Hi, I am A Top Realtor, your real estate professional for Bainbridge Island in the state of Washington.  If you are looking to buy, sell, relocate or for any other information about real estate in Bainbridge Island or the surrounding areas you've come to the right web site.

Welcome to Bainbridge Island, WA

Bainbridge Island is located in the western portion of Washington State and is situated between the beautiful Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. Kitsap  county sits directly across Puget Sound from Seattle and serves as the gateway to the spectacular Olympic Peninsula. One of the biggest advantages of living on Bainbridge Island is being able to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while having only a short ferry ride away to Seattle, access to corporate centers and markets, sophisticated cultural events and professional sports competitions. Bainbridge Island truly offers the best of both worlds! Kitsap County is divided into two distinct sections, The Kitsap Peninsula and Bainbridge Island. The region's natural resources include an extensive shoreline, fish, shellfish, and timber. Bainbridge Island is primarily a residential community, which has a mix of suburban and rural neighborhoods. Downtown Winslow was incorporated in 1947, the city was annexed in 1991 and is now called City of Bainbridge Island. The appeal for Bainbridge is the extensive waterfront and view property on Bainbridge Island and it's close proximity to Seattle.

Bainbridge Island Community

Bainbridge Island is unique with a colorful history. The island is 27.78 square miles, with 48 miles of shoreline and a population of 20,740 as of June 30, 2002, as reported by the Office of Financial Management. Bainbridge Islander's pride themselves in sustaining community values. In 1994 the City adopted its award winning Comprehensive Plan. Since the State of Washington mandates that all cities and counties review and update their comprehensive plans by September 2002, the City is currently reviewing its comprehensive plan. The City is taking this opportunity to create a community dialog to refresh our understanding of the Plan’s vision and to determine if modification of the Plan is needed.

We like it here because it offers country living, with a friendly small-town business community, and quick access to Seattle, a major city by a water-borne rapid-transit system unlike any other in this country. (Where else can you commute while reading the paper, sipping a cup of coffee or latte, and watching Orcas at play alongside the ferry?)

We cherish the natural beauty of our island, the stately firs and cedars, scenic bays dotted with small boats, views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains to the west and majestic Mt. Rainier to the east.

We appreciate our neighbors, whose ancestors came from many lands; today we treasure their cultural heritage more than ever. And we value the special contributions our residents make to the community - through their arts, their farms, their unique entrepreneurial spirit.

Nearly 22,000 people call these 48 square miles home. The island's friendly people, exquisite beauty and proximity to Seattle and the Kitsap Peninsula continue to draw new residents and curious visitors.

Much of the once bucolic landscape and teeming strawberry fields have given way to suburban neighborhoods. However, residents remain sensitive to the island's natural beauty and actively support our open spaces through local taxes and private resources.

Despite the unusually high number of residents who work at home, islanders spend an average of 46 minutes getting to work, a reflection of the time involved in the commute to Seattle, and the number of people who make that trip. Almost 30 percent of islanders go to work on public transportation, while less than half drive to work alone. 53 percent of current residents were born in another state. 60 percent of islanders have college degrees, and a quarter have advanced degrees. The median household income on Bainbridge is a healthy $70,110.

Bainbridge Island Lifestyle

Bainbridge Island is six miles west across Puget Sound. Bainbridge has a population of approximately 20,000 and is about 50 square miles. The downtown core of Bainbridge Island has an array of scrumptious eateries and fun-filled shops. It's a very bustling village with 4 marinas and tasteful condominiums with outrageous views of Seattle.  There are 3 yacht clubs, Port Madison, Queen City and Seattle in Bainbridge Island.

It's the perfect place to spend a day. Take a break away from city life, or plan a relaxing stop on your way to the coast. Simply walk, or drive onto the ferry in Seattle, and enjoy the view! Your short ride will offer some of the most spectacular vistas in the Puget Sound Area.

Bainbridge Island Transportation

More than 80 percent of the Bainbridge Islanders commute to work in Seattle by ferryboat. The Washington State ferry  is the most unique linkage to Seattle, with numerous daily 30 minute runs from and to Bainbridge Island. We also have a very dependable transportation service called Kitsap Transit. They provide daily service throughout the city and county.

The newest addition to Bainbridge is the Puget Sound Environmental Learning Center For adults, families and kids! Linking science, technology and the arts. 255 acres of forest and wetlands. The community can engage in hands-on projects and outdoor field experiences. Miles of trails, a 4-acre pond, bog, marsh and streams, 109' suspension bridge over a ravine, I I O' tree canopy tower. Summer programs include day programs for kids, overnight workshop for teens, and adult day and overnight programs and family adventure weekends.

Bainbridge Island's medical facility is Virginia Mason Health Clinic. there are 20 physicians practicing on Bainbridge Island, 22 dental specialists and 4 assisted living/convalescent homes.

The great thing about living on this island is you won't get "island fever". There's plenty to do here. For fun you could take a drive to the spectacular beauty of the Olympic National Park, go fishing or boating on the Sound, equestrian activities, a walk on the beach, go to a Mariner's or Husky game, bike around the island, walk the trails of gorgeous Bloedel Reserve Botanical gardens.

If you like this climate you'll love living here. We are similar to Seattle, summer temperatures average about 70 degrees, and winter averages 42 degrees. There is approximately 28 inches of rainfall annually. We have an average growing season of 180 days. The mild climate just adds to the excellence of island living. Bainbridge Island has evolved from a history of shipbuilding, timber industry, an international shipping port, waterfront summer cottages and berry farms to a rural community of year-round residents, determined to keep intact the beauty and special feeling of Bainbridge Island. Bicyclists and joggers love the quiet roads of the island and the many parks offer delightful spots to rest and take in the incredible views we have here.

Bainbridge Island Culture

Bainbridge Island is proud of the Bainbridge Performing Arts Playhouse, home, studio and garden tours, the Farmers Market, Bainbridge Chorale, music festivals, Grand Old Fourth celebration and 2 motion picture theatres.

Bainbridge Island Recreation

Bainbridge Island offers it's homeowners a public swimming pool, 2 golf courses, tennis courts, hiking trails of the 240 acres of the Bainbridge Island Grand Forest. There's always a walking tour of the Bainbridge Island Vineyard and Winery and , Chilly-hilly (a bike ride around Bainbridge island in February).

Bainbridge Island has 3 state parks, Fay Bainbridge, Fort Ward and Battle Point.

Public swimming pool, two golf courses (one public, one private), tennis courts, hiking trails, over 1,077 acres of public parks.

Bainbridge Island Education

One high school (9-12 grades), one middle school (6-8 grades), 3 Elementary schools (K-5 grades).

Sakai, an intermediate school (5-6 grades) has recently been constructed and is now open. In addition, there are multiple private schools located on the island.

Welcome to our Island, rich in history, culture and natural beauty. A small town that offers big things - acres of parks, a variety of trailheads, fascinating historical sites and dozens of attractions and annual events.

Bainbridge Island Climate

Similar to Seattle, Summer temperatures average about 70°; the winter average is 42°. There is approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually, with an average snowfall of 10.9 inches. This can vary as much as + 10 inches, depending where on the island you live. This is due to our geographic location in relation to the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. There are an average of 225 days of cloud cover annually. The average length of the growing season is 180 days.

Bainbridge Island History

Native Americans were the first known inhabitants of what would become Slaughter, and later Kitsap County. The Suquamish were the principal tribe of the area. The Clallam were also a presence, though less formidable than the Suquamish. They and others around the Puget Sound formed a tribal confederation that was ruled by Chief Kitsap, one of the confederation's greatest leaders. Another famous leader was Chief Sealth, for whom Seattle is named. White explorers first came upon the area in 1792 when Captain George Vancouver in command of the HMS Discovery-charted the Puget Sound. In fact, Vancouver was met by Chief Kitsap, who helped guide the vessel to safe harbor off Restoration Point between Bainbridge and Blake Island. At one time the largest sawmill in the world was located on Bainbridge Island at port Blakely, the area also became prominent in the wooden ship building industry. Bainbridge received its name from Captain William Bainbridge who, in 1812, commanded "Old ironsides".

Between 1910 and 1930 the "Mosquito Fleet", an assorted collection of small steamers crossed the waters of the Sound, they were vital means of transporting passengers, mail and commodities between towns in Kitsap County and Seattle.

Pristine Bainbridge island was home to the Suquamish Indians for thousands of years. Forests and beaches with abundant wildlife supported their peaceful culture.

In 1792, Captain George Vancouver discovered our small island. His British Survey of Puget Sound described the lush beauty of his newfound gem.

Intrigued by Vancouver's survey, settlers journeyed to the island, seeking a new way of life rich in opportunities in the 19th century - the world's largest sawmill at Port Blakely and the bustling Hall Brothers' Shipyard.

Water travel shaped early growth on Bainbridge. Neighborhoods grew around 30 mosquito Fleet Foot Ferry landings. Car ferry service began in the 1920's and the Agate Pass Bridge opened in 1950.

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Welcome to Bainbridge Island! If you are looking for Washington listings, home buying, homes and condos and townhomes, newer or older residential homes for sale in Bainbridge Island, or other surrounding areas in Kitsap County, Washington, A Top Realtor can help you out. A Top Realtor is a top, expert agent and realtor specializing in buying or selling newer or older homes, fine, luxury, expensive, million dollar, bank repo, foreclosure properties with lake, coastal or mountain views or city light views, in providing any home buying needs or assistance to search, find and buy, purchase your dream home for sale, house for sale in surrounding cities with or without views. If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact A Top Realtor and you will be provided with any available information or assistance. All contents on this and related web sites are provided by A Top Realtor, Realtor specializing in Bainbridge Island real estate and in the surrounding areas. A Top Realtor will respond to your request for information as soon as possible.  Thank you!
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