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Third Quarter Review for North Kitsap’s Market
Our North Kitsap real estate market continues to grow more competitive for buyers. Read on for key highlights about our strong seller’s market.
Our Competitive Seller’s Market
North Kitsap’s inventory is now lower than this time last year and demand is consistently high. With the new remote working norm, the greener pastures of Kitsap living are more possible for many. And, these eager buyers outnumber sellers – reflected in the lower volume of closed sales when compared to the same time last year. Our Brokers continue to experience competitive buyer battles. Looking to buy? Don’t let that discourage you. Our local experts will help you every step of the way.
Market Data
There is a noticeable sales volume plateau in our third quarter of 2021 when compared to the rising volume of last quarter. However, home prices are still increasing at a consistent rate. This price growth may decrease as we enter the slower season and inventory declines. If price growth does slow, we will see a shift toward a more balanced market.
North Kitsap sale prices are strong, and the percent of list price received has increased 4% year-over-year. As you can see in our graph, the listing and sale price divergence went through a slight correction in the second quarter of 2021 but it’s now back on track. Despite rising prices and low inventory, shifting attitudes of American home buyers may still contribute to pricing to avoid an affordability ceiling. Matthew Garnder expands on this in the next section.
Home Purchase Sentiment Index with Insights from Matthew Gardner
In his most recent Monday with Matthew video, our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, analyzed Fannie Mae’s most recent Home Purchase Sentiment Index figures. The data comes from a survey containing approximately 100 questions on housing-related topics. Fannie Mae collected 1,000 consumer responses from across the country. As Matthew Gardner says, “It’s the only national, monthly survey that’s focused primarily on housing.”
The survey shows that many Americans continue to think it is not a good time to buy because of the low supply and rapidly rising prices. However, many feel it is a good time to sell as consumers predict home prices and mortgage rates will go down. As Gardner explains, “most consumers continue to report that it’s a good time to sell a home, but a bad time to buy. They most frequently cite high home prices and a lack of supply as their primary rationale…However, the good time to buy component did tick up for the first time since March.” While this is a recipe to shift towards a buyer’s market, we’ll see how things unfold.
Gardner sums it up by saying, “Consumers tempered both their recent pessimism about home buying conditions and their upward expectations of home price growth.” So again, we are seeing the potential for a shift toward a more balanced market.
Second Quarter Review for North Kitsap’s Market
Data for the second quarter is out, and North Kitsap’s real estate market exceeded our expectations. Below you’ll find a list of key highlights with helpful insights to keep you informed about our local market.
Our Strong Seller’s Market
Our inventory remains low and demand remains high. Remote work is now a prevalent part of our new working culture, and this enables many buyers to consider areas outside major cities. Eager buyers are outnumbering sellers in more rural markets. Our Brokers continue to experience situations where some buyers are outbid either by price or by an all-cash offer in this competitive market.
If you look at the last five quarters detailed in the graph below, there is a clear growth trend. This includes when you’re comparing 2020’s second quarter to 2021’s second quarter. This data indicates the market will continue to heat up this summer, which we’re already seeing.
Due to the low supply, prices are still on the rise. And, as you can see below, the listing and sale price divergence is shrinking now. Sellers can continue to ask for higher prices as a benefit of our inventory shortage. Also, historically low mortgage rates enable buyers to meet the home price increase.
Market Insights From Our Chief Economist
In his most recent Monday with Matthew, our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, begins with the staggering fact that “prices have risen almost three-fold, as the cost to finance has dropped by 72%.” If the number sounds too good (or bad) to be true, that’s because it is. To get an accurate picture, you also have to factor in inflation. Gardner explains that “just like other goods and services, the price of a house today is not directly comparable to the price of that same house 30 years ago because of the long run influence of inflation.” When you adjust for inflation, the rise in housing prices becomes less drastic. Without adjusting for inflation, “prices have risen by 268%”. But when you adjust for inflation, the “real prices have increased by 83.6%”. Therefore, the increase is much lower than what most people are discussing today.
Matthew also compares mortgage payments, another important piece of the puzzle. Although, without adjusting for inflation, “mortgage payments have increased by 74.3%,” the inflation-adjusted “real payments are 10.7% lower!” Of course, there are other monthly payments associated with home ownership. This includes property taxes, which do not change with market fluctuations. But this still indicates “that prices have been able to rise so significantly because mortgage rates have dropped”. It’s also because “inflation-adjusted home prices really haven’t skyrocketed – contrary to popular opinion.”
However, Matthew clarifies saying, “there are some markets across the country where the picture isn’t quite as rosy. In these places, prices have risen significantly more than the national average.” The Seattle metropolitan subunit (which extends around our local area) is one of these places. This is largely due to the increasing affluence as a result of the tech boom.
Not a Housing Bubble
Gardner’s bottom line is this: “there are quantifiable reasons to believe that we are not in a national housing bubble today.” However, he does point out that some markets will see a slowdown in price growth given “where prices are today in concert with the spectre of rising mortgage rates.” Ultimately, it’s still a strong seller’s market with an overall low supply and high demand. We expect to continue to see issues with affordability as prices and mortgage rates continue to climb.
The Decorated History of Kingston’s Fast Ferry
When Kitsap Transit established the Kingston Fast Ferry to Seattle in 2018, residents were delighted to be able to travel to Seattle in just 40 minutes. This passenger-only vessel dramatically reduced commute times. It also invited Seattleites to easily explore Kingston and the surrounding area. But many people aren’t aware of the Fast Ferry’s interesting history, specifically the history of the Finest. So, we wanted to illuminate it.
The Incredible History of the Finest
Originally from New York, the Finest was purchased in January 2018 from New York Waterway. During 9/11, the Finest, along with many other vessels, rescued hundreds of thousands of people. This event is known as “The Great Boatlift.” The Finest was part of a maritime fleet that came together, sailing toward the destruction of the Twin Towers to help terrified, soot-covered people.
After almost nine hours of back and forth trips, these ferries, ships, and private boats collectively evacuated nearly 500,000 people. The Finest is named that after New York City’s finest. To travel on the Finest is to travel on a piece of history, a vessel that reminds us of a moment when people came together to help one another.
Becoming a Kitsap Fast Ferry
Over the years, the Finest had been run hard, so when Kitsap Transit purchased her, she needed significant rebuilding and repairs. She traveled from New York down through the Panama Canal, up the Pacific Coast to Victoria. Then Nichols Brothers Boat Builders refurbished her on Whidbey Island. Kitsap Transit invested over $5.9 million in the Finest in preparation for the Kingston-Seattle route. You can learn more about her journey in Kitsap Transit’s interesting video below.
Small Town Living with Fast Ferry Convenience
Thanks in part to the Finest, more people are now eyeing the Kingston area as a place to live. Many are drawn to our community’s small-town charm and its proximity to Seattle. Nearby Hansville, Port Gamble, Indianola, Suquamish, and Poulsbo also offer a slower-paced life. Commuters enjoy a swift ride on the Finest to downtown Seattle with gorgeous views of Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier. While aboard, keep an eye out for seals and even orcas. Living in the Kingston area while working in Seattle combines the best of both worlds.
We love all that our area offers and we’re proud of historical gems like the Finest.
Community Spotlight: Kingston North Kitsap Rotary
Rotary clubs worldwide inspire innovative approaches to community service, and our Kingston North Kitsap Rotary is no exception. They’ve found creative ways to support our community during the pandemic. This local group pioneers new initiatives to support businesses, fundraise for local organizations, and preserve Kitsap’s history. Read on to find out how you can support their efforts.
Rotary’s Motto in Action
This group’s motto is at the forefront of everything they do, stating that they “take on challenges in our community and beyond.” Kingston North Kitsap Rotary supports vocational experience, service, and leadership. They also engage youth through Interact Club, which involves 12 – 18-year-olds in local and international projects that promote Service Above Self. Our local Rotarians have led a variety of projects from raising $15,000 for Kingston’s Coffee Oasis to installing benches at the Village Green Community Center‘s park. Additionally, they engage in international service projects, including a literacy project in Cambodia and Laos.
“Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club are people of action. We are neighbors and friends who come together to have fun, enjoy fellowship and provide leadership on important community projects, activities, and events,” says Doug Hallock, a Kingston Rotary board member and Foundation Chair. Doug is also a former Rotary President and a Windermere Kingston Managing Broker who has been affiliated with Rotary since 1983.
Swing For Rotary & Kingston Order Bombers
Most known for their Swing For Rotary event, Kingston North Kitsap Rotary raises funds annually through a golf tournament. This fundraiser benefits Food for Kids, Kingston High School scholarships, North Kitsap’s schools, Senior Meals, Coffee Oasis, community projects and events, and international projects.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 prevented 2020’s annual Swing for Rotary event. However, it is scheduled this year for June 18, 2021, and you can register now.
Rotarians have also been helping local businesses affected by the pandemic. KOB, also known as Kingston Order Bombers, is a group created by the Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club. Essentially, they partner with restaurants from Hansville to Suquamish, Port Gamble to Kingston. Through this partnership, a group of caring community members supports a business by ordering take-out or making reservations. If you want to participate, email KingstonOrderBombers@gmail.com for more information.
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- Annual Fundraiser at White Horse Golf Club
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- Rotarians Helping at Coffee Oasis Before it Opened
Photos from Rotary Kingston North Kitsap.
Saving Scout Hall
Kingston North Kitsap Rotary is proudly restoring Scout Hall, a piece of Kingston’s history. Structurally, it was not enduring the test of time. Many Kingston residents have fond memories of Scout Hall. It was a hub for young boy scouts to learn essential leadership and life skills. Rather than have it torn down, our local Rotarians stepped in to restore the building. Additionally, they chartered a chapter of Boy Scouts so the program could continue.
“Without a doubt, Kingston Rotary Club is vital to this community! Their latest project to save the Scout Hall was monumental!” says Jet Woelke, Managing Broker. “Scout Hall desperately needed a new roof and structural repairs because it was on the brink of collapsing. If not for the Rotary Club, it would have been demolished. A part of Kingston’s history would be gone!”
Donate During Kitsap Great Give or Get Involved
From joining the Kingston Order Bombers’ efforts to participating as a golfer in Swing For Rotary, there are many ways to contribute to Kingston North Kitsap Rotary’s work. Right now, you can donate to Kingston North Kitsap Rotary through Kitsap Great Give. This annual event helps hundreds of nonprofits. This year, early giving goes from April 1 – 19 with the big Great Give day happening on April 20, 2021. Local sponsors boost donations, so your donation means even more. You can also give back by becoming a member. It’s a great way for established professionals to make an impact.
First Quarter Review for North Kitsap’s Market
Our local real estate market is on the rise, and we had an interesting first quarter after the seasonal slowdown. We’ve compiled North Kitsap’s key market highlights so you can stay current with our local real estate market.
Our Strong Seller’s Market
Our area continues to have low inventory from the surge in demand with people moving away from the bigger cities. As COVID-19 changes the way we work, there are still many eager buyers outnumbering sellers. Some buyers are being outbid either by price or by all-cash offers. Our local experts are here to help navigate this competitive market.
When you look at 2020’s first quarter compared to 2021’s first quarter, you can see that a similar growth trend after the holidays is repeated. However, growth has slowed relative to last year, with much of North Kitsap’s inventory sold during the Covid boom. And, our lower supply may indicate prices will rise. Get ready for the market to continue to heat up as we move from spring to summer.
This strong seller’s market is driving us toward an affordability ceiling. There is a growing sale price and listing divergence, shown in the chart below. Prices may soon be too high for many people to afford to buy a home here. Sellers, however, continue to benefit from our inventory shortage, asking for higher prices.
Affordability Issues and Market Insights
Matthew Gardner, Windermere’s Chief Economist, continues to track this affordability ceiling in his most recent Housing and Economic Update: “If the pace of home price growth continues, many households will start to be priced out” of what people can actually afford. As Gardner points out, we need more supply, and we need home prices to drop to alleviate this market strain.
Unfortunately, that might not happen fast enough for many hopeful homebuyers to make their dream a reality. Gardner reminds us that the cost of materials, recent storms, and the current housing market prices have all added to the cost of building new homes. This, in turn, will add to the listing price.
Additionally, Gardner points out that mortgage rates have risen after “a jump in bond yields has led rates to spike” as the country re-opens and economic activity increases. The resulting potential inflation causes the 10-year treasury interest rates to rise in hopes of attracting more buyers. However, it is still far below standard rates and shouldn’t be a concern for buyers right now.
Ultimately, it’s still a strong Seller’s Market with an overall low supply and high demand. We expect to continue to see issues with affordability as prices continue to climb.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: 4 Easy Tips
We all hear about reducing our carbon footprint, but what does it mean? To put it simply, reducing your carbon footprint reduces the number of actions that lead to the generation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere and make our planet warmer, leading to global warming. The largest source of greenhouse emissions from human activity is from burning fossil fuels for heat, electricity, and transportation.
By making these small changes to your daily routine, you can start to reduce your carbon footprint and help Mother Earth.
1. Eat Locally
Shopping locally has numerous benefits for the environment and can dramatically reduce your household’s carbon footprint. Produce at the supermarket needs to be transported across hundreds of miles and stored in a cool environment. This expends a lot of energy and increases carbon emissions. Shopping at a farmers’ market cuts out transportation, gives you fresher produce, supports your local farmers, and keeps your dollars local to support your community.
There are a bunch of farmers’ markets that are open on Saturdays throughout Kitsap County. Kingston’s Public Market is open from May – October on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Poulsbo Farmers Market and Bainbridge Island Farmers’ Market are both open from April – November on Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Additionally, Kitsap Fresh is a great year-round option. Every week, you can shop online for local produce, meats, and goods, and they have many pick-up locations.
2. Use Different Transportation Options
Biking and/or using public transportation significantly reduces your carbon footprint. Washington State is even starting to switch to clean energy for ferries by converting its diesel-fueled ferries to hybrid-electric propulsion.
Though this information is helpful, we understand that these options don’t meet every household’s needs. There are times where you cannot avoid driving your car. Luckily, there are ways in which you can drive your vehicle to be more energy-efficient and reduce the vehicle’s carbon emissions. One way is to keep your car up-to-date and make sure your vehicle meets your state’s emissions standards. Turning off the air conditioning and utilizing cruise control on long trips can reduce your carbon emissions as well. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, consider purchasing an electric power car or a hybrid option. These cars often cost less to operate in the long run.
3. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Let’s not forget this catchy phrase that our teachers taught us. Some of us may have fallen out of practice, but no time like the present to start back up!
Here are some steps you can take:
- Reduce your consumption by merely buying less. Avoid items with a lot of packaging, and reduce the amount of unnecessary electricity you are using.
- Reuse certain household items to help reduce your consumption and save money over time. Buy reusable bags, kitchen towels, compostable sandwich bags, and beeswax storage wraps. They’ll cut down your waste, are easy to use over and over, and can reduce your plastic consumption.
- Recycle items that are at the end of their lifespan. Reusing an item can only last so long, so make sure you dispose of it correctly.
4. Conduct an Energy Audit
Your house may be using energy inefficiently, raising your electricity bill. By performing a simple energy audit and making small changes around the house, you can reduce both your electricity bill and carbon footprint at the same time. Common ways we use energy in our home inefficiently are leaving unnecessary lights on for long periods, not unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use, and using incandescent light bulbs.
Incandescent light bulbs waste a lot of energy because much of it is converted into heat. Switching to LEDs might be a little more expensive up front, but they last 25 times longer while only using a quarter of the energy. To take this up a notch, check out our guide to solar power.
Excessive use of water can also add to our carbon footprint. Taking mindful and shorter showers can help. And, lowering our water heaters to 120˚F can save hundreds of pounds of CO2 emissions a year.
Stopping or slowing the pace of climate change won’t happen overnight, but by implementing small changes to our daily routine, we can reduce our collective impact.
Fourth Quarter Review and Our 2021 Market Forecast
Kingston’s North Kitsap market ended 2020 with a strong fourth quarter. Below are key stats to provide an overview of our local market, as well as insights and a 2021 market forecast from Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner.
Our Strong Seller’s Market
Kingston is still a seller’s market as we head into winter. There aren’t as many houses for sale despite a high demand. Buyers, be aware that while the market is in the usual seasonal slowdown – it’s not as slow as expected given COVID-19. Many are leaving bigger cities, giving the advantage to sellers. Our Brokers have seen an increase in situations where some buyers are outbid either by price or by an all-cash offer.
In 2020’s fourth quarter, the average sale price in North Kitsap was up 21.3% year-over-year at $597K. Sale prices continue to hover close to listing prices, indicating strong demand.
2021 Market Predictions
In his final Monday with Matthew video of 2020, our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, shared his 2021 market forecast. He’s optimistic and for some good reasons.
First off, Gardners expects mortgage rates will not rise significantly on a local level, nor will they vary significantly throughout different regions across the U.S. Since mortgage rates are heavily tied to 10 year treasury maturity rates/yields, rates shouldn’t rise significantly until the entire market recovers from the COVID-19 slowdown. Another great sign is that Gardner expects home sales will grow significantly, from 5.55% in 2020 to 5.93% in 2021. That’s “to a level we haven’t seen since 2006,” Gardner explains. With the continuation of historically low mortgage rates and the consistent increase of home values, 2021 looks bright.
“No! There isn’t a housing bubble forming. But price growth will slow & sellers may feel like it’s a collapse … it isn’t collapsing, it’s just normalizing.”
Matthew reminds us that there are pitfalls to be wary of in this strong market. First and foremost: “we need more inventory.” With the shuffling to new homes, and the huge wave of “first-time buyers [that] will continue to be a major player in the housing market,” many are making moves in a flood that will not persist. Buying during the pandemic will slowly settle. People are expected to stay in their homes longer, especially homeowners who have chosen to refinance. House values will rise due to the lack of supply, and that may price out many buyers who want to purchase in our area.
Western Washington’s Market Report
For a big picture glance at how our local market compares, here are highlights from The Western Washington Gardner Report.
WESTERN WASHINGTON HOME SALES
- Total Sales: 26.6% increase from Q4/2019, but 8.3% lower than Q3/2020
- Homes for Sale: 37.3% lower than Q4/2019, and 31.2% lower than Q3/2020
- Pending Sales: up 25% from Q4/2019, but 31% lower than Q3/2020
- Average: $617,475 (up 17.4% from Q4/2019). This continues the trend of above-average appreciation of home values.
- Interestingly, prices between Q3 and Q4 of 2020 only rose by 1%. Is there a price ceiling we’re reaching?
- Mortgage rates will stay competitive as the market continues to charge toward a price ceiling and potential affordability issues.
- Average: 31 Days (16 days less than Q4 just one year ago)
- In Kitsap County, average days on market: 17
Conclusion
2021 will continue the trend of working from home, which keeps demand high. This, in turn, will drive sales growth, while affordability barriers will balance our current runaway appreciation for home values.
5 Fun Ways to Support Local Nonprofits This Season
Looking to spread some holiday kindness and cheer? We have many wonderful local nonprofit organizations that provide a range of services throughout Kitsap County, and they could really use our help. While monetary donations are great, there are other ways to show your support. Here are some fun ideas to get you started.
1. Bid on a Christmas Tree to Support Village Green Community Center
The Festival of Trees is happening right now in Kingston and you can join in the fun! Check out the beautiful Christmas trees around town or online. Then bid on your favorite one. A number of local businesses decorated and donated these trees and we proudly donated one as well. Bidding ends on December 12th at noon so be sure to bid before it’s too late. Winning bidders will be able to claim their trees after the auction closes by arrangement with the tree’s donor. If you want to show your support but don’t need a tree, you have the option to donate your tree to a special family in the Boys and Girls Club of North Kitsap. The Club has provided services every day since the pandemic began, offering a place for kids to attend classes online through their make-shift classrooms.
When: December 5 – 12, 2020, beginning and ending at 12:00 PM
Where: Online! Register here.
2. Purchase Coffee to Support Homeless Youth
The Coffee Oasis is dedicated to supporting Kitsap’s struggling youth, cementing themselves as a cornerstone of the community. This season, you can support those in need while getting your coffee fix at The Coffee Oasis. Your dollars will go towards a multifaceted approach to supporting and nurturing young people who have survived abuse, violence, poverty. Visit one of their cafes or their online store.
They also offer a Coffee Subscription, and 100% of the proceeds support their youth programs that offer housing, job training, and resources for homeless youth.
When: Purchase coffee online or during their business hours
Where: All Coffee Oasis locations
3. Participate in a Pet Photo Contest to Support Kitsap Humane Society
Happy Pawlidays! Snap a photo of your pet dressed up and you can save lives through Kitsap Humane Society’s contest. Submit your holiday-themed photos online, and the winner will receive a gift basket from KHS. Dress up your pet in a costume or snap a classy holiday shot. The winner will be decided by votes! It’s just $5 to enter and $1 per vote. All proceeds will be donated to the furry friends under KHS care.
When: December 14, 2020 at 6:00 AM – December 25, 2020, at 12:00 AM
Where: Online
Cost: $5 per photo submission, $1 per vote
4. Purchase a STEM or a Noon Year’s Eve Party Box to Support KiDiMu
The Kid’s Discovery Museum on Bainbridge Island is a wonderful nonprofit museum that provides creative, experiential learning opportunities for children. By giving the kids in your life one of these fun boxes, you’ll be supporting this great place. And, now more than ever, they need your support. In fact, one-third of nonprofit museums across the U.S. are at significant risk of permanently closing due to the impact of COVID-19.
The STEM Subscription Box is $50/month and offers K-2 educational activities that are tied to themes like space and the environment. All project materials are included.
When: Anytime
Where: Online
The Noon Year’s Eve Party Box is $25 for members and $40 for non-members. It provides everything you need to celebrate the new year at noon instead of at midnight so that your little one(s) can be part of the fun. There’s a firework craft, confetti, and more!
When: Last day to ship is Dec. 15, 2020; available for pick-up from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Dec. 22 – 29, 2020
Where: Online
5. Enjoy Winter in the Woods and Support the YWCA
With over 150 acres to enjoy, the Bloedel Reserve is always a treat, and “Winter in the Woods” is a great outdoor experience for all ages. And, you can support the YWCA Kitsap County while you’re out enjoying the Reserve. Just bring canned food to contribute to their donation drive. Then stroll across their beautiful grounds and spot cleverly crafted snow people. They also have a Wishing Tree with individually wrapped wooden ornaments and pencils that you can use to add your wishes for the new year. This event is included with admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance online via timed tickets. Canned food donations are not required but are requested.
When: Dec. 5, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021, open Tuesdays-Sundays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
Where: Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island
If you know of other local nonprofits that have events going on, let us know on our new Facebook page: Windermere Sound Living. We would love to spread the news. Happy Holidays and here’s to a healthy, joyful new year!
Heronswood: Incredible Beauty and a Unique History
Nestled in North Kitsap, is Heronswood, a botanical paradise. Originally brought to life in 1987 by Horticulturalist Dan Hinkley and his husband, architect Robert L. Jones, the garden has grown to more than 15 acres of fantastic flora from all around the world. Heronswood is an internationally recognized treasure in the Pacific Northwest, even garnering the attention of Martha Stewart.
Hinkley’s dream of starting a small nursery, where he could introduce rare and hardy plants to the community, has become a de facto landmark in Kitsap County. He spent the next 20 years developing the estate and traveling worldwide on plant-hunting trips to expand the garden. In 2000, Hinkley and Jones sold the business to W. Atlee Burpee Company. But in 2006 the company filed for bankruptcy. The estate laid dormant until 2012 when it was sold to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe.
Together with Hinkley, the S’Klallam Tribe has breathed new life into the garden through a series of tremendous restoration efforts. The Heronswood Garden has become a place for special events, plant sales, and educational programs that speak to the heritage of the garden and the S’Klallam Tribe.
S’Klallam History
For centuries, the S’Klallam Tribe occupied the shores of Strait Juan de Fuca, Admiralty Inlet, and Puget Sound. S’Klallam means “strong people”. Although their culture was almost lost after European contact, the S’Klallam have maintained agency over their heritage and traditions.
Over the past few decades, tribal leaders have made significant efforts to strengthen their community through economic development, establishing an Economic Development Authority to support local businesses through the administration of federal grants.
The acquisition of Heronswood Garden has provided an opportunity for all community members to work together to maintain this local treasure. Since 2012, members of Heronswood staff, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, the Heronswood Garden Steering Committee, and dozens of very skilled, dedicated volunteers have teamed up to shape the future of Heronswood.
Heronswood sign and the S’Klallam Orca Crest. Photos by Leo Phillips.
Legacy and Future
After 35 years and two ownership changes, Heronswood continues to thrive and flourish. It offers an abundance of resources and events for community members to learn more about horticulture. Hinkley, now Director Emeritus, creates and leads many of these events himself. Field Notes is the official blog of Heronswood, where Hinkley and Assistant Director Dr. Ross Bayton write educational blog posts about their experiences foraging around the world. They also have Nature Notes, a video series that features new Garden Director, Dr. Patrick Mcmillan. In this series, you can learn fascinating information about Pacific Northwest shrubs, trees, and more.
Photo from Heronswood’s Nature Notes video series.
Lunchbreak Lectures is an online series of classes that take place virtually over Zoom. Hinkley and Bayton teach these classes. Heronswood also offers pre-scheduled tours lead by experienced garden professionals.
In adherence to current COVID-19 guidelines, masks and facial covers are mandatory. Tourists will be able to use a whisper headset system to listen to the tour guide while maintaining six feet from one another.
Next spring, Heronswood will be dedicating a stumpery, an artistic display of tree stumps, that recounts the history of the S’Klallam Tribe with the local timber industry. Additionally, they will be adding plant species used in traditional dyeing and weaving for tribal artists to access. The S’Klallam Tribe and Hinkley are ushering in a new chapter for Heronswood, bringing people from all over Kitsap County and beyond to experience the unparalleled beauty of the botanical garden and S’Klallam Tribe.
The Unique Charm of Kingston and Beyond
The quaint community of Kingston sits just a ferry ride away from Seattle and Edmonds, yet it retains the easygoing energy of the Kitsap Peninsula.
A Scenic Home for a Connected Life
Whether you’re starting a family or looking to live near a big city but not in one, Kingston is a wonderful place to put down roots. Kingston’s history as a town dates back to 1890. That’s when the Kingston Land and Improvement Company was established by Seattle investors. They wanted the area to become a “resort and hideaway for Seattle folk”.
Stepping off the ferry, the charm of Kingston’s downtown surrounds, starting with a greeting from the lovely welcome mural. A five-minute stroll through the tree-lined street reveals the lovely little Paris feel of J’aime les Crêpes Crêperie and the robust food and drink options at places like Kingston Alehouse and d’Vine Wines. Venture up the hill to the rustic, century-old farmhouse of the Mossback Cafe for locally-sourced, eclectic meals.
Though Kingston is small, there are many options for a good cup of coffee as well as a range of delicious treats, thanks to places like The Coffee Oasis, The Cup & Muffin, Sweet Life Cakery, and Borrowed Kitchen Bakery. You could literally eat your way through town and then enjoy a movie at the now nationally known Firehouse Theater. Then stroll down Saltair Beach or go play some golf at the beautiful White Horse Golf Club.
“Kingston is still a small friendly town that is full of people that greet one another when you run into each other in the store or about town,” says Windermere Kingston’s Managing Broker, Jet Woelke. “Locals will pitch in and help neighbors in need or pull together if the community needs something. It’s amazing the community involvement!”
Saltair Beach Park, Kingston, WA. Photo by Leo Phillips
Kingston is connected to exciting, culturally rich areas to explore. Just a short drive away are the towns of Indianola, Suquamish, Hansville, and Port Gamble. Each has its own distinct feel, with unique activities for all ages.
Adventure Surrounds
Indianola
What is now a quaint seaside community and friendly artists’ haven, Indianola was founded in 1916 as a summer/weekend community only reached by steamboat. Since those humble beginnings, even big names such as Martha Stewart have discovered its serenity. Stewart knows the Director Emeritus of Heronswood Garden, Dan Hinkley. In 2013, Stewart visited Indianola and Heronswood Garden in nearby Kingston. An incredible botanical garden, Heronswood is maintained by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation and the garden’s management team. There’s lush beauty all around North Kitsap, and Indianola is one picturesque place to enjoy it.
Indianola Pier. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Suquamish
Fishing has long been a focal point here. For thousands of years, the Suquamish and their ancestors inhabited this region, and fishing was traditionally their most important source of food. It still remains important for many Tribes today. Visit the reservation town of Suquamish to tour the beautiful Suquamish Museum and pay your respects at the gravesite of Chief Seattle.
Suquamish also offers parks and some popular places like Sully’s Bistro & Bar, which often serves locally sourced seafood. Realtor Christine Todd loves the beautiful views there. “Grab a seat on one of the beach logs at Old Man House and watch the marine traffic go by.”
Chief Seattle’s Gravesite in Suquamish, WA. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Hansville
Spend a day at the famous Point No Point Beach in Hansville, featuring the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound. It just so happens to also be one of the best Chinook Salmon fishing holes in all of Puget Sound. You can join the growing trend of kayak salmon fishing. The quiet, friendly town of Hansville also has some nice places to stop in for a bite like North Point Market. This deli offers fresh food, coffee, local produce, and gifts.
Point No Point Lighthouse. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Port Gamble
Visit nearby Port Gamble, an old company town, for a foray into cute, turn-of-the-century culture. Growing from a bustling logging town to a popular tourist destination, it’s now famous for its New England style homes, its hiking and biking trails, and paranormal activity legends. It’s also a popular wedding venue and has even served as a backdrop for Hollywood films.
Port Gamble, WA. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Welcome Home
Gorgeous vistas, rich areas to explore, thriving small businesses, and great schools – what’s not to love? The Kingston area offers a range of sights, activities, and much more. If you’re looking to buy in the area, our local experts would be happy to show you around.
