$713,931Average Value$367Average Price per Sq Ft52Homes 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 $555,000, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
This beautiful home borders the Quimper Wildlife Corridor and is within walking distance of North Beach, Fort Worden State Park, and Jefferson County Fairgrounds. This thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bath, 960 sq. ft. modern container home offers a rare blend of sustainability, craftsmanship, and protected natural beauty. Energy-efficient features include high-performance insulation, heat pump
Back on market! Homesite 32 is move-in ready! Ask about our special financing! This new two-story home is host to an inviting open-concept layout on the first floor, blending a modern kitchen and comfortable Great Room for seamless transitions and everyday multitasking. All three bedrooms are located on the second floor for optimal comfort and privacy, including a lavish owner’s suite with a full
Sellers say “Bring Us An Offer!” This waterview lot in Cape George is primed and ready to build 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 done. Sellers have completed
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
Affordable living near Port Townsend is hard to find until now! This well-maintained single-wide manufactured home in the Four Corners area of Jefferson County offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the Port Townsend lifestyle without the high price tag. Relax on the covered front porch and take in the peaceful, private setting with room to create your own landscaping vision. Inside, vaulted
Your waterfront retreat in the community at Beckett Point! Enjoy 35’ of no bank waterfront on Discovery Bay. Relax on the sandy beach and savor stunning sunsets over the water and Olympic Mountains with your coffee in hand. This charming modern cottage offers vaulted ceilings, a propane stove and picture windows with a gorgeous view of the Olympic Mountains, Discovery Bay, and Protection Island.
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.
Enjoy this single-level, open floor plan home constructed by renowned builder Waltenbaugh. Seller designed with careful attention to the property and setting, this smart, circular floor plan creates efficient flow and everyday functionality. Flexible living spaces provide options to suit a variety of lifestyles, the spacious third bedroom could easily be a dedicated office or workout room.
Perched above Palmer Drive on a desirable corner lot, this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath home blends mid-century design with European flair in the sought-after Cape George Colony community. Enjoy views of Discovery Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Protection Island, with spectacular sunsets creating the perfect backdrop each evening. Thoughtful updates include energy-efficient ductless heating and
Elegance, timelessness, sophistication, and breathtaking mountain and water views await you atop popular Morgan Hill in historic Port Townsend! First time ever on the market, 1107 Madison Street distinguishes itself in design, quality, and beauty. Custom designed and built in 2006, the home speaks to remarkable pride of ownership and presents as absolutely “turnkey.” The private, gated, parklike
Sweeping, unobstructed panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Protection Island, Discovery Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca create an extraordinary backdrop for this charming Northwest home. Hardwood walls and ceilings in the kitchen, living room, hallway and bath add warmth and timeless character. The open living, dining and office areas are perfectly positioned to capture the ever-changing
Wake up to the sights and sounds of the waterfront in this beautifully situated ground-floor condominium, where the ferry glides by, birds soar overhead, and waves lap against the shore. Lightly lived in and move-in ready, Unit #3 has been freshly painted with professionally cleaned carpets, offering a fresh start for its next owner. The thoughtfully designed floor plan features two spacious
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!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
