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If you’re thinking of retiring on beautiful Bainbridge Island, you’ll find there’s no shortage of resources, amenities, and fun things to do. From housing and transportation options to different ways to get involved in the community, there’s something for everyone.
Best Place to Retire
Bainbridge Island offers an abundance of nature, a welcoming community, and a slower pace of life. It’s no wonder it has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler and USA Today’s Best Small Towns. Here you can enjoy outdoor recreation, award-winning restaurants, museums and golf courses.
Ben Hoover, Windermere Bainbridge Broker, shared why some of his clients chose to retire here: “I recently worked with some nice people who chose Bainbridge for their retirement because of the culture of welcomeness, temperate climate, close proximity to heath care systems and hospitals, combined with the peacefulness of nature found on the island.”
Transportation Options
Our various public transportation options make it easy to explore by ferry, car, and bus. You can drive on and off the island via Agate Pass Bridge, which connects you to the greater Kitsap Peninsula. Additionally, Kitsap Transit offers a robust bus network. More specifically, their ACCESS and VanLink programs allow you to schedule door-to-door or curb-to-curb transportation. It’s available to seniors and people with disabilities unable to use the fixed route transit system. And, if you want to spend a day in the city, you can hop on a ferry to Seattle. You’ll be there in 35 minutes.
As Windermere Bainbridge Broker Andrea Mann succinctly puts it, “Retirees move to the island the same reason everyone wants to move here. A special sense of community, all of the opportunities here, access to incredible outdoor activities, and a world-class city’s offerings just a ferry ride away!” Chris Miller, Windermere Bainbridge Managing Broker, also says the ferry is a top reason people want to retire here, as well as “local activities, the arts, and choices in medical facilities.”
Getting Connected
“Being new to Bainbridge as a retiree is a great opportunity to engage in activities and get involved in the community,” says Sarah Sydor, Windermere Bainbridge Managing Broker. “I always find out what my clients like to do and connect them to resources such as Bainbridge Parks & Rec, BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network), information on trails, and more. There are so many organizations to get involved with as volunteers or board members, who appreciate the time and expertise a retiree brings to the table. When you move to Bainbridge you are joining a community. It’s not hard to get connected if you continue to do activities you love and reach out to engage.”
A wonderful place to visit is Bainbridge Island Senior & Community Center. You’ll find a range of activities, events, and classes. Offerings include walking groups, meditation sessions, movement classes, monthly potlucks, guest lectures, book groups, community choir, and support groups. Also, the Kitsap Regional Library is an incredible local resource. Each branch of the library offers all kinds of free events. Our libraries offer tax preparation assistance, classes about healthy aging, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you’d like to volunteer your time and/or your expertise, there are many ways you can do so. Kitsap Regional Library has a Friends of the Library group here on Bainbridge Island. Consider joining Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, volunteering at BIMA (Bainbridge Island Museum of Art) or PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap. If a nature-focused volunteer opportunity is more your style, consider helping out at Bloedel Reserve. Spanning 140 acres, Bloedel Reserve is an award-winning public garden and home to many unique programs and events.
Living Options
While some seniors may want to age in place, staying in their own home as long as possible, others like the connectedness and many amenities of a retirement community. You can explore your options, by checking out the Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long-Term Care for retirement resources and planning assistance.
Regarding senior living facilities, you can check out options like Bainbridge Senior Living and Fieldstone of Bainbridge. Both offer different types of residences, from independent living to memory care. It’s important to research any options that appeal to you. We suggest connecting with locals who live there or know others who do so you can get different perspectives.
If you want even more resources, check out the Kitsap County Senior Resources guide. It has all kinds of information including resources for counseling, Medicare, hospitals, and home health assistance. And, if you still have questions, please reach out. Our Brokers are proud locals and would be happy to assist you in any way that they can.
