KITSAP COUNTY

County Offices
614 Division Street
Port Orchard 360-337-7150
www.kitsapgov.com

Chamber of Commerce
286 South Street
Bremerton 360-479-3579
www.bremertonchamber.org

Founded in 1857, Kitsap County is located across Puget Sound from the City of Seattle. The region is situated between the urbanized centers of Seattle and Tacoma, but it is also nestled against the unspoiled rugged beauty of the Olympic Mountains. Kitsap County is a medley of low, rolling hills and flat-topped ridges and plateaus. Inlets, lakes, and valleys separate inland areas, while the county’s shoreline often has moderate or steep cliffs.

Because of its location on Puget Sound, Kitsap County is surrounded by miles of shoreline, which means that nearly every community in Kitsap has a water view, marina, or stretch of beach with breathtaking vistas and dozens of outdoor activities to enjoy. Residents step into ferries as easily as cars. Downtown Seattle is just a 35-minute ferry ride away, and ferries are often the main form of transportation for many commuters. The area retains a unique rural atmosphere, although it is one of the most densely populated counties in Washington.

Economy & Services
Kitsap County enjoys a healthy economy, including lumber and wood products, printing and publishing, transportation equipment, engineering and management, manufacturing—and, of course, government. The US Navy’s Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, located in Bremerton and employing thousands of workers, is the Pacific Northwest’s largest naval shore facility and one of Washington State’s largest industrial installations. It is also distinguished as the largest shipyard on the West Coast.

With five public school districts and more than a dozen private K-12 schools, Kitsap County boasts an excellent record of educational opportunities. Institutions of higher learning are also available locally or within short commuting distances. Olympic College, located in Bremerton since 1946, is a state-supported community college that is fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and by the Washington State Board for Community College Education. It is a major source of jobs and vocational-technical training for county residents and military personnel.

Lifestyle
Kitsap County is a picturesque place to live with quality schools, low crime, and an abundance of activities for nature lovers. Newcomers to this area will be able to choose from a wide selection of attractive housing. Well-kept older homes on spacious lots, handsome new subdivisions, or stately mansions on hills overlooking Puget Sound are just a few of the possibilities.

For those who value the treasures of the past, Kitsap is home to many fine museums devoted to maritime history and the heritage of the communities that dot the Peninsula. In the performing arts arena, residents can enjoy the Bremerton Symphony, a plethora of professional and community theaters, and a vibrant arts community that encourages creative expression. When the art form is shopping, one of the most popular destinations is Kitsap Mall in Silverdale.
Dozens of city, county, and state parks are scattered throughout the peninsula and Bainbridge Island. Many offer covered picnic areas, spectacular waterfront views, and serene campsites. True to the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, outdoor recreational activities abound. Sailing, mountain climbing, biking, off-roading, water sports, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and winter sports are all set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Combining the scenic wonders of Washington State with welcoming communities, Kitsap County provides a quality of life that few areas can rival.

Bainbridge Island
City Hall
206-842-7633
https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/

Chamber of Commerce

206-842-3700
https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/

With 48 miles of shoreline, Bainbridge Island offers scenic natural beauty and a friendly small-town atmosphere, all just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. The island is graced by the beauty of fir and cedar trees, acres of parkland, scenic hiking trails, many picturesque bays, and views of the Olympic Mountains to the west and Mt. Rainier to the east. Bainbridge Island, incorporated in 1991, offers an abundance of upscale housing developments, good schools, and the intimacy of a small-town atmosphere. Points of interest include the Bainbridge Island Winery, which has estate-grown, European style wines; Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre estate with a bird marsh, English landscape, moss garden and Japanese garden; and Bainbridge Island historical museum.

Bremerton
City Hall
360-473-5290
https://www.bremertonwa.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
360-479-3579
www.bremertonchamber.org

Bremerton, located between the majestic Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, is directly across Puget Sound from Seattle. The community is best known as the home of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the Pacific Fleet Supply Center, which employ more than 10,000 people. Bremerton provides a pleasing selection of affordable housing, from new single-family homes to well-established neighborhoods with large lots in the western section. The city is a shopper’s delight, with lovely retail districts that include a bustling downtown center with new businesses, restaurants, boutiques, specialty shops, and art galleries. The downtown waterfront showcases a spectacular $3 million boardwalk. With more than 500 acres of recreational land, first-rate facilities are available for picnicking, tennis, softball, baseball, soccer, fishing, golfing, boating, and hiking. The Bremerton Symphony, Community Concert Association, and Community Theater fill the calendar with cultural events.

Kingston
County Offices
360-337-7150
www.kitsapgov.com

Chamber of Commerce
360-297-3813
http://kingstonchamber.com

At one time in its early history, the unincorporated community of Kingston was called Apple Cove for the crab apple trees growing on its banks. By the late 1890s, however, the town became known as Kingston. Today, this small rural town is experiencing growth and renovation. Many people who call Kingston home make the 30-minute ferry commute to Edmonds or drive to Bainbridge to catch the ferry to Seattle. Housing in Kingston is attractive and comparatively affordable. Home sites often feature fantastic views of the water and mountains. Community highlights include the Kingston Cove Yacht Club, Marina Park, the public fishing pier, the downtown waterfront, and the historic Kingston Hotel that first opened in 1890.

Port Orchard
City Hall
360-876-4407
www.portorchard.net

Chamber of Commerce
360-876-3505
https://www.southkitsapchamber.org/

In Port Orchard—the first town incorporated on the Kitsap Peninsula—traffic flows easily and the pace of life is more relaxed. Port Orchard is the center of commerce for South Kitsap County, a region of approximately 50,000 residents. The downtown marina is a premier port of call for the Pacific Northwest, located within a block of the historic downtown district. Restaurants, craft shops, art galleries, and antique dealers line Bay Street. The focal point of many community activities is Marina Park, which hosts a farmer’s market, concerts in the park, and the annual Fathoms O’ Fun celebration. The community is located directly west of Seattle across Puget Sound and can be accessed by ferry from Southworth or Bremerton or by car from Tacoma by crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Newcomers will discover a wide range of housing, lush parks, and highly respected schools.

Poulsbo
City Hall
360-779-3901
https://cityofpoulsbo.com/

Chamber of Commerce
360-779-4848
https://poulsbochamber.com/

This “Little Norway on the Fjord” reflects the community’s Scandinavian heritage from the 1880s, named for its similarity to the homeland. The town became incorporated in 1908 and Norwegian was the predominant language spoken before World War II. Today, Poulsbo is one of Washington State’s fastest growing communities. New subdivisions are spring up “almost overnight,” offering a wide variety of architectural styles, home sizes, and price ranges. Home sites set on the hill feature wonderful views, which is reflected in the real estate value. Tourism is one of the major industries in charming Little Norway, and several new high-tech businesses have relocated to this area as well. Many beautiful parks are scattered throughout the city. Other highlights include the boardwalk along Liberty Bay, three marinas, interesting gift shops, delicious bakeries, a panoramic view of Liberty Bay and the Olympic Mountains, and good schools.

Silverdale
County Offices
360-337-7150
www.kitsapgov.com

Chamber of Commerce
360-692-6800
https://silverdalechamber.com/

Located in the geographic center of Kitsap County, Silverdale was settled in 1878 and remains an unincorporated community. The area is most famous for Kitsap Mall, which draws residents and visitors near and far to leading department stores and specialty shops. A number of other popular retailers have constructed large stores nearby, creating a regional attraction. Nestled in one of the nation’s most livable and attractive regions, Silverdale offers a balanced lifestyle with easy access to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest’s premier recreational opportunities. Saltwater and lake fishing, water and snow skiing, boating in spacious waterways, and first-rate golfing are just a few of the popular pastimes. Three naval bases play a significant role in the region’s economy.

Search by List

Search by a list of area regions or city names.

 

Search by Map

Use our interactive map to find your community