Port Orchard is a beautiful waterfront community in Washington that offers a place to come home and relax after a hard day’s work. Since many of its residents commute to nearby cities, Port Orchard maintains a quiet atmosphere with small-town charm where you can distance yourself from life’s chaos.
The area is known for its natural beauty, drenched in layers of emerald green grass and trees against a mountain backdrop with rivers, streams, and lakes. The setting is ideal for fishing, boating, or walking the riverfront to shopping antique stores or delight in some of the best dining with a view.
While Port Orchard does offer small grocery stores, businesses, restaurants, antique shops, a farmer’s market, movie theater, and bowling alley, the city isn’t stuffed with big-box retail stores, nightlife venues, or the hustle and bustle of bigger metropolitan areas nearby.
And yet, because of its convenient location, Port Orchard is just 30 minutes from Tacoma, an hour to Seattle, and just two hours from the coast. You’re a short ride away from endless entertainment, shopping, dining, nightlife, and recreation.
Things to Do In Port Orchard
There are six parks spread throughout Port Orchard that offer amenities like playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, barbecue and picnic areas, and more.
Port Orchard’s Parks include:
- Central Park, also known as Clayton Park
- Etta Turner Park
- Givens Park
- McCormick Village Park
- Rockwell park
- Van Zee Park
Port Orchard is also home to one movie theater, Regal South Sound Cinema, and one bowling alley, Hi Joy Bowl.
Because Port Orchard is surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, it’s an ideal location for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, camping, and more.
It’s true that Port Orchard isn’t cramped with an abundance of big retail stores, there is an enchanting collection of antiques, boutiques, and collectible shops, as well as stores with games and toys for all ages, in the downtown area.
Also in the downtown area is Port Orchard Public Market featuring permanent and seasonal vendors showcasing artisan pottery, flowers and gifts, and plenty of options for a meal, sweet treat, coffee shops, juice bars, and more.
Education in Port Orchard, Washington
Kitsap County School District provides public school education to students living in Port Orchard.
There are nine elementary schools in Port Orchard, Washington, as well as two middle schools and one high school.
In addition to the public schools, Port Orchard is home to several early learning centers and Bethany Lutheran Private School.
The Climate in Port Orchard, Washington
Cool summers and mild winters are part of Port Orchard’s appeal. And, for those who are comforted by grey skies and soft, misty rains, the weather is perfect.
On average, Port Orchard gets sunshine 153 days of the year, in contrast to the national average of 205 days of sun. High summer temperatures are comfortably below a hundred at a cool 76 degrees.
On the other hand, the area has measurable precipitation of about 158 days of the year. Of that measurable precipitation, 47 inches is rain, compared to the U.S. average of 38 inches. But it’s that rain that sustains the natural beauty Port Orchard is known for.
Port Orchard also receives about four inches of snow per year, which is far below the national average of 28 inches of snow.
Public Transportation in Port Orchard, Washington
Kitsap County Transit provides fixed bus routes in addition to ferry rides to Seattle.
Port Orchard is home to Port Orchard private airport but is only 52 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Living in Port Orchard, Washington
Although Port Orchard is Kitsap County’s largest city by area (and the county seat!), its population is relatively small, giving the feel that everybody addresses each other by name with a smile.
There are approximately 13,997 residents living in Port Orchard’s hushed, natural surroundings in the 98366 zip code.
Among its population, Port Orchard’s median household income is estimated at approximately $72,400, slightly higher than the Washington state average of $70,979 annually.
Homes in Port Orchard, Washington, hold median values of about $325,730, slightly more affordable than the Washington median home value of $339,000.
Conclusion
It’s nice to live near the buzz of big cities and to have easy access to all their amenities. But that doesn’t mean that big-city life matches your vision of your lifestyle.
You may prefer a small, quiet little town that emanates community spirit. When you’re ready to find a cozy waterfront lifestyle, surrounded by nature, and separated from the chaos of the city, then consider Port Orchard for your new home.
Have Questions? Ask Marilyn!
Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give Marilyn Richesin a call today at 360-386-2045 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.
