Neighborhoods--South

South of downtown and to the most southern tip of the Island is south Island. The area is most well known for it's waterfront properties and beaches but there are many surprises tucked in along the way. On your map, Bucklin Hill Road is used as the northern boundary and everything south becomes south Island.

Eagledale
Directly across Eagle Harbor is the neighborhood of Eagledale. Many of the residences are newer or remodeled homes set along the hillside -some with views of the Harbor or downtown Bainbridge Island. If you enjoy the history of Bainbridge Island, you'll appreciate that Eagledale is home to many historic homes built during the reign of the Port Blakely Mill. Eagledale is also the home to Pritchard Park, a newly constructed memorial and a waterfront park at the former Eagledale Ferry Dock and surrounding acreage.

Bill Point
Located across Eagle Harbor from downtown is Bill Point -- a well-loved community nestled in the hills between Eagledale and Rockaway Beach. Most of the homes in Bill Point were built in the late 70's and early 80's and many of them have undergone major remodels. This neighborhood boasts of magnificent views. The residents of Bill Point enjoy a community pool that is open from May through September.

Lynwood Center/Baker Hill/Emerald Heights
On the southwest side of the Island is the Lynwood Center neighborhood and adjacent Baker Hill and Emerald Heights. As the names imply, this is hill country. Homes are hidden from view of the main road by tall fir trees. Yet, many of the properties closer to the water have been cleared to allow views of Rich Passage and beyond. It feels like a 'real' neighborhood up here. Homes are close enough to feel safe yet a good distance away to be private -- lovely combination.

Lynwood Center highlights this neighborhood. Here, you are close to movies at the Lynwood Center Historical Theatre, great pizza at the Treehouse Café and convenient groceries at Walt's - a small locally owned grocery store that carries your basic fare but includes organic produce and a respectable wine selection. It is also the jumping point for two beach communities - Point White and Pleasant Beach.

Point White/Crystal Springs
Ferry watching, kayaking, sailing and fishing are just a few of the activities enjoyed by Point White residents. With its southern exposure and view of Mt. Rainier, this neighborhood has lovely waterfront and view homes - large and small - old and new.

As you continue along Pt. White's water's edge, the road becomes Crystal Springs. Welcome to my neighborhood - an outgoing, friendly community of people and mostly 'old-Bainbridge' beachfront homes. From the public Pt. White Dock, both locals and visitors enjoy the warmth of the western exposure and view to Rich Passage and Olympic Mountains beyond. The pier was once a loading dock for the Mosquito Fleet and still draws people for leisurely walks, fishing and picnics.

Pleasant Beach/Fort Ward
Prime no-bank waterfront homes line the shores of Pleasant Beach. Most of these homes are old Bainbridge residences that enjoyed major remodels. It is no wonder that the area became populated with the warm southwest exposure and sandy beaches. Pleasant Beach is also one of the 'gateways' to lovely Fort Ward State Park.

The Fort Ward neighborhood is graced with Fort Ward State Park -- a 137-acre marine park with 4,300 feet of saltwater shoreline on Rich Passage. Many of the structures in the park reflect the historic military significance of the area, but the park is well developed for day use. You can launch a boat from the public ramp off Pleasant Beach Drive or walk your dog through the trails. It's a wonderful place to have close to home. Homes found in this area are a combination of charming, restored old-time residences and new construction.

South Beach
Following Fort Ward Hill south, you'll come to the most southern part of the Island and a neighborhood called South Beach. This small neighborhood enjoys the benefits of a warm climate with its southern exposure to Rich Passage. It's a peaceful community with no-bank beaches along Rich Passage and views of Mt. Rainier and marine life. Though most of the properties are single-family homes, you will also find condominiums that can provide affordable beach living for its residents. On foot, you can follow South Beach Drive north and enter Fort Ward Park to continue your walk along the water. Listen to the barking sea lions and delight in the sights and smells at water's edge.

Rockaway Beach
South of Eagledale, along the southeast coastline of the Island is the lovely neighborhood of Rockaway Beach. Here the properties relish in the views of Seattle and the Cascade Mountains beyond. The residents enjoy watching spectacular sunrises, ferry traffic and boating activities of the shipping lanes.

As you continue south along Rockaway Beach Drive, you circle Blakey Harbor and arrive at Port Blakey Park - a mostly local residents' playground. Here you can swim, picnic or just kick off your shoes to take a nap. It's peaceful, quiet and changes with the mood of the harbors tides.

Port Blakely
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Port Blakely neighborhood was the site of the Port Blakely Mill Company. Though the mill is gone, the neighborhood remains steeped in history. Many residents in this neighborhood have lovely views of Seattle and the Cascade Mountain Range.

Continue further south and you'll drive through the Country Club Road neighborhood all the way to Restoration Point. You'll have to turn around for literally, the road ends here. It is easy to appreciate what a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier Captain Vancouver had when he landed at Restoration Point in 1792.

West Blakely