Often referred to as “Little Norway,” Poulsbo had a large influx of Norwegian and Scandinavian immigrants in its earliest day, which continues to influence the town’s culture and community. Poulsbo’s downtown corridor, set on the banks of Liberty Bay, attracts tourists with its charming Scandinavian architecture. Outside of tourism, Poulsbo is supported by maritime industries and surrounding naval bases. Set on the banks of Liberty Bay, west of the Puget Sound, some Poulsbo residents commute to Seattle using the ferry, while others take advantage of the waterfront for fishing and kayaking. Between the waterfront, Scandinavian charm and views of the distant Olympic Mountains, many new residents are coming to Poulsbo for the scenery. “I’m very proud of my city. I feel so lucky to live in this community that’s just so gorgeous,” says Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson. “I always say a picture says a thousand words. I encourage folks to look up a picture of Poulsbo, and I feel like I don’t need to say anything else.”
Embrace the coastal allure of private beach waterfront Craftsman homes nestled in Suquamish.
Norwegian Point County Park
1/2
Lower housing costs than Seattle
Homes in Poulsbo sell for a median price of about $695,000, higher than the national median of about $406,000 but lower than the Seattle median of $850,000. Some Craftsman properties were built around the downtown corridor in the early 20th century, but major development didn’t begin until the 1950s. Ranch-style homes and new traditional properties across town date from the mid-20th century to the early 21st century. There’s been a boom of new constructions around the town’s edges since 2020, primarily driven by remote workers.
Traditional modern home on a land sits among the trees with water views in Hansville WA.
Tree covered modern ranch style homes are a common site in Hansville WA.
1/2
Waterfront recreation on Liberty Bay
Liberty Bay is a hub for kayaking, boating and fishing. Just next to the downtown corridor, Liberty Bay Waterfront Park offers views of the Olympic Mountains in the distance and a large gazebo. Locals can dock their boats at the Port of Poulsbo Marina, also downtown. Many more parks are scattered around the community, including Poulsbo’s Fish Park, a natural preserve popular with fishers and birdwatchers. Locals often venture outside of town to go camping at Kitsap Memorial State Park, 6 miles north, or spend the day on the banks of Island Lake, 6 miles south.
Norwegian Point County Park
Norwegian Point County Park
1/2
Celebrating the town’s Viking heritage downtown
Downtown Poulsbo exemplifies Poulsbo’s heritage with traditional Norwegian-style architecture and vibrant murals depicting Vikings and other iconography. “Liberty Bay really reminded the earliest settlers of the fjords back in Norway, which is what led them to settle here,” says Shiloh Schroader, a lifelong resident who helps run the Visit Poulsbo website. “The streets have very Norwegian names, and there’s lots of Norwegian shops and artwork that we’ve cultivated over time.” Here, there are locally owned seafood restaurants and waterfront cafes, along with European-style pubs and bakeries. Visitors often enjoy window shopping at art galleries, antique stores and gift shops. The downtown area is very popular with tourists, meaning some locals may avoid this part of town in the summer when it’s the most crowded. Attractions include the SEA Discovery Center, an educational aquarium run by Western Washington University, and the Poulsbo Heritage Museum. Outside of downtown, there are big box stores and strip malls along major highways and a weekly farmers market that runs from April to December in the parking lot of Gateway Fellowship Church.
Viking Fest takes place downtown during the third week of May. The cultural celebration includes a parade, carnival rides, and a strongman competition. During the event, Anderson Parkway is closed for a street fair featuring food vendors and games.
Poulsbo locals are ready for Julefest in Poulsbo WA.
Meet the princess of The Sons of Norway at Julefest in Poulsbo WA.
1/2
Taking the Washington State Ferry
Highways 3, 305 and 307 are the main roadways in and out of town. However, most people use the ferry to reach Seattle, the nearest major city. The Washington State Ferry offers drive-on and walk-on options, landing on Bainbridge Island, where passengers can catch a Kitsap Transit bus to Poulsbo. The trip takes about 22 miles by ferry or 80 miles by car alone, though both options take less than an hour and a half altogether. The Port of Poulsbo also has marinas and docks for private boats and seaplanes, and other Kitsap Transit bus lines connect locals to the rest of the county. Though Poulsbo has smaller medical centers, the Saint Michael Medical Center is the nearest major hospital, less than 10 miles away in Silverdale. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 68 miles away by car alone and 45 miles away by ferry.
The beautiful natural landscapes of Suquamish offer a serene escape from the everyday hustle.
The Kingston Ferry runs regularly to Edmonds.
1/2
Highly regarded high schools in North Kitsap District
North Kitsap School District is based in Poulsbo and earns a B-plus from Niche. Within the district, North Kitsap High is a top-ranked institution that serves Poulsbo students. Just outside Poulsbo, the private West Sound Academy offers an International Baccalaureate-focused curriculum for middle and high school students.
Your kids will enjoy learning in the inspiring atmosphere of North Kitsap High School.
West Sound Academy
1/2
Declining crime and sometimes rainy weather
According to an annual report by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the Poulsbo Police Department saw a 35% drop in crime from 2022 to 2023. Property crime saw the biggest drop during this period, with an over 50% decline in both burglary and larceny and a 33% drop in motor vehicle theft.
Poulsbo experiences four distinct seasons, with summer highs in the 90s and winter lows in the 30s. Residents can also expect heavy precipitation in the winter and spring. Flood risk is generally relatively low; however, the risk of earthquakes is high, and tsunamis can sometimes result from a severe earthquake in rare instances.
Infrastructural investments from the City of Poulsbo
Poulsbo officials are constantly improving the city's infrastructure to keep up with the population growth in the last several years. Most of the new housing is on the east side, where the town completed a massive road improvement project in 2023. The over $20 million project included a new roundabout on Highway 305 and the construction of Johnson Parkway, which provides another access point into that side of the city.
Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
William King
Video By
Tyler Belile
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Claudia Powers,
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 Poulsbo, WA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Poulsbo, WA over the last 12 months is $700,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turn-key, beautifully curated contemporary Craftsman sits in Poulsbo’s coveted Liberty Hill neighborhood. where every detail invites comfort & connection. Airy open-concept floorplan blends the warmth of laminate w/ a welcoming living & dining space, perfect for effortless entertaining. Chef’s kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring a generous island, sleek stainless appliances, + easy flow
Embrace easy living in this beautifully updated open-concept 3 bedroom, 2 bath rambler in Poulsbo’s desirable Edgewater Estates. Well maintained home with a newer mini-split for heating and cooling. Enjoy cooking on the stainless gas range, or a BBQ on the patio outside. This spacious, single-level living home is just minutes from downtown, hood canal bridge, navy bases and local shopping with
Tucked down a private lane in Lemolo with fabulous views of Liberty Bay and no bank, sandy waterfront beach. This mid century home is wrapped in cedar, has soaring ceilings, walls of windows, hardwood floors and a towering fireplace. Open concept living designed to enjoy the expansive views from nearly every room. Primary on main floor, and lower level for guests and entertainment. Boathouse on
Turn-key, beautifully curated contemporary Craftsman sits in Poulsbo’s coveted Liberty Hill neighborhood. where every detail invites comfort & connection. Airy open-concept floorplan blends the warmth of laminate w/ a welcoming living & dining space, perfect for effortless entertaining. Chef’s kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring a generous island, sleek stainless appliances, + easy flow
Seller offering 3% (20K) towards buyers costs. On a sunlit corner lot w/ filtered Liberty Bay & Olympic views, a beautifully updated single-story home offers a rare blend of serenity and convenience. Minutes from downtown Poulsbo’s shops, eateries, & waterfront. Thoughtfully designed for low-maintenance living, this no-HOA gem features A/C, gas fireplace + an inviting all-season room that
Looking to build your dream home, look no further! Lot is level, cleared, ready to go, all within the "City of Poulsbo!" Walk to the quaint town by the bay, that locals call Little Norway & enjoy a day of shopping & restaurants. Building envelope is 52 ft wide X 72 ft long* (to be verified by City Planning Dept). Sewer & Water are extended & at property line. Gas & Power are very nearby & within
Welcome to Eliason Square, the newest boutique apartment community in the heart of Downtown Poulsbo. Thoughtfully designed with modern finishes and timeless Scandinavian charm, Eliason Square offers a unique living experience just steps away from the waterfront, galleries, cafes, and charming local shops. Each residence features elevated interiors, energy-efficient appliances, and large windows
Recently updated 3 bed 2 bath modern rambler located within a 7-minute walking distance into Historic downtown Poulsbo. Both bathrooms have been completely renovated with tile, custom glass sliding doors, sparkly over head lights & large sky lights for natural light. Kitchen has been upgraded, all appliances are brand new, new countertops & cabinetry. Mini split ductless AC/Heating unit in
Thanks for checking out Hillsider 50 Apartments. We are a locally owned and professionally managed community in Poulsbo, WA. Hillsider 50 is conveniently located near the downtown historic district and a multitude of shopping and dining options. We have 1 and 2-bedrom apartments. Our apartment homes are a great value, featuring spacious floor plans, dishwasher, vinyl flooring, linen closet, and
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.
