Relocating to Bainbridge

Quick answer – relocating to Bainbridge Island from out of state: Start three to six months out with a scouting trip and a moving plan that accounts for the ferry or the land route, then get your Washington driver license and register your vehicles within 30 days of arriving. Line up utilities, schools and health care early, since the island has no hospital.Moving across the country is exciting, and a little overwhelming. When the destination is an island reached by ferry, there are a few extra details to plan for. We help families relocate to Bainbridge Island from all over the U.S., and this is the checklist we wish every one of them had on day one.Requirements change, so always verify the latest rules with the official agency listed.3 to 6 Months Before the MovePlan a scouting tripIf at all possible, visit before you buy or sign a lease. Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, then plan your route to the island: by car around through Tacoma or across on the ferry from downtown Seattle. Ride the ferry at the times you'd actually use it, and spend time in Winslow, the north end, the south end and the island's center.Get your finances in orderTalk with a lender about pre-approval, especially if you'll buy before selling your current home.Consult a tax professional about moving from your current state. Washington currently has no personal income tax on wages, though a 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million takes effect in 2028, and the state taxes certain long-term capital gains.Research homeowners insurance early.Decide: rent or buy first?Some out-of-state movers buy right away; others rent for a few months to learn the island. Rental inventory can be limited, so start early either way.1 to 2 Months Before the MoveBook movers with ferry experienceAsk moving companies whether they've delivered to Bainbridge Island before. Large trucks can ride the ferry at oversize vehicle rates, or drive around via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, State Route 16 and State Route 3 to the Agate Pass Bridge. As of fall 2026, a vehicle under 30 feet that's taller than 7 feet 2 inches pays $58.75 each way on the Seattle–Bainbridge route, and one under 40 feet pays $78.00. A 35% peak-season surcharge applies to vehicle fares May through September.Set up utilitiesDepending on the home, you may need to arrange:Electricity with Puget Sound EnergyWater and sewer with the City of Bainbridge Island (in some areas), a water district or a wellGarbage, recycling and yard waste service through Bainbridge Disposal, the island's curbside providerInternet service (check availability at your exact address)Propane delivery, if the home uses itEnroll your kids in schoolContact the Bainbridge Island School District about enrollment documents and timing.The First 30 Days in WashingtonDriver's licenseThe Washington State Department of Licensing generally requires new residents to get a Washington driver license within 30 days of becoming a resident. There's no driver licensing office on the island. The nearest DOL offices are in Poulsbo and Bremerton, so check DOL's office list for current hours and appointments.Vehicle registrationNew residents also have 30 days to register their vehicles in Washington, and DOL requires your Washington driver license first. You can handle vehicle registration on the island at the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce licensing office in Winslow. Fees vary by vehicle, so ask for a quote when you go.Voter registrationYou can register to vote in Washington online through the Secretary of State once you have a Washington license or ID.Update your address everywhereBanks, insurance, employers, subscriptions and the IRS. Don't forget your pets' microchip records.Settling Into Island LifeLearn the ferrySign up for Washington State Ferries route alerts and learn the schedule for your regular sailings. Walk-on passengers pay only when departing Seattle.Find your healthcare providersThere's no hospital on the island, so identify your primary care provider, nearest urgent care and the hospital you'd use for emergencies, whether in Seattle or on the Kitsap Peninsula. Franciscan Urgent Care on Wintergreen Lane in Winslow handles walk-in urgent care, and the nearest 24-hour emergency department is at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale.Prepare for stormsWindstorms can cause power outages. Put together an outage kit and learn how your home's heating and water work without power.Get a library card and a parks guideThe Kitsap Regional Library's Bainbridge branch and the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District are easy entry points to community life.Common Surprises for Out-of-State MoversThe darkness in winter. Days are short in December, and the gray can be persistent.The quiet. Many roads have no streetlights, and nights are very dark.The trees. Big trees mean beauty and also gutter cleaning, moss and storm prep.The community. People are friendly but busy; joining activities speeds up connection.The ferry culture. It becomes part of your routine and your social life.Your Printable Relocation ChecklistScouting trip and ferry test runLender pre-approval and tax consultationRent vs. buy decisionMovers booked with ferry or land route planUtilities and internet scheduledSchool enrollment startedWashington driver license within 30 daysVehicle registration within 30 daysVoter registration and address updatesHealthcare, storm prep and community connectionsFrequently Asked QuestionsHow long do I have to get a Washington driver license after moving?Washington generally requires new residents to obtain a Washington driver license within 30 days of establishing residency. Check the Department of Licensing for current rules.Does Washington have a state income tax?Washington currently has no personal income tax on wages, though a 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million takes effect in 2028, and the state taxes certain long-term capital gains. A tax professional can advise on your situation.How do moving trucks get to Bainbridge Island?Moving trucks can ride the Seattle–Bainbridge ferry at oversize vehicle rates or drive around by land via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the Agate Pass Bridge.What's the closest airport to Bainbridge Island?Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main airport. From SEA, travelers reach the island by driving around via Tacoma or by heading to downtown Seattle and taking the ferry.Let's TalkRelocating across state lines is a lot to juggle. We'd be glad to be your boots on the ground, from video tours to vendor referrals to a welcome-to-the-island cheat sheet. Reach out and tell us your timeline.About the AuthorCarii Clawson is a Broker and Branch Director of Global Luxury at Coldwell Banker Bain on Bainbridge Island. She leads the Carii Clawson Team with her husband and co-lead, managing broker Tom Schirle, helping people relocating from Seattle and out of state find their place on Bainbridge Island. WA license #106374.Call Carii at 206-861-6157 or Tom at 206-861-6156, email [email protected], or visit relocatetobainbridge.com.