"Bainbridge Island is changing, like every other town on the periphery of a metropolitan area. Unlike a lot of other fringe towns, Bainbridge Island can display its living history on the waterfront instead of as an afterthought of dusty old photographs and maps in the library or town hall." - "Seattle Times" editorial, Nov. 12, 2005
Bainbridge Island is the place to which most Seattleites at some point in their lives have dreamed of retiring. It's a place of magical vistas, dozens of quaint, idyllic coves and sweeping shorelines. And it sits off of Seattle's coastline like a stunning but vexing reminder to harried city workers who don't live on Bainbridge of just how perfect and ritzy Northwest living can be. Those city stiffs who do live here -- and they account for about 60 percent of Bainbridge residents -- brave the ferry lines to Seattle regularly. Rain or snow, summer sun or record tempest, islanders spend at least 70 minutes a day commuting. And unlike with suburban travel, getting a late start doesn't mean you can sneak into the commuter lane when no one's looking; it means you wait for another ferry. And sometimes, you wait some more. But it also means that as a 21st-century Bainbridge resident you are privy to some of the best ferry services in the state. The days of the hardy yellow-slickered islander stepping off the ferry in pouring rain are thankfully a part of the past. Today's common attire of the ferry foot soldier is a Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf or the ever-convenient sharing economy Zipcar. With Bainbridge property among the priciest in Washington, that exclusive address is evidence that in the islands of the Northwest, it is possible to live remotely, play hard, and have it all.
Be a Tourist First
"Bainbridge Island is changing, like every other town on the periphery of a metropolitan area. Unlike a lot of other fringe towns, Bainbridge Island can display its living history on the waterfront instead of as an afterthought of dusty old photographs and maps in the library or town hall." - "Seattle Times" editorial, Nov. 12, 2005
Bainbridge Island is the place to which most Seattleites at some point in their lives have dreamed of retiring. It's a place of magical vistas, dozens of quaint, idyllic coves and sweeping shorelines. And it sits off of Seattle's coastline like a stunning but vexing reminder to harried city workers who don't live on Bainbridge of just how perfect and ritzy Northwest living can be. Those city stiffs who do live here -- and they account for about 60 percent of Bainbridge residents -- brave the ferry lines to Seattle regularly. Rain or snow, summer sun or record tempest, islanders spend at least 70 minutes a day commuting. And unlike with suburban travel, getting a late start doesn't mean you can sneak into the commuter lane when no one's looking; it means you wait for another ferry. And sometimes, you wait some more. But it also means that as a 21st-century Bainbridge resident you are privy to some of the best ferry services in the state. The days of the hardy yellow-slickered islander stepping off the ferry in pouring rain are thankfully a part of the past. Today's common attire of the ferry foot soldier is a Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf or the ever-convenient sharing economy Zipcar. With Bainbridge property among the priciest in Washington, that exclusive address is evidence that in the islands of the Northwest, it is possible to live remotely, play hard, and have it all.
Be a Tourist First
Try out a few addresses. Rent a vacation home or guest home for a couple of nights, while you study where you would rent month to month in Bainbridge Island. Ask the locals to find an apartment to rent, and to gauge what you really like (and don't like) about the island.
Find Your Inner Islander
Do you like to spend your time in your garden or at your keyboard admiring the vista, or peddling down to the corner cafe for some early morning chat time with the neighbors? Is theater in Lynwood Center your passion, or studying molluscs around Manzanita Bay? If relaxation equals island charm, then the north could be your style. But if you enjoy going out each day, the seven to 10-mile drive may wear after a while. Figure out what you like before signing for that three-bedroom house to rent.
The Weather
Keep in mind as you look for home rentals, that while it is an exotic island, it isn't the Bahamas. Bainbridge Island owes its greenery to the precipitation it gets -- about 88 days a year. Snow days are less, but the white stuff is a fact of life. Islanders may live for the sun, but it isn't hard to find the beauty in a misty morning, either.
Bainbridge Island has more than two dozen residential enclaves. Although they are referred to as neighborhoods, some are no more than a handful of houses. Early settlers to the island in the 19th and 20th centuries found that building along the island's coastline was far easier than clearing dense forest. Those settlements shaped much of Bainbridge's communities.
North Island: The northern top of the 17,778-acre island is joined to the Kitsap Peninsula by Agate Point Bridge and is home to a small cluster of residential areas and winding roads. Port Madison, the island's first 20th century community, is now home to secluded vacation homes and quiet shorelines. Manzanita Bay's stately mansions are hidden from view and overlook a stunning cove. The Meadowmeer offers what some homesick city folk might consider a respite among the trees: a pastured nine-hole golf course just big enough for a casual game and stop at the nearby grill. Rolling Bay is pure suburbia with a post office, hay store, guest houses and a cafe.
Central Island: Central Bainbridge includes Wing Point, with homes that claim a jaw-dropping vista of Seattle. The Battle Point community, on the west coast, is named after an historic Native American battle. Island Ridge, more inland, was the home of some of the island's priciest homes until the 2008 recession hit. It is still considered a preferred area.
South Island: The southerners revel in the warmer temps. The hub of south Bainbridge is called Winslow by locals and the City of Bainbridge Island by the rest of the world. Small-town atmosphere, quaint shops and relaxing residential streets are Winslow's trademark on this island of stately homes. Lynwood Center on the other hand, could be considered the island's socializing hub, with several restaurants, a theater and a music store.
Do you get seasick on ferries, or is traveling your thing? A Bainbridge local once griped about her monthly trip to Costco in Seattle. Still, not having huge stores on the island is the beauty of Bainbridge. Many residents travel to the "big city" for shopping.
Get ready to get involved in Bainbridge! Are you passionate about the arts? Head to Lynwood Center. Are you in to growing food? The island's Sound Food network is unique. Like to bike? A great place to be. Keep your ears open as you look for housing to rent. There's nothing like community to make one feel truly at home in a paradise like Bainbridge Island.
