From Duty to Home
A Military Family’s Guide to Finding Your Next Home in Kitsap County
Welcome to Kitsap County!
As a military family, moving can be both exciting and challenging. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process of finding your next home in this beautiful area, providing you with essential resources, local information, and tips tailored for military families.
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Kitsap County is home to a vibrant military community, including several key installations:
Naval Base Kitsap: Encompasses the following bases.
NBK Bremerton - Home of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) and various support services.
NBK Bangor - Home of our ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) fleet and most regional resources.
NBK Keyport - Research and development facility.
Bremerton Naval Hospital - Also encompasses Jackson Park, an off-base military housing and family support area.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord - Not located in Kitsap, but just across the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Major naval and army base.
Helpful Resources:
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Types of housing:
On-Base Housing - Check with regional housing authorities for availability. Apply early if you can, on-base housing is limited.
Off-Base Rentals - Explore rental listing websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor. Also consider looking for private owner rental listings on websites like Craigslist for the occasional great deal!
Home Buying - If you’re considering buying a home, choose Home Grounds real estate due to our extensive experience working with military families and understanding the difficulties associated with the PCS process.
Housing Resources:
Military OneSource
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As a military family, you have access to various benefits that can help with your move:
VA Home Loans: If you're buying a home, look into VA loan options through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Relocation Assistance: Check with your service branch for relocation assistance programs and resources.
Helpful Links:
VA Home Loan Benefits
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Connecting with local organizations and support networks can ease your transition:
Military Family Support Centers: These provide resources, counseling, and support groups.
Local Meetups: Join local groups through Meetup or Facebook to connect with other military families.
Local Support Resources:
Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
Kitsap County Military Family Resource Center
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Once you arrive, here are some tips to help you settle in:
Register Your Children for School: Look into schools in the area and gather necessary documents. The North Kitsap School District and Central Kitsap School District have excellent resources.
Explore Local Activities: Get involved in community events and family-friendly activities to meet new friends. Check out Kitsap Community Events.
Local Attractions:
Bainbridge Island
Kitsap Forest Theater
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Finding your next home in Kitsap County is a journey filled with opportunities. By leveraging the resources and support available, you can make a smooth transition and feel at home in no time.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Home Grounds Real Estate. We’re here to help!