Life in Bremerton: A Bustling Naval Town With Lots to Do
Bremerton, Washington, isn’t just the largest city in Kitsap County. It is a central hub of the U.S. Navy, home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (the nation’s largest Naval shipyard) and part of Naval Base Kitsap (the nation’s third-largest Naval base). Bremerton’s status as a Navy town with water on three sides means there’s rarely a dull moment, whether you’re looking for a job, watching an aircraft carrier head out to sea, or partaking in any number of outdoor activities. Plus, Bremerton is just a 30-minute Fast Ferry ride (or 60-minute car ferry ride) from Seattle, providing easy access to additional entertainment and cultural events.
Want something a bit more removed? Nearby neighborhoods and communities offer a diversity of lifestyles and home types. These include East Bremerton, a vibrant community close to necessities; Manette, just across the water from downtown Bremerton with a quaint downtown and views of the shipyards and Seattle to the other; Tracyton, with quiet, small-town vibe and ample views; and Illahee, tucked away from the hustle and bustle and highlighted by an eponymous state park offering camping, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Custom Homes in Bremerton
Bremerton offers a little bit of everything when it comes to existing homes, from water views or forested acreage to traditional suburban neighborhoods. Building new is a little tougher due to available land and city regulations. Estes Builders can help you navigate the requirements and create a design most suited for your property.
Here are just a few of the highlights of owning a home in Bremerton:
Fun activities for all ages
- Tour a piece of maritime history on the U.S.S. Turner Joy Naval destroyer.
- Explore the Naval heritage of the Pacific Northwest at the Puget Sound Naval Museum.
- Discover the world of puppetry at the Valentinetti Puppet Museum.
- Catch a show or concert at the Admiral Theater.
- Find a vintage treasure or two at the Bremerton Vintage Flea, a year-round Saturday market.
- Sample beers from dozens of local breweries at Bremerton Summer Brewfest.
- Indulge in beer, blackberry wine, music, and more at the annual Blackberry Festival.
Jobs galore
- Even for civilians, the Naval presence in and around Bremerton offers numerous job opportunities. In fact, Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport employs more than 25,000 civilians and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard employs more than 14,000 civilians
- The tech industry also is establishing a presence in the area, including Applied Technical Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft.
- Jobs in downtown Seattle are just a 30-minute Fast Ferry ride away.
Outdoor Activities
Surrounded by water and mountains, there is plenty of outdoor activities within and just beyond the bustle of Bremerton’s urban core.
- Take the city’s three-mile bridge-to-bridge trail for views, vistas, and urban lore.
- The city is home to five forested parks with 140 acres and 4 miles of rustic trails.
- Head up to Green Mountain for an after-work hike with views of the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond.
- Visit Illahee Preserve, a heritage park with lots of walking trails and picnic areas.
Ready to experience Bremerton living for yourself? Connect with us for a free consultation.
Banner Photo: Copyright Jonathan Miske
Admiral Theater Photo: Copyright Dennis Jernberg
Aerial Photo: Copyright Digitonin