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Living in Bremerton Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

Bremerton Washington Waterfront with Olympic Mountain in Background

What is Living in Bremerton Washington Like?

Bremerton, Washington, is a charming city on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington's Puget Sound region. With approximately 44,000 residents, Bremerton is located just across Puget Sound from Seattle and is easily accessible via ferry or driving. 

One of the most popular attractions in Bremerton is the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship. This historic naval destroyer was involved in the Vietnam War and is now open to the public as a museum. Another popular attraction is the Kitsap Conference Center at Harborside, which offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains and is a popular venue for weddings and events. Bremerton is also home to several beautiful parks, including the Harborside Fountain Park, which features a large fountain and stunning views of the Puget Sound, and the Evergreen Rotary Park, which has a playground, picnic area, and walking trails.

Major employers in the Bremerton area include the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, which employs over 13,000 people, and Harrison Medical Center, which employs over 2,000 people.

If living in Bremerton, Washington, you'll find the cost of living is relatively affordable compared to nearby cities like Seattle, as housing is less expensive. The average home price in Bremerton is around $450,000, significantly lower than Seattle's median home price of over $850,000. Making homeownership more attainable for those living in Bremerton, Washington.

If you're looking for a  laid-back city with plenty of outdoor recreational options, easy access to a major metropolitan area, and a reasonable cost of living, Bremerton, Washington, could be your ideal home! Read on to learn more about living in Bremerton, and learn more about the city's neighborhoods, schools, the cost of living in Bremerton, and the pros and cons of living in Bremerton, Washington, so you can determine whether moving to and living in Bremerton, Washington, is the right decision for you.

The Moving to Bremerton Washington Team

Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Bremerton, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Bremerton, Washington, CLICK HERETo start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.

The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465. 

Todd Davidson Headshot.JPG

Todd Davidson

Mortgage Broker

What is the Cost of Living in Bremerton Washington?

If you're exploring a move to Bremerton, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Bremerton, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Bremerton, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $44,000 a year. To live in Bremerton, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $65,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.

Cost of Living

Living in Bremerton Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts

Helpful Tips for Moving to Oregon and Buying a Home

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Top Neighborhoods in Bremerton Washington

If moving to Bremerton, Washington, you'll want to pick just the right neighborhood for you and your family. Below are just some of the great neighborhoods you'll get to choose from:

  1. Manette: This is a historic neighborhood located on the east side of the city. It features quaint streets lined with Craftsman-style homes, as well as parks, shops, and restaurants.

  2. West Bremerton: This neighborhood is located on the west side of Bremerton and offers easy access to the ferry terminal and downtown. It features a mix of residential and commercial properties, with a variety of housing options available.

  3. Illahee: This waterfront neighborhood is located on the north side of Bremerton and offers stunning views of Puget Sound. It features a mix of historic and newer homes, as well as parks and beaches.

  4. Navy Yard City: This neighborhood is located in the southern part of Bremerton and is home to many military families due to its proximity to Naval Base Kitsap. It features a mix of housing options, including single-family homes and apartments.

  5. Charleston: This neighborhood is located on the south side of Bremerton and is known for its rich history and diverse population. It features a mix of residential and commercial properties, including historic homes and local businesses.

If moving to Bremerton, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Bremerton, Washington.

Bremerton Washington Waterfront with Olympic Mountains

20 Pros and Cons of Living in Bremerton Washington

Living in Bremerton Washington Pros

  1. Affordable Housing: Compared to the nearby cities of Seattle and Bellevue, Bremerton offers more affordable housing options for both renters and buyers.

  2. Waterfront Location: Bremerton is situated on the Kitsap Peninsula, with views of the Puget Sound and access to beaches and water activities.

  3. Naval History: Bremerton has a rich naval history, with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship located in the city.

  4. Outdoor Recreation: Living in Bremerton, Washington, you'll find many parks, trails, and outdoor recreational areas, including the Kitsap Forest Theater and the Gold Mountain Golf Course.

  5. Arts and Culture: The Admiral Theatre in downtown Bremerton hosts a variety of performing arts events throughout the year, and the city is home to several galleries and museums.

  6. Public Transportation: Bremerton is connected to Seattle and other nearby cities by a ferry system, and the Kitsap Transit bus system serves the area.

  7. Community Events: Bremerton hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including the annual Blackberry Festival and the Bremerton Farmer's Market.

  8. Access to Healthcare: Living in Bremerton, Washington, you're right by the Harrison Medical Center, which provides access to healthcare services for city residents and the surrounding area.

  9. Education: Living in Bremerton, Washington, you're right my several highly rated schools, including Bremerton High School and Olympic College.

  10. Growing Job Market: Bremerton's job market has been growing in recent years, with new businesses and industries moving to the area and providing opportunities for employment.

Living in Bremerton Washington Cons

  1. Rainy Weather: Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Bremerton experiences a lot of rainy weather throughout the year, which can be a drawback for some people.

  2. Traffic: The city's proximity to Seattle and other nearby cities can lead to traffic congestion during rush hour and peak travel times.

  3. Limited Nightlife: While there are some bars and restaurants in Bremerton, the city's nightlife scene is more limited compared to larger cities.

  4. Limited Shopping Options: Living in Bremerton, Washington, you'll find shopping options are more limited compared to larger cities, with fewer options for high-end or specialty stores.

  5. Naval Noise: The city's naval presence can lead to noise from ships and airplanes, which may be a nuisance for some living in Bremerton, Washington.

  6. Limited Job Opportunities: While the job market in Bremerton is growing, there may still be limited opportunities for certain professions or industries.

  7. Education Challenges: While there are highly rated schools in Bremerton, the city's school district faces some challenges related to funding and resources.

  8. Homelessness: Like many cities in the region, Bremerton has a significant homeless population, which can impact the city's overall quality of life.

  9. Limited Cultural Diversity: Living in Bremerton, Washington, you'll find it is not as diverse as some other cities in the region, which may be a drawback if you're seeking a more multicultural environment.

  10. Location: Living in Bremerton you're located 37 minutes from Tacoma and over an hour from Seattle, making it more difficult and time consuming to access amenities you'd only find in a bigger city.

FAQs About Living in Bremerton Washington

What is Bremerton known for?

Bremerton, Washington, is known for its stunning scenery and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is surrounded by water and offers numerous parks and beaches. Some of the most popular parks in Bremerton include Lions Field, which features a playground and baseball field, and Evergreen Rotary Park, which has a walking path, a playground, and picnic areas. The city also boasts a waterfront boardwalk that stretches along the Sinclair Inlet, offering stunning views of the water and nearby mountains. Additionally, Bremerton is close to several other outdoor attractions, including Olympic National Park and the Hood Canal.

What cities are nearby Bremerton?

Bremerton, Washington, is conveniently located near several other cities in the region. Some of the nearest cities to Bremerton include Tacoma, about 20 miles to the south, and Seattle, just 15 miles to the east but over an hour away by ferry. Other nearby cities include Silverdale, Port Orchard, and Poulsbo. With its location on the Kitsap Peninsula, Bremerton provides easy access to various urban and suburban communities in the area. 

What is the weather like in Bremerton?

Living in Bremerton, Washington, you can also expect mild weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 45°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 36°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, but it is not common. Summers in Bremerton are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F and occasional hot spells in the high 80s. The city receives around 50 inches of rain annually, slightly more than nearby Seattle.

 

Does Bremerton Washington have good public schools?

Bremerton, Washington, is part of the Bremerton School District, which serves over 5,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. For school year 2022-23, Niche.com ranks the Bremerton School District #135 out of the 252 school districts in Washington it ranked, giving it a B- grade. While the district may not rank as highly as some others in the state, it still provides a decent education for students in the area.

Is Bremerton Washington safe?

Bremerton, Washington, like any city, has its share of crime, but overall, it is considered a relatively safe place to live. The property crime rate in Bremerton is slightly higher than the national average, but the violent crime rate is lower than the national average. Residents of Bremerton should feel relatively safe in their daily lives.

What is there to do living in Bremerton, Washington?

Living in Bremerton, Washington, you'll always have things to do. The city offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and fishing at nearby Olympic National Park or enjoying a stroll along the boardwalk at Harborside Fountain Park. Bremerton also hosts several annual events, including the Blackberry Festival and the Kitsap County Fair. If you're a history buff, the Puget Sound Navy Museum is a must-see, featuring exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the US Navy in the region. With its central location on the Kitsap Peninsula, Bremerton is also within easy reach of other popular destinations, such as Bainbridge Island and the Hood Canal. Bremerton has something to offer everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Who are large employers in Bremerton, Washington?

If living in Bremerton, Washington, some of the top employers include: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, which is the largest employer in Kitsap County and employs over 13,000 people, Harrison Medical Center, which employs over 2,000 people, and Bremerton School District, which employs over 1,000 people. Other notable employers in Bremerton include the city government, Olympic College, and Naval Hospital Bremerton. With a variety of industries and employers, Bremerton provides many opportunities for employment in various fields.

How is the healthcare in Bremerton Washington?

Living in Bremerton, Washington, puts you near the Harrison Medical Center, which is a level III trauma center and has 48 beds. This hospital would likely be able to provide you with most of your medical needs. If looking for a specialist and can't find them in the Bremerton area, you're around 40 miles away from the St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, Washington, which is one of the states largest hospital.

Is Bremerton Washington a good place to live?

Bremerton, Washington is a great place to live due to its stunning natural beauty, with picturesque views of the Puget Sound and nearby Olympic Mountains. Additionally, the city offers a vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, providing residents with a lively and fulfilling lifestyle.

I want to relocate to Bremerton.  How do I make it happen?

You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Bremerton, Washington.  There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington  where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Bremerton area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Bremerton, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.

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