On the Water in Tacoma’s Salmon Beach Community
A Row of Homes Like No Other
Salmon Beach, a hidden gem nestled along the shoreline of Tacoma offers a one-of-a-kind living experience. This small community of 82 side-by-side homes, built on stilts over the Puget Sound, comes with unbeatable views of the Tacoma Narrows and a lifestyle intertwined with nature.
At the base of a steep cliff, Salmon Beach is accessible via a long staircase of over 200 steps. Access presents both challenges and benefits for residents. While daily errands might require more forethought and physical exertion, the tradeoff is beauty, seclusion and physical fitness!
Something that didn’t dawn on me until I had clients there was the moving process itself. How do you even get a couch down all those steps? There is no bribing friends with pizza for that kind of favor! Most residents hire a barge on moving day. This allows them to transport furniture and large items directly across the water to their new homes, bypassing the winding staircase.
To live on Salmon Beach is to be immersed in nature. Residents regularly observe bald eagles, seals, and otters from their homes. The proximity to the water creates a unique soundscape too, with waves lapping beneath the houses and marine life active throughout the day. Even the smells are great! Our friend and client, Robin, talks fondly of the smell of salt water, mixed with wood smoke in the winter, and smokers being stoked in the summer.
With such a small number of homes in close proximity, Salmon Beach fosters a tight-knit community. Neighbors seem to know each other well and tend to be supportive. “I love the community of people,” says Robin, “young and old, who understand what it takes to live down here.” There are parties and events, they carol the length of the community at Christmas time, there are work parties to maintain the boardwalks and staircases and such, there is even a resident marching band!
Salmon Beach has a rich history, evolving from its origins as a collection of fishing shacks to a bootlegger’s haven during Prohibition. Today, the neighborhood is a mix of historic cabins and modern renovations, some of which have been recognized for their historical significance.
Living on Salmon Beach requires some adaptations. Residents must be prepared for the daily climb, which can be particularly challenging when carrying groceries or other supplies. I distinctly remember Robin and Steve purchase their Salmon Beach home and watching Steve carry a child in each arm up all of those stairs! Luckily he was in great shape to begin with. I suspect the stairs have been helpful in remaining fit!
The isolated nature of the community also means that emergency services may have slower response times.
The unique location of Salmon Beach makes residents particularly attuned to environmental issues. Tides, storms, and sea-level changes have a direct impact on daily life, fostering a community that’s often environmentally conscious and actively engaged in preservation efforts. I hear that insurance can be challenging, since there is always a possibility of landslides!
Living on Salmon Beach offers a truly unique experience for those seeking a close connection with nature, stunning views, and a tight-knit community. While it comes with its own set of challenges, many residents find the lifestyle rewarding and unlike anywhere else in Tacoma or beyond.
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