn’t your preference, there is no shortage of alternatives—pickleball, flying clubs, fitness groups, and community organizations. Gig Harbor maintains a strong culture of local involvement, with events, volunteer opportunities, and service organizations that keep many retirees engaged and active. There are parades, festivals, fun runs, and community events around every corner (many of which wesponsor!).
One common thread we see among fulfilled retirees is a sense of purpose. Whether through volunteering, hobbies, or community involvement, having something meaningful to fill your time is just as important as financial readiness.
Check outhttps://visitgigharbor.com/ to see far more.
Convenience Is an Underrated Advantage
Convenience often plays a larger role in retirement satisfaction than people expect.
Gig Harbor strikes a balance between small-town charm and access to everyday necessities. Grocery stores, major retailers, and essential services are all within easy reach. This may seem minor at first, but over time it becomes a meaningful quality-of-life factor.
The same applies to healthcare. St. Anthony’s Hospital is located in town, with Tacoma General and even the University of Washington Medical Center within reasonable driving distance. As you age, proximity to reliable medical care becomes increasingly important.
The area also offers easy access to a wide range of getaways—mountains, beaches, ski resorts, and destinations like the San Juan Islands or Leavenworth are all within a few hours. Having that variety close by allows for both routine and spontaneity.
Cost of Living and Growth
While Gig Harbor tends to be more affordable than larger cities like Seattle, it is not immune to growth. As more people prioritize flexibility and remote work, surrounding communities have become increasingly attractive alternatives to urban centers.
We see this pattern across the country—particularly on the other side of a bridge from a bustling city. Whether it’s movement from Seattle to Gig Harbor, San Francisco to Marin County, or New York City to northern New Jersey, proximity combined with relative affordability creates natural growth corridors.
With that growth comes change, but also opportunity. Many retirees find value in living in an area that continues to develop while maintaining its core identity.
Planning for the Later Stages of Retirement
It’s also important to consider longer-term needs. Gig Harbor and the surrounding region offer a variety of senior living and long-term care options, providing flexibility as circumstances evolve.
Planning ahead in this area helps preserve independence and reduces stress for both retirees and their families.
Bringing It All Together
Retiring in Gig Harbor—or anywhere—comes down to aligning your financial resources with the life you want to live.
The most successful retirements we see are thoughtful combinations of lifestyle, financial strategy, and adaptability over time. Where you live, how you spend your time, and how your plan supports those decisions all work together.
Gig Harbor makes that balance easier for many people, but the broader lessons apply wherever you call home.
If you are thinking through a transition—whether that means retiring here, splitting time between locations, or revisiting your long-term plan—it helps to step back and look at how all the pieces fit together.
DID YOU ENJOY THESE MUSINGS?
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