Teacher interested in Bainbridge Island (Seattle, Poulsbo: sales, real estate, apartments)

[RyanK4]

Hello,

I'm originally from Central NY and am currently in Atlanta, GA for a graduate school service assignment.

I've always been interested in moving West, specifically somewhere near the Pacific Ocean. For about the last six years, I was on a San Diego kick, but I don't think it is for me now that I am a bit older (24). I don't want to consistently be keeping up with the Jones' just to get by... and crime and illegal immigration are also discouraging.

I recently learned about Bainbridge Island on a television program and it intrigued me. I wouldn't mind the "grey" of Seattle; I came from Syracuse where it was always grey, but I doubt I'd have the high humidity or snowfall.

I know that the Seattle area is relatively expensive, particularly in terms of real estate. However, I'm wondering if this is counteracted a bit by the lack of a state income tax? Due to the fact that I am young and single, I would seemingly rent for a number of years, and though apartments in the area were a bit more expensive on the island, it looked like you got a good amount for your money (compared to $1500/month for a tiny one-bedroom in San Diego, you could find a sizable two-bedroom). Though I looked briefly, I liked the architecture of apartments and that some offered rent-to-own option. Are there multiple renting options on the island? Can you find deals?

From the minimal research I've done, it looks like the Bainbridge Island school district has a good reputation; I like there is a relatively low teacher-student ratio (right now, each of my classes have 30 students). I assume that I'd have a relatively good crop of kids, too since it is not inner-city Seattle. Are there any private or Catholic schools on the island? The average teaching salary looks to be about $46,000; in your opinion, could a single guy make it in Bainbridge island on this income? Or would I constantly be scraping to get by like in California? My undergraduate degree is in communications/public relations, so I could probably get involved in other things if teaching does not work out.

Aside from being closer to the Pacific, I'm physically active. How far away would surfing be from Bainbridge? Does Washington have decent surfing? I also like to run and would like to get into cycling, hiking, and kayaking. I love to sail as well.

Thanks for your insights!

[allforcats]

Hi. I spent the first 30 years of my life in Manhattan and Connecticut so like you I understand that Atlantic humidity and the snow-laden winds from Canada.

None of those is here. It's never humid compared with the east coast (compared with Arizona, yes, but that's comparing apples and oranges); Bainbridge gets light snows a few times a year and the snow melts in a day or a week; and there's little wind, usually just breezes.

"Grey" skies are often in the eye of the beholder. We're right at the end of the Pacific Ocean, where every cloud has gathered its capacity of moisture. We're also on the southward path of the very, very heavy cloudiness of the Bering Sea. So we get both drizzle and cloudiness, but if you enjoy dramatic and/or emotional effects in your photography, painting or poetry, you'll never stop being fascinated at the amazing clouds here.

The Bainbridge school district isn't just considered "good" -- it's considered one of the top half-dozen best in the state. Lots of dedication there, lots of joy, lots of achievement, lots of parental involvement. The City-Data page I've linked below shows median income; that's part of the reason.(P.S. We don't have "inner-city schools" here; we don't even have an inner-city Seattle. This is a different world, a pretty peaceful world, and Bainbridge is more different and more peaceful even than Seattle.)

As for taxes, as you know every government runs on tax revenues. Since WA has no personal income tax, it has to have other sources. So for the average persons, we get to run the state, county and city on sales taxes, property taxes and special-use taxes such as restaurant meals, hotel stays, etc. I can't keep track of the varying sales tax rates in WA, but in and near Seattle the usual sales tax on taxable items in the supermarket runs around 9%. Gas at the pump is taxed a little higher than in most parts of the country.

As for culture, Bainbridge used to be rather hippie and is now rather organic. It's somewhat artsy but not weirdly so. It's a lovely, quiet, visually beautiful place which still has small farms (I know two personally), and income-producing activities such as jam-making, wine-making and selling the eggs from your natural, organic, free-range, laughing chickens and ducks are a large measure of life on Bainbridge. There are some quite wealthy homes there, and many which are not wealthy. Many of us think of Bainbridge or someplace similar as a sweet goal in life.

$46K is a fine income for a young, non-materialistic, single guy, including one living right smack in Seattle.

And as for real estate, the market will likely continue to fall slowly, gradually during the next year or so, so you might want to start studying about real estate since bargains are showing up every day, every week, every month on the purchase side of residential living.

I encourage your research. Have you checked GreatSchools.net? And the WA State Report Card? Washington State Report Card
Here's one-stop-shopping for a million stats -- City-Data.com's data page on Bainbridge:
http://www.city-data.com/city/Bainbr...ashington.html
You can find lots of answers to stat-type questions by just Googling the question. Have fun researching!!

[rkcarguy]

The state is slashing education left and right, I'd make sure I had a contract before I'd move here.
Like said above, $46K a year will get you a decent yet small rental. Trying to own a home will swallow that like an aspirin.

[AzDreamer]

I'm not a teacher so what I know is second hand. I recall reading that teacher salaries are pretty much equal around the state. Living in a high cost area like Bainbridge Island will be harder than a low cost area. If you don't need to be close to Seattle there are many nice towns that are a lot less expensive.

There was an article in the Seattle Times in the last couple days about surfing. The best areas are along the coast and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You should be able to search and find the article on their online site.

[cabocurtis]

I believe most of the larger metropolitan areas on the west coast are relatively pricey. Coming from Syracuse it will not be too much of a shock. If you could get a job at Bainbridge SD and did not like the housing prices just over the bridge in Poulsbo Suquamish it is much cheaper. I like the area as it is quieter with some nice amenities(restaurants, theater,independent shops) but a 30 minute ferry to walk on for top flight concerts, theater and sports like the Mariners and Seahawks. It is a nice way to be close to the city but not have to drive.

[Kacee2002]

most that teach on Bainbridge don't live on Bainbridge, can't afford it.
we also have a high percentage of parents that think they know everything about everything here