What Should I Know Before Moving to Port Townsend?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in Port Townsend. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for Port Townsend climate and weather.

How Much Do Movers Charge in Port Townsend?

Moving within Port Townsend usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to Port Townsend?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in Port Townsend. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Companies in Port Townsend Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in Port Townsend offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from Port Townsend, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from Port Townsend at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Townsend, WA

Considering a move to Port Townsend, WA? This charming coastal city of about 10,000 offers a peaceful lifestyle, with a median home price of $547,000 and average rent near $1,400. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates, a short average commute of 16.5 minutes, and excellent access to local healthcare. The city boasts a highly educated population and a mild, maritime climate with 46% sunny days, making it ideal for those seeking natural beauty and a tight-knit, vibrant community.

Demographics - Port Townsend, WA

Port Townsend is a small coastal city with a population of just over 10,000, known for its older median age of 56.7 and a predominantly White demographic. The community is tight-knit with a moderate population density, and about 6.3% of residents speak a language other than English at home.

Population:

10,148

Density:

1,300 per sq mi

Median Age:

56.7

Gender Ratio:

87 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

6.3%

Ethnic Composition

White:

91.2%

Black:

0.5%

Asian:

1.6%

Others:

6.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Port Townsend, WA?

Living in Port Townsend comes with a higher cost of living index at 126.5, largely due to housing, where the median home value is $547,000 and average rent is $1,400. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, and Washington state's lack of income tax helps offset some expenses.

Median House Value:

$547,000

Gross Rent:

$1,400

Monthly Electricity Charges:

$100

Auto Insurance:

$1,180

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

$2,050

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

$730

State Taxes:

Low:

High:

9.0%

Cost Of Living Index:

126.5

Grocery:

114.0

Housing:

154.2

Utilities:

95.0

Transportation:

108.0

Health Care:

113.0

Miscellaneous:

110.0

Crime

Is Port Townsend, WA a safe place to live?

Port Townsend enjoys a low violent crime rate, with only 93 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a relatively safe place to live. Property crime is somewhat higher, but overall, the city's crime index suggests a secure environment for families and retirees.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

Property Crimes Per 100k:

1,530

Crime Index:

1,623

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 1,075

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 65

Weather

What is the weather like in Port Townsend, WA year-round?

The city offers a mild maritime climate, with cool winters averaging lows of 35°F and warm summers peaking around 70°F. Port Townsend receives about 19 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 46% sunny days, making it attractive for those who appreciate temperate weather and outdoor activities.

Winter

Min:

35°F

Max:

46°F

Spring

Min:

42°F

Max:

58°F

Summer

Min:

52°F

Max:

70°F

Fall

Min:

43°F

Max:

60°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

19.0 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

46%

Neighbors

Residents of Port Townsend benefit from a median household income of $62,900 and high educational attainment, with nearly 97% holding at least a high school diploma. The area has a modest poverty rate of 12.1%, low unemployment, and a short average commute of just 16.5 minutes.

Median Income:

$38,500

Household Income:

$62,900

Family Income:

$76,200

Per Capita Income:

$37,400

Income Male:

$41,000

Income Female:

$33,500

Poverty Rate:

12.1%

Non English Speakers:

6.3%

Rent:

$1,400

Unemployment Rate:

4.7%

Public Transport Usage:

1.2%

Commute Time:

16.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

96.7%

Bachelors or More:

46.8%

Education

How are the schools in Port Townsend, WA?

Port Townsend offers quality education through its public schools, including Port Townsend High School and Blue Heron Middle School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city also hosts private education options and is located within driving distance of Peninsula College for higher learning opportunities.

Public Schools

Name:

Port Townsend High School

Street:

1500 Van Ness St

Phone:

360-379-4520

Students:

366

Student Teacher Ratio:

14.9

Name:

Blue Heron Middle School

Street:

3939 San Juan Ave

Phone:

360-379-4540

Students:

320

Student Teacher Ratio:

15.2

Private Schools

Name:

Sunfield Waldorf School

Street:

111 Sunfield Ln

Phone:

360-385-3658

Students:

Colleges

Name:

Peninsula College

City:

Port Angeles

State:

Distance:

49 miles

Students:

2,500

Healthcare

Port Townsend is served by Jefferson Healthcare Hospital, providing comprehensive general and emergency care. The area has a strong healthcare presence, with 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 93.5%.

Major Hospitals

Name:

Jefferson Healthcare Hospital

Address:

834 Sheridan St, Port Townsend, WA 98368

Phone:

(360) 385-2200

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

2.3

Health Insurance Coverage:

93.5%

Health Care Index:

77.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Port Townsend, WA?

The housing market in Port Townsend features a median home price of $547,000 and a 61.4% owner-occupancy rate. Modest home appreciation and a low foreclosure rate indicate a stable market, while rental options remain accessible with an average rent of $1,400 for a two-bedroom.

Median Home Price:

$547,000

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$1,400

Owner Occupied Rate:

61.4%

Rental Vacancy Rate:

4.9%

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

3.2%

New Construction Rate:

1.2%

Foreclosure Rate:

0.3%

DMV Information

Washington State Department of Licensing serves Port Townsend residents, offering driver's license and vehicle registration services both online and at the nearest office in Lynnwood. The DMV is accessible via their website or by phone for convenient service options.

State:

Washington

Department:

Washington State Department of Licensing

Address:

20816 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Phone:

1-360-902-3900

Website:

https://www.dol.wa.gov

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.