Gig Harbor’s Growing Appeal for Retirees
For many, retirement isn’t about slowing down; it’s about finally having the freedom to live life on your terms. Whether that means spending more time with your grandchildren, traveling seasonally, or diving into the hobbies you love, where you live plays a big role in how fulfilling this next chapter will feel.
That’s why the city of Gig Harbor, Washington, has been ranked among the nation’s most desirable places for current and
soon-to-be retirees.
According to a national survey by Careerminds, Gig Harbor landed among the top 150 places in America to “micro-retire,” alongside Bainbridge Island and Port Townsend.
As Raymond Lee, president of Careerminds, explains, “Micro-retirement isn’t about quitting. It’s about taking the space to reimagine what life could look like, before burnout forces the issue. These cities reflect what people are yearning for: peace, beauty, and time that feels well-spent.”
If you’ve been searching for Gig Harbor homes for sale — plus, a blend of coastal charm, natural beauty, and small-town warmth without sacrificing proximity to family or conveniences — Burnham Heights by Rush Residential will soon offer the perfect place to call home.
Why Gig Harbor Fits This Stage of Life
Living in Gig Harbor allows you to fully embrace a lifestyle of balance, staying active, connected, and surrounded by beauty, while enjoying the quiet moments that make a home truly yours.
Close to the City, Yet Peacefully Removed
Gig Harbor truly offers the best of both worlds. With the Tacoma Narrows Bridge just minutes away, getting from Gig Harbor to Seattle or Tacoma is quick and easy. Trips to SeaTac Airport are simple, making travel convenient for snowbirds and extended families.
You’re close enough to host family with ease, yet far enough to enjoy quiet and peace when the house settles down. Picture welcoming your grandchildren for a long weekend, then sipping coffee on the porch as the neighborhood returns to its calm rhythm.
Natural Beauty in Every Direction
In Gig Harbor, nature will always be close at hand. Sweeping vistas of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and lush Pacific Northwest greenery make every day feel like a postcard.
You can enjoy waterfront strolls, boating from the Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard, and nearby walking trails to keep your active lifestyle thriving. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate the nearby Gig Harbor Golf Club.
A Welcoming, Engaged Community
Gig Harbor’s small-town warmth makes it easy to connect. From Rotary clubs to quilting groups and pickleball leagues, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay engaged.
Farmers’ markets, community festivals, and volunteer opportunities will keep life lively, with Downtown Gig Harbor offering shopping, dining, and local charm. Neighbors will wave as you pass on an evening walk, and friendships will grow quickly in this inviting community.
Spotlight on Rush Residential’s New Gig Harbor Community: Burnham Heights
Arriving Fall 2025, Burnham Heights combines the charm of Gig Harbor with the peace of a boutique community. If you’ve been looking for move-in-ready homes for sale in Gig Harbor, this could be the perfect fit.
Prime Gig Harbor Location
Rush Residential’s newest community, Burnham Heights, pays homage to Gig Harbor’s first doctor, Alfred Burnham, while embracing the Harbor’s rich history and sense of place.
Set in a peaceful neighborhood, the community is just minutes away from shopping, dining, and marina access. Medical services and everyday conveniences are close at hand, making it easy to balance comfort with practicality.
Small-Scale, High-Value Community
With around 55 new homes, Burnham Heights offers a private, peaceful setting, while HOA-maintained landscaping ensures lasting beauty and protects your home’s value.
Homes Built for Your Forever Stage
Every home at Burnham Heights is thoughtfully designed with your comfort and lifestyle in mind, built to last with exceptional quality.
Oversized covered outdoor living spaces, complete with ceiling heaters, make it easy to enjoy the fresh air and scenery for most of the year. Inside, a beautifully appointed kitchen sets the stage for family gatherings, while a spa-like owner’s suite provides a serene retreat at the end of the day.
Designer-selected cladding and color palettes create balance and harmony throughout the neighborhood. You’ll also enjoy the privacy of a fenced backyard, the peace of mind of a 10-year home warranty, and the confidence that comes from Rush Residential’s signature craftsmanship.
Downsizing Without Sacrificing Comfort
With everything you need close by and a community that feels welcoming, Burnham Heights in Gig Harbor offers the freedom to focus on what matters most: family, hobbies, and the simple joys of daily life.
For many soon-to-be retirees, moving from a longtime family home means downsizing to a right-sized space that fits this new chapter of life.
It doesn’t mean giving up what you love. It means thoughtfully designing a home where every detail supports comfort, convenience, and your current lifestyle:
- Low-Maintenance Living: HOA-maintained front yards take care of mowing, pruning, and exterior upkeep, freeing you to enjoy hobbies, travel, or time with family.
- Homes Designed for Life Now: Think spacious kitchens perfect for gatherings, smart storage for keepsakes, and oversized covered patios for entertaining or relaxing outdoors.
- Quality and Durability: Built with unmatched Rush Residential craftsmanship, each home features energy-efficient construction, high-performance insulation, and finishes designed to last for decades.
The Rush Residential Difference
Choosing Rush Residential means more than buying a home. It means partnering with a builder who understands your lifestyle, priorities, and what matters most in this stage of life.
As a locally owned and operated builder, Rush Residential is deeply connected to the Gig Harbor community and always within reach. Our team is there for you every step of the way, from the initial design process to move-in and beyond, providing personalized guidance and trusted warranty support that few builders can match.
Our goal is always to help you create a space that feels personal and thoughtful while keeping the process smooth and stress-free, and that’s exactly what you can expect with a Burnham Heights home.
You can tailor finishes and layouts to suit your style without the long timeline or complexity of a full custom build. Plus, every home is crafted with durable materials, energy-efficient construction, and careful attention to detail, combining comfort, longevity, and value.
All in all, Rush Residential offers the confidence and peace of mind that comes from working with a builder who truly puts your needs first.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Forever Home
Right-sizing your home means finding a place where every detail matters, a home that reflects who you are, what you love, and how you want to live in this next chapter.
Burnham Heights, opening sales in early fall 2025, offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy peace, convenience, and quality without the stress of a full custom build. If you’ve been searching for the perfect place to call home, now is the time to secure your spot.
Contact Rush Residential today to learn more or schedule your tour.