New To Kitsap County? Here Are Some Helpful Resources

Our Wonderful Local Schools

Kitsap County offers a robust public school system with various learning environments to suit your children’s needs. North Kitsap School District, Bainbridge Island School District, Central Kitsap School District, and South Kitsap School District are just some of the K-12 opportunities that Kitsap County offers. Every Kitsap school district also provides a variety of Pre-K options. 

We also have a range of private schools like The Island School on Bainbridge Island, Green Gables Montessori in Silverdale, and Hyla School and West Sound Academy in Poulsbo. There is also Madrona School, which offers Waldorf education on Bainbridge Island.

For local higher education opportunities, Olympic College, Poulsbo Campus also provides Associate’s Degrees, certificate programs, and technical training degrees. And, 4-year universities like the University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University are a ferry ride away.

Great Transportation Options

There are many benefits to living in Kitsap County, especially when it comes to commuting to work by ferry or even visiting the city over the weekend. No more sitting in traffic! You can relax and enjoy the view when traveling on Washington State Ferries. These vessels offer walk-on, bike on, or drive-on options from Bremerton and Bainbridge Island to Seattle. Additionally, Kingston has a 30-minute ferry that you can drive or walk on that goes across to Edmonds. There are also fast ferries to Seattle from Kingston and Bremerton through Kitsap Transit, which also has bus routes across the county as well.

If you are new to Washington state, ordering a Good To Go Toll pass will relieve you of having to stop and pay tolls so you can get to your destination faster.

Fun, Family-Friendly Activities

Kitsap County offers an assortment of family-friendly activities. Some great organizations to check out include Kitsap Regional Library, Boys and Girls Club, and YMCA (there’s one in Silverdale and one in Bremerton).

A popular place for little ones is the KiDiMu, abbreviated for Kids Discovery Museum. Staff aim to spark children’s curiosity through play and experiential learning. They also offer alternatives for Pre-K programs. Additionally, KiDiMu offers membership plans that include museum access, discounts on items, and special pricing for birthday parties, programs, and camps.

We encourage you to learn about the Suquamish Tribe and the S’Klallam Tribe. They lived here long before settlers and are an important part of our community’s past, present, and future. The Suquamish Museum offers insights into Suquamish culture and activities tied to traditional ways of life. Heronswood is a beautiful botanical garden in Kingston and it is now owned by the S'Klallam Tribe and managed by a dedicated team of highly trained staff and volunteers. They offer educational programs, lectures, tours, and more.

Looking for more local, family-friendly activities and events? Check out Macaroni Kid - Kitsap.

Outdoor Adventures

The Kitsap Peninsula is your go-to destination for any outdoor activity. The breathtaking views of the Puget Sound are a must-see. Hiking, golfing, camping, biking, boating, and kayaking are just some of the activities that you can enjoy here. Be sure to check out all of our great local parks and community events. Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreational District also provides helpful info about hiking trails, camping sites, and more.

Various Shopping & Business Centers

Looking for a rundown of local businesses? Every city in Kitsap County has a chamber of commerce. Additionally, Kitsap embraces entrepreneurs and has multiple organizations to help individuals build their businesses. In particular, SCORE is a local nonprofit that offers free and confidential business advice to business owners across the county. SCORE has an array of volunteer mentors who have knowledge and experience from various industries and specialties. They also offer workshops and webinars. For seasoned professionals who are new to Kitsap, consider volunteering as a mentor through their website. 

In need of other information not found here? Feel free to contact us. Our property managers are proud locals who would be happy to assist you.