Kitsap - Historic Towns, Scenic Mountains and Water

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Kitsap Historic Towns, Scenic Mountains and Water

Why Do People Live here?

Kitsap is unique in that it is a peninsula connected by a small land bridge and two islands. That has kept it somewhat isolated from the rest of Washington, but yet connected by bridges and ferries. It's not crowded like Seattle or Tacoma, yet an easy drive or ferry trip away. What draws people are the mountain views, surrounded by water, trees and recreation. The military (Navy) is the biggest employer and also home to many tech companies. It's far enough from the main hustle and bustle of the city that residents don't feel like the urban center of Seattle is knocking on their door. Housing is much more affordable than the metro areas. There are festivals year around to enjoy.

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What's Going on in Kitsap?

Kitsap is located north of Tacoma and west of Seattle. The narrows bridge connects Kitsap to Tacoma and is a toll bridge. I lived in Gig Harbor, "the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula" in the early 80's and it was still folksy, farming community. Now it has high end boutiques, fine dining  and expensive homes, while the downtown still has it's original waterfront charm. You will find the main highway has been expanded to 4 lanes all the way north until you reach Poulsbo exit and then continues through Poulsbo. Other than that most of the peninsula holds true to its rural suburban vibe and traditional culture.

Summary of Major Towns

Gig Harbor is the first town you arrive at when crossing the Narrows bridge from Tacoma onto the Kitsap Peninsula. Scenic waterfront town with an upscale uptown shopping area with plenty of parks and recreation. Check the index for a list of blogs written about Gig Harbor, WA.

Just north is Port Orchard and the county seat is generally a more affordable place to live. The downtown shopping district has a more historical look with great restaurants, while on the top of the hill is the more modern shopping. It can take a little bit to figure out where everything is, but well worth it.

As you come around the bottom of Sinclair Inlet you pass through Gorst. Get off the main highway and check out the local shops. As the locals say don't blink or you miss it. Despite it's small appearance it has a strong history and currently holds the record for my most read blog. Read the History of Gorst and United Airlines Boeing Connection.

Head north to Bremerton, where the Navy has a big presence with the shipyard, Naval Base Kitsap (Bangor submarine base, and Bremerton Naval station) and Keyport Underwater Warfare. Catch a ferry to Seattle for work or fun.

Silverdale in central Kitsap is the shopping hub of Kitsap, with the Kitsap mall and many strip malls as well as a major hospital. 

Head to North Kitsap to experience the uniquely Norwegian town of Poulsbo sitting on beautiful Liberty Bay takes you back in time, but with most housing being fairly new.

Farther north you hit hood canal bridge which will take you to the Olympic Peninsula, but just past the Hood Canal bridge you will find Port Gamble a small decommissioned milling town reminiscent of Maine. Maple trees, historic buildings, unique shops and wonderful food it is a place I recommend everyone to visit. Gorgeous view across Puget Sound to Vashon Island.

Across Port Gamble Bay is Hansville which is the northern most part of Kitsap and while it's small town sleepy charm might fool you it has some of the highest average house prices in North Kitsap, which might be due to the large amount of waterfront and retirement living. See the scenic Point No Point light house.

Head back south along the east coast and you reach Kingston a ferry portal to Edmonds north of Seattle. It has a small somewhat challenging shopping district, but well worth the effort. Plenty of parking.

Farther down the coast you reach Indianola historically the vacation spot of Seattle with a brand new Whitehorse Golf Course.

Keep going south to Suquamish within the Suquamish Indian Reservation full of native culture and Clearwater Casino you get a mixture of traditional and modern. Enjoy the farmers market, summer long boat celebrations or many other cultural events. 

Head across Agate Pass Bridge to Bainbridge Island, which is also the name of the town, which now encompasses the whole island, but originally was called Winslow. This is another ferry portal to Seattle. The shopping district lines the main street and is walkable from the ferry with a park along the waterfront.

History of Kitsap County

There is a rich history of Indian settlements, white settlements, conflicts and military industrialization. Some how after all of that we can call ourselves a community that support each other. Here is a Thumbnail History of Kitsap County.

Now You Really Want to Find a Home Here, Right?

Click on homes for sale in Kitsap WA. 

There are many more towns and details to discover and in time I will blog about all of them. For now check out the blogs I have about Kitsap so far.

Sponsored by Ken Rury @ Kitsap Cares Homes powered by eXp Realty