Bremerton - more than a navy town? (Seattle, Tacoma: fit in, college)

[docwatson]

Hi all. I just came out to the Puget Sound area last week for a job scouting trip and liked the area (third trip out there). If what I am looking at doesn't work out, I'm considering maybe applying for a job in Bremerton that is right up my alley professionally. I can see that the area is quite beautiful, there are some nice areas (posters seem to mention Manette), and I am familair with some of Bremerton's efforts to revitalize downtown as well as the "best place" ranking some years ago.

Anyway, I was wondering what the social atmosphere is like in Bremerton? As a small town, is the town completely dominated by the Navy as far as employment, culture, etc.? I have a fair number of friends or relatives who served or grew up in military families, and respect this and appreciate that there is great diversity of thought in the military, but I never pictured myself living in a primarily military town. I tend to be fairly middle of the road to progressive in thought, definitely not part of the self-identified "liberal" crowd but probably would get this label pinned on me in small town America (hence sometimes feel more confortable in cities). I grew up in a really small town my parents decided to move to, and I now live in a wierd pseudo-socialistic college town, so I know what its like not to fit in in a communtiy where people tend to think alike (or not at all) and the impacts that has on employment, social life, etc., so I don't necessarily want to be in a similar situation, just with different politics. Also my wife is an artist - is Bremerton really becoming a place that attracts artists.

Just thought I'd ask for your $.02.

[nfdsouza2001]

Bremerton is more a navy town but it is close to Port Townsend which more artist friendly. Some parts of Bremerton are seeing revitalization due to the mayor's aggressive plans. The Ferry is close and convenient to downtown seattle.

[docwatson]

Thanks!

From the lack of further response, should I assume the Navy is the main economic and cultural force in town?

[chris]

Originally Posted by docwatson

Thanks!

From the lack of further response, should I assume the Navy is the main economic and cultural force in town?

yes, although "cultural" is a buzzword that has no meaning in Washington, unless you view chainsaw carvings and run down reservations/casinos as "culture".

Bremerton does have quite a bit of "character" (or characters if you like), the Navy and/or Shipyard is pretty much the dominating presence. There are probably small groups of artists in the area but like nfdsouza2001 mentioned, in areas north of the city.

[nfdsouza2001]

Originally Posted by docwatson

Hi all. I just came out to the Puget Sound area last week for a job scouting trip and liked the area (third trip out there). If what I am looking at doesn't work out, I'm considering maybe applying for a job in Bremerton that is right up my alley professionally. I can see that the area is quite beautiful, there are some nice areas (posters seem to mention Manette), and I am familair with some of Bremerton's efforts to revitalize downtown as well as the "best place" ranking some years ago.

Anyway, I was wondering what the social atmosphere is like in Bremerton? As a small town, is the town completely dominated by the Navy as far as employment, culture, etc.? I have a fair number of friends or relatives who served or grew up in military families, and respect this and appreciate that there is great diversity of thought in the military, but I never pictured myself living in a primarily military town. I tend to be fairly middle of the road to progressive in thought, definitely not part of the self-identified "liberal" crowd but probably would get this label pinned on me in small town America (hence sometimes feel more confortable in cities). I grew up in a really small town my parents decided to move to, and I now live in a wierd pseudo-socialistic college town, so I know what its like not to fit in in a communtiy where people tend to think alike (or not at all) and the impacts that has on employment, social life, etc., so I don't necessarily want to be in a similar situation, just with different politics. Also my wife is an artist - is Bremerton really becoming a place that attracts artists.

Just thought I'd ask for your $.02.

Will you be looking at the Naval Hospital? I am assuming you are a physician. The Doctor's Clinic is a good place to work with many offices including Bainbridge which is close,artsy and nice place to live.In my previous life I covered all these areas calling on physicians. Hope this helps.

[Hemlock140]

I've thought about moving to the peninsula in the future but not Bremerton.
Yes, it's OK but too much of a Navy town, if they left the place would be a ghost town. The revitalization has resulted in some nicer areas than before but there's still no one going there.

Silverdale has a lot more amenities, but look at Poulsbo, I find it to be my favorite over there. It's only a 20 minute commute if you do work in Bremerton, or to either ferry to Seattle from Bremerton or Bainbridge.

[docwatson]

Thanks - I'm not a physician, its actually a govt job, so a middle class salary, with my wife being an artist (not a chainsaw carver, however!). Not sure we can live on Bainbridge on that, not sure I want to commute ... The scenery from Manette area seems great ... again, while I have nothing against the service, I'm not sure I would choose a town where everything revolves around the military ...

[docwatson]

How is Port Orchard? Is it pretty much part of Bremerton as far as economy & social life?

[tandasullivan]

Likely won't be happy in Bremerton - consider Gig Harbor about 30 minutes away - beautiful area and offers a great 'marine' lifestyle

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by docwatson

How is Port Orchard? Is it pretty much part of Bremerton as far as economy & social life?

No, Port Orchard is not much like Bremerton. More of a rural area, no real city feel at all, large lots, big box stores that are new and off by themselves where you'd least expect them. I'd take it over Bremerton, but Gig Harbor, as mentioned by tandasullivan might be a better choice, with short bridge (and toll) drive to Tacoma for most everything you need.