An Insider’s Look at Gig Harbor’s Canterwood Neighborhood

REALTOR® Sheryll Tan has been a resident of Canterwood for almost 8 years now, and there are so many reasons why she adores living in this highly desired Gig Harbor neighborhood! “I love living here because, while new housing developments would cut down all the trees to make way for new homes, Canterwood has preserved so many trees, despite the growing number of homes in the neighborhood. When you enter the gates of Canterwood, you will immediately notice the tree-lined streets as you drive its winding road. It is like entering a huge garden full of beautiful homes.”

Sheryll elaborates more on why she loves the neighborhood, and one of the reasons is about how safe she feels:

“As a REALTOR®, I have seen many neighborhoods and nothing feels safer than to be in Canterwood. Gone are the days when you feel safe and secure to take a walk or jog late in the afternoon or have your children freely roam around the neighborhood. Canterwood may probably be one of the few neighborhoods where I feel children can still freely roam around on their own and go from neighbor-to-neighbor, ride their bikes to their friends' house, walk or bike to the clubhouse to hang out with them or walk to the nearby park inside the subdivision. Of course, you can still never let your guards down. Some outsiders can still sneak in so always be alert for those potential danger.”

Below, Sheryll offers up an insider’s look at what you need to know about Canterwood, from the types of community amenities you can take advantage of to rules and restrictions you should know about.

Exploring Outdoor Amenities: Canterwood Golf & Country Club and Canterwood Nuthatch Park
Home to the famous Canterwood Golf and Country Club, this is the Canterwood neighborhood’s main attraction! “In here you will find one of Washington's state top 18-hole golf courses surrounded by beautiful Douglas fir trees and home to the resident bald eagle,” shares Sheryll.

The golf course and club offer ample opportunities for staying active, and Sheryll elaborates on a few of the many amenities: “For non-golfers the clubhouse offers a fitness room, tennis courts and pickleball, and a heated pool. ...In the summer, children can do tennis and swim lessons for a discounted member fee. They have also started beginner/returning and intermediate/advanced tennis classes for adults on some summer nights. They also offer a complimentary kids golf clinic, kids’ club movie night, ladies' 18 club tee times, sculpt and tone, internal training, cardio step fitness classes, and so many more.”

In addition to fitness and outdoor activities, the club provides several other opportunities to meet your neighbors and have fun: “There are also year-round activities for all ages: Easter egg-hunting, photo-op with Santa, Family Fun on the Green, and Kid's Day Camp, to name a few. It is a great place to get to know your neighbors and other people or meet with friends to mingle and catch up. [Also,] the food served here is nothing short of quality! Aside from the regular favorites on their menu, every week they serve different themes such as Thai, Pasta, BBQ, and Mexican buffet. Fridays are special nights in the main dining room as they offer a seafood buffet, prime rib buffet, steak night, and lobster and crab night.”

Additionally, there’s even more outdoor space in the neighborhood to take advantage of: “Canterwood has its own playground park for residents called Canterwood Nuthatch Park by the Peacock gate which has an athletic court and 2 tennis courts. Here you will find the tennis courts, where I met some new tennis friends to play with. In the summer of 2016, the playground underwent a major renovation. For golfers, it is also where you you can practice pitching and putting green free of charge. There is a also a few picnic tables with a shed where you can hold parties or BBQ with family and friends. Reservations are required/recommended at the HOA office for the tennis courts and the picnic tables.”

HOA: What You Need to Know About Dues, Rules, & Restrictions
If you’re considering moving to Canterwood, you’ll want to be sure to get all of the details on what’s included and permitted. Sheryll offers a thorough look at what you need to know:

“For Canterwood residents, HOA is $107/month and includes the services of a gated community such as on-site security guards for the main gate, 24-hour security patrol, park/ playground with 2 tennis courts, a half basketball court, putting green, controlled access for residents-only gates, and maintenance of common areas. The Canterwood GCC has different levels of membership for frequent golfers, seasonal golfers and non-golfers. A certain level of membership also gives you access to their driving range.”

Pets are welcome in the community, but if they’re not at home, pets need to be on leashes at all times and carefully picked up after. ”Canterwood is home to many pets and you will see them everywhere walking/running around with their humans,” adds Sheryll.

There are also a few other rules that Sheryll elaborates on: “Canterwood is very strict with the cutting down of trees, so before you cut any tree down, the HOA needs to approve it. Likewise, exterior paint color of your house needs approval from the HOA committee. If you are having a party, as long as your guests are not obstructing other people's driveways, parking shouldn't be a problem at all. Fireworks on the fourth of July are prohibited as well as garage sales, but we make up for it by having the annual garage sale located by the Peacock Hill gate. Speed limit inside the neighborhood is 25 mph. Always slow down and watch out for golf carts crossing the streets. Safety first for all our children, furry friends, and adults alike!”

Nearby Gig Harbor Amenities: Shopping, Restaurants, Parks & Much More!
“Just right outside Canterwood is Costco, Target, Home Depot, Pier 1 Imports, Starbucks, Famous Footwear, Petco and other retail establishments and restaurants. It is also just a few minutes away from YMCA, the beautiful Sehmel Homestead Park, McCormick Forest Park and the hotel-like St. Anthony Hospital which opened in 2009. Canterwood is under the Peninsula School District and has very easy access to Highway 16. Just right outside the Peacock Hill gate is the Canterwood Riding Club (you do not need to be a resident to get in this club) as well as RV parking. [It’s all available] for a fee, but it is good to know we have these available.”

Extra Inside Tips: The Canterwood Magazine & Garage Sale
An [insider secret] is that Canterwood has a monthly magazine called Canterwood Lifestyle. It features your new neighbors who just moved in, highlights events in the neighborhood, or, my favorite of all, our neighborhood pets. It is also a good source to [find out] what's going [on in] and around the Harbor as well as vendors recommended by fellow neighbors. Another insider not-to-be missed event in Canterwood is the Annual Parking Lot sale. This is the huge neighborhood garage sale held right outside the Peacock Hill gate. Residents need to reserve their spot ahead for a minimal fee and set up very early in the morning on the day of. I know of people from all over the Harbor, even as far as Kitsap county and nearby Tacoma neighborhoods flock for this event because you will certainly get some great finds at more than half the price as you will get it from a retail or online store.”

Do you have any follow-up questions for REALTOR® Sheryll Tan? Get in touch! You can contact Sheryll at [email protected].