Naval Base Kitsap
Key Contacts
Hunt Military Communities
West Sound
Serving Bangor, Bremerton, and Keyport
4168 Greenfish Drive
Silverdale, WA 98315
PH: (360) 598-5831
School Liaison Officer
Bangor Plaza
2720 Ohio St.
Silverdale, WA 98315
PH: (360) 340-2824
Fleet and Family Support Center
2901 Barbel Street
Silverdale, WA 98315
PH: (360) 396-4115
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Naval Base Kitsap
". . . home base for the Navy's fleet throughout West Puget Sound”
Located on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington state, Naval Base Kitsap is a United States Navy base created in 2004 by combining the former Naval Station Bremerton with Naval Submarine Base Bangor. It is the home base for the Navy's fleet throughout West Puget Sound. It provides base operating services, support for both surface ships and fleet ballistic missiles, and other nuclear submarines. Naval Base Kitsap is one of the U.S. Navy's four nuclear shipyards, one of two strategic nuclear weapons facilities, and the only West Coast dry dock capable of handling a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and the Navy's largest fuel depot. Naval Base Kitsap is the third-largest Navy base in the U.S. The population of Naval Base Kitsap includes approximately 15,000 active duty military and about 21,000 civilian employees.
About Kitsap County
LOCATION
Naval Base Kitsap is located in Kitsap County, Washington, near Silverdale, Washington. Thirty-five miles west of Seattle by ferry and seventy-five miles away via I-5, Naval Base Kitsap is primarily situated on the Kitsap Peninsula across the Puget Sound from Seattle. For those traveling in and out of the Naval Base Kitsap area by air, Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is located in nearby downtown Seattle.
ATTRACTIONS
Whether it’s arts and culture or nearby recreation, being stationed at Naval Base Kitsap has no shortage of things to do and see. The Seattle Metro area is lively and cosmopolitan, beautifully set on the water with a dramatic backdrop of forests and mountains. The greater coastal area of the Pacific Northwest offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures including beaches, parks, marine life, and more. Within close proximity to the Cascade and Olympic mountains, hiking, camping, and scenic drives with spectacular views are options as well.
WEATHER
The Puget Sound basin has a mixture of low-rolling hills and a complex maze of sheltered inland saltwater. It has a mild climate characterized by wintertime clouds and rain but lots of summertime sunshine. On average, this area gets around 42 inches of rain annually, with only about four inches of snow. The months of May through September average highs between 68-72 degrees. In the winter, the lows hover around 30 degrees.
HELPFUL HINTS
This is considered to be a high-cost-of-living area. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Naval Base Kitsap.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
Located in Silverdale, Washington, on Naval Base Kitsap, “West Sound” includes the neighborhoods of Bangor, Bremerton, and Keyport. Homes are located in charming, walkable communities close to parks, playgrounds, walking paths, picnic areas, community centers, and exercise facilities. From Bangor/Keyport/Bremerton, residents are just a ferry ride away from Seattle’s rich cultural amenities and vibrant downtown. Hunt Military Communities manage homes on Naval Base Kitsap.
Naval Base Kitsap is located inside Kitsap County, along with Silverdale, Bremerton, Rocky Point, Bainbridge Island, and Lofall. Kitsap County has multiple public school districts. Central Kitsap School District serves Silverdale, while Bremerton School District serves Bremerton and Rocky Point.
Silverdale
ABOUT
If you love having your favorite stores like Trader Joe’s, Lowe’s, and Costco nearby, then Silverdale is the place to be. Very convenient shopping and dining options with various school districts and home styles.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Bangor-Olympic View
- Scandia
Nearby Attractions
- Silver City Brewery
- Kitsap Mall
- Scenic Beach State Park
By the Numbers
- Population 21,000
- Household Income $77,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- New construction abounds; many two-story, two-car garage homes
- Lots of dining, nightlife, and shopping options, including a Trader Joe’s and Costco
- Average six-mile commute to Naval Base Kitsap via WA-3
Things to Consider
- Dense suburban feel
- Potential for traffic before and after the duty day
Bremerton
ABOUT
Known for its convenience to everything you might want in Seattle without the commute and congestion, neighborhoods in Bremerton offer many options for city and urban living as well as being close to densely populated suburbs.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Kitsap Lake
- Fairview
- Enetai
Nearby Attractions
- Washington State Ferries
- Harborside Fountain Park
- Bremerton Boardwalk
- Puget Sound Navy Museum
By the Numbers
- Population 43,000
- Household Income $53,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- A mix of new construction and more established homes with popular split-foyer and craftsman styles
- Average six-mile commute to Naval Base Kitsap via WA-3
Things to Consider
- Fewer shopping options; many local shops of the mom-and-pop variety
Rocky Point
ABOUT
If you’re looking for a slower pace with a small-town feel, areas in Rocky Point are the place to call home. With short commute times, a primarily residential sense, and views around this area is perfect if you are looking for peace and quiet.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Oyster Bay
- East Bremerton
- West Bremerton
- Jackson Park
Nearby Attractions
- Dickerson Creek Waterfall
- Pacific Planetarium
- Gig Harbor Gondola
By the Numbers
- Population 1,600
- Household Income $75,000
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area. Ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- The quiet, small-town setting
- Many homes in this area are on the waterfront or have water views•. Average five-mile commute to Naval Base Kitsap via Rocky Point Road NW.
Things to Consider
- Fewer options for shopping and restaurants
- A smaller amount of real estate inventory
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
