“Loving Island Life” Bainbridge Island “An Alternative To The Eastside?”

There’s no question that heated markets like West Bellevue, Medina and Mercer Island are a popular choice for new residents arriving to the region. With miles of gorgeous waterfront homes, renowned school districts, ample recreation, retail, dining and residential services – the Eastside has led King County out of a real estate tailspin. But such popularity comes with a price, especially for waterfront. Perhaps that’s why more and more buyers have been eyeing Bainbridge Island as an alternative, which boasts many similar attributes but at half the price, according to local brokers. “Like those that live on the Eastside, we enjoy independence from downtown Seattle given all the amenities found here on Bainbridge Island – this is a place where you feel like you get away to it all,” said Sonja Jones, Founding Member of the Bainbridge Island branch for Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “Sure, there’s the occasional business meeting, cultural happening or sporting events in the city but commuting downtown is only a half hour ferry ride away. And there are plenty of days when that commute is longer (and more stressful) between Seattle and Bellevue. It’s only getting more challenging with the tolling of major routes and planned light rail initiatives.”

Comparing the trends on the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, there have been 32 waterfront home sales in 2012 within the Eastside region (areas #510 & #520) with the median home price of $2,342,000 or an average price of $656 per square foot. Over the same period there have been 52 such waterfront home sales on Bainbridge Island but the median home price was just $950,000 or an average of price just $349 per square foot.

Bainbridge Island has long been an alternative real estate market for mainlanders, but for families that know this community– it’s the preferred alternative,” adds Jones. “Our public schools consistently rank at the highest levels for state and national statistics. And as our storybook, seaside lifestyle becomes better known we’ll continue to see increases in real estate activity and property values.”

For more information about Events and things to do on Bainbridge Island, our Real Estate Market , Bainbridge Island Lifestyle, Condominiums, Luxury Waterfront Homes, Equestrian Properties, and Estates and Farms, visit www.homesforsaleonbainbridgeisland.com. Discover what “Loving Island Life” is all about!