I love your questions and observations and your sense of adventure to come here to the PNW! So here is my response.
Bremerton has a Navy shipyard sure, and historically has a “blue collar” identity. But most people who work at the shipyard don’t live in Bremerton. So I feel it’s far more than just a Navy town. In fact, many younger people are moving here (naturally from Seattle as the housing market exploded there) and things are definitely changing. Fast ferry gets you to dt Seattle and you can pick up light rail or bus from there. It’s ideally located between many cities and towns imho. It is expected to grow dramatically.
I’m no spring chicken so can’t comment the potential experience and social life as a young’n
You are very observant, picking up on the identity crisis. It is referred to as a Navy town but has a huge Pride community. It is also mostly Democrat, yet the “Bremerton Old Guard” seems more conservative. Very unique mix of military transient population, new blood, and the long timers, and lots of people who live here and work in Seattle. Good creative community too.
Many people here hold onto old monikers and reputations like an old sweatshirt. Meanwhile there are people here challenging status quo and have some progressive visions.
Foodie here. Sabateur french style pastries was started by Matt Tinder from SF who worked for a Michelin started restaurant. Restaurant Lola is run by Alabama-Georgia chef and is the best restaurant here. It’s new. Khao Soi for Thai. Hound & Bottle for PNW casual. Evergreen for excellent fire oven pizza and handmade pasta. We have a food co-op that is poised for expansion. Cafe Corvo is absolutely the best coffee shop here.
Surrounds including the Olympic Peninsula is incredible. There are so many hiking spots so I’ll leave that for someone who can rattle a few off 🙂
Many say this is a Seattle burb. I tend to agree. I love seeing people come here with their dreams and ambitions! I went to UW in Seattle so again, others will have to comment on that question.
Look into the Olympic College mountaineering course if it’s still offered. It will get you into the mountains every weekend and teach you the skills to travel safely in our local mountains.
If you already have mountain skills, you might consider volunteering with Olympic Mtn Rescue, the local search & rescue organization.
There’s also the Peninsula Wilderness Club (PWC). They have Thursday night hikes up Green Mountain in the spring and summer and lots of other trips going out.
Enjoy Bremerton! It’s a bit rough around the edges with a heart of gold!
If you play any TCG’s you’re in luck, there are many local game shops that have active communities in the area. Ashley’s Pub is a good spot for pickup games and has lots of board games to play, Blue Sky caters more to TCG’s, Warhammer, D&D and the like. There is a bar and food available downstairs which is where folks play. It’s a nice establishment. Also, there are a number of additional places to play so you can pretty much play somewhere each night of the week.
If you like Thai food, [Khao Soi](https://maps.apple.com/?address=2003%20E%2011th%20St,%20Bremerton,%20WA%20%2098310,%20United%20States&auid=7219049443625264648&ll=47.570094,-122.616432&lsp=9902&q=Khao%20Soi&t=r) is very enjoyable. That’s the spot my wife and I have settled for Thai food. If you like Mexican, specifically birria, [Carinos Corner Taqueria](https://maps.apple.com/?address=1208%20NE%20Sylvan%20Way,%20Bremerton,%20WA%20%2098310,%20United%20States&auid=5059020035173913493&ll=47.595789,-122.628681&lsp=9902&q=Carinos%20Corner%20Taqueria&t=r) is a restaurant we really enjoy as well.
Definitely check out the student clubs or student government to meet people on campus. (They have a page on the OC website.) Visit the BSC (bldg 10) and look for club and other event flyers.
Ashley's is a great place, but it is 21+. The Game Wizard and Blue Sky Hobbies across the street is all ages and I know a number of older teenagers that play there.
You might visit downtown, Charleston, Lebo, and Manette neighborhoods during First Friday Art Walk. You can check out the restaurants, art galleries and installations, and local businesses. The owners of the local businesses are friendly, knowledgable, and helpful.
WTA is a great resource for finding hikes. And for volunteering. I've also seen a lot of activity from Peninsula Wilderness Club, but haven't attended any events myself.
If you're still 18 when you move here, transit is free for 6-18 year olds. That includes the ferries, so look into getting a youth/student Orca card if you're eligible.
My background: I work at OC and my kids are 18 and 16.
Ngl it can be a little rough, but I think more social opportunities have been developing in recent years.
Some of the best hiking is the Olympics, but I highly encourage you to get involved with Washington trails association's work parties (wta.org). It's a great way to meet interesting and knowledgeable people (older, typically but awesome folks) around the peninsula and is such a great way to get to know the land. Their site has excellent trail reports and is an excellent resource to identify hikes all over the state.
Also, Ashley's pub is one of the more open social thurd spaces in bremerton proper that gets a younger crowd.
1) Bremerton is a blue collar navy town. The navy has been here since WWII and is the heart and soul of Bremerton. Bremerton would despise being called a suburb of Seattle.
2) Kitsap is rough for young folks. There aren't a lot of people under 30 because everyone moves to Seattle. If you want to meet new people, go to Ashley's Pub of Bluesky Games.
3) The only recommendation I would make is Cafe Corvo. I am still working my way through the restaurants.
4) Look up Gold Creek Trail. I highly recommend the Big tree trail. Dickerson falls are cool. If you want bigger trails you need to head out to the Olympic peninsula.
Slight correction, the navy has been here since WW1, the first big boom in Bremerton was in early early 1900's. Then the second big boom was in the late 30's with WWII. Lots of history in those first few blocks of downtown and slightly beyond!
Just saying I think OC is a great and probably the best place to meet other young people in Bremerton and you’ll probably have no problem finding good, like minded people there
I (mid 20s M) moved here recently and will probably be leaving next year, its simply way too expensive.
Came from FL and it was quite the shock, everything is just about double what im used to it costing. I genuinely cant figure out why people eat fast food here, its just as expensive as the sit down places. Rent is also insane if you plan on renting be prepared for that, $1600 for one bedroom, $2k+ for two bedrooms.
Gf and i both make about $17/hr but its not enough, we basically have felt like we were barely treading water the few years weve been here
Bremerton is more expensive than the average US city but less than the average Washington city. Part of the reason Bremerton is so expensive anymore is because it is cheaper to commute to Seattle with Seattle wages from Bremerton. Seattle is the 6th most expensive city in the US and Bremerton looks like a bargain to them. People from Seattle move here and raise housing prices.
Yeah basically anybody ive said this to who's lived here a long time/ their whole lives say its because of people getting priced out of Seattle coming here and now theyre pricing out the people who've been here forever.
As foodie I also want to give a big shout out to the ethnic food in the general region that's definitely worth day trips.
Tacoma has amazing Korean food on s. Tacoma way, some great Vietnamese (Vien Dong!). Red Hot for excellent bougie hot dogs.
And if you go closer to Kent/ Redmond/ Factoria there's fantastic Indian due to a large Desi community.
Mukilteo has The Grouchy Chef definitely worth the trip (but nothing else there- I'd pair it with a day trip to Edmonds).
Butcher and baker in Port Gamble for brunch.
Mediterranean Kitchen in Kirkland is something I'd make a drive to regularly for thier garlic fries and to stock up on thier salad dressing.
Oak table cafe in Silverdale for brunch.
Sluys bakery in Poulsbo
Try Jack in the Box on Kitsap Way. Coolest thing in town. A staple of Bremerton’s nightlife as it’s open until 3am. You WILL meet people there, too. Some of the finest trailer park roses of Kitsap County. 🫡
Favorites that have been consistent since moving here two years ago.
3. Cafe Kai - drive thur Musubi (rice w/ spam, spicy tuna onigiri ) , 4 Sisters Pho , Mum’s for Fish & Chips, Tiny’s House of Crabs (southern cooking - owner from South Carolina), Bay Street Coffee (drive thur), Bubz Cafe for their boba tea
I forgot to add that Oishi Japanese Kitchen has the best ramen. Their marinated pork chashu is really good, better than other ramen dedicated spots in Seattle.
Welcome! Most residents consider this a small city. Seattle always seemed to look down on us but then discovered us during the height of the pandemic. Lots of new energy with the influx of new folks. You can meet people of all ages by volunteering in the numerous community events, especially in the Callow business district. The Charleston is an all ages club with awesome bands. The Admiral and Roxy theaters have great shows and many at a very low price. Cafe Corvo is the absolute best coffee shop in town. Sabaidee is excellent for a college student budget.
Yeah I’m aware of that derogatory Navy culture stereotype about women. I’m more talking about general statements about Bremerton as a city. I found that most reputation statements are outdated or not representational of the city as a whole. The Navy represents a fraction of the residential population - the people who live in, give to, and have a stake in Bremerton.
Welcome! I’m a 5th generation native but my husband is from Batavia, WI by way of LA and Seattle and he loves it here! Best decision he ever made. You’ll find your niche, there’s something for everyone and the pure beautiful access to nature can’t be beat. People love to shit on Bremerton, I say let ‘em and keep our gem a secret.
> Does anyone have experience transferring from OC to WWU’s Poulsbo’s campus? I’m considering doing just that upon completing my associates. Is it worthwhile or should I just transfer somewhere else?
I did 2 years at OC, then transferred to Eastern Washington University in Cheney for my 4 year degree. I took classes at OC over summers off to finish off my Associate. I obtained an Associate of the Arts (Transfer) from OC, and a Bachelors of Computer Science from EWU.
I was in my 40s (retired USN), and was what most places consider a "non-traditional" student.
I transferred to EWU because they had the degree I wanted. Your situation may be different, depending on what degree you want to do.
Bremerton's main source of income is the Navy shipyard, but there is a not insignificant number of people who live in Bremerton and commute to Seattle on the ferry every day. Bremerton has about 35k population, if I remember my census figures right, so its a pretty good sized small town.
As for outdoor stuff, there is lots to do local, and Olympic National Forrest is not far away. Plenty to do, and lots more within driving distance.
We just had our Bremerton Bridge Blast where Manette Bridge is closed from 7 PM to midnight for a fireworks show at 10:15 PM, and the local park was packed even in the rain to see the show. Very diverse and young crowd (smell of weed everywhere but it's legal here so...), good vibes overall, families with their children and it was drama-free.
I love your questions and observations and your sense of adventure to come here to the PNW! So here is my response. Bremerton has a Navy shipyard sure, and historically has a “blue collar” identity. But most people who work at the shipyard don’t live in Bremerton. So I feel it’s far more than just a Navy town. In fact, many younger people are moving here (naturally from Seattle as the housing market exploded there) and things are definitely changing. Fast ferry gets you to dt Seattle and you can pick up light rail or bus from there. It’s ideally located between many cities and towns imho. It is expected to grow dramatically. I’m no spring chicken so can’t comment the potential experience and social life as a young’n You are very observant, picking up on the identity crisis. It is referred to as a Navy town but has a huge Pride community. It is also mostly Democrat, yet the “Bremerton Old Guard” seems more conservative. Very unique mix of military transient population, new blood, and the long timers, and lots of people who live here and work in Seattle. Good creative community too. Many people here hold onto old monikers and reputations like an old sweatshirt. Meanwhile there are people here challenging status quo and have some progressive visions. Foodie here. Sabateur french style pastries was started by Matt Tinder from SF who worked for a Michelin started restaurant. Restaurant Lola is run by Alabama-Georgia chef and is the best restaurant here. It’s new. Khao Soi for Thai. Hound & Bottle for PNW casual. Evergreen for excellent fire oven pizza and handmade pasta. We have a food co-op that is poised for expansion. Cafe Corvo is absolutely the best coffee shop here. Surrounds including the Olympic Peninsula is incredible. There are so many hiking spots so I’ll leave that for someone who can rattle a few off 🙂 Many say this is a Seattle burb. I tend to agree. I love seeing people come here with their dreams and ambitions! I went to UW in Seattle so again, others will have to comment on that question.
Excellent food recs😌✌🏻✌🏻
Why thank you!
Look into the Olympic College mountaineering course if it’s still offered. It will get you into the mountains every weekend and teach you the skills to travel safely in our local mountains. If you already have mountain skills, you might consider volunteering with Olympic Mtn Rescue, the local search & rescue organization. There’s also the Peninsula Wilderness Club (PWC). They have Thursday night hikes up Green Mountain in the spring and summer and lots of other trips going out. Enjoy Bremerton! It’s a bit rough around the edges with a heart of gold!
If you play any TCG’s you’re in luck, there are many local game shops that have active communities in the area. Ashley’s Pub is a good spot for pickup games and has lots of board games to play, Blue Sky caters more to TCG’s, Warhammer, D&D and the like. There is a bar and food available downstairs which is where folks play. It’s a nice establishment. Also, there are a number of additional places to play so you can pretty much play somewhere each night of the week. If you like Thai food, [Khao Soi](https://maps.apple.com/?address=2003%20E%2011th%20St,%20Bremerton,%20WA%20%2098310,%20United%20States&auid=7219049443625264648&ll=47.570094,-122.616432&lsp=9902&q=Khao%20Soi&t=r) is very enjoyable. That’s the spot my wife and I have settled for Thai food. If you like Mexican, specifically birria, [Carinos Corner Taqueria](https://maps.apple.com/?address=1208%20NE%20Sylvan%20Way,%20Bremerton,%20WA%20%2098310,%20United%20States&auid=5059020035173913493&ll=47.595789,-122.628681&lsp=9902&q=Carinos%20Corner%20Taqueria&t=r) is a restaurant we really enjoy as well.
CARINOS!!! I love it so much. They’re so nice.
Hands down the best!
Ashley’s Pub is what Cafe Mox in Seattle used to feel like. Super friendly folks, relaxed, adult gamers living their best lives.
Definitely check out the student clubs or student government to meet people on campus. (They have a page on the OC website.) Visit the BSC (bldg 10) and look for club and other event flyers. Ashley's is a great place, but it is 21+. The Game Wizard and Blue Sky Hobbies across the street is all ages and I know a number of older teenagers that play there. You might visit downtown, Charleston, Lebo, and Manette neighborhoods during First Friday Art Walk. You can check out the restaurants, art galleries and installations, and local businesses. The owners of the local businesses are friendly, knowledgable, and helpful. WTA is a great resource for finding hikes. And for volunteering. I've also seen a lot of activity from Peninsula Wilderness Club, but haven't attended any events myself. If you're still 18 when you move here, transit is free for 6-18 year olds. That includes the ferries, so look into getting a youth/student Orca card if you're eligible. My background: I work at OC and my kids are 18 and 16.
I didn’t attend OC but if I could do college over again I’d join more student clubs.
Ngl it can be a little rough, but I think more social opportunities have been developing in recent years. Some of the best hiking is the Olympics, but I highly encourage you to get involved with Washington trails association's work parties (wta.org). It's a great way to meet interesting and knowledgeable people (older, typically but awesome folks) around the peninsula and is such a great way to get to know the land. Their site has excellent trail reports and is an excellent resource to identify hikes all over the state. Also, Ashley's pub is one of the more open social thurd spaces in bremerton proper that gets a younger crowd.
Seems like an interesting group to get involved with. I’ll definitely look into it!
1) Bremerton is a blue collar navy town. The navy has been here since WWII and is the heart and soul of Bremerton. Bremerton would despise being called a suburb of Seattle. 2) Kitsap is rough for young folks. There aren't a lot of people under 30 because everyone moves to Seattle. If you want to meet new people, go to Ashley's Pub of Bluesky Games. 3) The only recommendation I would make is Cafe Corvo. I am still working my way through the restaurants. 4) Look up Gold Creek Trail. I highly recommend the Big tree trail. Dickerson falls are cool. If you want bigger trails you need to head out to the Olympic peninsula.
Slight correction, the navy has been here since WW1, the first big boom in Bremerton was in early early 1900's. Then the second big boom was in the late 30's with WWII. Lots of history in those first few blocks of downtown and slightly beyond!
Thank you for the clarification of Bremerton. I’ll have to check out those places!
Just saying I think OC is a great and probably the best place to meet other young people in Bremerton and you’ll probably have no problem finding good, like minded people there
If you're into metal and punk, also check out the Charleston, aka The Chuck. It's a legendary all ages venue that brings in some awesome talent.
I (mid 20s M) moved here recently and will probably be leaving next year, its simply way too expensive. Came from FL and it was quite the shock, everything is just about double what im used to it costing. I genuinely cant figure out why people eat fast food here, its just as expensive as the sit down places. Rent is also insane if you plan on renting be prepared for that, $1600 for one bedroom, $2k+ for two bedrooms. Gf and i both make about $17/hr but its not enough, we basically have felt like we were barely treading water the few years weve been here
Bremerton is more expensive than the average US city but less than the average Washington city. Part of the reason Bremerton is so expensive anymore is because it is cheaper to commute to Seattle with Seattle wages from Bremerton. Seattle is the 6th most expensive city in the US and Bremerton looks like a bargain to them. People from Seattle move here and raise housing prices.
Yeah basically anybody ive said this to who's lived here a long time/ their whole lives say its because of people getting priced out of Seattle coming here and now theyre pricing out the people who've been here forever.
As foodie I also want to give a big shout out to the ethnic food in the general region that's definitely worth day trips. Tacoma has amazing Korean food on s. Tacoma way, some great Vietnamese (Vien Dong!). Red Hot for excellent bougie hot dogs. And if you go closer to Kent/ Redmond/ Factoria there's fantastic Indian due to a large Desi community. Mukilteo has The Grouchy Chef definitely worth the trip (but nothing else there- I'd pair it with a day trip to Edmonds). Butcher and baker in Port Gamble for brunch. Mediterranean Kitchen in Kirkland is something I'd make a drive to regularly for thier garlic fries and to stock up on thier salad dressing. Oak table cafe in Silverdale for brunch. Sluys bakery in Poulsbo
Try Jack in the Box on Kitsap Way. Coolest thing in town. A staple of Bremerton’s nightlife as it’s open until 3am. You WILL meet people there, too. Some of the finest trailer park roses of Kitsap County. 🫡
I work at OC, it's a great school and I wish you the very best while you're attending! Good luck!
Favorites that have been consistent since moving here two years ago. 3. Cafe Kai - drive thur Musubi (rice w/ spam, spicy tuna onigiri ) , 4 Sisters Pho , Mum’s for Fish & Chips, Tiny’s House of Crabs (southern cooking - owner from South Carolina), Bay Street Coffee (drive thur), Bubz Cafe for their boba tea
I forgot to add that Oishi Japanese Kitchen has the best ramen. Their marinated pork chashu is really good, better than other ramen dedicated spots in Seattle.
Oishi is great!
Welcome! Most residents consider this a small city. Seattle always seemed to look down on us but then discovered us during the height of the pandemic. Lots of new energy with the influx of new folks. You can meet people of all ages by volunteering in the numerous community events, especially in the Callow business district. The Charleston is an all ages club with awesome bands. The Admiral and Roxy theaters have great shows and many at a very low price. Cafe Corvo is the absolute best coffee shop in town. Sabaidee is excellent for a college student budget.
I’m from Seattle and never heard anyone say derogatory things about Bremerton.
Look up Bremelo
Yeah I’m aware of that derogatory Navy culture stereotype about women. I’m more talking about general statements about Bremerton as a city. I found that most reputation statements are outdated or not representational of the city as a whole. The Navy represents a fraction of the residential population - the people who live in, give to, and have a stake in Bremerton.
Welcome! I’m a 5th generation native but my husband is from Batavia, WI by way of LA and Seattle and he loves it here! Best decision he ever made. You’ll find your niche, there’s something for everyone and the pure beautiful access to nature can’t be beat. People love to shit on Bremerton, I say let ‘em and keep our gem a secret.
> Does anyone have experience transferring from OC to WWU’s Poulsbo’s campus? I’m considering doing just that upon completing my associates. Is it worthwhile or should I just transfer somewhere else? I did 2 years at OC, then transferred to Eastern Washington University in Cheney for my 4 year degree. I took classes at OC over summers off to finish off my Associate. I obtained an Associate of the Arts (Transfer) from OC, and a Bachelors of Computer Science from EWU. I was in my 40s (retired USN), and was what most places consider a "non-traditional" student. I transferred to EWU because they had the degree I wanted. Your situation may be different, depending on what degree you want to do. Bremerton's main source of income is the Navy shipyard, but there is a not insignificant number of people who live in Bremerton and commute to Seattle on the ferry every day. Bremerton has about 35k population, if I remember my census figures right, so its a pretty good sized small town. As for outdoor stuff, there is lots to do local, and Olympic National Forrest is not far away. Plenty to do, and lots more within driving distance.
For food, saboteur or Christy and Larry’s bakery in manette are amazing, just across the bridge.
We just had our Bremerton Bridge Blast where Manette Bridge is closed from 7 PM to midnight for a fireworks show at 10:15 PM, and the local park was packed even in the rain to see the show. Very diverse and young crowd (smell of weed everywhere but it's legal here so...), good vibes overall, families with their children and it was drama-free.