$711,977Average Value$381Average Price per Sq Ft49Homes 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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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Port Townsend, WA sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Port Townsend, WA over the last 12 months is $589,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Port Townsend no-bank waterfront on Discovery Bay: updated, turnkey, & move-in ready. Beach access, oversized deck, & true coastal living just minutes to town. There’s an ease to life here; the water is just steps away, the views are ever-changing, the marine air is refreshing year-round, & everything has already been done for you. Set along the shoreline of Discovery Bay, this no-bank waterfront
Tucked onto a quiet street off 19th, this 1928 Port Townsend classic embodies timeless charm and modern adaptability. The 1,734 sf interior lives comfortably with good bones and a flexible layout: three bedrooms plus a sleeping/play loft and a bright, inviting kitchen with peek-a-boo views of Port Townsend Bay. The 100x100 corner lot lives large with patios, decks, and 450 sf of outdoor living
Discover an exceptional investment opportunity with this rare acreage property consisting of 8 separate parcels and zoned RR5, offering exciting potential for future redevelopment and increased density. Whether you’re seeking a multi-generational compound, income-producing property, or land investment, this unique offering delivers incredible flexibility and value.The property includes two
The inspiring Victorian set in a beautiful Uptown neighborhood can be a quintessential intergenerational home, with private spaces as well as common living spaces. The main house features 4+ bedrooms with refinished straight-grain wood floors, a beautiful yoga room/studio space, a meditation space, and a loft, as well as a basswood far-infrared sauna (sauna negotiable.) The 638 sq. ft. cottage
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
Stunning Gardener's Delight Home in the Heart of Port Townsend with Bay and City Views! Home Shines Throughout and is Filled with Light! Home Boasts Glowing Bamboo Flooring, High Ceilings, Vaulted Tile Entry, Large Sunny Covered Front and Back Decks Built with Trex Decking, Fresh Paint, Great Open Floor Plan with Gas Fireplace in the Living Room and Large Dining Room, Chef's Gourmet Kitchen with
This property is ready for a full rebuild. The home has been taken down to the studs, offering a clean slate for your renovation plans. Water and sewer available in 21st Street. The lot is level and there is no fire number. Buyer shall do their due diligence. Priced under the assessed value. AS IS.
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.
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
A landmark Port Townsend residence offers exceptional flexibility for a variety of living arrangements and lifestyle needs. With 5+ bedrooms, 4.25 baths, and over 4,800± sq ft across three thoughtfully designed levels plus a substantial bonus suite over the garage, this property is equally suited as an expansive single-family home, a multi-generational residence, or a property with potential for
Welcome to this Move-in-Ready Northwest meets Tuscan style retreat with open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and expansive windows. Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner or a large gathering, the flow is effortless between the living room, dining, kitchen and sunroom. The ideal southern exposure brightens this home, bringing the outdoors in. Quality and attention to detail reflects in each
Perched above historic Fort Worden State Park and just a short walk away, this charming single-level home combines mid-century character with thoughtful modern updates. Featuring four bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home offers versatile living spaces suited for a variety of lifestyles, whether you need room for guests, a home office, hobbies, or everyday living. Recent improvements enhance both
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
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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