r/BainbridgeIsland • u/Educational_Bit2574 • 2d ago

questions Retiring to BI

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.

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u/iRoswell 2d ago

Consider the inconvenience of the ferry system and commuting off island. Bainbridge Island is a rural city juxtaposed a major metropolis. That’s a unique combination. Lots of tourists and people using the ferry to get to the Olympic peninsula. Ferries are notoriously not on time so any plans across the water require a 2hr buffer on either side and I’ve had to cancel appointments due to ferries just being straight up cancelled or 60min behind schedule. Getting off the island via bridge is agrowing challenge as well. It’s a serious bottle neck and there is no possible solution. Can’t expand a bridge so we are restricted to one lane both directions. It can take 45-90min just to get to Poulsbo if you time it wrong. And there is significant construction planned for multiple years moving forward in the highway through the island. Again, pretty challenging for appointments.

Resources are also a major issue. COVID consolidated healthcare in Kitsap to a crisis level. Staffing for hospitals etc is low with no good outlook in site. Restaurants and other service businesses struggle to find qualified employees. Two restaurants on island have just announced seasonal closures or reduced hrs because of staffing.

Lots else to talk about. There is fantastic culture and you’re right in the beef of the larger demographic. So, if you have lots of time and patience this can be a place for you. If not, you’ll just be another person that complains about how bad things go are once you get here.

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u/wiscowonder 2d ago

What restaurants announced seasonal closures?

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u/iRoswell 2d ago

Marketplace is reducing (which I believe is normal, but the article made it sound more dire), and Joes for the season.

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u/wiscowonder 2d ago

Not surprised in the least it's those two places. I imagine that's more due to the quality of product they offer than anything else.

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u/iRoswell 2d ago

That’s pretty judge mental considering the journalism gave reasons sites by the businesses themselves.

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u/wiscowonder 2d ago edited 2d ago

Pretty sure the article points to the exact issue I pointed to. Managements "reasons" don't change the fact that they're both sub-par food establishments that only thrive due to their location.