BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

Bainbridge Islanders are extremely proud of their home and its colorful history of Native settlements, shipyards, sawmills, and agriculture. Traces of its heritage are found among the 48 square miles of gently rolling hills, farms, vineyards, pristine seashore, and abundant streams to which salmon return during the spawning season.

Once known for berry farms and summer homes, now upscale housing developments, good schools, low crime, a sophisticated population and friendly atmosphere characterize the island.

Spacious parks, trails for hiking, jogging and bicycling, two golf courses, a swimming pool, shopping, dining, a public library, medical clinics and more make Bainbridge Island an ideal place to live and raise a family. People who reside on the island enjoy convenient access to the mainland via a 35-minute ferry ride to Seattle. Forty percent of island workers commute to Seattle. Shops and eateries are within walking distance of the ferry terminal, as is the Bainbridge Island Winery.

The island is home to a very strong arts community, and features many local galleries. Local artists display their works every quarter with a citywide art walk. The Edwin E. Ritchie Observatory, open to amateur astronomers and professionals alike, is located on Bainbridge Island in Battle Point State Park. The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum features an interpretive center highlighting island history.

GIG HARBOR

Located at the southern end of the Kitsap Peninsula, Gig Harbor is home to spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympics and the Cascades. This harbor town is proud of the nautical, Scandinavian, and Croatian heritages that shaped its past and are still reflected in the city today.

Once considered a remote community, Gig Harbor is now a destination spot for visitors and a growing number of residents. Many residents commute to Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. A second bridge is due to open in April 2007.

While many residents leave town for work, they don't need to go beyond the city's limits for business, shopping, dining or recreational needs. Popular activities include a farmer's market from May to October featuring nearly 100 vendors and the annual Maritime Gig Festival in June. The Gig Harbor Artwalk on the first Saturday of the month showcases local galleries. Several community theatre groups perform throughout the year.

KINGSTON

Kingston is a North Kitsap town situated on the shores of Appletree Cove. While enjoying a continued growth of new homes and businesses, Kingston retains the rhythms of its semi-rural setting.

The Mosquito Fleet provided early freight and passenger services here until the ferries began running in 1923. Much of present-day Kingston is still centered around the ferry link, making Kingston a gateway for visitors to the Olympic Peninsula. State Highway 104 is Kingston's main street and starts at the Edmonds-Kingston State Ferry Terminal. Many residents reach jobs in north Seattle and Snohomish County by ferry, or work at government installations in Bangor, Keyport, or Bremerton, all about a half-hour's commute.

Picturesque Kingston has dense groves of second-growth trees, wetlands, streams, old farmhouses and views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Property costs less here, compared to other Puget Sound cities. Relatively affordable view homes on acreage can still be found in this area.

The town is home to a 320-berth marina owned by the Port of Kingston. Specialty stores, restaurants, services, and boat repair facilities can be found in the waterfront district. A nearby park hosts a popular farmers market.

Directly west of Seattle across Puget Sound on the shores of Sinclair Inet lies Port Orchard, a city that boasts "19th century charm in a 21st century world". Residents here enjoy all of the urban conveniences and attractions of Tacoma and Seattle (easily accessible by highway and ferry) as well as the relaxed rural pace and varied recreational opportunities of the beautiful Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas.

Affordability and selection describe the housing situation in Port Orchard. The city is composed of older neighborhoods dotted with new buildings, restored properties and fixer-uppers. Golf course, waterfront and view properties are also available.

Port Orchard features an excellent 410-slip marina located within a block of the historic downtown core. Visitors can browse the art galleries, antique, gift and craft stores, or dine at one of the many restaurants. Other area shopping plazas offer numerous retail choices including larger chain stores and popular fast food eateries.

Residents enjoy Marina Park, which features a boardwalk, gazebo, and beach access. It is also the site of many community activities and celebrations like the Farmers Market on Saturdays, the annual Fathoms 0' Fun, and the Seagull Calling Festival A foot ferry, free on summer weekends, leaves from Horluck Ferry Dock and connects the city to Bremerton.

Other attractions in the Port Orchard area include McCormick Woods Golf Course, Elandan Gardens, Manchester and Blake Island State Parks, Springhouse Dolls, and the Log Cabin Museum.

Port Orchard Statistics

Population: 7,900

City Hall: 216 Prospect St., (360)876-4407

Chamber of Commerce: 1014 Bay St., (360)876-3505 or (800)982-8139; www.portorchard.com

Post Office: 1125 Bethel Ave., (360)874-6875

Library: 87 Sidney Ave., (360)876-2224

School District: South Kitsap School District No. 402, (360)874-7000

Utilities:

Gas - Cascade Natural Gas, (360)871-1424

Electricity - Puget Sound Energy, (888)225-5773

Water - City of Port Orchard, (360)876-4407

Telephone - Qwest, (800)244-1111

Refuse Collection - Brem-Air, Bremerton, (360)479-1714

Typical Tax Rate: $12.72/$1,000 assessed valuation

Median Household Income: $34,020

Average Rent: $1,332

Average Price of Homes: $171,120

Average Commute Times: To Seattle: 1 hour; to Bellevue: 1 hour, 45 minutes

POULSBO

Calling itself "Little Norway on the Fjord," the Charming town of Poulsbo in north Kitsap County delights in showing off its cultural heritage.

Norwegian settlers, who looked at the shores of Liberty Bay and were reminded of their homeland, founded the town more than 100 years ago. Prior to WWII Norwegian was the predominant language spoken in Poulsbo.

Homes in Poulsbo are found on streets with names like Hostmark, Fjord, and Lindvig - reflecting the city's Scandinavian roots. House prices are reasonable here and choices in style, age and lot size vary. A newly constructed neighborhood in downtown Poulsbo offers a village-like atmosphere. Several retirement communities are also available. Many residents work at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bangor Naval Base, or commute to jobs in Seattle.

Poulsbo is a popular destination for a day trip from Seattle. Visitors are drawn to the city's picturesque downtown core, which includes several parks, waterfront boardwalk, bakeries, gift shops, restaurants, and panoramic views of Liberty Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The Marine Science Center offers a unique chance to get up close and personal with local marine life. Boaters enjoy the full service marina that includes 130 guest slips. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the many annual community events such as Viking Fest, Third of July Fireworks Celebration, Arts by the Bay, and Yule Fest.

SILVERDALE

Silverdale is an unincorporated community located in the heart of Kitsap County. A modern-day boomtown, its rapid growth was prompted in part by the Navy's decision to build a base for Trident nuclear submarines at Bangor.

Housing here is abundant and although prices have steadily increased recently, there are still great values to be found. Newly constructed homes are typically ranch and split level styles. Moving out from the central community core are homes on acreage. Many apartments are available, reflecting the needs of the area's mobile military personnel.

Silverdale's Kitsap Mall is the largest shopping area west of Puget Sound. Its 110 retail establishments attract shoppers from all over the Peninsula. Old Towne Silverdale, located next to the popular Waterfront Park, provides an alternate choice for shoppers with its charming mix of retailers and services.

Hunting, hiking, fishing, waterskiing, and boating opportunities abound in the area. Residents enjoy community theater, galleries, and art walks. Silverdale hosts the annual Whaling Festival - no whales are involved, but you're sure to have a "whale of a good time."

VASHON ISLAND (King County)

A scant 15-minute ferry ride from West Seattle, Vashon Island is the place for people who want to get back to the land without giving up the benefits of the city. Vashon is known for its friendly residents and scenic beauty. This peaceful, low-key community is above all, rural. Lot sizes can be no smaller than 2 1/2 acres. Many residents in Vashon work out of their homes or commute to larger outlying cities. Telecommuting is fast becoming a way of life for island workers.

A passion for the arts is also a way of life here. Local artists display works at various galleries, studios, and at the semi-annual Arts Tour. Vashon supports a dance troupe and a theater group.

The abundance of woodlands, open spaces, and a number of parks that include three public beaches combine to provide endless activities. Community celebrations attract visitors as well. More than 20,000 people gather each July in downtown Vashon for the Strawberry Festival, featuring arts & crafts, music, parades, food, dancing, and carnival fun.

Kitsap County

A trip to the Kitsap Peninsula makes a fabulous day, weekend or weeklong venture from Seattle. Four ferry routes and a bridge connect Western Washington to the Kitsap Peninsula, home of 11 championship golf courses and 236 miles of spectacular saltwater shoreline.

There are other reasons to venture 'West, though. Nature, a Navy destroyer, a Norwegian Village, a renowned Native American museum, small-town downtowns and much more make every trip to the Kitsap Peninsula a worthy journey.

Bainbridge Island beckons with superb dining, inviting parks and the 150-acre Bloedel Reserve, where visitors meander through traditionally planted gardens and creative landscaping. Exclusive wines may be sampled at a nearby winery.

Downtown Port Orchard offers antique, gift and craft shops, galleries and two museums, Marina Park is the town's hub for Saturdays farmers' market, summer concerts in the park and the annual Seagull-Calling Festival.

A five-minute ferry ride connects Port Orchard to Bremerton, Kitsap County's largest city. The foot ferry docks right next to auto ferries running to and from Seattle. Here, along the four-block waterfront promenade, visitors can board the U.S. Turner Joy, a fully restored Navy destroyer, or enjoy the burgeoning, downtown arts district.

Poulsbo's street names, building facades, murals, bakeries and natural setting all give it a genuine Norwegian feel. The Poulsbo Marine Science Center allows visitors to look, touch and spy on the aquatic life of Puget Sound. The center offers educational beach walks and lab classes.

Silverdale has grown into a retail hub of the county. Shoppers enjoy the cottage shops of Old Town and the largest mall on the Kitsap Peninsula. Keyport's Naval Undersea Museum offers insight and exhibits about warfare and undersea exploration.

The former company town of Port Gamble has come back to life. Things slowed when the mill closed, but the captivating setting and New England feel of the area has made it a popular filming locale and boutique retail location.

Smithsonian magazine rated the nearby Suquamish Museum the best historical museum of Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest. And Kingston, Kitsap County's northern entry point for visitors from the Seattle-Everett area, has a lively downtown that offers many good reasons to get out of the car before or after taking a ferry to "the other side."

Gig Harbor, the southern gateway to the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, lies just west of the dramatic Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Sitting on a scenic inlet seemingly staring at Mount Rainier, the town's fishing-village character, specialty shops, art galleries and waterfront restaurants make it an appealing destination.