Moving to the Pacific Northwest? 7 Reasons to Choose Bremerton

Are you thinking of a move to the Pacific Northwest? While many people automatically think of larger metro areas like Seattle and Portland, looking a bit farther afield may yield better choices that better fit your lifestyle.

One such location is Bremerton, Washington. What does Bremerton offer that can make your life even fuller and more enjoyable? Here are a few of the best reasons to make it your new home. 

1. Housing Is More Affordable

One common problem with large metropolitan cities like Seattle is the very high cost of living. According to bestplaces.net, the average cost of a home in Seattle is estimated to be $851,400 — well above the national average of $291,700. But if you look outside Seattle itself, you can get a home for less than half the price: $418,800. Similarly, food, entertainment, transportation, and health care can be much more reasonably priced. 

2. You Get the Small Town Feel

As certain areas get more popular, they also get more crowded, busier, and more spread out. For many who want to move to the Pacific Northwest, though, the goal is to enjoy a quieter and more rural small-town life. Sadly, many formerly quiet areas are now busier than ever. 

Located across the Sound from Seattle, Bremerton can still provide that cozy, small-town feeling. From local stores and markets to small theaters and volunteer-led festivals, you'll be able to get to know your neighbors and support local businesses. In addition, the remoteness of the natural world surrounding you makes it even easier to feel like you're in another world. 

3. It's Close to Seattle

Bremerton may feel a world away from the bustling streets of Seattle, but it really isn’t. You can hop on a ferry and be in downtown Seattle in about 30 minutes. Prefer to drive? Go around the peninsula and be there in a little over an hour. Biking is even a popular way to travel to the big city.

Whatever transportation you choose, you can go into the city to enjoy its nightlife, museums, markets, and shopping while returning to your quiet little home whenever you want. 

4. The Peninsula Is an Outdoor Paradise

Kitsap Peninsula is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Dressed in the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest, this area boasts access to the ocean and Puget Sound as well as interior lakes and trails.

Popular activities include hiking around forests and rivers, bicycle riding (both leisure and off-road), bird and whale watching, collecting seashells along the beaches, and water sports of all varieties. It's also a great gateway to nearby outdoor treasures like the Olympic National Park and the San Juan Islands. 

5. It's a Naval Town

One of the most important elements of Bremerton's atmosphere is its naval base. Certainly, this means military families can enjoy a great place for kids and spouses while staying close to each other.

The naval environment also benefits nonmilitary households as it opens up this relatively quiet area to fascinating people and influences from all over the country. The naval influence is a proud tradition for Bremerton and builds on the community spirit. 

6. You Can Still Wine and Dine

A big draw for cities like Seattle and Portland is the dining scene. The good news is that you don't have to live in a crowded downtown to enjoy great food and drink options. Like many modern towns, Bremerton is home to great restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world. Better yet, its proximity to the ocean means fresh ocean oysters, clams, and trademark Pacific Northwest salmon.

What about the winery or brewery scene? Microbreweries are plentiful throughout the Peninsula just as they are in Seattle. Look for Columbia Winery, Bainbridge Brewing, Deep Draft Brewing, and Silver City, just to name a few. 

7. It's On Its Way Up

The exodus of people from high-cost and crowded areas like Seattle's metro region means that communities like Bremerton are growing in the right ways. In recent years, the city has enjoyed a reduction in crime rates, a boost of new businesses, and increases in tourism. The shift to more remote work after the Covid-19 pandemic will assuredly help keep this trend going for many years. 

While many people want to avoid too much gentrification, choosing a rural locale that is experiencing positive and balanced growth helps your family in many ways. Home prices will continue to appreciate, nightlife and activities will grow, services will remain funded, and opportunities for your kids will be better. 

Where to Learn More

Want to know more about the many ways that Bremerton, Washington could be a perfect place to call home? Start by visiting this area and talking with the locals for first-hand experiences. The local moving team at United Moving & Storage can help. We're ready to assist newcomers in finding answers to all their questions and feeling welcomed to the Bremerton area. Call today to learn more.