Life in Port Townsend: Victorian Village on the Water
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing spot to retire or a safe place to raise a family, Port Townsend offers a lifestyle to meet your needs. Quintessential Northwest landscapes meet history here. Bluffs and beach-glass-laden shorelines hug the sea as ferry boats glide by. Throughout town, Victorian-era buildings offer a rich, colorful nod to the seaport’s roots. It’s easy to see why nearly 10,000 Washingtonians call PT home.
Want something a bit more removed? Nearby neighborhoods and communities include:
Cape George: An unincorporated community a few minutes west of Port Townsend, Cape George combines the beauty and quiet relaxation of the Olympic Peninsula with the exclusive amenities of club living. Located along Discovery Bay and within the rainshadow created by the Olympic Mountains, Cape George is an outdoor lover’s dream. Residents, which include both families and retirees, enjoy a range of perks, from a private marina to pickleball courts.
Kala Point: Two quintessential Pacific Northwest elements combine at Kala Point, where wooded lots lead to the blue waters of Port Townsend Bay. Enjoy the small-town feel of Port Townsend with the exclusive perks of gated living, all while taking advantage of endless outdoor activities and opportunities.
Marrowstone Island: A half-hour drive from Port Townsend, Marrowstone Island offers an idyllic locale where farms meet the waters of the Salish Sea. If you’re searching for a quiet homestead, this is the place; fewer than 1,000 residents call Marrowstone home. Several state parks on the island offer plenty of walking trails and water access.
Discovery Bay: Conveniently located along route 101, Discovery Bay offers easy access to Port Townsend to the northeast and Sequim to the west. The community is nestled along the bottom of the bay, with water and mountain views every direction.
Custom Homes in Port Townsend
Whether you reside within the limits of Port Townsend or in one of the unique communities nearby, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here are just a few of the highlights of owning a home here:
Family Friendly
With its small-town feel and endless activities, your kids will stay busy in Port Townsend.
- Don helmets and head to the town’s state-of-the-art skate park.
- The Port Townsend Marine Science Center provides education on conservation of the marine environment via an on-pier aquarium and a museum
- Saturdays are a bustle of activity at the Port Townsend Farmer’s Market, which features more than 70 vendors each week offering fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, crafts, and more.
- Feast your eyes on the eclectic collection of human-powered vehicles—fashioned with everything from bicycle parts to duct tape—entered in the annual Kinetic Skulpture Race.
Outdoor Activities
Adventure awaits along the beaches and in the water. Among the experiences to enjoy:
- Like the rest of Port Townsend, Fort Worden State Park combines history and landscape. Stroll amid turn-of-the-century army barracks, made famous in the film “An Officer and a Gentleman,” and the check out the rocky beaches and Point Wilson lighthouse.
- Beachcombers rejoice at Port Townsend’s Glass Beach, which lives up to its name with beautiful beach glass as far as the eye can see.
- Catch the historic Point Wilson Lighthouse at a fresh angle via kayaks, which can be rented on the beach at Fort Worden State Park.
History & Culture
On any day of the week, it’s easy to take a stroll through town to see Port Townsend’s famous Victorian homes. Plus, there are ample opportunities to take in local theater and art.
- On Thursdays throughout the summer, enjoy Concerts on the Dock at Pope Marine Dock.
- Port Townsend is home to several art galleries, and they come alive during Art Walk the first Saturday of each month.
- The Northwest Maritime Center offers education and inspiration while celebrating maritime culture. And don’t miss the famed Wooden Boat Festival each September.
Entertainment
For such a small town, Port Townsend isn’t lacking in things to do, both simple and grand.
- Dubbed “A film lover’s block party celebrating great films and filmmakers,” the Port Townsend Film Festival hosts more than 90 films each September in seven walkable venues, plus nighttime street celebrations.
- The Thing festival descends on Fort Worden State Park in August for a multi-disciplinary event featuring music, arts, comedy, and more.
- Head to Main Street for cute shops and plenty of restaurants, from pubs to pizza.
Ready to experience Port Townsend living for yourself? Connect with us for a free consultation.
Sunrise Photo: Copyright Dale Simonson
Point Wilson Lighthouse Photo: Copyright Tom Collins
Main Street Photo: Copyright Kristina D.C. Hoeppner
Main Street Photo: Copyright Kristina D.C. Hoeppner