Newcomer's Guide - Kitsap County

Newcomer's Guide K I T S A P

C O U N T Y

Welcome to our corner of the Pacific Northwest!

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 an office on Bainbridge Island, as well as offices in Poulsbo and Silverdale, 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.

Table of Contents

About Kitsap County Communities

1 2-5

Recreation

7

Dining & Entertainment

8

Coworking Spaces

9

Early Childhood Education (Daycares, PK - K)

10 - 11

Summer Camps

12

Local Resources & Our Explore Videos

13

Average Rental & Home Sale Prices

14

Home Buying Resources

16

Market Data & Insights

17

Explore a Neighborhood

18

Why Windermere

19

About Windermere Property Management

21

Contact Us

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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.

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Communities

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 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.

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

View Public Parks & Trails

Communities 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

Suquamish 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.

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Communities 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

Bremerton 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.

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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.

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 Vista Gardens in Bremerton

Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market Bremerton Community Farmers Market Silverdale 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 Family YMCA and 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

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Dining & Entertainment There are many great restaurants across the Kitsap Peninsula. Grab a bite at Kingston's Grub Hut, Tizley's EuroPub in Poulsbo, Bene Pizza on Bainbridge Island, 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 and Silver City Brewery, Port Orchard's That One Place, or Doc's Marina Grill on Bainbridge Island.

For fine dining, visit North Kitsap’s Molly Ward Gardens, Poulsbo's Paella Bar, Bainbridge's Restaurant Marché, or Bremerton's Restaurant Lola. We also have a wide range of cuisine including Poulsbo's Kachai Thai Kitchen, Bainbridge's SuBi Japanese Restaurant, and Bremerton's Taqueria Los Cazadores.

Many places are known for having great live music. Some examples include Kingston’s Hood Canal Brewery, Sully's Bistro in Suquamish, and Bremerton's Brother Don's Bar and Grill and Admiral Theatre. You can also watch wonderful live 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.

Hidden Gems Across Kitsap

Enjoy a Fun Night Out in North Kitsap

Kitsap Bites Eat and Drink Locally

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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.

Name

What It Offers

Location

OfficeXpats

Workspaces, Meeting

Bainbridge Island

Rooms

9

Bremerton Workspace

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Offices

Bremerton

Spark Commons

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Offices

Bremerton

The Salt

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Offices

Poulsbo

Vibe Coworks

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Offices

Poulsbo

The Chico Collective

Workspaces, Meeting Rooms, Offices

Bremerton

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 eligible. We are not endorsing any programs. We're simply providing a list to help you get started.

Daycare/Preschool

Type

Location

Bainbridge Cooperative Nursery School

PK

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island Child Care Center

Daycare, PK

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island Montessori

PK

Bainbridge Island

Bethany Lutheran Preschool

Ages 2.5 -5

Bainbridge Island

Hazel Creek Montessori

Daycare, PK

Bainbridge Island

St. Cecelia Catholic School

PK-8

Bainbridge Island

Central Kitsap Montessori

Ages 3-6 (PK)

Bremerton

Kitsap Childcare and Preschool

Daycare, PK

Bremerton

Loving Hands Learning Center

Daycare, PK

Bremerton

Treetop Village

Ages 3-6 (PK)

Bremerton

Kingston Cooperative Preschool

PK

Kingston

Toys & Tots Day Care

Daycare, PK

Kingston

Kitsap Head Start

PK

Multiple Locations

Creative Kids Learning Center

PK

Port Orchard

Stepping Stones Learning Center

Ages 2.5 - 5 (PK)

Port Orchard

Children's Garden Montessori

Ages 2.5 -5 (PK)

Poulsbo

First Stage Montessori

Ages 2.5 -6 (PK)

Poulsbo

Liberty Bay Preschool

PK, K

Poulsbo

Little Ducklings Preschool*

Daycare, PK

Poulsbo

Gateway Learning Center

Daycare, PK

Poulsbo

Vinland Lutheran Preschool

PK

Poulsbo

Martha & Mary KIDS*

Daycare, PK

Poulsbo, Silverdale

10

Early Childhood Education (continued) Daycare/Preschool

Type

Location

Child Care & Daycare - Emerald Heights

Daycare, PK

Silverdale

The Cottage Montessori School

PK-K

Silverdale

Green Gables Montessori*

PK-K

Silverdale

Silverdale Kindercare*

Daycare, PK

Silverdale

Silverdale Lutheran Preschool

PK

Silverdale

Suquamish Tribe's Early Learning Center

PK

Suquamish

Outdoor Preschools 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

Type

Location

Madrona School

PK-K

Bainbridge Island

Barnacles and Bees

PK-K

Bremerton & Belfair

Little Fern Forest

PK

Indianola

Wildwise School

PK-K

Kingston, Port Gamble

Magnolia Forest Preschool

PK-K

Poulsbo, Port Orchard

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Summer Camps Whether your camper is interested in sailing or Shakespeare, horseback riding or Legos, Kitsap has a wonderful selection of summer camps to keep them busy.

And, our beautiful summer weather makes outdoor camps very appealing.

Name

Grades

Location

Islandwood

Various

Bainbridge Island

Kids Discovery Museum Camp Bainbridge BARN Camps Theme Camps - BI Parks & Rec

PK - K Various Various

Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island Bainbridge Island

Kitsap Forest Theater Kitsap Children's Musical Theater Poulsbo Parks & Rec Camps 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 STEAM in the Woods (Silverwood School) Sailing Camp YMCA Summer Day Camp

Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various PK - K Various Various Various Various

Bremerton Poulsbo Poulsbo Indianola Kingston Multiple Multiple Multiple Multiple Multiple Port Orchard Port Orchard Poulsbo Silverdale Silverdale, Bremerton

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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 Peninsula: tourist information Kitsap Regional Library: locations, classes, events, resources Windermere Sound Living - Facebook page: local events, stories & more Windermere Sound Living - Instagram Page: local events, stories & more Bainbridge Island School District and schools' ratings Bremerton 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.

Bainbridge Island

Poulsbo

13

Bremerton

Kingston

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, 2026. Average rental prices are from our 700+ Windermere Property Management rentals. Average home sale prices are for single-family homes from Dec. 2025 - Feb. 2026, 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

Average Sale Price

for a 3-bed, 2-bath single-family home

for a single-family home

Bainbridge Island: $3,300/month

Bainbridge Island: $1.18M

Bremerton: $2,400/month

Bremerton: $449K

Hansville: $2,200/month

Hansville: $923K

Kingston/Indianola: $2,400/month

Kingston/Indianola: $792K

Port Orchard: $2,800/month

Port Orchard: $500K

Poulsbo: $2,700/month

Poulsbo: $713K

Silverdale: $2,700/month

Silverdale: $621K

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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 View Our Home Buying Guide The Importance of Pre-Approval Pre-Approval Checklist and More What to Ask When Touring a Home How to Increase Your Buying Power Home Sale Contingent Offer - Pros and Cons What You Need to Know About Title Insurance What to Know About Buying a Waterfront Home

Our Partners Generations Home Loans is a full-service mortgage bank providing homebuyers with complete home-financing solutions. Learn more. Learn more.

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

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Market Data & Insights The resources below provide the latest news about our local real estate market.

Insights from Windermere’s Economist Windermere’s Principal Economist, Jeff Tucker, provides market news and insights in his YouTube series. You can also view our quarterly Market Update videos highlighting key 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.

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Recently Sold in

Kitsap View homes that have recently sold across Kitsap.

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 $59,000,000. These donations directly benefit local hospitals, homeless shelters, food banks, and more.

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

View Our Rental Properties

Windermere Property Management Watch our video below 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 Email: westsoundpm@windermere.com Follow Us on Facebook

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Contact 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

Windermere Silverdale

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

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 and Instagram pages to learn about events and activities across Kitsap, uplifting stories, and more.

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