I've been here for 20 years and Household incomes average around $74,399 in Bremerton. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Has anyone dealt with this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Everly M.
hard disagree but ok
38 upvotes
Harper Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 30, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 LA, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
37 upvotes
Kathryn W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Elijah Howard
Moved here from Seattle about 12 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to nightlife but No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Elena Nguyen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Downtown) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
24 upvotes
Kennedy Miller
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Nora Adams
facts
16 upvotes
Lucas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 4 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Carter Robinson
been saying this for years
13 upvotes
Silas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Cooper Thomas
Came here for weather and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor recreation is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Lillian Hernandez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Meadowbrook. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in tech. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
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