If you’ve ever wandered down the quiet roads that hug Dyes Inlet, you’ve probably felt the peaceful rhythm of Chico. It’s not a big town, technically, it’s an unincorporated community, but that’s what gives it its charm.
We’ve got a mix of folks who’ve lived here for decades and newcomers looking for a slower, friendlier pace of life.
Let me take you through what it’s really like to live here, from homes and schools to our best trails and hidden photo spots.
Real Estate & Housing
Houses in Chico tell the story of a settled community. Many families have been here a long time, which shows in the tidy yards and well-kept homes.
You’ll see everything from cozy waterfront cottages tucked among the trees to larger suburban-style houses with space for gardens and kids to play.
Buying here isn’t cheap anymore, median prices sit around $600,000+, and that number has been climbing steadily. Still, it’s not just about the house itself.
You’re paying for water views, quiet streets, and the luxury of being minutes away from both Silverdale’s shopping and Bremerton’s shipyard and ferry.
Renting is possible, but most people here own, which adds to the rooted, stable feel of the community.
Things to Do & Attractions
Chico may not have flashy tourist attractions, but if you’re someone who loves being close to nature and water, this is your spot.
- Dyes Inlet is our daily backdrop. You’ll often see neighbors walking their dogs along the shoreline or families launching kayaks when the tide is right.
- Newberry Hill Heritage Park is just a short drive away, offering over 1,000 acres of forest with trails for hiking, jogging, or mountain biking. It’s a favorite for locals who want a quick escape into nature without leaving town.
- A quick trip into Silverdale gets you shopping centers, movie theaters, and bowling alleys, while Bremerton offers museums like the USS Turner Joy or art galleries downtown.
Living in Chico means you don’t have to go far for entertainment, you just choose whether you want quiet woods or lively city energy for the day.
Demographics & Community Feel
With a population of just over 3,000 people, Chico is one of those places where the community feels like an extended neighborhood.
The average age is around 48, which means we’re a little older than some nearby areas, but that also makes Chico feel steady and calm.
There’s a mix of retirees, families with school-aged kids, and professionals who commute into bigger cities for work. Ethnically, it’s a fairly diverse community with White, Asian, and Black populations making up most of the numbers.
The overall vibe? Neighbors wave when you pass by, folks still check in on each other, and it’s not unusual to stop for a chat while walking to get the mail.
Best Restaurants, Food & Nightlife
Here’s the truth, Chico itself doesn’t have a restaurant row. That said, being so close to Silverdale and Bremerton means we never go hungry.
- Silverdale Waterfront Park has spots nearby for fresh seafood and local brews.
- Bremerton’s downtown has cozy pubs, quirky cafés, and even breweries that make for a fun night out.
- For a quick bite, locals love hopping into Silverdale’s mix of chain and family-owned restaurants, whether it’s pho, sushi, pizza, or comfort food.
The beauty of Chico is that you get the peace of a small town with easy access to all the food options you could want, just minutes away.
City Services & Government Info
Since Chico isn’t an incorporated city, Kitsap County provides our services. That includes sheriff coverage, road maintenance, planning, and utilities.
It keeps things simple, no local city hall to worry about, but it does mean we share resources with other nearby communities.
Schools & Education
Chico kids are part of the Bremerton School District. The schools here are well-regarded, with programs that range from STEM to strong extracurriculars.
Families I know appreciate the district’s willingness to support students, whether through transportation help, free meal programs, or after-school tutoring.
School buses are a regular sight in the mornings, picking up kids across the neighborhoods and taking them into Bremerton or Silverdale. For families thinking of moving here, schools are often a big plus.
Transportation & Commute
Life in Chico is car-friendly, no doubt about it. The average commute is about 23 minutes, though it depends on where you work.
- Route 3 runs right by us, giving easy access north to Poulsbo or south into Bremerton.
- Many residents who work in Seattle will head to Bremerton’s ferry terminal or even Bainbridge Island for the boat ride across.
- For day-to-day errands, Silverdale’s shopping and services are just a 10-minute drive.
Chico gives you that perfect balance, peaceful living without being cut off from bigger city conveniences.
Jobs & Economy
Most people here don’t work in Chico itself, it’s more of a residential community. The major employment hubs are:
- Naval Base Kitsap and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.
- Healthcare jobs in Silverdale and Bremerton hospitals.
- Professional services, education, and manufacturing are also common sectors for locals.
Plenty of folks here work white-collar jobs, with management and office-based roles being the most common. Others take advantage of remote work while enjoying Chico’s quiet lifestyle.
Events & Local News
While Chico doesn’t hold its own festivals, we’re surrounded by communities that do. Bremerton has parades, cultural events, and waterfront festivals, while Silverdale hosts popular farmers markets and community fairs.
For local updates, many of us rely on Nextdoor or Kitsap County community boards, where neighbors share news about everything from tide flooding alerts to local charity drives.
Parks, Nature & Outdoor Activities
This is where Chico shines.
- Dyes Inlet is the heart of our community. Whether it’s kayaking, birdwatching, or just enjoying the tide rolling in, life here always feels tied to the water.
- Newberry Hill Heritage Park is beloved by hikers and mountain bikers, with trails that feel like you’re deep in the woods even though you’re just minutes from home.
- Families often spend weekends walking through the woods, letting the kids explore creeks and trails.
Nature isn’t something you visit in Chico, it’s part of daily life.
Business & Industry
Most of the businesses in Chico are small, service providers, home-based entrepreneurs, or little shops. For major industries, jobs, and bigger stores, we all head into Silverdale or Bremerton.
Chico is a community built around living rather than commerce, and many of us prefer it that way.
Weather & Climate
Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Chico’s weather is defined by mild, wet winters and comfortable summers. Rain keeps the forests lush and green, and summers rarely get too hot, making outdoor activities enjoyable.
If you’re someone who likes crisp mornings and cozy afternoons while watching the rain, you’ll feel at home here.
Moving to Chico
If you’re planning to move here, be ready for a slower, more connected lifestyle. Chico offers:
- Quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods.
- Easy access to Silverdale and Bremerton for work, shopping, and healthcare.
- Strong community ties and a natural setting that feels like a retreat from city life.
It’s the kind of place where people move for the peace and stay because they can’t imagine leaving.
Instagrammable Spots
Some of the best views in Kitsap County are right here in Chico:
- Sunsets over Dyes Inlet create glowing skies reflected in the water.
- Newberry Hill trails make for moody, forest-filled photography.
- Fall colors brighten the whole town, making even a neighborhood walk a photo opportunity.
Healthcare & Hospitals
For healthcare, most Chico residents head to Silverdale’s Harrison Medical Center or one of the Bremerton hospitals and clinics. Both cities are less than 15 minutes away, so we’re close to full medical services while still enjoying our quiet community.
Final Thoughts
Living in Chico is about balance. We get the calm of waterfront life, the closeness of neighbors, and the beauty of Washington’s forests, while still being a short drive from city services and jobs.
It’s not about nightlife or big businesses, it’s about peace, nature, and community. That’s what makes Chico, WA, such a special place to call home.
Want to explore more communities like Chico? Check out our full guide on Cities in Kitsap County, Washington