Living in Bainbridge Island Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

What is Living in Bainbridge Island Washington Like?

Bainbridge Island is a picturesque city located in the Puget Sound region of Washington. The Island sits in the Puget Sound, about a 30-35 minute ferry ride from Seattle and Edmonds, Washington. With a population of around 24,000, Bainbridge Island is known for its scenic beauty and tight-knit community. The city is a popular destination for those who enjoy outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and a laid-back lifestyle.

Bainbridge Island offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Stunning natural landscapes, including forests, beaches, and rolling hills, surround the city. The Grand Forest and Battle Point Park are popular spots for hiking and bird-watching, while the Bloedel Reserve features beautifully manicured gardens and nature trails. The city also has several public parks, including Waterfront Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound.

The cost of living on Bainbridge Island is higher than the state average, with the average home price just over $1.0M. However, the Island offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and access to various amenities. The Island has several unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center.

Bainbridge Island offers its residents a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural activities, and a close-knit community. If you're looking for a place to call home that offers access to the great outdoors, a thriving local economy, and a high quality of life, Bainbridge Island may be the perfect place. To learn more about living in Bainbridge Island, keep reading for information on neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and pros and cons of living in Bainbridge Island, so that you can decide if moving to and living in Bainbridge Island, Washington, is the right choice for you.

Skip Ahead to:

1. The Moving to Bainbridge Island Washington Team

2. What is the Cost of Living in Bainbridge Island Washington?

3. Living in Bainbridge Island Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts

4. Best Neighborhoods in Bainbridge Island Washington

5. 20 Pros and Cons of Living in Bainbridge Island Washington

6. FAQs About Living in Bainbridge Island Washington

The Moving to Bainbridge Island Washington Team

Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Bainbridge Island Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Bainbridge Island Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.

The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.

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What is the Cost of Living in Bainbridge Island Washington?

If you're exploring a move to Bainbridge Island, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Bainbridge Island, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Bainbridge Island, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $44,000 a year. To live in Bainbridge Island, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $92,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.

Living in Bainbridge Island Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts

Helpful Tips for Moving to Oregon and Buying a Home

23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE

18 MORTGAGE FAQs > CLICK HERE

NEW BLOG ALERT SIGN UP > CLICK HERE

WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE

MORTGAGE INFO > CLICK HERE

FREE HOME OWNERSHIP GUIDE > CLICK HERE

Top Neighborhoods in Bainbridge Washington

Bainbridge Island is a serene and picturesque island with many unique residential neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its charm and appeal, offering various housing options, amenities, and attractions. Below is info on six of the most popular Bainbridge Island neighborhoods:

Winslow is the downtown area of Bainbridge Island and is the most populous neighborhood on the island. It features charming historic homes, modern apartments, and condominiums. Winslow has a vibrant community center and a thriving shopping district with many restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. The neighborhood is also home to the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and Waterfront Park, which offers scenic views of Eagle Harbor.
Eagle Harbor is a waterfront neighborhood located on the eastern shore of Bainbridge Island. The area has many waterfront properties, from historic homes to new construction homes. The neighborhood features several public parks, including the popular Pritchard Park and Hawley Cove Park. Eagle Harbor also has a marina that offers boat rentals and boat slips.
Lynwood Center is a charming neighborhood located on the southern end of Bainbridge Island. The neighborhood has a mix of homes, from cozy cottages to luxurious waterfront estates. Lynwood Center is known for its vibrant community center and the historic Lynwood Theatre, which has operated since 1936. The neighborhood has several shops and restaurants, including the popular Treehouse Cafe.
Rolling Bay is a quiet and peaceful neighborhood on the northeastern side of Bainbridge Island. The area is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including rolling hills, farmlands, and forests. Rolling Bay has a mix of housing options, including historic homes and new-construction homes. The neighborhood features several parks, including Fay Bainbridge Park, which has a public beach and camping facilities.
Manzanita is a secluded and exclusive neighborhood located on the western shore of Bainbridge Island. The area is home to several luxury waterfront properties and offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. The neighborhood features several parks, including the popular Fort Ward State Park and the Point White Dock. Manzanita also has several private beaches that are only accessible to residents.
Port Madison is a charming and historic neighborhood located on the northeastern side of Bainbridge Island. The area is known for its picturesque waterfront properties and its rich history. Port Madison has a mix of historic homes and new construction homes. The neighborhood features several parks, including the beautiful Port Madison Nature Preserve. The neighborhood also has several shops and restaurants, including the popular Port Madison Bay General Store.

If moving to Bainbridge Island, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

20 Pros and Cons of Living in Bainbridge Island Washington

Living in Bainbridge Island Washington Pros

Scenic Beauty: Bainbridge Island is a picturesque place to live, with beautiful views of Puget Sound and surrounding mountains.
Small-Town Charm: Bainbridge Island has a small-town feel, a tight-knit community, and a slower pace of life than many larger cities.
High Quality of Life: Bainbridge Island is known for its high quality of life, good schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community.
Arts and Culture: Bainbridge Island has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several galleries, museums, and performing arts venues.
Outdoor Recreation: Bainbridge Island is surrounded by natural beauty and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and boating.
Sustainable Living: Bainbridge Island is committed to sustainable living practices, focusing on conservation, recycling, and renewable energy.
Access to Seattle: While Bainbridge Island is a small town, it's just a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, making it a convenient location for commuters.
Local Food and Drink: Bainbridge Island has several farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, and wineries, as well as a weekly farmers market.
Community Events: Bainbridge Island hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including an annual Fourth of July parade, a summer concert series, and a winter holiday tree lighting.
Excellent Schools: Bainbridge Island has several highly-rated schools that provide excellent educational opportunities for families.

Living in Bainbridge Island Washington Cons

High Cost of Living: Bainbridge Island is known for being an affluent community, which can lead to a high cost of living for residents.
Limited Housing Options: Finding affordable housing on Bainbridge Island can be challenging due to its popularity and limited land availability.
Ferry Commuting: While the ferry ride to Seattle can be convenient for commuters, it can also be expensive and time-consuming.
Isolation: As an island, Bainbridge can sometimes feel isolated from the rest of the region, which can be a drawback for those who enjoy the convenience of being close to a city.
Limited Shopping and Entertainment: Bainbridge Island's small size means that it has limited options for shopping and entertainment compared to larger cities.
Lack of Diversity: Bainbridge Island has a predominantly white population and may lack diversity in race, ethnicity, and culture.
Traffic Congestion: During peak tourist season or major events, traffic can become congested on the island's main roads.
Limited Job Opportunities: While Bainbridge Island is home to several small businesses and non-profits, job opportunities may be limited compared to larger cities.
Wet Climate: As part of the Pacific Northwest, Bainbridge Island experiences a lot of rain and can have a damp climate.
Limited Healthcare Options: Bainbridge Island has limited healthcare options, with only a few small clinics and medical practices.

FAQs About Living in Bainbridge Island Washington

What is Bainbridge Island known for?

Bainbridge Island, Washington, is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a slower pace of life. The island has many parks and trails, including the 535-acre Bloedel Reserve, which features stunning gardens, forests, and ponds. Bainbridge Island is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with several galleries and theaters showcasing local talent. The island has a strong sense of community and is home to many events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Bainbridge Island Farmer's Market and the Bainbridge Island Rotary Auction. With its small-town charm and stunning scenery, living in Bainbridge Island, Washington, is great for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

What are the easiest cities to get to from Bainbridge Island?

Bainbridge Island, Washington, is close to several nearby cities, which can easily be reached by car or ferry. Here are a few of the most accessible cities to get to from Bainbridge Island:

Seattle: Bainbridge Island is just a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, making it an easy and convenient trip to the largest city in the Pacific Northwest.
Tacoma: Tacoma is located south of Seattle and is accessible via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which connects to the Kitsap Peninsula.
Poulsbo: Poulsbo is a charming waterfront town on the Kitsap Peninsula, just a short drive from Bainbridge Island.
Port Townsend: This Victorian seaport town is located on the Olympic Peninsula and can be reached by ferry from Bainbridge Island.
Bremerton: Bremerton is another city on the Kitsap Peninsula and can be accessed by ferry from Bainbridge Island.

What is the weather like in Bainbridge Island?

Bainbridge Island, Washington, is known for its mild climate and temperate weather patterns throughout the year. During the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 44°F to 51°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 39°F. The island rarely experiences snowfall, with an average of only 1 inch of snow annually. Summers on Bainbridge Island are mild and comfortable, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 76°F and the occasional heatwave reaching the 80s. The island receives an average of 36 inches of rain each year, with the wettest months being November and December. Despite the rain, the island's mild climate makes it a desirable location for outdoor activities and exploration.

Does Bainbridge Island Washington have good public schools?

Students on Bainbridge Island, Washington, attend public school in the Bainbridge Island School District, which serves the island and nearby areas of Kitsap County. The district is comprised of five schools, including two elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, and an alternative program. For the 2022-23 school year, Niche.com ranks, the Bainbridge Island School District #4 out of the 262 school districts in Washington they rank, with an overall A+ rating. The district has a strong reputation for academic excellence, with a focus on college readiness and advanced placement courses. The district also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama programs, as well as clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. Additionally, the district is known for its strong community support and involvement, with many volunteer opportunities for parents and community members.

Is Bainbridge Island Washington safe?

Living on Bainbridge Island, you can expect a relatively safe community. The city has a low crime rate, with property and violent crime rates significantly lower than the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Bainbridge Island has a crime rate lower than 70% of all US cities. Bainbridge Island Police Department works diligently to keep the community safe, and residents can also get involved in community watch programs to help prevent crime. Additionally, the city has a well-trained fire department and emergency medical services that respond quickly to emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

What is there to do living in Bainbridge Island, Washington?

Bainbridge Island, Washington, offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for residents and visitors. The island is surrounded by the Puget Sound and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The island also has several parks and trails, including the popular Bloedel Reserve, which features 150 acres of gardens and nature trails. The island is home to the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, which manages 17 parks and offers programs and classes for all ages. Bainbridge Island has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several art galleries, museums, and theaters, such as the Bainbridge Performing Arts and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. With its natural beauty and cultural offerings, living in Bainbridge Island offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and entertainment.

Who are large employers in Bainbridge Island Washington?

If living in Bainbridge Island, Washington, you can find employment opportunities in various industries. One of the largest employers on the island is the Bainbridge Island School District, which employs over 200 teachers, administrators, and support staff. Another major employer is the City of Bainbridge Island, which provides jobs for over 100 people in various departments, such as public works and parks and recreation. Several private companies on the island offer employment opportunities, including small businesses, retail stores, and restaurants. Many residents also commute to nearby cities like Seattle, accessible via ferry or the nearby bridge, to work in various industries, from technology to healthcare.

I want to relocate to Bainbridge Island. How do I make it happen?

You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Bainbridge Island. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in Bainbridge Island, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Bainbridge Island is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.