Moved here a few months ago. I work Amazon that recently announced the 5 Day a week RTO.

When we moved here with my family we were thinking I could do the ferry commute 3 days a week.

So far it's been pretty great, but it is taking a toll on me. 5 days a week? I start to wonder if it's worth it for living here.

Our first instinct is to just leave Amazon for another company with more flexibility, but it is possible that most companies eventually (and unfortunately) move to RTO5

So experienced present and past commuters, is it worth it?

Are there any places you could bring a Laptop and work until 9 or 10pm? All the coffee shops I’ve seen close early.

I am looking to visit the Bainbridge Barn with out a car, is it possible to arrive via ferry and order a shuttle bus to the BARN via the app? Is it available all day? I am looking to arrive around 12 and leave around 8 pm

Thanks for any insight or guidance!

Has anyone here built a new house on the island? Wondering what a good estimate would be for total design fees and a breakdown of each (I.e. survey, architecture, structure, civil, septic, etc.)

When I google it, I get 8-12% for architecture alone. That seems really high considering standard construction cost over $400/ft. That would mean for a 2,500 sf house, architecture fees would be $100,000!

Is that really the going rate? TIA.

Edit - I appreciate all of the responses thus far. It is understandable that most comments have been on my low construction cost. I get that may be higher. I’m more focused on design fees. What have your architects charged you?

We are considering moving to BI from Seattle in the next couple of years. We have a 4 year old who will be starting kindergarten next year so we are very interested in the schools and considering if there is a particular area to focus on. Aside from different areas being assigned to different schools, do different areas of the island have different personalities?

I have a couple work items to address after an inspection, would love a rec if you use someone you like.

What’s going on near sunrise I keep hearing fire trucks , and I smell smoke

Wife and I have visited BI many times. I’m a native PnW guy. We live in a major Texas city. We’re blue in a red state. We’re close to retirement, excellent health, both artists (I’m also a musician). Looking for more peace and quiet, considering BI as a retirement base in the US (9 months there). Love nature. Don’t want to live in Seattle so this seems like a great option. Only concern is … being bored. And access to medical care. I want her to be happy being involved in the community. Early 60s. It’s a big gamble but we can afford a place to live. Any insights or random thoughts? Is Seattle culture reasonably accessible? Opera, ballet, etc. thanks.

Hello,

We are thrilled to be on this lovely island and we have been exploring as a family! We really wanted to see Pia the Peacekeeper in Sakai Park, but unfortunately, there is a big construction project on Madison road. Is there an alternative way to get into that park and see the giant troll?

Thanks all!

W

Just received this in the mail today and while it looks official it just reads very strangely. Has anyone else received a similar type of notification? Am I correcting assuming that the host wrote the copy for this letter and then Bainbridge Island sent it out?

A big gratitude to the benevolent father (or mother) of the many gnomes hiding along the Ft. Ward Forest loop trail!

For many years, my outdoor kindergarten classes have visited the two at the top of the hill… but the few have become many, and today little eyes searched high and low and counted at least seven tiny friends peeping at us from various points trailside.

Your anonymous handiwork has made a lovely hike even more magical!

Thank you!

Thought that would be a fun way to meet new people while these gorgeous fall evenings are still a remarkable thing.

Fire pit at lytle, smoke a j, enjoy some friendly conversation? Open to all - see if we can get a group of 5+ to make it not awkward. Drop a comment or DM and I’ll create a group.

I've heard rumors that some boats are being broken into and robbed. It's there truth to that? Articles, links etc?

WSF shut down boarding with a FULL crowd waiting to board and the Chimicum barely half full? They even had State Patrol staged on the boat and sent them too the gate as they left hundreds of Hawks fans waiting. Total Bullshit!

We are looking maybe buying a home on the island that has an oil boiler with in floor radiant heating.

We've never had radiant heating OR an oil furnace or boiler. I can't imagine it can be affordable, it's a big home 4k sq ft.

How common is oil heating still in WA?

It's a natural gas or oil boiler, so I think it can be converted to natural gas, is that an option on BI?

Anyone have a local coffee place they frequent for beans? I’m considering storyville but I haven’t been able to find a retailer on island

Hi Bainbridge folks, newcomer to the Kitsap area here, was wondering how safe it might be to leave my car in the ferry parking lot long-term, while only using it maybe once or twice every week? Is this a good idea or am I at risk of possible break-ins? Of course I won’t leave any valuables out in plain sight and follow the usual safety precautions.

Hello people of Bainbridge if you didn't know the actor and singer Aidan Gallagher lives in Bainbridge. I was just curious if anyone has spotted him yet?

We are in the market for a very specific home. With all of the NAR stuff and our our willingness to wait (up to years) to find the right place I'd like to find a buyer's agent that isn't going to be pushy and is willing to work at a flat fee.

For context, we have looked at 2 homes in the last 12 months. When we do tour a home it's with intention to buy. I feel like we may be missing out on homes that never hit rmls.

Let me know if y'all have recommendations.

Hi everyone! This summer while visiting my sister we went to Bainbridge Island and absolutely loved it. I took home an ungodly amount of souvenirs, but one of my favorites was a playing card that could replace any card in the deck. It was on the check out counter I believe in Dana's on Bainbridge, and I have had it in the back of my phone case ever since. Unfortunately, on my commute this morning I dropped my phone in a puddle, which ruined the card. I'm not sure when I'll be back in WA (I'm from the east coast) but I really loved that little card! If anyone happens to see an extra (I'm pretty sure it was free) and felt inclined to mail it to me, I'd reimburse you for stamps! I've attached a picture here.

https://preview.redd.it/yqm8pq1sm5sd1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=55d612bbabd3e2755d609c534048432b2e616ea0

I didn't see it on the list of RiteAid's going out of business, but the shelves looked empty. Do I need to transfer my prescriptions soon?

Earnest question. Towns of comparative size will have some big box stores. Curious as to why we don’t see one on the island. Any history people could share?

The only info I found online said they don’t work during school commuting hours, which is obviously not true, and it says they will finish in December, but I’ve heard that it may go until February.

I’m deciding between visiting on a Sunday or a Monday. Are most shops and restaurants, museums, and wineries open on Monday? Or is Sunday better to visit? Thanks!