$713,818Average Value$391Average Price per Sq Ft42Homes For Sale
Port Townsend's dream deferred
Port Townsend used to be known as the City of Dreams because it once had plans to become a regional railroad connection to ports in major West Coast cities like Seattle, Tacoma and San Francisco. Although national economic crises would prevent this from coming to fruition, the Port Townsend paper mill and Fort Worden military base held the city afloat. Today, the paper mill is still one of the city’s biggest employers, along with the local government, maritime trade and countless small businesses. The stalled efforts to become a railroad hub also resulted in a building stasis, resulting in the many Victorian styles that make up much of the city's architecture.
Combined with the snow-capped Olympic Mountains and the salty waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Townsend is a beautiful city that's home to over 10,000 residents. “We're an artsy community. Port Townsend used to be a small place where everyone knew everyone, and even though it's gotten bigger, it's still friendly," says Kathy Johnson, a lifelong resident and library assistant at the Port Townsend Public Library. "It's also safe. Growing up, I used to take walks at three in the morning, and I feel like I could still do that here." She also speaks warmly of the natural beauty of the town. "Because we're on a peninsula, there are beaches everywhere. The mountains are also right behind us. I walk out the front door of our church right next door to the library, and you can see the Olympics on one side, the Cascades on the other and Rainier straight ahead. I’ve never found anywhere I like better, and I’ve been all over the country.”
Soaking up the great outdoors in Northwest Washington
With so much natural beauty around, Port Townsend is rich in recreation. Basketball and pickleball games are always welcome at Mountain View Commons. Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park is great for bird watchers, thanks to the hundreds of bird species that appear around the lagoon. Chetzemoka Park includes a playground, picnic areas and a bandstand for outdoor performances. The beaches, forests and museums at Fort Worden Historical State Park make it a rec space that fulfills several different interests. Port Townsend’s Boat Haven, the only public boatyard in Washington, allows residents to drive through and take in stunning water views. For indoor exercise, the YMCA of Jefferson County offers programs for both children and adults.
Families like to visit Chetzemoka Park in Port Townsend for its picnic areas and playground.
Fort Worden Historical State Park, a main attraction in Port Townsend, sits on 433 acres.
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Port Townsend's nationally recognized dining scene
Port Townsend is known for its dining scene and has even attracted national attention. It has been named among the Top Ten Best Small-Town Food Scenes in 2022 by USA Today. It particularly noted The In Between, a speakeasy-themed bar with a small-plate menu, innovative cocktail selection and elegant wooden interior. Some restaurants are even set along the coastline, giving way to some beautiful views. The city also has many small businesses, which are responsible for its larger economic well-being. Whether it’s antiques, books, clothing, home and gardening needs or sweet treats, there is a knowledgeable local seller to find it in Port Townsend.
Loads of intriguing shops and restaurants line Water Street in downtown Port Townsend.
Stopping at coffee shops like Ground To Perfection is an everyday activity in Port Townsend.
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Attractive Pacific Northwestern homes with water views
Houses in Port Townsend skew towards a mix of condos, Craftsman and ranch-styles. Many of them are painted over in earthy and neutral tones. There are even a few properties that are done in the Victorian style, which is a nod to the buoyant style that still decorates parts of the city. Some properties even have unique additions like greenhouses and barns, while others have views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. From Kala Point, residents can easily walk or bike to Fort Townsend Historical State Park. The median price of a home is $732,500, and properties spend about 54 days on the market before they sell.
Homes with Victorian touches are found throughout Port Townsend as a nod to the city's past.
Some Port Townsend residents may choose to live in a condominium building on the water.
Homes with Victorian touches are found throughout Port Townsend as a nod to the city's past.
Some Port Townsend residents may choose to live in a condominium building on the water.
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Jefferson County Fairgrounds and the Port Townsend Library
City events demonstrate the creative pulse of Port Townsend. In September, the Port Townsend Film Festival showcases the talent of local filmmakers, even having earned the nickname "Sundance by the Sea" for it. Just outside Fort Worden Historical State Park is the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. There is also the Port Townsend Film Festival. This is the site of the annual Jefferson County Fair in August, as well as smaller events like garage sales. The City of Port Townsend Public Library offers programs that range from exploring new hobbies like fiber art crafting to helpful workshops like video game console repair.
The Port Townsend School District
The Port Townsend School District serves the city. Serving over 1,200 students, it earns a B-grade from Niche.
Students in the Port Townsend School District can attend Blue Heron Middle School.
Port Townsend High School is one of the oldest open high schools in Washington state.
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By car, bus and ferry in Port Townsend
One of the city's priorities is to make Port Townsend a more walkable and accessible city. Per its 20-year transportation plan, non-motorized transportation and pedestrian-friendly amenities are a big goal as the city continues to move forward. Public buses are available all over the city through Jefferson Transit, and the Washington State Ferry provides transport to Coupeville and back for a 36-minute ferry ride. Tacoma is 80 miles from the city, while Seattle is 111 miles away. The nearest hospital is Jefferson Medical, located right off West Sims Way.
Jefferson Transit has many bus routes for those looking to navigate Port Townsend sans car.
Port Townsend residents can take the ferry to nearby Coupeville and back throughout the day.
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Climate trends and crime data for Port Townsend
The city enjoys a mild climate, with warm, dry summers and wet, temperate winters. First Street reports that Port Townsend has a major air quality risk and moderate wildfire risk. With FBI data reported by the Port Townsend Police Department, in 2023 there was a 200% increase in violent crime and a 50% decrease in property crime.
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Photography Contributed By
Landon Gauthier
Video By
Francesco Basti
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On average, homes in Port Townsend, WA sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Port Townsend, WA over the last 12 months is $599,950, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A landmark Port Townsend residence, 2212 Sheridan, offers rare flexibility for multi-generational living, home business, or income opportunities. This 5+ bedroom, 4.25 bath, 4,800± sq ft home spans three thoughtfully designed levels plus a large bonus suite over the garage. Expansive main-floor living and dining spaces are wrapped in windows, opening to a covered wraparound porch and beautifully
Beautifully maintained single-level home offering comfort and easy living in a peaceful neighborhood next to miles of connecting trails, including those leading to downtown Port Townsend. The open-concept design features rich wood flooring, abundant natural light, and an inviting island kitchen with slab granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and quality cabinetry. The spacious primary
Welcome home to 3000+ sq ft of beautiful, functional design resting on over half an acre, in the perfect Port Townsend location. This marvelous home, built in 2024 next to protected wetlands, let you spread out in comfort and ease. Water views from both levels! Two primaries, each with ensuites and walk-in closets, one upstairs and one on the main. Two more bedrooms, a flexible bonus room, and
Build the life you’ve been dreaming about surrounded by natural beauty. This waterview lot in Cape George is primed and ready with sweeping vistas of Discovery Bay, Protection Island, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s the place where mornings start with salt air and your evenings wind down with a walk on the beach, enjoying the glowing sunsets over the bay. Much of the heavy lifting is already
Large vacant in-town lot on iconic Sims Way with sweeping views of Port Townsend Bay, the marina and Boat Haven, ferry traffic, the Jefferson County Courthouse, and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy ever-changing maritime scenery, passing sailboats and ferries, and stunning sunsets from this elevated setting overlooking the heart of Port Townsend’s working waterfront. A prime opportunity for a custom
Affordable Hastings District flat, level, and dry lot. Lightly Treed with some brush. Easy to develop with all of the utilities in the street. The lot is surveyed with all the corners marked. Build your dream home, put a manufactured home or tiny home on the property and enjoy the serenity of the forest with walking trails abutting the property. Location, location, location! Close to everything
Discover the perfect site for your dream home at 4637 Trail Crest Drive (Lot 62). This ready-to-build lot offers city water and sewer stubbed to the property, plus power and fiber in the road. Stormwater systems are already in place. Enjoy an ideal location with easy access to scenic trails and a short drive or ride to all the amenities that Port Townsend has to offer - by bike, car, or transit.
Situated on a double lot, this extensively & thoughtfully remodeled Cape Cod offers an excellent floor plan, partial water views & exceptional privacy. Located at the junction of 2 of Port Townsend’s most sought-after neighborhoods (Uptown & Morgan Hill), this home blends classic charm w/ modern upgrades. A new deck expands the living space & offers a view of Mt. Baker on a clear day; while a new
A landmark Port Townsend residence, 2212 Sheridan, offers rare flexibility for multi-generational living, home business, or income opportunities. This 5+ bedroom, 4.25 bath, 4,800± sq ft home spans three thoughtfully designed levels plus a large bonus suite over the garage. Expansive main-floor living and dining spaces are wrapped in windows, opening to a covered wraparound porch and beautifully
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this exceptional country retreat offers refined living just minutes from Fort Worden and historic downtown Port Townsend. Designed with craftsmanship and intention, the great room showcases soaring ceilings, exposed timber framing, and a cast limestone propane fireplace - framing tranquil views of curated gardens and coastal light. The
Did I say FABULOUS VIEWS from this delightful cabin-like home with the walls & ceiling in the kitchen, living room, hallway and bath all hardwood? Large open living room, dining room and office again, looking out to the panoramic unobstructed views of the Mts, to Protection Is. Wrap around deck to enjoy our spectacular sunrises and sunsets from. The water and views are so medicinal. Cozy kitchen
Beautifully maintained single-level home offering comfort and easy living in a peaceful neighborhood next to miles of connecting trails, including those leading to downtown Port Townsend. The open-concept design features rich wood flooring, abundant natural light, and an inviting island kitchen with slab granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and quality cabinetry. The spacious primary
This gives a whole new meaning to a "PACKAGE DEAL!" Along with the beautiful, private 2.24 ac & home, comes the full sized huge fenced garden, green house w/thermostat, chicken house w/chickens, 1200 sf shop for RV & car & 3-6x10 rooms + Loft!! 3 carports, another shop and ALL the tools & equipment STAY! 2 2500 gal water catchment drums, 6x12 trailer hauler & 8x14 shed! The covered hot tub area
This meticulously maintained single-story home provides exceptional charm and outstanding versatility. The inviting entry leads to an open plan living / dining area overlooking the manicured lawn and beautiful landscaping. The attractive kitchen features maple cabinets with slide-outs, new appliances including a KitchenAid dual-fuel range, stainless farm sink, and a large refurbished pantry. The
A jewel box! This sweet cottage in the Treehouse Community is situated at the end of a dead end street for ultimate quiet and privacy. Desirable location close to Fort Worden. This home has been beautifully remodeled, with bedroom and office/den on main floor and new 3/4 bath. Upstairs has new galley kitchen and coffee station, with Vermont Danby marble countertops and high-end appliances; Bosch
4,050 sq ft comm aircraft hangar available for lease, great for aviation professionals, corporate tenants, or air charter services. 3/4 bath attached. Inside the attached 1,400 sq. ft. lobby/office/pilot's lounge you'll find an ADA accessible 1/2 BA, large rcpt, office, break room, closet w/plenty of storage. Large pilot's lounge upstairs w/balcony & commanding views of the Olympic Mtns &
West Harbor Apartments is a beautiful new living community only minutes outside of downtown Port Townsend. All units are spacious, two-bedroom apartments with two bathrooms, living room, dining room, chef’s kitchen, and full-sized laundry. With modern finishes, we are sure you will feel right at home when you walk in the door!
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