Longtime lurker here, We're a young couple and Household incomes average around $159,882 in Bainbridge Island. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Weston T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
nyc_jordan
noted, appreciate it
37 upvotes
omahalover2024
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely tough and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
36 upvotes
Ryan
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Sarah Sanders
Moved here from Nashville about 6 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
desert_maverick72
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely underrated and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Old Town) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
31 upvotes
Lucy A.
I work in real estate here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is decent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Gianna
I'm a data analyst and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Thomas James
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor recreation is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Savannah Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Catherine C.
nah I disagree
15 upvotes
Barbara F.
Totally agree!
13 upvotes
Aaliyah C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 32, moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
13 upvotes
Sophia Gray
I work in education here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is improving. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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