Central Silverdale - Silverdale, WA

Old Town Silverdale was founded in 1854 by a group of loggers who were expanding towards the west and into the valleys. This drew immigrants to the area in search of work in the logging industry. By the late 1800s, the land in the area was primarily used for farming and steamer boats that made regular trips to Seattle for trade. In 2010 the population of Silverdale had grown to over 19,000 residents.

Silverdale provides a wealth of opportunities for visual arts and a diverse performing arts scene. The Naval Undersea Museum lies approximately 7 miles from downtown.

Each year the Jingle Fest holiday and craft show provides a fun shopping experience for art lovers while raising money for Meals on Wheels. Held in late November, the festival has raffle drawings, holiday music, bingo, a bake sale and crafts for kids.

Fast food chains, international fare and locally owned establishments make central Silverdale the perfect spot for dining out. Whether you crave a classic burger or you want to try a new dish, Silverdale restaurants have something for everyone.

The Silver City Restaurant and Ale House serves up classic American and Italian fare in a casual dining setting. One of the Kitsap Peninsula's premier restaurants, Silver City has renowned menu items such as the BBQ rootbeer burger and made-to-order pizza on the go. The restaurant also has a loyalty program, so each time you visit you earn points to use on future visits.

For savory Hawaiian flavors, the Aloha Kitchen features generous portions for the healthiest appetites. From the moment you step through the doors of the Aloha Kitchen, the friendly staff and fun atmosphere adds to the dining experience. Sample the fresh mahi mahi, or try a combo plate of two entrees. The restaurant also has a kids menu and fresh homemade desserts.

A relaxed atmosphere and beautifully decorated interior greet guests at Nattamit Thai Restaurant. The menu features fresh or locally grown ingredients, and the chef prepares all menu items while you wait to ensure quality. Despite the very rustic outward appearance, this restaurant provides some of the best cuisine in the area. Start your meal off with the fresh rolls or a bowl of the won ton soup. For your main entree, try the dancing squid or the red curry chicken.

A short walk from the marina and Old Town Silverdale sits the Yacht Club Broiler on the Silverdale Waterfront. The menu includes fresh seafood, prime steaks, pastas and more, with a full selection of beers and wines. Eat in the main dining room or in the lounge, but locals recommend sitting outside when the weather permits for great views of the water.

If you want a busier bar, residents find plenty of choices for night time entertainment in downtown Seattle. Locals rave about Radiator Whiskey. True to its name, it has a great selection of whiskey, along with a prime location and a welcoming atmosphere. Happy Hour runs daily 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., with specials on all draft beers, bourbon margaritas and select wines. Also nightly, from 10 p.m. until close, patrons enjoy select dinner specials.

The majority of residents who live in central Silverdale prefer to drive, and locals rely heavily on their automobiles for transportation. A sprawling metropolis area, Silverdale has plenty of parking at no cost in most business lots and major access roads such as Bucklin Hill, Waaga Way and Tracyton Boulevard.

You won't be able to hail a cab in the Silverdale area, but you can simply call one of the local cab companies to schedule a pickup. Uber services can be accessed through your smartphone app, and you can find METRO stations that provide transportation to downtown Seattle. The Bremerton Ferry takes you across the Puget Sound from Seattle and Bremerton, which makes it easier for those who prefer to walk or travel by bike.

Outdoor activities can be found in abundance in the central Silverdale area. The Silverdale Waterfront Park has salt water beach access, a playground for children, a paved path for jogging, picnic areas, a gazebo and restrooms. Residents in the area enjoy visiting the park to sit and watch the whales in the Puget Sound. Silverdale also has the Silverdale Dog Park, where you can take your pet to run and play.

Each year Sivlerdale hosts the Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run in December to help benefit the area arthritis foundation. The foundation provides refreshments during and after the event.

For those considering making a home in central Silverdale, the cost of living hovers around 8.5 percent greater than the city average, and the median price of a one-bedroom apartment costs around $971 a month. A glass of beer at a bar costs at least $5.

The cost of gas lingers around 9.2 percent higher than the national average. To save money, you may prefer to commute via the bus or the ferry. The Bremerton Ferry costs $7.50 per ride, and a bus ride to the ferry costs around $1.50 for a single fare. The entire commute by bus and ferry can take around two hours.

Silverdale provides a major destination point for those who enjoy shopping for both necessities and specialty items. Kitsap Mall features major anchors including Macy's, Champs Sports, and Barnes & Noble bookstore. The area also offers a variety of boutiques for those in search of unique gifts.

Complete your wardrobe and dress up any outfit by making a stop at the Baubles Boutique. With a large selection of fun and fashionable accessories, Baubles makes it easy to stay in tune with all the latest fashion trends. From elegant necklaces to spacious handbags, this boutique provides a one-stop trip for any occasion.

Safeway, Trader Joe's, Albertsons and Costco remain the most popular places in the central Silverdale area to get groceries. In the summer, Silverdale hosts the summer farmers market in Olde Town between the boat launch and the waterfront park. The market features local vendors selling a large selection of fresh produce and hard-to-find chocolates, lavender, smoked salmon, homemade beef jerky and other items not available at your grocer.