Newcomer's Guide - Kitsap County

We're lifelong locals, and we're proud to call the Kitsap Peninsula home We know moving comes with many questions and decisions, so we created this guide as a resource to help you get better acquainted with our area and all it offers

Windermere Real Estate/West Sound is a family-owned franchise We have offices in Kingston, Poulsbo, Silverdale, and on Bainbridge Island, and we're invested in the communities we serve We work with renters, buyers, and sellers across the peninsula and often in neighboring counties

Whether you're new to Kitsap County or thinking of moving here, we would be happy to assist you

Sincerely,

Tori and Carter Dotson Owners of Windermere/West Sound, Inc

About Kitsap County

The Kitsap Peninsula sits in the heart of Puget Sound, nestled between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges There are 32 unique communities, including Kingston, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Silverdale, and Bremerton

Kitsap County was formed in 1857 and was named after Chief Kitsap of the Suquamish Tribe To get a glimpse of our beautiful area, click on the video

Kitsap’s Native American, Scandinavian, military and pioneer attractions are all within an hour’s drive, and Seattle is a ferry ride away. Our area offers an abundance of activities with beaches and trails, golf clubs, water sports, award-winning breweries and restaurants, delightful shops, and much more.

Our video series "Kitsap Mapped" provides an overview of the primary places we serve with aerial footage and interesting details.

Communities

Kingston

Hansville and Port Gamble

On the northernmost tip of the Kitsap Peninsula lies Hansville, a quiet town of over 3,000. It boasts the lowest Kitsap rainfall and hosts the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound, located on Point No Point Beach.

About 20 minutes away lies the old company logging town of Port Gamble. It's known for its New England-style homes, popular shops, restaurants, trails, and paranormal activity claims. Learn more.

Seattle Ferry Options: 10 min. drive to Kingston's 30 min. passengeronly Fast Ferry or 24 min. drive to Bainbridge's 35 min. ferry

Kingston is a charming town just a ferry ride away from Seattle. It has about 2,000 people, and some wonderful restaurants and businesses. Not far from downtown are popular places like White Horse Golf Club and Heronswood botanical garden, owned by the S'Klallam Tribe. It's close to Poulsbo, Hansville, and Port Gamble. Learn more.

Seattle Ferry Options: 40 min. passenger-only Fast Ferry or 30 min. ferry to Edmonds

Indianola

A peaceful seaside town, Indianola has a population of about 3,500 and it's also part of the Port Madison Indian Reservation. Indianola is home to local artists, outdoor enthusiasts, families and retirees. Many enjoy its natural beauty, 900-foot pier, and its proximity to places like Suquamish, Port Gamble, and Kingston. Learn more.

Seattle Ferry Options: 10 min. drive to Kingston's 30 min. passengeronly Fast Ferry or 24 min. drive to Bainbridge's 35 min. ferry

For additional information, here are some helpful resources

With thousands of acres of forests and open spaces to enjoy, there's natural beauty all around us.

View Public Parks & Trails

Communities

Suquamish

Poulsbo

A unique town of 10,600 people, Poulsbo blends Norwegian immigrant influence with indigenous Suquamish roots. It's often called "Little Norway" and its charming downtown has a vibrant arts community, an eclectic mix of businesses, and many outdoor activities. Learn more

Seattle Ferry Options: 15 min. drive to Kingston's 30 min. passengeronly Fast Ferry or 20 min. drive to Bainbridge Island's 35 min. ferry

Part of the Port Madison Indian Reservation for the Suquamish Tribe, Suquamish has a population of over 4,000. This tranquil community has stunning beach views, the beautiful Suquamish Museum, and a rich history, including Chief Seattle's gravesite. It's conveniently close to Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, and Indianola.

Seattle Ferry Options: 12 min. drive to Kingston's 30 min. passengeronly Fast Ferry or 13 min. drive to Bainbridge's 35 min. ferry

Bainbridge Island

From the arts to the outdoors, boutiques to fine dining, Bainbridge Island offers an array of activities. With a population of less than 25,000, island living offers a slower pace. When the Emerald City calls, hop on a ferry and you'll soon be in Seattle. Learn more.

Seattle Ferry Option: 35 min. ferry

For additional information, here are some helpful resources

Communities

Bremerton

Silverdale

Silverdale is Kitsap's commercial center with a population of over 21,000. There's a range of businesses big and small, including staples like Target, Costco, and Trader Joe's, alongside local bakeries, restaurants, boutiques, and a glass art studio. Learn more

Seattle Ferry Options: 18 min. drive to Bremerton's 1 hr. ferry or its 30 min. passenger-only Fast Ferry

The largest city in Kitsap County, Bremerton's population is over 41,000. It has been shaped by the military and business development. There are many excellent restaurants, shops, breweries, parks, art galleries, and live music venues to enjoy. Learn more.

Seattle Ferry Options: 1 hr. ferry or 30 min. passenger-only Fast Ferry

Port Orchard

Port Orchard is a lively waterfront community with a population of over 14,000. Its downtown features a variety of businesses from bistros to antique shops, boutiques to a yacht club. Many love its vibrant Public Market, and Port Orchard is close to Bremerton and Gig Harbor.

Seattle Ferry Options: 15 min. drive to Bremerton's 1 hr. ferry or its 30 min. passenger-only Fast Ferry

For additional information, here are some helpful resources

The Kitsap Peninsula has over 370 miles of shoreline and is a popular destination for water-based activities.

View Interactive Map of the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails

Recreation

Eager to get outside and explore? Here are some fun ideas

Albers Marcovina Vista Garden in Bremerton

Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island

The Brothers Greenhouses in Port Orchard

Heronswood Garden in Kingston

Illahee Preserve in Bremerton

Manchester State Park in Port Orchard

Scenic Beach State Park in Seabeck

Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market

Bremerton Community Farmers Market

Central Kitsap Farmers Market

Kingston Public Market

Kitsap Fresh - Various Locations, Order Online

Port Orchard Farmers Market

Poulsbo Farmers Market

Bainbridge's Exotic Aquatics

Bainbridge Island Saddle Club

Bremerton's Glenn Jarstad Aquatic Center

Cycling, Mountain Biking and BMX Info

Fishing and Crabbing Info

Kingston's White Horse Golf Club

Kitsap Sailing Foundation

Olympic Outdoor Center - Various Locations

Silverdale's All Star Lanes

Silverdale's YMCA

Dining & Entertainment

There are many great restaurants across the Kitsap Peninsula Grab a bite at Kingston's Grub Hut, Tizley's EuroPub in Poulsbo, or Bremerton's Axe & Arrow Gastropub If you have little ones, check out kid-friendly spots like Poulsbo's Green Light Diner, Silverdale's The Oak Table Cafe, Port Orchard’s Seabeck Pizza, and Bainbridge’s Doc's Marina Grill

For fine dining, visit Kingston's D'Vine Bistro, Poulsbo's Paella Bar, Bainbridge's Restaurant Marché, and Bremerton's Restaurant Lola We also have a wide range of cuisine, including Poulsbo's Kachai Thai Kitchen, Bainbridge's BASA Restaurant, and Bremerton's Taqueria Los Cazadores

Many places are known for having great live music Some examples include Poulsbo's Slippery PIg Brewery, Sully's Bistro in Suquamish, and Bremerton's Manette Saloon and Admiral Theatre You can also watch wonderful performances at venues like Port Gamble Theatre, Bainbridge Performing Arts, and Bremerton Community Theatre

From local history to artwork, our museums are an excellent way to spend an afternoon Check out Suquamish Museum in Suquamish, Bainbridge's KiDiMu (Kids Discovery Museum), Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and Bremerton's U S Naval Undersea Museum

Coworking Spaces

Kitsap County is home to some great coworking spaces that fit a variety of needs Private office spaces, community work desks, meeting rooms, and studio spaces are a short drive from many of our wonderful neighborhoods

OfficeXpats

Bremerton Workspace

Spark Commons

Vibe Coworks - The Spot

Creative Consortium

Vibe Coworks

Have-a-Space

What It Offers

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Offices

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Offices

Meeting Room/Group Space

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Studio Spaces

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Offices

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Offices

Early Childhood Education

Here are some local programs for little ones Those with an asterisk (*) offer a military discount on their website Others may as well so ask if you're e g any programs We're simply providing a list to help

Bainbridge Cooperative Nursery School

Bainbridge Island Child Care Center

Bainbridge Island Montessori

Bethany Lutheran Preschool

Hazel Creek Montessori

St Cecelia Catholic School

Central Kitsap Montessori

Kitsap Childcare and Preschool

Loving Hands Learning Center

Treetop Village

Kingston Cooperative Preschool

Toys & Tots Day Care

Kitsap Head Start

Creative Kids Learning Center

Nature's Knowledge House Preschool

Stepping Stones Learning Center

Children's Garden Montessori

First Stage Montessori

Learn & Grow Preschool

Little Ducklings Preschool*

Gateway Church's North Kitsap Preschool

Poulsbo Cooperative Preschool

Vinland Lutheran Preschool

Martha & Mary KIDS*

Early Childhood Education (continued)

Name

Summer Camps

And, our beautiful summer weather makes outdoor camps very appealing

Bainbridge Family Martial Arts

Islandwood

Kids Discovery Museum Camp

Kitsap Forest Theater

Camp Indianola

Sailing Camp

4-H Camp via Washington State University

Bricks 4 Kidz

Champions (at local Elementary Schools)

Magnolia Forest Preschool's Camp

Wild Wise

Stepping Stones Learning Center's Camp

The Whole Horse Place's Summer Camps

Creator Camp

Dahlia Hill Farm Center

Painted Valley Farms

STEM in the Woods (Silverwood School)

Sailing Camp

YMCA Summer Day Camp

Local Resources

Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter

Dungeness Line Shuttle

"Good To Go!" Toll Pass Account Info

Kitsap Transit's Buses and Passenger-Only Fast Ferries

Paine Field Airport - Everett

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

SoundTransit Trains and Buses - Everett to Seattle

WA State Ferries

Macaroni Kid Kitsap: kid-friendly events & more

Visit Kitsap: tourist information

Kitsap Regional Library: locations, classes, events, resources

Windermere Sound Living Facebook and Instagram: local events, stories & more

Bainbridge Island School District and schools' ratings

Central Kitsap School District and schools' ratings

Kitsap's private schools and schools' ratings

North Kitsap School District and schools' ratings

South Kitsap School District and schools' ratings

Our Explore Videos

Each community has its own personality Get glimpses of the main areas we serve

Bremerton

Bainbridge Island Kingston

Poulsbo

Silverdale

Average Rental & Home Sale Prices

If you're debating about renting vs buying, here are the current average rental prices as of February 1, 2024. Average rental prices are from our nearly 700 Windermere Property Management rentals Average home sale prices are from the fourth quarter of 2023, as reported by TrendGraphix, a leading MLS data provider. Our rental homes and homes for sale tend to go quickly, so it really helps to have a well-connected, local guide who understands your needs

Average Rental Price for a 3-bed single-family home

Bainbridge Island: $3,200/month

Bremerton: $2,319/month

Hansville: $2,100/month

Kingston/Indianola: $2,600/month

Port Orchard: $2,775/month

Poulsbo: $2,800/month

Silverdale: $2,813/month

Average Sale Price for a single-family home

Bainbridge Island: $1 7M

Bremerton: $505K

Hansville: $737K

Kingston/Indianola: $705K

Port Orchard: $571K

Poulsbo: $697K

Silverdale: $638K

Buying

Purchasing a home can be a complex, competitive process. Our specialists know the market and will serve as your advocate and guide.

Home Buying Resources

The Importance of Pre-Approval

Pre-Approval Checklist and More

Why Do I Need Homeowners Insurance?

How to Increase Your Buying Power

Home Sale Contingent Offer - Pros and Cons

Buying a House Out of State - FAQs

Questions to Ask When Buying a New Construction Home

Home Loans Q & A with Mortgage Consultant

Our Partners

Penrith Home Loans is a full-service mortgage bank providing homebuyers with complete home-financing solutions. Penrith began in Seattle, Washington over 20 years ago and they now serve over 50 neighborhoods across the western United States. Learn more.

Moreland Insurance Agency is an independent brokerage offering homeowners, auto, life, boat, business, and RV insurance. Learn more.

Market Data & Programs

The resources below provide the latest news about our local real estate market

Quarterly Market Updates

Our quarterly market videos provide key facts and figures to help inform buyers and sellers across Kitsap County We specifically focus on market stats for Kitsap County and Bainbridge Island

2024 WA Real Estate Law Changes

Watch our video to learn about the changes to Washington’s real estate laws, effective January 1, 2024 If you have any questions, we are happy to answer them

Programs to Assist Buyers & Sellers

We offer homebuyers and sellers different programs to help them achieve their real estate goals Buy before you sell with the Windermere Bridge Loan, a short-term financing solution that streamlines the process If you want to sell for more and in less time, the Windermere Ready program can help you with needed repairs and upgrades

Learn about a neighborhood's recent sales, schools, and more. View Neighborhood Tools

Why Windermere

Our offices in Kingston, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, and Silverdale value people over properties With over 120 agents, Windermere/West Sound works with home buyers and sellers across Kitsap and in neighboring cities Integrity, industry expertise, dedication, and advocacy are at the heart of what we do We're proud to have the largest market share across Kitsap County, and even prouder knowing that represents hundreds of families we get to work with each year

We love the communities we serve Many of our agents grew up here or have lived here for years We have the resources, marketing tools, and vendor relationships to ensure success

Giving back is an integral part of our work In fact, a portion of every agent's commission is donated to the Windermere Foundation Collectively, our offices and the 300+ Windermere offices across 9 states have raised over $53,000,000 These donations directly benefit local hospitals, homeless shelters, food banks, and more

Renting

From apartments to single-family homes, there are many rental options in our area to consider.

View Our Rental Properties

Windermere Property Management

2023 Stats

Watch our video to learn about our office or view our rental properties.

www.windermereforrent.com

9939 Mickelberry Rd NW, Suite B

Silverdale, WA 98383

Call: (360) 516 - 6243

Office Hours: Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Our four residential real estate brokerages and our property management office all have local experts who are ready to help you find your new home

Windermere Bainbridge Island

www windermerebainbridge com

249 Winslow Way E Ste #400

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Call: (360) 842 - 5626

Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Daily

Email: silverdale@windermere com

Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram

Windermere Poulsbo

www windermerepoulsbo com

18570 State Hwy 305

Poulsbo, WA 98370

Call: (360) 779-5205

Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Daily

Email: poulsbo@windermere com

Follow Us on Facebook

Windermere Kingston

www windermerekingston com

26569 Lindvog Rd NE

Kingston, WA 98346

Call: (360) 297 - 2661

Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Daily

Email: kingston@windermere com

Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram

Windermere Silverdale

www windermeresilverdale com

9939 Mickelberry Rd NW, Suite A

Silverdale, WA 98383

Call: (360) 692 - 6102

Office Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Daily

Email: silverdale@windermere com

Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram

Windermere Property Management

www windermereforrent com

9939 Mickelberry Rd NW, Suite B, Silverdale, WA 98383

Call: (360) 516 - 6243

Office Hours: Mon - Fri from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Email: westsoundpm@windermere com

Follow Us on Facebook

Windermere Sound Living

@WindermereSoundLiving

Follow our Facebook page or our Instagram to learn about events and activities across Kitsap, read uplifting stories and more