Bainbridge Island is known for its scenic vistas and small-town allure, attracting both tourists and homebuyers. It’s also conveniently close to Seattle. Take a beautiful 35-minute ferry ride, and you’ll be in the city. While the island as a whole has excellent schools, beaches, hiking trails, restaurants, and shops, each neighborhood is unique, and there are different housing options to consider. From downtown condominiums to waterfront estates, Bainbridge Island offers an interesting mix. Here’s an overview of the island’s three main areas.
North Bainbridge Island
The Agate Point area (near the Agate Pass Bridge) is where many homes are nestled in the woods. Some even have water views. The neighborhood is also near the Bloedel Reserve, a stunning 150-acre botanical garden.
Another notable neighborhood is Port Madison. It’s characterized by a New England feel and homes typically offer picturesque waterfront views. Residents here enjoy convenient access to the Port Madison Yacht Club and Fay Bainbridge Park. This area also features the newer Hidden Cove Estates, with its open spaces and a waterfront park.
If you’re looking for a waterfront home with views of the Olympic Mountains, Manzanita Bay is an ideal choice. It’s also close to the Meadowmeer Golf & Country Club and the sprawling Battle Point Park.
If you prefer a more rural lifestyle, Rolling Bay is a charming community that offers homes on acreage. It’s near the central part of the island and provides a serene escape, yet it’s only a ten-minute drive from downtown Winslow.
Central Bainbridge Island
If you’re partial to neighborhoods that are closest to the ferry terminal to Seattle, look at houses in the central part of the island. Central Bainbridge is also the economic hub of the island, so it’s where you’ll find a more urban lifestyle. Manitou Beach and Murden Cove both boast waterfront properties with views of the Seattle skyline.
Wing Point is another popular neighborhood with a diverse range of housing options. Many residences are situated close to the Wing Point Golf & Country Club, and some have views of Eagle Harbor.
The downtown Winslow area serves as the cultural heart of Bainbridge Island. Here you can enjoy great shops, award-winning restaurants, and interesting museums. Additionally, there are many wonderful local events throughout the year, including concerts, First Friday Art Walk, and holiday festivals.
South Bainbridge Island
The southern region of Bainbridge Island benefits from excellent sun exposure. Neighborhoods in this part of the island offer stunning water and/or mountain views. This includes the Crystal Springs and Point White neighborhoods. Rockaway Beach and Port Blakely are also popular and have many low-bank waterfront homes. If you’re interested in buying a newer home, Port Blakely has homes built in the early 2000s.
Although this part of the island is a short drive from downtown Winslow, it has its own little downtown: Lynwood Center. This area has grown in recent years, especially with the renovation of Pleasant Beach Village. It’s a unique place with a fun mix of shops and delicious restaurants, and it is known for its Tudor-style architecture.
The Fort Ward neighborhood connects to part of Pleasant Beach Drive, and it is home to many exceptional, low-bank waterfront properties. Fort Ward State Park is a 137-acre marine park with an expansive beach. I recommend visiting it, especially on a sunny day.
Learn More About Neighborhoods on Bainbridge Island
If you want to learn more about Bainbridge Island’s schools, outdoor recreation, and more, view our free digital Guide to Bainbridge Island. Curious about Bainbridge’s real estate market? Check out our first-quarter market update.
I encourage you to explore the different neighborhoods on Bainbridge Island, and I’m happy to assist you as a knowledgeable local. For over thirty years, I have been marketing and selling properties in the Seattle and Bainbridge Island markets. Premier waterfront and estate properties are my specialty, but I’m happy to help first-time homebuyers, investors, and everything in between.