Gorst is the choke point
SR 16 from Gig Harbor and Port Orchard meets SR 3 at Gorst. WSDOT notes congestion there and says there is no good alternate route into Bremerton. Test your drive at the hour you will commute.
WSDOT SR 16 study
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER IN WASHINGTON
Orders to Bremerton? Settle Into a Kitsap Home You'll Love.
The Navy announced on October 19, 2026 that the USS Abraham Lincoln will shift its homeport from San Diego to Bremerton for a planned maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. If you have orders, compare Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, Poulsbo and Gig Harbor by route to the shipyard, your 2026 BAH and your VA loan options.
- Compare towns and routes around Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton.
- Understand VA loan steps and check your own BAH.
- Plan your arrival and your next move with clear worksheets.
Free: the Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton PCS Relocation Guide.
YOUR FREE BASE GUIDE
Start your next chapter.
A clear plan for your PCS move.
Compare towns by route
| Town | County | Home types | Routes to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bremerton | Kitsap | Older detached homes, condos and townhomes near downtown | SR 3 and SR 304 into downtown and the shipyard. Foot ferry and fast ferry terminals are downtown. |
| Port Orchard | Kitsap | Detached homes, newer subdivisions and waterfront properties | SR 166 to SR 16 at Gorst, then SR 3. Or the Kitsap Transit foot ferry across Sinclair Inlet. |
| Silverdale | Kitsap | Detached homes, townhomes and newer subdivisions | SR 3 south to Bremerton. Kitsap Transit buses also run between Silverdale and Bremerton. |
| Poulsbo | Kitsap | Detached homes, townhomes and newer neighborhoods | SR 3 south through Silverdale to Bremerton. |
| Gig Harbor | Pierce | Detached homes, view properties and newer subdivisions | SR 16 north to Gorst, then SR 3. Gig Harbor sits west of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. |
Routes and ferries
Port Orchard foot ferry
Kitsap Transit runs a foot ferry from Port Orchard to Bremerton, about 7 to 12 minutes per its schedule.
Kitsap TransitBremerton Fast Ferry
About 30 minutes between Bremerton and downtown Seattle on weekdays.
Kitsap TransitSeattle to Bremerton car ferry
Washington State Ferries, about an hour. Check the current schedule before you count on a sailing.
WSF schedule2026 BAH for Bremerton (WA306)
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $2,265 | $1,974 |
| E-5 | $2,364 | $2,091 |
| E-6 | $2,730 | $2,169 |
| E-7 | $2,844 | $2,265 |
| E-8 | $2,967 | $2,442 |
| E-9 | $3,105 | $2,547 |
| O-1 | $2,415 | $2,163 |
| O-2 | $2,727 | $2,337 |
| O-3 | $3,045 | $2,595 |
| O-4 | $3,258 | $2,847 |
| O-5 | $3,411 | $2,913 |
| O-6 | $3,438 | $3,027 |
BAH is a budget input, not a price limit. Talk with your lender about the payment that fits you.
Confirm on the official DoD BAH lookupA PLAN YOU CAN HOLD ON TO
What's inside your base guide
Less guesswork. More clarity. From the first town comparison
to the day you get the keys.
Towns & routes VA loan steps Arrival checklist
01 / Town comparison sheets
02 / Dated commute checks
03 / VA buying checklist
04 / Sell vs rent worksheet
THE DETAILS THAT MATTER
Your move, with the next steps in view.
Check your own BAH
Your 2026 rate is in the table above. Confirm it in the official DoD BAH calculator with your duty station ZIP. Review your full ownership costs separately.
Start with your VA loan
Confirm your Certificate of Eligibility and entitlement with your lender. Review VA funding fee exemptions and property requirements before making an offer.
Plan the next move, too
Compare sale proceeds with rental income after mortgage, management, repairs and vacancy. For a qualifying lease termination, read 50 U.S.C. 3955 and confirm notice rules with an attorney.
CLEAR ANSWERS
Questions before your move
Is the USS Abraham Lincoln moving to Bremerton?
Yes. The Navy announced on October 19, 2026 that the carrier will shift its homeport from San Diego to Bremerton for a planned maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. As of October 23, 2026, an arrival date had not been announced.U.S. Navy · The Seattle Times
Which towns are near Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton?
Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, Poulsbo and Gig Harbor are common choices. Compare each by its route to the shipyard and whether a ferry fits your day.
What is the 2026 BAH in Bremerton?
Bremerton is Military Housing Area WA306. For 2026, an E-5 with dependents receives $2,364 a month and an O-3 with dependents $3,045, effective January 1, 2026. Confirm your rate on the official DoD lookup. 2027 rates are expected in mid-December.
How do I get from Port Orchard to the shipyard?
Drive SR 166 to SR 16 at Gorst, then SR 3 into Bremerton, or take the Kitsap Transit foot ferry across Sinclair Inlet, about 7 to 12 minutes per its schedule.Kitsap Transit
Is there a ferry from Bremerton to Seattle?
Yes. The Kitsap Transit Bremerton Fast Ferry takes about 30 minutes on weekdays, and the Washington State Ferries car ferry takes about an hour. Check current schedules.Kitsap Transit · WSF schedule
Can I use a VA loan in Kitsap County?
Yes, if you are eligible. VA loans are made by private lenders and guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov).
Do VA loans require a down payment?
VA does not require a down payment for eligible buyers. Lenders may have their own requirements (VA.gov).
Who is exempt from the VA funding fee?
Among others, veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability. See VA.gov's funding fee page for the full list.
Can I break my lease on PCS orders to Bremerton?
Under the SCRA (50 U.S.C. 3955), qualifying PCS or deployment orders allow lease termination with written notice and a copy of the orders. Ask your installation legal office.
Can I buy before I report?
Yes. Video tours, remote signing and local inspection scheduling make it workable.
LET'S MAKE A PLAN
Your next chapter starts here.
I'm Sean McConnell. We work with buyers and sellers on PCS orders.
Let's take the next step with a clear view of your options.