Retirement on Bainbridge Island

“elegant island vibe (more nautical stripes than surfer shorts)”, Vogue Magazine, 2016

Bainbridge Island was named The Nantucket of the Pacific Northwest by Vogue magazine in 2016 and described as having an “elegant island vibe (more nautical stripes than surfer shorts)”. It’s a residential gateway for families and retirees alike. Lined with glorious views, mom-and-pop shops, and plentiful community and cultural events, Bainbridge has a small-town feel while maintaining access to important services like health care. For those looking to spend their golden years in a vibrant and active community while surrounded by natural beauty, Bainbridge holds a number of promising opportunities and checks most of the important boxes.

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Accessibility

Despite its relatively rural nature, public transportation around the island is easier than it may appear at first glance. Kitsap Transit offers multiple options, including and (specifically designed for seniors and people with disabilities) to help arrange transport. To make things more affordable, seniors 65 years or older or anyone with a Medicare card can take advantage of . BI Rides ACCESS half-price ferry fares.

Safety

Bainbridge Island was ranked #6 safest cities to live in Washington state, due largely to its low crime rate compared to the national average.

57% below for total crime

84% below for violent crime

51% for below for property crime

Where To Go For Fun

You’re probably well aware of the recreational activities you can participate in on Bainbridge Island, but there are other options for fun. Some of which include indoor swimming pools, golf courses, fine and casual dining, wine tasting, pickleball, coffee shops, and arts appreciation. There’s a little bit of everything and everyone when you’re on the island!

Pools

Bainbridge Aquatic Center

The Bainbridge Aquatic Center has two pools: the Ray Williamson Pool sixlane and 25-yards and the Don Nakata Memorial Pool that includes a water slide, lazy river, three-meter diving board, and four 25-yard lap lanes. Both are indoor pools. They also offer swim and fitness classes. Prices range from $6 for an individual day to $918 for a year. 8521 Madison Avenue | (206) 842-2302

Bainbridge Island Rec Center

The Bainbridge Island Rec Center has one outdoor pool that is 23-yards and has three lap lanes. Come for swimming lessons, a relaxing swim during open swim times, or join a low-impact fitness class.

11700 NE Meadowmeer Circle | (206) 842-5661

Pleasant Beach Pool

Along with a 25-yard outdoor pool, you can enjoy a covered picnic area, hot tub, swimming lessons, fitness center, a snack shack with tasty options from local restaurants in Lynwood as well as a full-service bar. Pricing is $115 a month for a single adult with an additional $1750 joining fee.

7880 Pitts Path Lane NE | (206) 842-5661

Wing Point Pool

Wing Point Pool is an outdoor pool located in the country and golf club. The pool facility includes a small diving board, a poolside basketball hoop, and a snack shack. There are several price points for membership at Wing Point including social and golf memberships.

811 Cherry Avenue | (206) 842-2688

Golf

Wing Point

Wing Point has an 18-hole golf course featuring 5,664 yards. Enjoy their nice restaurant, space for events, programs and golf classes available throughout the year. There are a few levels of membership from ownership to golf, to recreational only. The wait list to join is long so don’t wait.

811 Cherry Avenue | (206) 842-2688

Meadowmeer

In the mid part of the island, this par 3, 9 hole golf course is also a community club. They have leagues for different skillsets, facilities with putting greens, sand traps, and chipping greens. Monthly dues are about $130 a family, can be included in home ownership for the Meadowmeer Community and they also have a daily rate.

8530 Renny Lane NE | (206) 842-2218

Take A Hike!

Bainbridge Island’s public trails network stretches more than 42 miles so you’ll never get tired of the same scenery. Here a few of my favorites:

Waterfront Trail

This 2 mi RT trail starts at the ferry terminal and goes through town along Eagle Harbor past interesting historical locations. Elevation gain is about 26 ft.

Grand Forest

The Grand Forest encompasses 240-acres across three parcels, with approximately 8 miles of trails in an understory of largely second growth forest. 2.2 mi loop with 269 ft elevation gain.

Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve

Enter through a beautiful forest, visit a small lake with birds flying overhead reaching a walk in only beach. 6.8 mi RT, 500 ft elevation gain.

Health and Fitness

One of Bainbridge’s greatest - though perhaps less talked about - aspects is the number of available active opportunities. This is especially true for seniors. There is a large network of people wanting to remain active and engaged. Explore new ways to keep active in mind, body and spirit while making new friends.

The Bainbridge Island Parks and Rec and BIRC

The BIRC offers numerous classes for adults, many geared towards seniors. Whether interested in Tai Chi, walking, or trying out pottery, there are options available for most. In particular, the walking program is a great way for seniors to get outside, get some exercise in and meet some new and interesting people. You can also sign up for one of their music or creative classes.

11700 NE Meadowmeer Cir | (206) 887-8329

Island Fitness in Winslow

Find additional exercise classes, as well as personally tailored workouts with a trainer. This is also a Silver Sneakers certified gym and offers many mobility scalable classes. 190 Madison Ave | (206) 842-5720

Centers

Bainbridge Island Senior Community/Center

Located in Winslow by Waterfront Park, the Center holds its mission is to empower the mind, body and spirit of Bainbridge residents to enhance their quality of life and “assist them in living as productively and independently as possible”. They do this through a variety of endeavors, including clubs, groups, classes, fitness, movies and projects. They not hold onto outdated concepts of aging. Instead, they’ll provide the information, tools, and support that older adults (50+) want and need in their quest for healthy and engaged living.

370 Brien Ave. SE | (206) 842-1616 | info@biseniorcenter.org

Health Care

From a medical perspective, the largest group on the island is Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, located on Wintergreen just off the northeast corner of 305 and High School Rd. In addition to primary care services, they house the only current urgent care on the island as well as multiple subspecialties such as Cardiology, Orthopedics, Dermatology and Rheumatology. There are multiple other, smaller primary care facilities on the island, all located in the Winslow area. For additional specialty care, there are options available in Silverdale as well as in the Poulsbo area.

The nearest emergency and inpatient services are offered in Silverdale (about a 30 minute ride) at Saint Michael Medical Center or one of the larger hospitals in Seattle, the latter needing to be accessed by ferry or by medical airlift. This inconvenience is one of the downsides of island living. For those concerned that they may need emergent transportation off the island or who want peace of mind just in case, getting coverage for possible airlift medical evacuation is generally worth the low cost through groups such as Air Lift Northwest, Island Air, and Life Flight.

For ongoing wellness, including occupation and physical therapies, there are numerous options available. These can be found either through the health care networks or (more commonly on the island) are operated through smaller, private centers. The island also contains multiple health modalities in addition to the above available. As such, there are multiple options for those looking for acupuncture, Reiki, Chinese medicine or other healing alternatives.

Rehabilitation Services

Bainbridge Island Health & Rehabilitation

Their goal is to get loved ones strong enough to return home safely, in the least amount of time possible. They are committed to creating continued success at home by offering outpatient therapy either in their gym or in your own home. They also offer caring and compassionate care in a safe environment.

835 Madison Ave N | (206) 842-4765 | BainbridgeIsland@ensignservices.net

Assisted Living

Bainbridge Island is also able to provide for people as life and function becomes more limited. In addition to assisting with efforts to maintain independence at home, there are resources and residential options available for those throughout the spectrum from independent living to skilled nursing requirements

Winslow Manor

Operated through Bainbridge Senior Living, Winslow Manor offers independent senior living in the heart of Winslow. Residents live in a modern, low-rise apartment complex on Bainbridge Island with year-round views of beautiful Eagle Harbor.

234 Wood Ave SW | (206) 842-2500

Wyatt House

Located in Winslow, Wyatt House strikes a lovely balance by providing the most compassionate care in the most comfortable surroundings. They provide a spectrum of services with nursing assistance on site and on call nursing available. Operated through Bainbridge Senior Living.

186 Wyatt Way NE | (206) 780-3646

Madison House

Offering convenient assisted living while proving in house caregivers, meals and laundry. Residents live in apartments with kitchens and exterior balconies. Operated by Bainbridge Senior Living.

285 Madison Ave S | (206) 842-3694

Madrona House

Madrona House offers the region’s most innovative care for people with dementia, with exclusive features specifically designed to assist the memory impaired. Wonderfully modern and thoroughly comfortable, Madrona House represents the next generation of assisted living care—offering a complete spectrum of services and assistance for residents. Operated by Bainbridge Senior Living.

8800 Madison Ave N | (206) 317-6000

Bailey Manor

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in Bainbridge Island, Washington, Bailey Manor is an adult family home for senior adults who need daily living assistance. Their friendly, professional caregivers are dedicated to meeting each resident’s individual needs and providing a clean, safe and positive family environment.

1534 Whited Place NW | (206) 780-1970 | BaileyManorII@gmail.com

Fieldstone Memory Care

Awarded the Immunization Champion Gold Award Winner in Spring 2022. Fieldstone Memory Care is committed to enriching the lives of their residents and their families, they provide engaging, compassionate care focused on residents with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

10861 Manitou Park Boulevard NE | (206) 594-1010

Arts and Culture

The arts community on Bainbridge Island is robust and plentiful—from music to visual artists—there are opportunities for all. Watch movie classics in a charming theatre, learn a new craft at the BARN, experience live performances at the BPA, just to name a few.

Bainbridge Music Guild

For others looking to take on additional hobbies, either musically or creatively, there are multiple options through the Bainbridge Music Guild.

10598 NE Valley Road | (206) 780-6911

Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network

BARN maintains a well-equipped facility with a variety of craft studios, offer access to all studios for members as well as the public, offer classes and events that increase the ability of participants to learn and expand their skills, and support other non-profit organizations through community service using their core competencies.

8890 Three Tree Lane NE | (206) 842-4475

Bainbridge Performing Arts

Their mission is to promote appreciation of and participation in the performing arts to build, educate, entertain, and inspire our vibrant, creative community. They offer plays, symphonies, chamber music, dance & comedy in a 245-seat theater.

200 Madison Ave N | (206) 842-8569

Bainbridge Cinemas

First-run movies with 5 screens to choose from. They offer headphones for both hearing and visually impaired movie-goes. Additionally, they have closed caption headset receivers (glasses) that display captions during the film, which allow you to see the screen as well as read the dialogue. They take requests in advance to show any film with captioning (when available).

403 Madison Ave N in the Pavilion | (206) 855-8169

Lynwood Theatre

Housed in a charming Tudor style building near Lynwood Center, the theatre offers foreign, classic and indie films in an intimate setting. Edna & Emanual Olson opened the original Lynwood Theatre as the Island’s first “talking picture” theatre on July 3, 1936 with the musical comedies Times Square Playboy and She Couldn’t Take It.

4569 Lynwood Center Rd NE | (206) 451-4336

First Fridays Downtown

Every first Friday of the month, downtown Bainbridge Island comes alive with its First Friday Art Walk. This event features galleries, studios, museums, shops, and restaurants showcasing the creative talent found in our growing art scene. Stroll up and down Winslow way and sample food, wine, appreciate art and take in live music.

650 Winslow Way E | (206) 451-4000

Bainbridge Island Farmer’s Market

The Bainbridge Island Farmers Market hosts over 40 local vendors, including farmers, food vendors, and crafters with artisan-made goods. Visit their open-air market every Saturday from 10-2, April through November in the Town Square by City Hall. Farm fresh, entertainment, food, artisan crafts, and more.

280 Madison Ave N | (206) 914-1103

Moonlight Market

Moonlight Market is a fun family-friendly night market. Enjoy music and craft food and drinks while exploring more than 30 market booths. First Friday of the month.

280 Madison Ave N

Additional Resources

Compass and Clock

Compass & Clock is a comprehensive guide to retirement planning. Their educational program is designed to help you navigate aging in place; maintaining physical and financial health; housing options & family support; legal guidance; leisure pursuits; and so much more.

Corner of Baker Hill Road and, Lynwood Center Rd NE | (206) 321-8016 | compassandclockmc@gmail.com

Bainbridge Island Volunteer Caregivers

This organization looks to develop connections between caring volunteers and seniors as well as people with temporary or long-term disabilities. They offer in-home services such as companionship, light housekeeping and meal prep as well as respite care. Additionally, they can assist with organizing transportation, picking up prescriptions and groceries, as well as flower delivery.

147 Finch Place SW, Suite 4 | (206) 842-4441 | info@ivcbainbridge.org

Blue Nest Home

The Blue Nest Home team can create custom solutions for every organizing need. From kitchens and closets to paperwork and filing, all the way to serious clutter. Their team of compassionate and professional organizers helps families make transitions in a caring way that allows the family to take time for themselves while also getting the project done at the same time. You can have confidence that your most treasured items will be handled with special care and arrive safely in your new home.