BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

View Bainbridge Island Market Report

Welcome to Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island provides a peaceful escape from some of its more urban neighbors across Puget Sound. To the west of Seattle, situated within the Puget Sound Basin, lies Bainbridge Island, encompassing 28 square miles with 53 miles of coastline. The island offers unparalleled access to serene nature and nearby fine dining and cultural experiences, all within the comfort of Bainbridge Island’s uniquely idyllic community. 

Bainbridge Island has a history stretching back thousands of years as part of the territories of the Suquamish Tribe. Due to the island’s incredible natural resources, by the late 19th century, Bainbridge Island was a hub for the logging, shipbuilding, and farming industries. In 1991, Bainbridge Island was established as one city, and since then, the community has continued to grow and thrive. 

Today, Bainbridge Island pays tribute to its rich history at museums and cultural events. Unique Pacific Northwest design and aesthetics are noteworthy in much of the island’s architecture, harmonizing with Bainbridge Island’s breathtaking nature. Bainbridge Island offers residents a one-of-a-kind, picturesque location to take full advantage of some of the best nature, arts, and culture Washington has to offer. 

What to Love

• 53 miles of pristine coastline
• World-class access to outdoor activities
• Notable wineries, dining, museums, and events
• A scenic 35-minute ferry ride away from Seattle
• Idyllic small-town charm with a sophisticated spirit

Local Lifestyle

Bainbridge Island provides its residents with the charms and relaxed pace of small-town island life without excluding any luxuries and niceties of an urban experience. The island has a boating and watersports culture, and many residents enjoy sailing and powerboating across the pristine waters of Puget Sound. Bainbridge Island provides many desirable waterfront properties with private docks and beaches, as well as also being home to several private marinas and yacht clubs. 

Downtown Winslow on Bainbridge Island is notable for its charming ambiance, local boutiques, restaurants, and proximity to The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Multiple parks and trails throughout the island provide peaceful escapes to gardens, forests, and beaches. Amenities such as these enable Bainbridge Island residents to unwind and enjoy life’s finer experiences.  

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

Bainbridge Island provides ample access to wineries and cafes. If you enjoy starting your day by savoring a cup of crafted coffee, you’ll be delighted by Pegasus Coffee House. Awarded as one of “The Best Independent Coffee Shops In The World” by the Financial Times in April 2022, Pegasus Coffee House has been a tradition on Bainbridge Island since 1980. Eleven Winery offers a relaxing environment to unwind with friends or family after the day’s activities. Their winery offers a variety of wines, from cellar reserves to large-batch wines. 

There are many exceptional dining experiences on Bainbridge Island. Agate Restaurant is notable for its inventive dishes, carefully created from the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Agate Restaurant is undoubtedly a delight for the palate. Seabird is a local seafood restaurant Esquire included in their 2022 list of “Best New Restaurants in America.” Seabird provides a unique dining experience with its locally fished and foraged ingredients meticulously assembled into artistic dishes. 

Things to Do

Bainbridge Island is home to several events and activities year-round. On the first Friday of every month, Bainbridge Island hosts its First Friday Art Walk. Local galleries, studios, museums, shops, and restaurants participate in downtown Bainbridge Island’s Art Walk, showcasing the many talents of the island’s growing arts scene. 

Over 5,000 cyclists ride a 33-mile route around Bainbridge Island in the annual Chilly Hilly bike ride. Bicycling Magazine has named Chilly Hilly one of the top four rides in the United States. Every February, this ride presents a unique challenge to its participants and an exhilarating viewing opportunity for spectators as cyclists brave 2,173 feet of climb amidst intense winter conditions. 

Enjoy serene formal gardens in both Japanese and English styles at Bloedel Reserve. With 150 acres of distinct landscapes, Bloedel provides a peaceful and immersive experience. Bloedel Reserve offers a calendar of events year-round to build upon your experience of the reserve’s serenity, especially in spring when the gardens are blooming. Experience the epitome of Pacific Northwest elegance with Bainbridge Island luxury real estate, where waterfront views and lush greenery combine to create an unparalleled living experience.

Providing a unique occasion for community engagement and charity, the annual Bainbridge Island Rotary Auction and Rummage Sale offers summer fun for all ages. The auction provides an opportunity to donate or bid on a wide range of items, including cars, motorcycles, and boats, all for a good cause. For the most exceptional experience in Bainbridge Island real estate, trust the expertise and dedication of Team Luxe Real Estate, who will guide you through the process of finding your dream home or investment property with unmatched professionalism and personalized service. Lori Robinson, a respected realtor with in-depth local knowledge, is an excellent guide for those interested in Bainbridge Island homes for sale. Whether you're seeking a waterfront property with stunning views of the Puget Sound, a modern home nestled in the island's lush forests, or a historic house in one of Bainbridge's charming neighborhoods, Lori's expertise can help navigate the diverse offerings of this vibrant island community.  Team Luxe Real Estate, renowned for their expertise in premium properties, has recently expanded their portfolio to include some of the most sought-after homes in Bainbridge Island. This picturesque locale, known for its stunning waterfront views and serene natural landscapes, is seeing a surge in interest, and Team Luxe is perfectly positioned to guide potential homeowners through the intricacies of Bainbridge Island real estate. Browse our featured properties! 

Frequently Asked Questions: Living on Bainbridge Island, WA

Bainbridge Island offers a unique blend of sophisticated culture and rugged Pacific Northwest beauty. While many are drawn by the scenic 35-minute ferry ride to Seattle, living here involves unique logistics—from navigating the "Agate Pass Bridge" to understanding the island's independent utility systems. This FAQ addresses the most common practical questions for those considering a permanent move to the island.

1. What are the options for commuting to Seattle without a car?

Most residents prefer to "walk on" the Washington State Ferry to avoid high vehicle fares and wait times. Once on the island, you can use BI Ride, an on-demand, shared-ride bus service operated by Kitsap Transit that you can summon via the Ride Pingo app. For morning and evening commuters, Kitsap Transit also runs specific Commuter Routed buses that timed specifically to meet departing and arriving ferries.

2. Is there a hospital on the island?

Bainbridge Island does not have a full-service hospital with an ER. For emergencies, residents are transported via ambulance to St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale or via Airlift Northwest to Seattle hospitals. For non-emergency care, the island has several robust clinics, including Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and Swedish Primary Care, as well as the Bainbridge Island Health and Rehab Center.

3. How do the schools handle enrollment for new residents?

The Bainbridge Island School District (BISD 303) is highly rated and centralized. New residents must enroll through the Skyward online portal. A key detail for parents: placement in a specific primary school (K-4) is not always guaranteed by neighborhood; it is determined by capacity, though the district strives to keep students at their closest neighborhood school (Ordway, Blakely, or Wilkes).

4. What utilities should I expect to set up?

Unlike many cities, Bainbridge utilities are fragmented. While Puget Sound Energy (PSE) provides electricity, water is provided either by the City of Bainbridge Island, private water companies like South Bainbridge Water, or individual residential wells. It is essential to check your specific property’s water purveyor during your home search.

5. Are there dedicated spaces for pets?

Yes, the island is very dog-friendly. Strawberry Hill Park features a massive, 5-acre fenced off-leash area with wooded trails and a dog wash station. Eagledale Park also offers a 1-acre off-leash meadow. For leashed walks, the Pritchard Park waterfront and the Grand Forest trails are local favorites.

6. Where do residents go for "big box" shopping?

While Winslow is famous for its boutiques and the high-end Town & Country Market, residents head "off-island" via the Agate Pass Bridge to Poulsbo or Silverdale for major retailers like Costco, Target, Home Depot, and Walmart. The bridge provides 24/7 vehicle access, meaning you are never truly "trapped" by the ferry schedule.

7. Is high-speed internet available across the island?

Most of the island is served by Comcast/Xfinity or KPUD (Kitsap Public Utility District) fiber in certain neighborhoods. However, because of the island's dense tree canopy and hilly terrain, some remote or heavily wooded areas may have limited high-speed options. Always perform a "speed test" or provider check during your inspection period.

8. What is the "Chilly Hilly" and how does it affect traffic?

The Chilly Hilly is a famous 33-mile cycling event held every February. It brings over 5,000 cyclists to the island. While it's a cherished tradition, it significantly impacts local traffic for one Sunday each year. Residents usually plan to stay off the main arterial roads (like Miller and Ferncliff) during the event hours.

9. How safe is Bainbridge Island?

Bainbridge Island consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in Washington. The Bainbridge Island Police Department is centrally located on Madison Ave and maintains a proactive presence. Most "crime" reported on the island consists of minor property theft or traffic incidents, contributing to the island's reputation as a secure place for families and retirees.

10. Can I live on the island without a car?

It is possible if you live in the Winslow District. Living "in-town" allows you to walk to the ferry, grocery stores, the library, and dozens of restaurants. However, for residents living in the north end (Agate Point) or south end (Fort Ward), a vehicle or electric bike is generally considered a necessity due to the island’s hilly terrain and spread-out nature.