Known as "Little Norway," Poulsbo sits on the shores of Liberty Bay in Kitsap County, where historic Scandinavian architecture and Norwegian flags line the streets of its waterfront downtown. Founded by Norwegian immigrants in the 1880s, the city celebrates its heritage through traditional bakeries serving krumkake and lefse, maritime museums, and festivals like Viking Fest. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,896, slightly higher than the Washington state average of $1,821.

Rental options in Poulsbo include boutique apartment communities, townhomes, and single-family homes, many with views of Liberty Bay or the Olympic Mountains. The downtown area features historic buildings with apartments above retail spaces, while neighborhoods like Poulsbo East and Finn Hill offer newer townhome developments and custom-built homes for rent. Liberty Bay waterfront properties provide premium rental opportunities with private docks and water access.

Poulsbo's location makes it convenient for regional travel and commuting. Many residents take the approximately 30-minute ferry from nearby Bainbridge Island to downtown Seattle or drive to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, about 16 miles south. The city features waterfront parks like Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, public marina facilities, and a walkable downtown filled with independent bookstores, art galleries, and Nordic-inspired shops. With a population of approximately 11,800, Poulsbo offers a blend of maritime heritage and small-town charm while maintaining easy access to urban centers.