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Discover Fox Island, WA: The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Island Sanctuary

Oct 2
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

(Photo credit islands.com)


Nestled in the pristine waters of southern Puget Sound, Fox Island, Washington, is one of the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secrets. Located just five miles from downtown Gig Harbor in Pierce County, this tranquil island spans roughly 5.2 square miles of land and offers an enviable blend of secluded coastal living and easy mainland connectivity.


Whether you are looking for an expansive waterfront estate, a peaceful wooded retreat, or a smart investment opportunity with sweeping views of Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound, Fox Island offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Western Washington.

WATCH: FULL VIDEO HERE


Everything You Need to Know About Fox Island

1. Geography & Terrain

Fox Island sits nestled in Hale Passage to the north and Carr Inlet to the southwest. The island's geography features elevated bluffs, rolling forested hills, dynamic saltwater shorelines, and protected coves like Honeymoon Bay. Elevating up to 328 feet above sea level, many properties enjoy dramatic panoramic vistas of Puget Sound, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and the Cascade Mountains.


2. Weather & Climate

Fox Island enjoys a temperate marine climate typical of the Puget Sound region:


  • Summers: Mild, dry, and sunny with average high temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s (°F)—perfect for boating, kayaking, and outdoor entertaining.


  • Winters: Cool and wet, with highs averaging in the mid-40s (°F). Snowfall is rare, though the island receives about 40–45 inches of annual rainfall, keeping the landscape lush and green year-round.


3. Accessibility & Connectivity

Unlike many Pacific Northwest islands that require ferry schedules, Fox Island is connected by a bridge!


  • Fox Island Bridge: A two-lane bridge built in 1954 spans Hale Passage, connecting the island directly to the Artondale area of Gig Harbor.


  • Commuting:


    • ~10–15 minutes to Uptown Gig Harbor (shopping, dining, healthcare).


    • ~25 minutes to Downtown Tacoma via Highway 16 and the Narrows Bridge.


    • ~50–60 minutes to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).


4. Community & Demographics

Fox Island is an intimate, welcoming enclave with a population of approximately 3,300 to 3,900 residents.


  • Median Household Income: ~$172,000, reflecting the area's high concentration of luxury properties and established professionals.


  • Demographics: A mix of active retirees, remote workers, and families drawn by top-tier Peninsula School District schools (Voyager Elementary, Kopachuck Middle School, and Gig Harbor High School).


5. Community & Local Events

Fox Island maintains a tight-knit, community-driven spirit with traditional gatherings held throughout the year:


  • Annual Island-Wide Garage Sale: Saturday, September 12, 2026


  • Santa’s Visit at the Fox Island Museum: Saturday, December 5, 2026


  • Tidefest Fine Arts & Gift Festival: December 5–6, 2026


  • Annual Fox Island Tree Lighting & Bonfire: Sunday, December 6, 2026


Recurring Annual Island Traditions:


  • Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday before Easter (Nichols Community Center)


  • Sand & Soil Garden Club Plant Sale: 3rd weekend in May (Fox Island Historical Museum)


  • Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast & Ceremony: Memorial Day


  • Father's Day Pancake Breakfast: 3rd Saturday in June (Fox Island Yacht Club)


  • Fox Island Fair: 2nd Saturday in August (Nichols Community Center)


6. The Real Estate Market

Fox Island’s real estate market is defined by privacy, high land retention, and strong long-term appreciation.


  • Median Home Price: Typically hovers around $1.1M – $1.2M, with properties ranging from low-$500k condominiums to multi-million dollar waterfront compounds.


  • Housing Stock: Features mid-century view homes, modern craftsman designs, low-maintenance townhomes, and private acreage properties with docks or beach access.


Featured Fox Island Property

Investor Alert!

Featured Listing: DUPLEX WITH VIEWS on 1+ Acre



Price: $795,000 | 4 Beds | 2 Baths | 2,800 Sq. Ft. | 1.05 Acres


An incredible opportunity located just across the bridge! This rare setup includes TWO distinct view homes on a usable 1+ acre lot, complete with over 2,200 sq. ft. of massive garage, shop, and flex storage space with 220V power.


Key Highlights:

  • Endless Possibilities: Ideal for live-in one / rent the other, multi-generational living, or an income property.


  • Sweeping Water Vistas: Both units feature great rooms with vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, and deck access showcasing sunrises over Hale Passage and Honeymoon Bay.


  • Unit Features:


    • 296 North Shore: Fully renovated in 2016 (granite countertops, custom cabinetry, recessed lighting, brand-new flooring). Currently rented through July 2027 at $1,950/mo providing instant cash flow.


    • 298 North Shore: Freshly updated, refreshed, and completely move-in ready for an owner-occupant or new tenant!


  • Bonus: Plenty of paved space for RVs, boats, and extra vehicles, plus a newer 4-bedroom septic system installed in 2015.




Ready to Make Fox Island Your Home?

From island privacy to convenient bridge access, Fox Island offers a quality of life that is hard to match anywhere in Puget Sound.




Contact Jennie Wetter


Founder & Designated Broker | Infinity Real Estate NW


Phone: (253) 358-2010



Website: infinitypnw.com

 
 

info@infinitypnw.com

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