K I T S A P C O U N T Y
Newcomer'sGuide
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
Welcome to our corner of the Pacific Northwest!
Table of Contents About Kitsap County Communities Recreation Dining & Entertainment Coworking Spaces Early Childhood Education (Daycares, PK - K) Summer Camps Local Resources & Our Explore Videos Average Rental & Home Sale Prices Home Buying Resources Market Data & Programs Explore a Neighborhood Why Windermere About Windermere Property Management Contact Us 1 2 - 5 7 8 9 10 - 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 22
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.
1
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
2
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
4
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
5
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
7
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
8
Hidden Gems Across Kitsap
Enjoy a Fun Night Out in North Kitsap
Kitsap Bites Eat and Drink Locally
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
Name
9
Location Bainbridge Island Bremerton Bremerton Bremerton Poulsbo Poulsbo Silverdale
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*
Location Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island Bremerton Bremerton Bremerton Bremerton Kingston Kingston Multiple Locations Port Orchard Port Orchard Port Orchard Poulsbo Poulsbo Poulsbo Poulsbo Poulsbo Poulsbo Poulsbo Poulsbo,
Type PK Daycare, PK PK PK Daycare, PK PK-8 PK-K PK-3 Daycare, PK Daycare, PK PK Daycare, PK PK Daycare, PK-6 PK-K PK-K PK-K PK PK Daycare, PK Daycare, PK PK PK Daycare, PK
Silverdale
10
Early Childhood Education (continued)
11
Child Care & Daycare - Emerald Heights Childtime* The Cottage Montessori School Green Gables Montessori* Silverdale Kindercare* Silverdale Lutheran Preschool Suquamish Tribe's Early Learning Center Type Daycare, PK Daycare, PK PK-K PK-K Daycare, PK PK PK Location Silverdale Silverdale Silverdale Silverdale Silverdale Silverdale Suquamish
Daycare/Preschool
Outdoor preschools have gained in popularity, and this is the perfect area for kids to explore the outdoors Here are some options to consider Name Madrona School Barnacles and Bees Homegrown Outdoor Preschool Wildwise School Magnolia Forest Preschool Type PK-K PK-K PK PK-K PK-K Location Bainbridge Island Bremerton Indianola Kingston, Port Gamble Poulsbo
Outdoor Preschools
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
12
Grades Various PK - K Various Various Various Various Various Various Various PK Various PK - K Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Location Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island Bremerton Indianola Kingston Multiple Multiple Multiple Multiple Multiple Port Orchard Port Orchard Poulsbo Poulsbo Poulsbo Poulsbo
Bremerton
Silverdale Silverdale,
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
13
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
14
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.
16
Our Home Buying Guide Additional Resources
View
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
17
Learn about a neighborhood's recent sales, schools, and more. View Neighborhood Tools
Explore a Neighborhood
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
19
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
on Facebook 21
Email: westsoundpm@windermere.com Follow Us
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
22