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What to Know Before Moving to Bainbridge Island
If you’re thinking of moving to Bainbridge Island, we have the inside scoop to help you get started. Often referred to as “The Rock” by locals, Bainbridge Island has a rich history. It is full of hidden gems and is home to a thriving arts and culture scene. Featured in Vogue, The New York Times, and Sunset magazine, it’s an incredible place to visit and an even better place to live.
It’s not your typical island
Bainbridge Island is not a typical island because it is not completely reliant on boats or ferries. You can easily drive on and off the island using Agate Pass Bridge, which connects you to the rest of Kitsap County. Agate Pass Bridge makes it easy to explore other small cities within the Kitsap Peninsula, such as Poulsbo or “Little Norway.” Bainbridge Islanders can easily drive off the island to shop at big box stores like Costco and Target, visit the Olympic National Forest, or spend the day in small cities like Port Townsend or Gig Harbor.
It’s only a 35-minute ferry ride to Seattle
Whether you need to get to Seattle for work or pleasure, the ferry only takes 35 minutes. You can drive, bike, or walk onto it. Local Windermere Bainbridge Island Broker, David X. Nghiem, says “Talk to a local to understand living with a ferry schedule. Take your time learning the different neighborhoods on the island before you choose one.”
Routes may be impacted by weather or maintenance, but the Washington State Department of Transportation has a detailed website and app to keep you abreast of any changes.
There are three distinct areas on the island
While the downtown area of Bainbridge Island is well-known since that’s where the ferry terminal is, there is much more to explore. As David X. Nghiem mentioned, before moving to Bainbridge Island, it’s important to get acquainted with different parts of the island. There are three general areas of the island, each with their own unique neighborhoods and amenities.
North Bainbridge Island is closest to Agate Pass Bridge. It’s also home to the beloved Bloedel Reserve and beautiful Meadowmeer Golf & Country Club. If you’re looking for a more rural area, Rolling Bay is a community of homes with acreage on the northern end of the island.
Central Bainbridge Island is where the ferry terminal is, so it’s a busier, more urban area. Known as downtown Winslow, it has an active Bainbridge Island Downtown Association that offers many fun events. There are more single-family homes and condos in this part of the island.
South Bainbridge Island is known for having homes with waterfront and mountain views. Crystal Springs, Point White, Rockaway Beach and Port Blakely are popular neighborhoods. There are also some newer developments like Pleasant Beach Village. There you can enjoy the historic Lynwood Theatre and popular Fort Ward State Park.
Learn about the housing market before moving to Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a part of Kitsap County, but its housing market is very different from the rest of the county. It has many more multiple-offer situations and all-cash buyers. The average sale price is also quite different compared to the average for Kitsap County. For example, in 2024’s fourth quarter, the average sale price was $1.56M whereas the average sale price for Kitsap County was $682K. To learn more, watch our brief quarterly market stats video below.
Outdoor activities are everywhere
No matter where you end up living on the island, there will be plenty to explore. Windermere Bainbridge Broker Pauline Simon sums up the joy of our local outdoor activities: “I love living on an island where you have access to the gorgeous Puget Sound. You can enjoy dock jumping off the Point White dock on the south end or at the Hidden Cove dock on the north end. We also have many delightful road ends and parks that make bird watching, polar plunging, paddle boarding and kayaking easy.”
Bainbridge Island is also home to many conservationists, so protecting green spaces is also important here. The Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation has developed a trail system throughout the island for visitors and locals to utilize on foot or by bike. In addition, there are numerous aquatic activities available all around the island. For more detailed information, check out our free Guide to Bainbridge Island.
Ben Hoover, also a Windermere Bainbridge Broker, has a great piece of advice as you adventure: “Keep a good flashlight (with extra batteries) in your car. This place gets super dark at night! I wasn’t used to this moving from Seattle. Seeing the stars is awesome but it does take some getting used to!”
There are unique cultural events
The Bainbridge History Museum is only a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal and explores the vast history of the island through exhibits and events. One upcoming event, the History Huddle – Yama on April 10, 2025 will explore the Japanese history of the island.
There is also the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community which supports the education and community outreach about Japanese Americans of Bainbridge Island. They are currently offering tours of the Japanese Exclusion Memorial and host an annual Mochi Tsuki festival. Although this year’s festival has passed, keep an eye out for next year’s, and watch our video below to get a glimpse of this wonderful event.
Just off the island, the Suquamish Museum, also has a plethora of exhibits exploring the history of the Suquamish tribe. They host a variety of wonderful art and educational events and are a research center. This article about the Suquamish Museum describes the rich history and lists nearby historical sites.
From inspiring art exhibits to interesting film and music festivals, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art offers something for everyone. Check out their events and art installations for Black History Month, or their upcoming World Music Festival. Additionally, the Bainbridge Island Film Festival, Dia De Los Muertos, and Bainbridge Pride Festival are other fun events to attend.
There is a lively art scene
The arts are incredibly strong on Bainbridge Island. There are numerous galleries and First Friday Art Walks are an excellent opportunity to explore the scene and enjoy small bites along the way. Our office participates and we love showcasing local artists and musicians.
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is completely free and offers a plethora of exhibits and events every month. If you are an artist or creative of any kind, get connected with the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN). BARN classes and workshops are offered for all types of artistic mediums from video production to weaving, screenplay writing to cooking.
If art through movement is more your forté, the Bainbridge Ballet offers dance classes for children through adults and hosts productions throughout the year. The Bainbridge Performing Arts is a nonprofit community theater organization with classes and performances for everything from improv to the symphony.
And finally, there are also artistic opportunities for little ones. The Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) is a safe indoor space for children to explore, create, and have fun. KiDiMu has art supplies and projects, building materials, Summer Camps, Sing Along events, and more.
The schools and family resources are excellent
Speaking of kids, the family resources and schools on Bainbridge Island are top notch. There are also wonderful youth services, including a Boys and Girls Club and Bainbridge Youth Services.
Bainbridge Island School District has seven schools for grades K-12. There are also a number of private schools on the island for grades K-12. If you have a younger child, check out our Guide to Bainbridge Island for a list of early childhood resources.
Use professional resources for purchasing a home
When it comes to buying a house on Bainbridge Island, choose a local expert. The market is more competitive here than in surrounding areas. You want someone who really knows the nuances of each neighborhood, has an established network of local vendors, and has built strong relationships with other brokers and lenders. Our Windermere Bainbridge Island agents are here to assist you.
If you want to purchase a vacation home, our real estate experts can help with that as well. If you think you may need home management services, consider our colleagues at Bainbridge Ready. They’re licensed and insured and expertly manage island homes while owners are away.
It rains, but it’s not as bad you might think
An article about moving to Bainbridge Island wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the weather. You may be imagining a move here might include many gray days filled with rain. But as Andy Moore, Windermere Bainbridge Island Broker, points out, “It doesn’t rain nearly as much as folks imagine. PS – Don’t tell anyone.”
While rain is often in the forecast, especially in the winter, it’s often a drizzle that’s done within a few hours. And, when you’re surrounded by lush, green forests and beautiful beaches, the rain isn’t as big of a deal. If you’re at all worried about it, we have some PNW tips to help you survive and thrive in our weather year round.
Bainbridge Island’s prime location, rich cultural history, interesting arts scene, various outdoor activities, and family-friendly vibe make it an exceptional place to call home.
Sustainable Living & Bainbridge’s Environmental Nonprofits
Bainbridge Island is a vibrant community at the forefront of sustainable living. Just a quick ferry ride from downtown Seattle, it is home to many environmental nonprofits. Check out the important work being done to ensure Bainbridge Island remains an eco-friendly place to live.
Preservation and Restoration
Many organizations are involved in the preservation and restoration of Bainbridge Island’s land and water. Since 1989, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust has helped protect over 1,400 acres. Over 1,000 of those acres are open for public use. Additionally, the Bainbridge Food Forest supports farmland protection. It is dedicated to creating a locally-sourced food system. Likewise, Friends of the Farms is working tirelessly to preserve local agriculture and support the farming community on the island.
Also, Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation works with stakeholders to improve parks, trails, and recreational opportunities, funding and mobilizing resources. The Bainbridge Island Watershed Council is committed to restoring the watersheds and the shorelines of the island. They do this through stewardship, outreach, and education.
One way to help Bainbridge’s forests is to join the Weed Warriors. Simply grab your gloves and sheers. This group has weed-pulling events to promote forest health.
Sustainable Living Practices
Many local organizations focused on sustainable living practices are part of the Sustainable Bainbridge initiative. Bainbridge GreenWays is on a mission to reduce the need for cars on the island. They advocate for a network of trails and paths to allow residents to walk or bike safely to school and work.
Meanwhile, ReFashion Bainbridge encourages residents to rethink their role as fashion consumers and their environmental impact. They host a fall clothing swap and a fun, annual Re-Fashion show.
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, check out the Bainbridge Island Zero Waste group. Their website contains interesting blog articles and useful information with best practices. They also list upcoming events. Additionally, they have a comprehensive guide about what to do with old household goods lying around.
Educational Resources
Preservation, conservation, and sustainable practices take time to adopt. But the more you know, the easier it is to get involved. EduCulture: Education in the Field includes a program for school children and educators called Edible Education. They host farm tours, field study opportunities, and farm-to-fork programs.
Bainbridge Beach Naturalists hosts beach explorations for the public. The goal of these explorations is for residents to gain a greater understanding (and appreciation) of the animals that inhabit the shoreline. Moreover, they are also a part of monitoring beaches and reporting findings to other stakeholders throughout the area and state.
How to Support Local Nonprofits
If you have little time to spare but want to show your support, check out the annual Red Envelope Campaign: One Call for All. A local tradition since 1960, it services all of the non-profits on Bainbridge Island. The campaign raised over $2,000,000 in 2023. Currently, the 2024-2025 campaign is accepting donations.
Sustainable Homes for Sale on Bainbridge Island
If you seek a sustainable living community, check out the Grow Community. This is a Net Zero neighborhood on Bainbridge Island. The community boasts solar power to cut down on energy costs. Additionally, it has what’s called a ‘5-Minute Lifestyle.’ Everything someone would need (grocery stores, doctors, the library, restaurants, etc.) is intentionally within a short walking or biking distance. The neighborhood has a great walkability score.
Additionally, the community is meant for all ages and includes a broad range of housing types. Residents can enjoy nature in many of the green spaces. There are native plants, a community garden, and a large park with open space for residents to gather. If this type of community piques your interest, contact one of our highly-rated local real estate agents. Many homes in the community have sold, but there are some new ones coming to market. Our agents will also be able to discuss other options that might fit your interests and needs. They’re highly knowledgeable, and many of them grew up here or have lived here for years.
Community Spotlight: Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation
If great schools top the list of what draws new homebuyers to Bainbridge Island, great parks aren’t far behind. With more than 1,500 acres of public park land and a trails system that stretches 40 miles in all directions, exploring and enjoying Bainbridge parks goes to the very heart of island living.
Just ask Windermere Bainbridge Island Broker Jason Shutt. Serving on the board of the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation, Jason sees firsthand the payback that comes from the community’s investment in parks and trails.
“I grew up across the street from a large urban park and spent vacations going to national parks. So recreation is in my blood,” says Jason. He lives near Winslow town center with his wife Mairead and their three children. “I joined the Parks Foundation to ensure I live in a place that gives these same opportunities to others.”
An Island Rich in Parks
The island’s sprawling park system is managed by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, a municipal agency. But islanders consistently ask for amenities above and beyond what general tax funding affords. That’s where the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation comes in.
Closely aligned with, but independent from the Park District, the nonprofit Parks Foundation has raised more than $1,000,000 in private funds over the past five years. All funds raised have been for parks and trails projects, which benefit young and old alike. The Foundation led the development of Owen’s Playground, the island’s first accessible playground for kids of all abilities, at Rotary Park.
Photos of Owen’s Playground by Leo Phillips.
The new Pickleball Founders Courts at Battle Point Park opened last summer, built by Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District with support from the Parks Foundation. The six dedicated courts and plaza are pickleball’s first-ever permanent home on Bainbridge, honoring the game that was invented on Bainbridge Island in 1965.
Founders Courts. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Various Initiatives and Programs
The Foundation’s Community Grants program has supported countless smaller projects, from the high school sailing team’s fleet to diving boards and water stations at the Aquatic Center. Joe Richards, a Windermere Bainbridge Island Managing Broker and 22-year resident, has been involved with the Aquatic Center for over nine years and knows first-hand how beneficial it is. “The Masters swimming program, under the leadership of our world-class coach April Cheadle, has exceeded anything I could have hoped for. Thank you BI Parks for providing this person, this program, and this place for our community.”
The Foundation’s support also extends to environmental stewardship and restoration year-round, from Blakely Harbor Park to the Grand Forest, to smaller neighborhood parks islandwide. This is done through the Summer Trails Crew, Nonprofits Helping Parks, and other programs.
The Foundation’s current initiative, KidsUp! The Next Generation of Play at Battle Point Park is rebuilding the original KidsUp! as another inclusive, accessible playground. The centerpiece will be a giant, one-of-a-kind ferry boat play structure with climbable Orca whales. They will be “swimming” nearby to delight and educate kids about the natural environment of the Salish Sea.
“The more you learn about the Parks Foundation, the more you have to be impressed with its impact. Serving on the Foundation board has certainly opened my eyes,” Jason says. “I’m glad to share it with my clients, colleagues in the real estate community, and anyone else who asks. We have world-class parks here, and the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation is a big reason why.”
The Leader in Trails
When it comes to Bainbridge’s trails, you can quickly see Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation’s impact. The Foundation works with the Park District, the City of Bainbridge Island, and other stakeholders to plan and fund new trails connecting parks and neighborhoods. Soon you’ll be able to hike from Winslow all the way to Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve – an unprecedented cross-island route. It’s sure to be a real draw for visitors. And, it’s already drawing people to the island. Online guides like TripAdvisor are full of testimonials from around the country, including hikers wowed by our trails.
Current and Future Benefits
The Foundation is about to launch a major Trails Campaign. This will fund the development of 10 miles of new trails over the next five years. With museums, restaurants, and other cultural spaces largely closed down and/or limited due to the pandemic, many of us have turned to the outdoors for connection and health. No matter where you live on Bainbridge Island, there’s a park or trail near you. The Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation has probably done something to make it better.
“COVID has really brought the importance of our Bainbridge parks into focus,” says Jason, who co-chaired the Sakai Park bond campaign, to create the 23-acre park five years ago. “The lockdown and social distancing have kept us all pretty close to home for the past year. But we have our parks and trails as an outlet to stay active and healthy and grounded. Our community is extremely fortunate, and it shows what a great investment our parks have been and continue to be.”
You can find out more about the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation on their website, and you can support a park project that’s important to you.
Learn More about Bainbridge Island
If you’d like to learn more about our wonderful island community, check out our Newcomer’s Guide to Bainbridge Island. In it, you’ll find videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities, local home buying resources, and much more.
