Moving to Bainbridge Island? Here's What to Know

Our interior design studio is on Bainbridge Island, which is just a quick ferry ride from Seattle, and known for being the inspiration for Snow Falling on Cedars as well as the fictional home of Dr. Derek Shepherd of Grey’s Anatomy. Home to Maggie and our team, Bainbridge is a unique mix of suburban and rural living, and has been attracting families looking for a community to belong to.

If that’s you, and you’re considering or planning a move to “the rock,” read carefully and take notes!

Ferry Commute

If you're living on the island and working in Seattle (or Redmond, Bellevue, and the like), you’ll be commuting via ferry. There are pro’s and con’s to this. Gone are the days of sitting on I-5 coughing on fumes - you may see a pod of Orcas instead! However, the ferries can be late, cancelled, or get filled up - especially around summer weekends. You’ll soon be able to spot the regular commuters based on their level of patience and preparation - bring a book, some snacks, and some water.

Sky-High Real Estate

Bainbridge is a hot real estate market and popular Seattle bedroom community, which translates to high prices, no contingencies, and lots of cash offers. Definitely get yourself an island agent who knows the ins and outs of the neighborhoods, the brokers, inspectors, and can get your offer to the top of the stack.

Non-Suburban Suburb

Technically a suburb of Seattle, Bainbridge Island is definitely unique in its rural feel. With homes tucked into hidden valleys down gravel private roads, only a couple local grocery options, and one fast food drive-thru, the vibe is definitely country - despite our proximity to the city. Your new home will likely be on a septic system rather than a sewer, and have a well instead of city water. You’ll learn to identify the sounds of coyotes howling at dusk, and there’s a strong possibility you will get a flock of chickens within your first year of island living. You’ll also learn that a trip to Costco, Target, or Trader Joes is a full weekend day.

It’s a Small Island After All

Island living makes for a tight-knit community, and as you get settled, you’ll find that you frequently run into friends and acquaintances at the grocery store or coffee shop. It’s also likely that your new friend knows your neighbor, or their child goes to school with your other friend’s child. It’s six-degrees-of-separation on steroids. It makes the island instantly feel like home. However, you never know who knows whom, so keep your gossiping on the down-low ;)

Kid-Friendly

Bainbridge has a reputation for high quality public schools, which attracts a lot of young families. In fact, most of our clients are newly relocated couples with young children! There are lots of great youth activities through Parks and Rec, multiple high quality playgrounds, and dedicated, supportive teachers! Be sure to check out the library’s storytime, get a membership to KiDiMu (the children’s museum), and get some good rainy weather outdoor gear, as Bainbridge kids play outside rain or shine! Hot tip: Get on daycare and/or preschool wait lists EARLY, and be prepared to supplement with a sitter or nanny-share while you wait. Many island families have au pairs, as childcare options can be limited!

Diversity

Overall, Bainbridge (as much of Western Washington) leans left politically. It is very welcoming to LGTBQIA+ families in particular. However, it is not very diverse racially or economically. It’s a very expensive place to live, which means many service industry workers live off-island. There is no mosque on the island. It’s also said that political conservatives keep a low profile. Long-term islanders often lament the growth and changes that the years have brought. The lack of diversity is definitely one of the most obvious con’s to living here.

Facebook Connections

I’ve heard this is true of many rural communities, but local Facebook groups are a must-join to get the scoop on Bainbridge life. From Bainbridge Islanders (where the snark comes out) to Parents of Bainbridge Island (POBI - great resource for all kid-related things), the locally founded Buy Nothing groups, and numerous buy/sell groups, Facebook is where you find things out. Find toddler gear, get rid of your moving boxes, or ask for recommendations. In fact, many of our current clients found us on a POBI post! If you’re still house-hunting, the group At Home on Bainbridge is the best place to find rentals and get the scoop on homes before they hit the market.

Pickleball

Perhaps you’ve heard of the “new” sport that’s sweeping the nation, but pickleball has been around for decades and was invented on Bainbridge Island! Many people have private pickleball courts at home, but there are also a number of courts at our local parks! You can take lessons through Parks and Rec, or just look up a how-to online!

Get Outta Town

When an islander refers to something being “in town” - they are referring to Winslow, aka the business hub near the ferry terminal. Winslow Way and the surrounding blocks have many of the island’s popular restaurants, bookshop, toy store, retail spots, and the Maggie Stephens Interiors studio, of course! But there are other business areas on the island less frequented by tourists. Rolling Bay is north up Highway 305 and is home to the celebrated Via Rosa restaurant, Bay Hay & Feed, and Carly’s Rolling Bay Cafe, among other small businesses. Down south, Lynwood Center has a small movie theater, yummy restaurants and bars, frozen yogurt, and shopping. Don’t miss these lower profile neighborhoods with lots of our favorite local businesses!