The city of Poulsbo was founded in the 1880s by a Norwegian immigrant named Jorgen Eliason. The town's name roughly translates from Norwegian as "Paul's place."
You don't have to be Scandinavian to appreciate the Nordic theme to the shops and restaurants in downtown Poulsbo, but it does reflect the town's interesting history
The city of Poulsbo was founded in the 1880s by a Norwegian immigrant named Jorgen Eliason. The town's name roughly translates from Norwegian as "Paul's place."
You don't have to be Scandinavian to appreciate the Nordic theme to the shops and restaurants in downtown Poulsbo, but it does reflect the town's interesting history. Up until World War II, Norwegian was actually the town's primary language, but don't worry -- today you can order your cheeseburger and fries in English! It's this rich culture and unique heritage that brings plenty of tourists to the area. The town's harbor and three nearby marinas mean that it's easy to access the city by boat, should you so desire.
Finding rental properties is a pretty standard affair -- if you've done it once, you probably know the score. That said, it's good to be prepared for any eventuality, so if you do a little planning beforehand, you won't be phased, even if you get shown a house shaped like a boot or your potential landlord turns out to be a goose. Stranger things have happened!
When Should You Start Looking?
The amount of time it takes to find housing for rent in Poulsbo can vary depending on a number of factors. A lot of the time, it can just be luck that you happen to be looking for pet friendly apartments or fully furnished homes just at the time when one happens to be going on the market. Ideally, you should begin your search around four to six weeks before the date you want to move in. There is a good deal of rental property available in the town, but being a popular tourist destination, a decent chunk of it is reserved for holiday rentals.
What Will You Need?
Perhaps the most important thing you need when you're doing an apartment search is a good sense of humor! Think of it like a dating site and be prepared to view a few homes that have been generously described or have pictures that were taken during better days. Once you find the right residence, you'll need to have a few things ready to prove to your future landlord that, yes, you are going to pay the rent on time. Most landlords ask to see proof of income, your credit history and reference from previous homes you've rented. You'll also need to be willing to sign some sort of contract. You're not going to be asked to sign away your soul (although it's best to check the small print, just in case), but you will often need to agree to rent the property for a minimum period of time.
How Much Will it Cost?
The exact amount you'll have to fork out to move into your new home will depend on the property you're moving to. Obviously, it will cost you less to move into a studio apartment than it would to move into a three-story historic townhouse for rent. Generally you'll have to pay the equivalent of two month's of rent upfront, before you'll be able to move in. Half of that will cover the first month's rent and the other half will be kept back as a security deposit, to be returned when you move out at the end of your tenancy, as long as you don't damage the property, of course!
Although Poulsbo spans just 5.27 square miles (and about half a square mile of that is water, so you probably won't find a house there), there's a good deal of difference between the neighborhoods. Make sure you choose to live in an area that suits you.
Keyport: This neighborhood is one of the pricier areas to live in Poulsbo. No surprise, then, that homes here tend to be on the larger side and that there are a good number of historic and waterfront homes.
Downtown Poulsbo: You'll find this neighborhood convenient if you don't drive or if you like to be in walking distance of pizza at all times. This is a good place to find an apt for rent.
Port Gamble: This neighborhood is a little way out from the center, with not much to recommend it but green space. Its lack of amenities means you get more bang for your buck in terms of home and yard size. Here you'll find Molly Ward Gardens and 12 Trees Cafe.
Lincoln: This is a newer neighborhood, with many homes in the area built after 2000. There are a mixture of houses and mobile homes. Bond Bistro and Sia Palace Restaurant are in this neighborhood.
Although it doesn't have the museums of Paris or the boutiques of Manhattan, there's plenty to do and see in Poulsbo. As long as you're prepared for a simpler way of life -- and a good deal of rain -- you should find yourself at home in this town.
Out on the Water
Located on Liberty Bay, an arm of Puget Sound, you'll probably find you spend a fair amount of time on or around the water, if you live in Poulsbo. You can hire a boat, canoe or kayak and take it out into the bay, where you'll see your fair share of gorgeous scenery and wildlife. At the right time of year, you can even take whale watching trips out into Puget sound for an unforgettable experience.
Parks
If you prefer to spend your outdoor time on dry land, you can visit any one of Poulsbo's 14 city parks, such as American Legion Park and Oyster Plant Park, which cover more than 120 acres. Around half of this space is developed, with recreational and sporting facilities, whereas the remainder is left open, helping to encourage local wildlife.
Downtown Poulsbo
The downtown area of Poulsbo is sometimes referred to as Little Norway because of the area's architecture and Scandinavian themed businesses. You'll find a good range of eateries in the area, as well as some great independent stores, where you can pick up everything from groceries to souvenirs.
Local Events
A number of festivals and events take place in Poulsbo each year. The Annual Viking Fest takes place during the third weekend of May. You'll find food, live music, a parade and more, all in honor of the town's Norwegian heritage. Other key events include St. Hans, the Port Gamble Medieval Faire and Summer Nights at the Bay.
