Four Ways to Get Connected to Your New Community

Are you new to the area or maybe settling into a different neighborhood? Kitsap is a wonderful place to live, and each area has its own charm and personality. We know you’ll love it here. Read on for some great ways to get acquainted with neighbors, find information about local events, and stay in the loop.  Here are four ways to engage and immerse yourself like a local.

1. Recreation and Community Centers

Sports and activities are a great way to meet neighbors. Of course Pickleball is popular here, with Bainbridge Island being the birthplace of the sport. The Founders Courts at Battlepoint Park are a great spot for competitive play. If you’re looking for instructional play or indoor opportunities, Pickleball Kingdom will be your go-to. The Village Green Community Center in Kingston is a multi-use facility for both recreation and community events, and is home to a Boys & Girls Club as well. The YMCA has two locations, one in Bremerton and one in Silverdale, both offering an array of programs and activities.  Another multi-faceted recreation center is the Kitsap Tennis and Athletic Center in Bremerton. Some smaller community centers include the Hansville Community Center and Indianola Beach Improvement Club.

2. Small Business & Coworking Resources

Kitsap is a bustling place for entrepreneurs and remote workers. Check out local organizations like Greater Kitsap Chamber, South Kitsap Chamber, Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, Poulsbo Chamber, or Greater Kingston Chamber for business networking and resources. If you are looking to get out of the house on your work-from-home days, or maybe need a place to meet with clients, some great options are Vibe Coworks in Poulsbo, Spark Commons or Chico Collective in Bremerton, or Expats Coworking on Bainbridge Island.

3. Helping Neighbors in Need 

If you are looking for a place to volunteer, or perhaps find yourself in need of some assistance, Kitsap is home to multiple human service organizations. Depending on your area, check out Bremerton Foodline, North Kitsap Fishline in Poulsbo, Helpline House on Bainbridge, or South Kitsap Helpline. For other unique volunteer opportunities consider The Coffee Oasis, Kitsap Humane Society, or various options through Kitsap County. We are lucky to live in such a caring community, and our property managers enjoy volunteering for some of these organizations as well.

4. Check Out Local Events

There’s always something happening in Kitsap. From multi-day festivals to monthly art walks, farmers markets to film festivals, tune in to these local resources so you don’t miss out. Each municipality has their own page. A few of our favorites are: Historic Downtown Poulsbo, Downtown Bremerton, Bainbridge Island Downtown, and Port Orchard Waterfront. For one-stop news for families or kids, check out Macaroni Kid Kitsap. Other great local resources for events and Kitsap happenings are Visit Kitsap and Love Kitsap.

After exploring you might want to find some inspiration for the inside of your new home. Check out our blog article about budget-friendly makeovers for renter-friendly tips.