When you live in Parkwood, you notice it’s not flashy, but it’s comfortable. It’s a pocket of South Kitsap where families, retirees, and commuters cross paths daily.
Close enough to ferries and cities but tucked into tree-lined neighborhoods, it’s a place that feels practical and welcoming. Let’s walk through what makes Parkwood, WA special from housing to schools, food to ferries.
Real Estate and housing
Parkwood is a Census-defined community in unincorporated Kitsap County with around 7,600 people. Homes here are a mix of ramblers, split-levels, apartments, and a few townhomes.
Lots are modest in size, which keeps upkeep easy and prices often lower than county averages. Permits for remodels or building run through Kitsap County, and utility service varies by street with West Sound Utility District or Kitsap Public Utility District handling water and sewer.
Things to do and attractions
South Kitsap Regional Park is the heart of the area with trails, ballfields, a skatepark, and disc golf. Downtown Port Orchard is a quick drive and hosts farmers markets, night markets, and waterfront events.
For day trips, Manchester State Park offers shaded beaches and picnic spots.
Demographics and statistics
Parkwood covers just a few square miles, with a balanced mix of owner and renter households.
The median age sits in the late thirties, making it a blend of young families and long-time residents. It feels tight-knit without being crowded.
Best restaurants, food, and nightlife
That One Place is a local favorite for diner-style comfort food. The Coffee Oasis is a popular meeting spot and doubles as a youth-support nonprofit. Waterfront nights in Port Orchard bring live music, food trucks, and plenty of energy during seasonal events.
City services and government info
As an unincorporated area, Kitsap County Sheriff provides law enforcement, while South Kitsap Fire and Rescue handles fire and EMS services.
Roads and solid waste are managed by Kitsap County Public Works, and Kitsap Public Health oversees septic and food safety.
Schools and education
The South Kitsap School District serves Parkwood. Orchard Heights and East Port Orchard are common elementary schools, with Cedar Heights and Marcus Whitman for middle school. South Kitsap High School anchors the district.
Transportation and commute
Highway 16 makes commuting to Tacoma or Gig Harbor simple. Kitsap Transit runs bus routes across South Kitsap, and the Port Orchard Foot Ferry connects to Bremerton.
From Bremerton, you can hop on the fast ferry to Seattle. Southworth ferries also provide car access to Fauntleroy and Vashon.
Jobs and economy
Defense and maritime dominate local employment with Naval Base Kitsap and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Beyond that, health care, small businesses, and service industries provide steady work.
Kitsap has a balanced economy with both public and private opportunities.
Events and local news
The Port Orchard Farmers Market runs from spring to fall. Annual highlights include the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede, along with the Fathoms O’ Fun parade and fireworks along the waterfront.
Parks, nature, and outdoor activities
In addition to South Kitsap Regional Park, Howe Farm Park is great for dog walks, Long Lake County Park is a summer swimming favorite, and Manchester State Park offers scenic shoreline and old military history.
Business and industry
Small businesses cluster along Bay Street, Bethel, and Mile Hill. Countywide, defense, health care, advanced manufacturing, and tourism remain the backbone industries.
Weather and climate
Expect cool, wet winters and mild summers. Parkwood’s climate mirrors the rest of Kitsap: gray mornings, green landscapes year-round, and occasional bright breaks that make summer days especially welcome.
Moving guide notes
Before moving, confirm water and sewer providers, check your school boundary, and look at commute options. Reviewing permit records and utility connections before buying saves a lot of hassle.
Instagrammable spots and photography
Popular photo spots include Harborside Fountain Park in Bremerton, Manchester State Park’s torpedo warehouse, open meadows at Howe Farm, and colorful waterfront murals in Port Orchard.
Healthcare and hospitals
Most residents use St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale for major care. Naval Hospital Bremerton supports military families, and local urgent care clinics in Port Orchard cover everyday needs.
Takeaway
Parkwood may not be the biggest or flashiest part of Kitsap County, but that’s the point. It’s about community, steady routines, and being close to both nature and opportunity.
Whether you’re raising a family, commuting for work, or just looking for a quieter place near the water, Parkwood offers a balance of affordability, access, and neighborly comfort.
If you’re interested in exploring beyond Parkwood, it helps to see how our community fits into the bigger picture of Kitsap. From Bainbridge Island to Port Orchard, every town has its own character, events, and local flavor. You can dive deeper into all the Kitsap County Cities and get a sense of what makes each one unique by checking out this full guide: https://thekitsap.com/cities-in-kitsap-county-washington/.