Bainbridge Island Real Estate
Bainbridge Island is a picturesque scenic countryside so close to downtown Seattle that it is where “Country meets City” that takes pride in providing the best of small-town living for its residents. Only a 30-minute ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island offers a scenic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan area. Bainbridge Island has become an increasingly affluent bedroom community of Seattle. Even though the island is approximately the same size as Manhattan, with 53 miles of shoreline, and its population of approximately 23,000-plus the residents give it a distinctly rural atmosphere. The island connects to mainland via the Agate Pass Bridge, SR 305 over Agate Passage to Suquamish. The only other way off the Island is by Ferry from Eagle Harbor in Winslow, to (pier 52) Coleman Dock in Seattle.
Bainbridge Island provides endless opportunities for the young and young at heart, with its rich history, friendly residents. Explorers made their way to the island more than 200 years ago, and they were soon followed by fishermen, farmers, and loggers. The local farms provide fresh island produce and are highly sought-after at local farmers markets, especially the strawberries in the early summer. To this day, agriculture plays an important role of everyday life for Bainbridge Island residents.
Bainbridge Island also has 21 parks and facilities that offer green spaces, picnic areas, an aquatics center, senior center, fishing piers, natural gardens, athletic fields and other services. The many parks include Battle Point , Strawberry Hill, Grand Forest and Ferry Dell metro parks and the state parks of Fay Bainbridge and Fort Ward. There is the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, an internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve. This serene 150-acre nature preserve was developed on a former private estate, featuring the Bloedels’ former estate home with beautifully landscaped gardens, including a Reflection Pool, a Moss Garden, and a Japanese Garden.
Winslow, Bainbridge Island’s largest town, has a number of unique shops, galleries, antique stores and cafes. Residents are also actively involved in a variety of community activities and events including the Bloom Garden Tour, Rotary Club’s Rummage Sale & Auction, Bainbridge Performing Arts programs, Chilly Hilly, the Scotch Broom Festival, and the Grand Old Fourth, which is a traditional celebration for Independence Day. You will even find some notable people that have resided and find Bainbridge island home today. To name a few that have found the Island Home are Chad Channing former Drummer of Nirvana, Ben Sheppard of Soundgarden, famous musician Andrew Wood, Comedian “Chris” Kattan best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” among many other famous actors, authors, inventors and more. Bainbridge Island School District consistently rank at the highest levels in state and national performance statistics and approximately 90% of the students attending the public schools graduate continuing on to college. All of this and more provide the perfect excuse for getting together and enjoying the best of the island to residents who choose Bainbridge Island to call home.