THE COLLECTION
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND AN ISLAND CITY ALTERNATIVE
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here’s no question that heated markets like West Bellevue, Medina and Mercer Island are a popular choice for new residents arriving to the region. With miles of gorgeous waterfront homes, renowned school districts, ample recreation, retail, dining and residential services – the Eastside has led King County out of a real estate tailspin. But such popularity comes with a price, especially for waterfront. Perhaps that’s why more and more buyers have been eyeing Bainbridge Island as an alternative, which boasts many similar attributes but at half the price, according to local brokers.
“Bainbridge Island has long been an alternative real estate market for mainlanders but for families that know this community– it’s the preferred alternative,” adds Sonja Jones, Managing Broker and Founding Member of the Bainbridge Island branch office. “Our public schools consistently rank at the highest levels for state and national statistics. And as our storybook, seaside lifestyle becomes better known we’ll continue to see increases in real estate activity and property values.”
“Like those that live on the Eastside, we enjoy independence from downtown Seattle given all the amenities found here on Bainbridge Island – this is a place where you feel like you get away to it all,” said Dennis Paige, Founding Director of the Bainbridge Island branch for Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “Sure, there’s the occasional business meeting, cultural happening or sporting event in the city but commuting downtown is only a half hour ferry ride away. And there are plenty days when that the commute is longer (and more stressful) between Seattle and Bellevue. It’s only getting more challenging with the tolling of major routes and planned light rail initiatives.” Comparing the trends on the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, there have been 32 waterfront home sales in 2012 within the Eastside region (areas #510 & #520) with the median home price of $2,342,000 or an average price of $656 per square foot. Over the same period there have been 52 such waterfront home sales on Bainbridge Island but the median home price was just $950,000 for an average price of just $349 per square foot.
48 I REALOGICSSOTHEBYSREALTY.COM
Bainbridge Island residents are just a 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle.