By JACK HOPKINS
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Due in large part to the origins of its earliest settlers, Gig Harbor has remained largely a white enclave, lacking the racial diversity that has benefited many other communities. But that has begun to change in recent years.

"People are accepting and enjoying that," Wilbert says. "That is changing and it is growing the way it should grow."

And thanks, in part, to a large police presence -- 13 officers -- the crime rate is low. Car-prowling is the major problem.

Jan Piercy, who directs the farmers market that operates in the city on Saturdays from May through October, says she's convinced Gig Harbor will retain its high quality of life.

"I have always wanted to live in Gig Harbor," the former Puyallup-area resident says. "I have loved the city and the water for years. This is a marvelous place."

Development pressures won't change the basic nature of Gig Harbor, Piercy claims.

"We will always have developers come out and see all of our open space and say, 'Oh boy, I can put houses here.' But that won't destroy the area."

Feisty Gig Harbor residents say they won't let that happen.

Continued:

• This cozy community is relaxed and likes it that way
• City is growing, but it's still a small town at heart