Hawaii to Washington St (Seattle, Bremerton: to rent, homes, buying)

[highbl00d]

My family and I are looking to relocate to Washington State, specifically the Bremerton area for work. I've had my eye on Poulsbo, Port Orchard, and Silverdale as places to live... in that order. I've frequented the Spanaway and University Place areas in the past, but they are a little too far for my commute.

Any insight on the first 3 areas I mentioned? I know its a broad question, but I'd like to get a bunch of info to help me sort my decision out. I'll check back periodically being that I know I'll need to provide answers/feedback as this thread goes on.

Also, I know people tell me to rent a place first to see how I like it there before buying, however, my family and I will be bringing a large dog and I cant find too many places to rent that have a big open yard for him to romp around in. A lot of the newer homes that Im looking at are well within my budget for these areas and are very attractive, but again it's all thru the internet and not me physically being in the area. I will be making a trip sometime before the move to check these areas out.

Thanks for taking the time to read this !

[Hemlock140]

All three are good places to live. Silverdale has the big mall and every shop and restaurant you can need, some fantastic properties on Hood Canal and others not so great in parts. Port Orchard is generally the same, mostly good but more crime, not as much business. Of the three I would move to Poulsbo (and have considered it). Very nice old downtown, the best market (Central) in the state, and a wide variety of nice homes from mobiles to mansions on acreage, newer small home developments and everything in between. Very family-oriented with town events all year. Also within 20 minutes of the shopping in Silverdale, but does have Home Depot and Walmart, both fairly new. Within 20 minutes
of the Bainbridge Island ferry, making it the closest of the 3 to get to Seattle.

[Ira500]

I just happen to find Poulsbo to be totally charming, with awesome views and cool old buildings. The downtown area is vibrant and walkable. Port Orchard has nice views, but lacks the energy and vitality that Poulsob has. Gig Harbor's pretty cool but a bit more expensive. I don't know Silverdale real well, but it does have a huge shopping mall and bunch of strip malls nearby it. Not my cup of tea, but convenient if you like to shop. Not far from Port Orchard is Manchester/Southworth, which is a plus because its near the ferry that goes to Seattle( West Seattle)..

[highbl00d]

thanks for the input !! Im really excited and cant wait to make the move...

[firetoe]

Aloha just moved here and it is pretty neat in poulsbo I live further out in Indianola. the pennisula does not seem to have any commuting issues like oahu,rents vary but it is not as tight as hi good luck

[highbl00d]

thanks firetoe. im sure anything is cheaper than here..lol

[KAILANI]

The outskirts of the Silverdale area are really nice, kinda like Mililani but bigger!!

Is this a military move??

There's a GREAT place called "Aloha Kitchen" in Silverdale that has ONO Hawaiian foods and music!

[highbl00d]

KAILANI, not really military, DoD tho... and yeah, I have family that mentioned that kitchen..hehe... we are still waiting to see if I can even get a position. funny you mentioned it, if I dont get to move up there, I actually am looking at mililani..

[firetoe]

not in the military any more got out of the marine corp 20years ago married a canadian girl from victoria ca so this is the compromise but so good so far