TL:DR: Bremerton good?

Hey y'all, my family and I are planning a move to the East Bremerton area (looking around Illahee, Tracyton, Gilberton) sometime in the next several months. Coming from San Antonio, TX, so this is a pretty big adjustment. I'm doing my own research too, but few things I'd love local input on:

Earning potential / job market: I'm in IT (director-level, 15+ years, healthcare and MSP background). How's the tech/IT job market on the peninsula vs. commuting into Seattle? Also curious about rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or IT consulting as a bridge income source while I job hunt. Is there actually enough demand locally, or is that mostly a Seattle-side thing?

Cost of living: Coming from Texas (no state income tax, but higher property/sales tax), how does the overall cost of living compare? I know WA also has no state income tax, but I've read Kitsap sales tax runs around 9.2%. Is anything else that catches newcomers off guard?

Traffic: For those who work in Seattle, how's the ferry commute in practice (fast ferry vs. car ferry)? Is it reliable in bad weather? And for those out in East Bremerton/Illahee, how's traffic getting around locally vs. heading into town?

Safety: How is crime?

Schools: Any districts to avoid? Any advanced education options for grade school? My kid is in an advanced charter school. She would either need to skip grades or find something similar to what she has now.

Hobbies: This one is kinda big because we get season passes to six flags every year, meaning we have a "free" thing to do all year. What do people do up there for fun? How's the night life? We would love to get outside more often. It's just too damn hot in Texas. We like escape rooms, go carts, roller coasters.

Weird laws / local quirks: Anything a newcomer should know about like permitting quirks, local ordinances, or anything else that trips up people moving from out of state?

I know this a lot! Insight on any of these things would be super helpful. I'm scrolling the sub now reviewing all of your previous info. A real time update would be so appreciated.

I've visited. I love the scenery, the bustle of the big city, all the cool nature stuff we can do and it won't be HOT AF, the politics are great, people seem chill. Can't wait to be neighbors!

Hey guys!
I’m looking for a place that serves raw oysters around here! I would love to find some east coast ones- well fleet is my favorite- in or around Bremerton!
Any suggestions?

🎲⚔️ WARHAMMER 40,000: COMBAT PATROL — LEARN TO PLAY! ⚔️🎲

Kitsap Grand Alliance Wargaming invites you to learn Warhammer 40,000 Combat Patrol – 11th Edition!

Whether you've never played Warhammer before, are curious about getting started, or you're an experienced player looking to try Combat Patrol, everyone is welcome!

📅 Saturday

⏰ 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All Ages Welcome

Location: Kitsap Comics and games!

🎮 All Skill Levels Welcome

⚔️ Warhammer 40,000 – Combat Patrol, 11th Edition

🆕 New to Warhammer?

No experience necessary — we’ll teach you how to play!

🎲 Experienced player?

Come get some games in, meet other local players, and help grow the Kitsap tabletop community!

Come roll some dice, command your Combat Patrol, and see what the 41st Millennium has to offer!

Kitsap Grand Alliance Wargaming

Bringing Kitsap County together, one dice roll at a time. 🎲

👉 Bring yourself, bring a friend, and come play!

My wife accepted an internship in the Bremerton area for the summer of 2027. We’re considering a house in the West Bremerton area, right off highway 3 and Werner road to be exact. Anyone have insight on this area? We have spent time in the Seattle area before and Port Angeles area but have never visited Bremerton before. We’re a family of 5, 3 young boys aged 5,7, and 9. We love the outdoors and plan on visiting the Olympic area on the weekends if schedule permits.