Bremerton, Washington – Rich History and Modern Living in Harmony

The rowdy behavior on Bremerton’s Front Street was beginning to get out of hand. William Bremer took matters into his own hands.

He bought up much of the surrounding land and platted it as a town. It was called Bremerton and it and the navy base have been linked in one way or another ever since.

Bremerton’s Historic Downtown

The footfalls of boots on concrete, metallic groan of a shipyard gate, and distant pounding of hammers still seem to echo from the time when Bremerton was busy repairing and modernizing warships for Pearl Harbor. On a cloudless late-July weekday the city’s downtown business district looks much as it did during the 1940s.

The economy survived a long stretch of decline that began in the 1980s when the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard shifted to Silverdale and significant military spending was diverted from the local base to the new Trident submarine bases around the nation. But when North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950, the Navy yard was put back to work recommissioning mothballed warships.

The waterfront community is anchored by the reopened and reimagined Anthony’s, where the best PNW seafood and a stunning marina view are served in a classic deco-era theater. The flamboyant Roxy Cinema is another local highlight, showing new films and cult classics alongside live music and events.

USS Turner Joy Museum Ship

The USS Turner Joy is a real Navy destroyer that operated between 1959 and 1982, and is now a museum ship that offers a great experience for visitors to learn about military history. The museum ship is a tribute to the men and women of the modern US Navy, but it also honors the sailors who built and maintained all of our nation’s naval vessels.

The keel for the USS Turner Joy was laid down in Seattle by the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company in 1957, and it was commissioned, or began its career with the armed forces, in the summer of 1959. The ship played a back-up role in the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident, which further escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

The USS Turner Joy is now a fully-restored and open to the public as a museum ship. Guests can explore the self guided tour, which includes the Prisoner of War Room in remembrance of the US servicemen who were captured during the Vietnam War.

Bremerton’s Beautiful Parks

Bremerton is home to a variety of state parks and stunning natural reserves. These areas offer a peaceful retreat from the busy city, allowing residents and visitors to reconnect with nature and recharge their spirits.

The city also has a wide selection of bars and breweries, offering something for every taste and budget. After a long day, you can relax with a handcrafted drink and enjoy live music or dance the night away with friends.

Many homes in Bremerton are built in the Craftsman style, with low-pitched roofs and square-columned front porches. There are also Victorian houses in some neighborhoods, as well as mid-century modern homes with clean lines and open floor plans that blend with nature.

There are a number of neighborhood parks, too, such as Forest Ridge Park in East Bremerton, which features a playground, basketball courts, and open spots to enjoy the outdoors. And Illahee State Park, which offers stunning waterfront views, is a great place to hike and have a picnic.

Bremerton’s Vibrant Arts Scene

Embracing creativity, Bremerton fosters a thriving arts scene. Visit the Admiral Theatre, a beautifully restored art deco venue, to see a wide range of live performances or check out the gallery at Collective Visions. Bremerton also offers numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year that showcase local talent and celebrate the city’s community spirit.

Healthcare is another booming industry in Bremerton, with several hospitals and medical centers providing a wide range of services to the community. This thriving industry creates plenty of jobs for healthcare professionals with diverse skill sets.

As for the city’s housing market, you’ll find a wide range of options to choose from in Bremerton. Older neighborhoods offer charming cottages, while newer areas have homes in modern style with clean lines and a focus on energy efficiency. In addition, Bremerton has many condo and townhome buildings for those looking for a more urban living experience. Bremerton’s enduring charm and sense of community make it an excellent place to live.