Navy Yard City may not be the biggest community in Kitsap County, but it has a character all its own.
Tucked along Sinclair Inlet, it’s shaped by the rhythms of the shipyard, the quiet of neighborhood streets, and the views that remind us how close we live to the water.
From affordable housing and schools to ferries, food spots, and forested parks, this is a place that blends hard work with simple pleasures.
Real Estate & Housing
Navy Yard City is small and straightforward. Most homes here are older bungalows, modest ramblers, and a few townhomes or small apartment buildings.
Yards are compact, streets are simple, and many houses sit on slopes with partial views of the water or the nearby shipyard.
With just over 2,500 residents living in less than a square mile, it has the feel of a tight-knit neighborhood.
Both rentals and owner-occupied homes are common, and housing prices are generally more affordable than other parts of Kitsap County, making it appealing to first-time buyers.
If you plan on remodeling, permits and sewer connections are handled through the county.
Things to Do & Attractions
You don’t need to go far to enjoy a weekend here. NAD Park is popular for its wooded trails, disc golf course, and biking areas.
Evergreen Rotary Park is perfect for picnics, kids’ play, or catching the farmers market in the warmer months. Down by the waterfront, the fountains near the ferry terminal are always a favorite stop.
When visitors come by, locals often bring them to see the USS Turner Joy or walk across the Manette Bridge at sunset. Life here is shaped by the water and the navy, and that influence is clear no matter where you go.
Demographics & Statistics
Navy Yard City has a little over 2,500 residents. The median age sits in the upper 30s, and household incomes average in the mid-$60,000s.
Commutes are generally short, averaging around 25 minutes, with many people working at the nearby shipyard, in downtown Bremerton, or along the highway. Veterans make up a noticeable part of the community.
Best Restaurants, Food & Nightlife
Most dining options are a short drive into Bremerton. Horse & Cow is known for its submarine-themed décor and hearty meals, while the Boat Shed offers a relaxed deck for summer evenings.
For a nicer dinner out, Anthony’s on Sinclair Inlet serves seafood with a water view. And if you’re looking for a laid-back night, Manette’s pubs and bars are just across the bridge.
City Services & Government Info
Navy Yard City is unincorporated, which means Kitsap County takes care of things like roads, sewer, and recycling. Law enforcement is handled by the County Sheriff, while fire and emergency services are provided by South Kitsap Fire & Rescue.
Garbage and recycling pickup are managed by private providers, so residents need to set up their service directly.
Schools & Education
Families here are part of the Bremerton School District. Schools close by include West Hills STEM Academy, Mountain View Middle School, and Bremerton High School. The district offers various programs in technology, arts, and hands-on learning, reflecting the area’s ties to the shipyard and its creative community.
Libraries and after-school programs add extra opportunities for students, and families often take advantage of both.
Transportation & Commute
Driving is the main way people get around, with most commutes being just a few minutes into Bremerton or Gorst.
For longer trips, especially to Seattle, the Bremerton-Seattle ferry is essential. Schedules can vary, so riders usually check for updates before heading out.
Public transit is also available through Kitsap Transit, with bus routes that connect to the ferry terminal and other parts of the county. Park-and-ride lots make it easier for commuters who don’t want to drive downtown.
Jobs & Economy
The navy drives the local economy. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap are the largest employers in the area, providing steady work for many residents.
Beyond the navy, jobs in healthcare, education, small-scale manufacturing, and marine services support the community. Many small businesses also thrive by serving shipyard workers and local families.
Events & Local News
Most community events are tied to parks, schools, or the waterfront. The Bremerton Farmers Market is a seasonal highlight, while waterfront festivals and school activities fill the calendar. For news, locals rely on county announcements, regional media, and word of mouth.
Parks, Nature & Outdoor Activities
NAD Park is a favorite for outdoor fun, offering forest trails, disc golf, and biking areas. Evergreen Rotary Park is the go-to spot for family picnics, markets, and play areas, while Lions Park has sports courts, shoreline access, and picnic tables. Together, these parks cover everything from hiking and sports to quiet sunset views.
🏢 Business & Industry
Local businesses line the main roads like Kitsap Way and National Avenue. You’ll find auto shops, trade services, coffee stands, and small retailers. Many serve shipyard employees or commuters.
The broader economy here continues to center on defense, maritime work, and tourism from people exploring Kitsap’s shoreline communities.
Weather & Climate
Summers are short but pleasant, with warm and mostly dry weather. Winters bring steady rain and occasional snow, though temperatures rarely dip too low.
Summer highs usually reach the upper 70s, while winter lows stay in the 30s. The best stretch of clear weather usually falls between June and early October.
Moving Guides
If you’re moving to Navy Yard City, here are a few tips:
- Check with the county if your home needs sewer hookups or permits.
- Set up garbage and recycling service before you move in.
- Review school boundaries and programs through the Bremerton School District.
- Plan your ferry routine if commuting to Seattle.
- Save non-emergency contacts for the Sheriff and local fire services.
These steps make adjusting to the area much smoother.
Instagrammable Spots & Photography
Locals and visitors alike love Harborside Fountain Park with its water features and modern design. The Manette Bridge is another favorite, especially at twilight when the inlet glows.
The USS Turner Joy also makes a great backdrop for photos that capture both history and the harbor.
Healthcare & Hospitals
For healthcare, residents often go to St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale or use clinics and urgent care centers in Bremerton.
Military families rely on Naval Hospital Bremerton for their care. In addition, there are plenty of local doctors’ offices, specialty clinics, and public health resources nearby.
Takeaway
Living in Navy Yard City means being close to the shipyard and Bremerton’s waterfront while still enjoying the feel of a smaller neighborhood. It’s practical, affordable, and connected, with schools, healthcare, and parks all within reach.
Whether you’re thinking of moving here or just curious about what daily life looks like, Navy Yard City offers a grounded and steady lifestyle surrounded by water, forest, and a strong sense of community.
If you’re curious about where Navy Yard City fits in Kitsap County’s bigger picture, think of it as a little piece of Bremerton’s shoreline heartbeat.
It shares the same inlets, forests, and ferry routes that make this county special, so you can catch a ferry to Seattle in the morning, hike by noon, and wind down with dinner by the water at night.
It may not be a separate city, but it’s still part of the same laid-back, sea-kissed lifestyle proud throughout Kitsap.