Moving to Bremerton/Kitsap Co (Seattle, Tacoma: for sale, rent, crime rates)

[alexalk]

So I've seen some old posts on this site bashing Bremerton. Has it gotten any better? Are the crime rates really higher than Seattle proper, or are there only certain areas to avoid? I'm considering relocating to Bremerton just to save money; I have lived in north Seattle/Mountlake Terrace area for a couple of years (originally from California) and rent is higher than I'd like it to be. It seems like rent in Bremerton is a lot cheaper, and I am considering purchasing property within the next year, which is also a lot cheaper there. Is it an okay area?

To clarify, I'm a single woman under 30 with no children. I have a job that allows me to work from home most days, but occasionally I need to commute to downtown Seattle. Living in Bremerton would be nice because the ferry would still get me there, and I could save a lot more money than living anywhere else within a 1-hr commute to downtown Seattle. I don't mind if there aren't a ton of things to do in that area, as long as I won't get mugged or have my car broken into. Plus, I have wanted to live closer to the water for awhile now. Is it worth the move?

[bulldogfan76]

Hi there.
Are you in living in Bremerton?
I could be possibly moving there soon for a job opportunity.
I was hoping to find out as much information as possible about the area.
I currently live in Virginia Beach

[nfdsouza2001]

Recently Bremerton was featured in the news for it reduction in crime rates due to innovative steps in the downtown area.

[alexalk]

Hi bulldog, I ended up moving to Port Orchard, which is just south of Bremerton. I like Port Orchard, it has a quaint feel, even if it is more remote and rural than Bremerton. I am a young woman and I can walk around in the middle of the night without ever feeling unsafe.

From what I've seen of Bremerton it doesn't seem that bad either. East Bremerton/Manette area seems like a pretty nice place to live.

[mrgoodwx]

Our son lives in Manette, close to the bridge that connected east and west Bremerton (I think that may be what divides east and west). He likes his neighborhood. He can walk about 10 minutes and hop on the ferry to Seattle.

From my visits there, I do prefer the Manette community.

[rodentraiser]

I live in downtown Bremerton and while I wouldn't advocate walking around alone in the middle of the night, I have done it and it doesn't seem like there is as much crime as there used to be.

Just be aware, however, that ferry rates and the Tacoma Narrows bridge toll just goes up and up and up. If you only make the occasional run to Seattle via ferry, you'll be all right. Doing it every day can be a real wallet killer.

The houses in and around Bremerton seem to be shabby and close together. Once you get out into the rural areas, like Port Orchard, the houses spread out and are really pretty nice. Manette is a nice area, too. Check out the JohnLScott realty site to get some more ideas about house prices and areas.

Bainbridge Island, Silverdale, and to a lesser extent, Poulsbo, seem to be very pricey, but further south in southern Kitsap County and northern Mason County, you can still find land for sale with some very beautiful views. There are tons of restaurants and grocery stores all over the Bremerton area and on up to Poulsbo. We have Albertson's, Safeway, Trader Joe's, QFC, Kroger, Ralph's Red Market, Grocery Outlet, Fred Meyer, Costco, and probably a few more I'm forgetting. There is a Round Table Pizza in Silverdale, 7-11s, Jack in the Box, McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, Skippers, and more. We lost our Baskin Robbins though.

Anyway, for small town living, it's not too bad. And as long as you are able to get to Seattle for entertainment, you might be very happy here.