Island Living

Bainbridge Island is a city and island in Kitsap County, Washington, located in Puget Sound. Though small, you’ll find the island to be robust in culture with a world-class museum and galleries, exceptional eateries, wineries, nature trails, beaches, and so much more. This picturesque island is framed with views of the Cascade Mountains and stunning Puget Sound.

Our small and vibrant island feels worlds away but is conveniently connected to the Washington State ferry network and many residents enjoy their commute to Seattle or the Eastside.

The memories of a Bainbridge Island ferry ride in the Pacific Northwest last a lifetime and make commuting a breeze. About 4.6 million people ride the Seattle/Bainbridge Island route each year.

The trip from Seattle to Bainbridge Island via ferry (locals refer to it as “the boat”) is 35 minutes. The two Washington State Ferry boats on this route can carry up to 200 cars and 2,500 passengers.

Some fast facts on Bainbridge Island:

  • Population of 24,546 (2021)

  • The island encompasses nearly 17,778 acres (one of the larger islands in Puget Sound)

  • Bainbridge boasts approximately 53 miles of coastline

  • Median home value as of November 2023 was $1,200,000

  • Anticipated growth rate from 2021-2026 is 0.97%

  • Average commute time is 42 minutes

  • Sales tax rate is 9.2%

Explore some of the unique neighborhoods on the island below.

Downtown Winslow

Named for shipbuilder Winslow Hall,[1] the city of Winslow was incorporated on August 23, 1947; on February 28, 1991, the City of Winslow annexed the rest of the island, officially becoming the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington.

The street runs about ten city blocks, and is grounded on both sides by local businesses, including a hardware store (closed as of Spring 2005), a bookstore, several galleries, and multiple restaurants and bakeries. A ferry terminal, with service to Seattle's Colman Dock, boards at the east end of Winslow Way.

In contrast to the Bainbridge Island as a whole, Winslow is home to households with a wide range of incomes. In 2010, the census block group in which Winslow is located had a median household income of $42,000, less than half of the Island's median household income of $94,000 and one-third of several of the Island's wealthiest block groups, and also $10,000 less than national and statewide averages. [2] More than half of Winslow households live in rental units, compared to 20% of households across the Island. These differences have in some cases created tension between Winslow and the remainder of the Island, which were highlighted during the successful initiative to annex Winslow and the remainder of the Island into a new jurisdiction noted above.[3]

South Island

The sunny south end is popular for many reasons, in addition to its warm southern exposure.  The south end enjoys proximity to the popular Lynwood Center, which offers shops, restaurants and a historic cinema.  Large neighborhoods like Fort Ward offer newer construction, while view neighborhoods like Bill Point are known for their 1970′s mid-century modern architecture.   Many Crystal Springs area homes have western exposure and views of Rich Passage while waterfront homes on Rockaway Beach or Country Club Road have the coveted eastern exposure and Seattle Space Needle view.

  • Bill Point

  • Crystal Springs

  • Eagle Harbor

  • Fort Ward

  • Lynwood Center

  • Point White

  • Rockaway Beach

  • South Beach

North Island

The North Island Neighborhoods offer a variety of living options.  From waterfront estates on Sunrise Drive with Seattle City Views, to Manzanita Bay waterfront homes boasting Olympic Mountain views and sunsets, to stately, manicured Hidden Cove Estates Neighborhoods to the large pastoral lots found in the Rolling Bay neighborhoods – there are variety and options for every price point.

  • Agate Point

  • Arrow Point

  • Manzanita Bay

  • Meadowmeer

  • Port Madison

  • Rolling Bay

  • Seabold

  • Windsong

Central Island

Central Island Neighborhoods offer close proximity to Winslow and the ferry, but the many different housing options are still present. Modern and cozy condos are a popular option, but so are Eagle Harbor waterfront homes and neighborhoods like North Town Woods and Commodore that offer sidewalks and cul-de-sacs perfect for walks and bike riding.  Horse properties can be found in all areas of the island, even five minutes to the ferry in the popular Derby Downs area.

  • Battle Point

  • Ferncliff

  • Island Center

  • Manitou Beach

  • Murden Cove

  • Yeomalt Point

  • Wing Point

  • Winslow