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.