Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton (Kitsap-Bangor-Bremerton)

Off-Base Neighborhoods

The price at this Pacific Northwest military base is slightly higher than the median home cost in Washington state but not nearly as high as Seattle. Military families stationed at NB Kitsap gave high ratings to the neighborhoods of Meredith Heights, Freestone, and Port Orchard.

On Base Housing

Hunt Military Communities manage Public/Private Venture (PPV) Housing. There are ten neighborhoods and a set of apartments to serve, some on base and some available through a Rental Partnership Program (RPP). This program is designed to help military families find secure and affordable off-base rental communities.

Schools

Washington state is ranked 19th in the country for elementary schools, but 2nd in the country for higher education. Military families have a number of districts from which to choose, so you won’t find schools on every Pacific Northwest military base. Unlike some areas of the U.S., districts in Washington State do not necessarily coincide with local city, town, or county boundaries. Residents on NB Kitsap can choose to attend Central Kitsap School District, North Kitsap School District, and some qualify for Bremerton School District.

Cost of Living and BAH

Washington State is among the most expensive states in which to buy a home. The general cost of living is high as well. Seattle is by far higher than towns like Spokane or Tacoma so it might be a wise move to buy well outside of the city of Seattle. BAH for NB Kitsap varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, use our BAH calculator.

Housing Costs

Housing in this area of Washington state is higher than average, when compared to most other parts of the country. The median list price per square foot in Kitsap County and the Bremerton metro area is $239. The median price of homes currently listed in Kitsap County is $394,400 while the median price of homes that sold is $400,200.

Weather

Western Washington is characterized by plenty of rain, pocketed between the mountains and the Puget Sound, but as Washingtonians say, “there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.” Seasons are mild, but the green landscape is consistent all year long. Springtime will bring an abundance of blooming flowers. Summer in Washington is the best around with sunshine, blue skies, and temperatures rarely exceeding 85 degrees. Snow makes wintertime in Washington a blast. It may not stick around for long, but while it lasts, everyone enjoys snow sledding, building snowmen, and skiing in the nearby passes. Colorful maple leaves blanket the trees and ground in the Autumn, making for picture perfect leaf fights.

Base Amenities

The base hospital is Naval Hospital Bremerton, which serves the military in this region. There is a Commissary and a Navy Exchange (NEX) on each of the Bremerton and Bangor areas. Bangor and Bremerton also each have a movie theater, MWR office with Outdoor Recreation Rentals, a Fitness Complex, and an Aquatic Center. The Kitsap bowling alley is called Olympic Lanes. The base has the Gallery Golf Course with mountain views and several recreation areas. Camp McKean is on the Lake Kitsap shoreline and available for day use. Elwood Point has sports courts, walking trails, and BBQ pavillions to reserve.

Area Attractions

Due to the diversity of the region, almost everything is available here. Mountains, hot springs, microbreweries, music, big cities, and college towns. One of the favorites is Mt. Rainier, the famous snow-capped summit that you can sometimes see through the clouds. Additionally, the Emerald City of Seattle is a progressive and artsy city, home to a 7-ton bronze statue of Lenin and a giant troll under a bridge.

Take the "Poor Man's Cruise." Hop the ferry for a day trip to Whidbey Island to visit the Pacific Northwest home of the Coast Guard and Navy. While you’re there, pay a visit to two veteran-owned wineries, Holmes Harbor Cellars, and Comforts of Whidbey Winery. Enjoy the history in Steilacoom, it’s the oldest incorporated city in Washington, established in 1854! If soaking up history doesn’t sound like fun to you schedule some family (or solo) time at the beach or enjoy a 20-minute ferry ride to Anderson Island.

Tacoma: Take off on the light rail and visit the Museum of Glass, the Museum of Art, or the Museum of History located in downtown Tacoma or root for the home team at a Ranier baseball game at Rainer Stadium.

There is so much to see and do in Seattle and it’s only about an hour away. Spend your day exploring the birthplace of coffee culture and grunge and make sure to visit the famous Pikes Place Market or head to the waterfront to ride the Great Wheel or visit the Seattle Aquarium.

Mount Rainier is an active volcano that stands a whopping 14,410 feet above sea level. The Mountain and surrounding National Park makes for a perfect get-a-way with activities for everyone. Spend the day hiking, sledding, and snowboarding! Pay tribute at the Mount Rainier National Park Valor Memorial.

Canada! That’s right Canada. Visit our northern neighbors easily by taking an Amtrak train to downtown Vancouver or riding the Clipper ferry from Seattle to Victoria B.C.

Food and Drink

The Pacific Northwest is noted for its seafood, specifically crab and salmon. Aside from seafood, seasonal fruits and veggies are also included in popular regional dishes. Food trucks and carts have become wildly popular in urban areas, serving up fast and fresh option that allows residents to grab a quick lunch or dinner. The area also has a huge craft beer and coffee culture even outside of Seattle, home of Starbucks, and the region is a leader in the industry with many shops roasting their own beans.