$713,495Average Value$362Average Price per Sq Ft61Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Colleen Dutmers,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Port Townsend, WA sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Port Townsend, WA over the last 12 months is $524,975, down 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NEW $50K Price Improvement - The Upper Echelon of Port Townsend, perched at the top of Morgan Hill. This exceptional single-level home on a double corner lot offers the ease of Uptown living with a thoughtfully designed, inviting layout. Step inside to a light-filled living room featuring rich mahogany walls, tall windows, and a beautiful wood-burning fireplace. The modern kitchen is equipped
Port Townsend parcel with investment potential! Close to main roads, just a short stroll down established trails to the lightly treed lot. Gentle slope. Check with the City of Port Townsend for development possibilities.
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
Level. Partially cleared. Corner lot. Nearly half an acre with utilities in the street, access on two sides, and territorial views in an established South Port Townsend neighborhood. This is one of the most buildable lots available at this price point. Three-bedroom septic permit previously issued; buyer to verify renewal. Come see it.
Build your Olympic Peninsula dream home where the bay and Mt Baker fill the horizon. This offering pairs two lots into one exceptional building site. The buildable area on the west side, with access off Lyter Ave, is ready for your home, offering views and privacy, while the east side provides space to enjoy privacy and ambiance. Over $50,000 in site upgrades have been performed since the last
Enjoy peaceful country living inside the Port Townsend city limits on 3.64 sunny acres. Surrounded by larger lots and a beautiful forested setting, this inviting 2-bedroom home offers privacy, natural beauty, and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. The welcoming great room flows into a comfortable family room featuring built-in bookcases, while the kitchen offers a butcher block island with
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.
Peaceful Wooded Lot in Irondale/Port Townsend Area Opportunity! Discover the perfect setting for your future home, weekend retreat, or long-term investment with this peaceful vacant land opportunity in the Irondale community near Port Townsend. Surrounded by tall evergreens and the natural beauty of Jefferson County, this partially cleared lot offers privacy, tranquility, and the inviting feel of
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.
This well-designed single-level Craftsman home offers three bedrooms, two full baths, and 1,684 sq ft of comfortable, flowing space all on one floor with no stairs to navigate. Vaulted tongue-and-goove ceilings give the home warmth and character. Skylights provide natural light throughout the day. The primary suite features a spacious bath and walk-in closet, and a sun-filled solarium. A covered
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
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
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.
