What about Fox Island?
I recently read a funny comment on an online forum that I participate in. I guess it was only funny because of the manner in which it was stated. A writer from another state mentioned they were thinking of relocating to Fox Island, and they had some questions about the area. An area “expert” responded by telling this person that they didn’t want to move to Fox Island because it was only accessible by ferry. I find that funny ’cause the photo above is the Fox Island bridge, connecting Fox Island to Gig Harbor and there is no ferry service that I’m aware of to Fox Island.
Fox Island is a small island off the southwest tip of Gig Harbor. Residents are served by the Peninsula School District which serves all of Gig Harbor. There is really not much on the island in terms of amenities, maybe a gas station and a small convenience store, but that’s about it. From the Fox Island bridge, you’re about a 10-15 minute drive to all of the amenities on Pt. Fosdick Dr, and about the same distance from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in case you are a commuter. There is a fire station on Fox Island which is nice for security.
Fox Island is home to numerous fun events, has a nice public boat launch, and is a great island to kayak around. There are a couple of churches on the island, but everything else is residential. You can find really anything you’re looking for from small homes on large secluded lots, to expansive equestrian estates, to waterfront mansions.
Currently, there are 41 homes for sale on Fox Island, ranging from a $279,000 small one level home to a $2.375M waterfront estate. There are also 24 vacant lots available for sale on the island, some buildable, some not. For the investor, there’s even an 8-plex for sale for just under $1M. There is no natural gas available, so all of Fox Island’s homes are either all electric or have propane tanks. Fox Island has its share of new construction homes, with 11 of the 41 homes for sale having been built in ‘07. Some are in nice gated neighborhoods, others stand alone on large plots of acreage.
Fox Island is a wonderful place to live if you don’t mind the remoteness (the far end of the island is about 15-20 min. just to the Fox Island bridge). Seeing as how it’s an island, there are numerous view homes for sale. Depending on where on the island you are, views range from Mt. Rainier to the Olympic Mountains.
For a full list of all the homes available on Fox Island, you can email me at mthomson@kw.com or view my home finding website.
January 3rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I’m a new FI resident, not an ‘expert’, but I understand many, years ago, there was ferry service. And the Fox Island bridge used to be a toll bridge. In addition to the convenience store & gas station, there is an espresso stand & post office. The community center has a great playground for kids. The Chapel on Echo Bay has a concert series and lectures. Oh, and don’t forget the small but very interesting Fox Island Museum where you can buy postcards featuring that old Fox Island ferry. Despite a SMALL commercial strip, there is a strong community here. Check out http://www.foxisland.net.
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Maybe the “expert” doesn’t want anymore people moving to his island so he made it sound unappealing!
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Yes Fox Island does have a bridge now…maybe the writer lived there before the bridge? It does have nice views from the edges and hilltops but away from the water, you might as well be in Maple Valley. It is too far away from downtown Gig for my tastes…
Mark
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
It’s pretty nice to be able to live on an island and not have to depend on a ferry.
I have friends who moved from Florida, just for these views!!!