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The hustle and bustle of city life can often feel overwhelming. Many people are finding solace in the slower pace of small town living. Here in Kitsap County, our area offers beautiful small towns, each with their own unique charm. Let’s dive into some of the reasons why more people are choosing to call small towns their home.
Affordability and the Goal of Homeownership
For those eager to become first-time homebuyers, homeownership is often more feasible in smaller towns. For example, in the first quarter of this year, the median closed sale price for King County (which includes Seattle), was $936K. The median closed sale price for that same period in Kitsap County was $561K. While this is reflective of all home types and during the slow season, you can clearly see quite a difference between the two counties. Not only can many more folks afford a home here vs. in Seattle or the surrounding area, but they can often afford a larger home. This may include more bedrooms and bathrooms, a potential home office, and/or a spacious backyard.
Lifestyle and Outdoor Recreation
Sometimes people have enjoyed living the majority of their lives in a big city but are now in a different stage and want more time in nature as empty nesters or retirees. Others want to raise their children in a safer place surrounded by nature. Small towns here in the Pacific Northwest often offer a range of outdoor activities year round that can help you stay active. Here we have many golf courses, water trails for kayaking, and hiking and biking trails. Additionally, we have incredible gardens like Heronswood, unique places to visit, and great crabbing and fishing options.
Why Places Like Poulsbo Appeal to Many People
Poulsbo is a small town that has it all. Situated just 30 minutes from multiple ferry options, you can easily commute or access city amenities. Probably best known for its charming Historic Downtown and nickname of Little Norway, Poulsbo is actually home to over 1,000 small businesses within the 98370 zip code. Craft beverages are plentiful, with four breweries, two wineries, and one cidery hailing from Little Norway. Plus, there are over a dozen coffee options. The Poulsbo Farmers Market has one of the longest market seasons of the country – operating April through December.
Vibe Coworks is a great resource for remote workers in Poulsbo or North Kitsap County. It’s also wonderful for local entrepreneurs, creating a strong sense of community. And, regional support from the WWU Small Business Development Center and Kitsap Economic Development Alliance helps make dreams more attainable.
A major upside of small town living, Poulsbo has endless recreation possibilities. Within Poulsbo you will find 16 city parks, totaling 137 acres, plus 5+ linear linear miles of trails. If you head west, you’ll find the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park which covers over a million acres and 70 miles of wild coastline. Just to the north, Port Gamble Heritage Park is a mountain biking haven. Additionally, there are many fun annual and recurring events to enjoy here.
Additional Resources
While we know small town living isn’t for everyone, we do appreciate its many benefits. It’s especially nice if you’re still near a big city like Seattle but not in it. If you’re thinking of moving to one of our small towns here in Kitsap County, feel free to reach out to one of our highly-rated Windermere Poulsbo Realtors. They are local experts and are happy to answer any questions you may have. You can also check out Visit Kitsap, which has a range of helpful resources for visitors, and our Guide to Kitsap County.
