Moving to Bainbridge Island (Seattle, Mercer Island: how much, home, neighborhoods)

[leafybarb]

Yeah, we are friendly, but please do not begin by complaining about our much loved island in the local paper if you want to make friends! The islanders in general are a bit touchy on that topic. It is not too hard to make real friends, though, because so many of us are transplants ourselves. Many people have "ferry friends" if they take the same ferry every day. You can hear these buddies laughing and chatting all over the boat. With all the trees and the larger property lots, you are not as visible to your neighbors as you might be in a more heavily congested community, so not quite as likely to run into your neighbor when you are out getting the mail or weeding. Actually, that outdoor beauty is one of the things we love here. Come join us, but keep it quiet.

[BanteringBear]

If you're rich, enjoy insular living, and like to keep up with the Jones', Bainbridge would be a great fit. It'd be hard to find an area more detached from the economic realites of mainstream America. Personally, I loathe the place. But the again, I like real people.

[magrack]

Ouch! That'll leave a mark.

[41Willys]

Thats one of many different opinions Ive heard about Bainbridge. Other then building up and getting crowded this is the only negative thing Ive heard about the Island. I to am moving to the area as well. Its between Bainbridge, Gig harbor and Vashon. Theres some more things I must find out first. Ideally a visit to each area would help my decision and make homework alot easier but for now the internet and reading will have to do. I like this thread and hope to hear more input.

[magrack]

Ah, Bainbridge is OK. The natives and long time residents are pretty much real people (though some are not), but there is an air of exclusivity with some of the more recent arrivals. Nothing you can really put your finger on, just a feeling.

Being named as one of the best places to live in the country is not necessarily a good thing.

People have a tendency flock to "the best places to live in the country" and it has a tendency to alter the very things that made it one of the best places to live in the country.

If I were a long time resident of Bainbridge, I'd be bummed, but it doesn't really affect me as I have already determined the best place to live in the country is my house.

[41Willys]

Are there any car mechanics on the Island? Pharmacy? Doctors? Places to eat?

[wythors]

Bainbridge has fairly limited amenities and services. All of those listed are there, but there isn't much in the way of choices. You won't find major car care chains, for instance. Rather, there are a few small garages that get parts UPS'd in from Seattle.

[41Willys]

Originally Posted by wythors

Bainbridge has fairly limited amenities and services. All of those listed are there, but there isn't much in the way of choices. You won't find major car care chains, for instance. Rather, there are a few small garages that get parts UPS'd in from Seattle.

How about the people who live on the Island itself? Are they friendly? or do they keep to themselves? I understand its becoming a trendy thing to live on the Island and all but I will have my 11 year old daughter with me. If she's stuck inside with ME for 9 months she'll probably go carzy!!

[magrack]

Originally Posted by 41Willys

How about the people who live on the Island itself? Are they friendly? or do they keep to themselves? I understand its becoming a trendy thing to live on the Island and all but I will have my 11 year old daughter with me. If she's stuck inside with ME for 9 months she'll probably go carzy!!

She probably won't be stuck inside for nine months.

Kids that age seem to handle the weather much better than adults or pre-school children.

She'll make friends at school, and hopefully get involved in activities that will keep her occupied.

You, on the other hand might have to make an adjustment or two.

Gore-Tex helps. Little spendy, but well worth it...Eddie Bauer and REI are your friends.


I wouldn't call the people friendly or unfriendly. Like many people in the PNW they are surface friendly, not close friendly, if that makes any sense.

You'll have to do the reaching out most likely, and there's no guarantee that it will be reciprocated.

[scirocco22]

Good grief, you guys! Some of you make it sound like Bainbridge is some remote little island tucked away somewhere in the boonies.

It's a big island ...not like you'd even know you're on an island once you're there. Winslow is a nice little town with many amenities. It has auto repair shops, many restaurants, all kinds of retail and businesses that a lot of towns of similar size have.

The thing that sets it apart and why I say you might not feel you're on a remote island is that it does have roadway access to the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula via the Agate Pass Bridge. You're minutes away from Poulsbo and have good access to Bremerton and the rest of Kitsap County. So, in other words, ferry access isn't the only way on and off the island as is the case with some other islands in the Sound.

The San Juans and Vashon only have ferry access. Bainbridge, Whidbey, and Camano all have roadway access.

Conclusion: Bainbridge should not be considered an isolated island. You probably won't even know you're on an island both demographically and commerically.

--'rocco