Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of . All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by the broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
The Skyline neighborhood in Anacortes, Washington, is a vibrant coastal community on the western tip of Fidalgo Island, known for its stunning views, marina access, and strong sense of community. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:
Location and Setting
- Geography: Skyline is located on the west side of Fidalgo Island, overlooking Burrows Bay, Rosario Strait, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Mountains. It’s minutes from downtown Anacortes and the San Juan Ferry Terminal, offering easy access to the mainland via bridges to Whidbey Island and the Swinomish Channel. The neighborhood is part of the city of Anacortes in Skagit County, within the Puget Sound’s “banana belt,” benefiting from a milder, sunnier climate due to the Olympic Peninsula rain shadow.
- Proximity to Amenities: Skyline is adjacent to the 220-acre Washington Park, featuring trails, gardens, and a boat launch, and the Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL) with 2,800 acres of trails, lakes, and wildlife. Deception Pass State Park, Mt. Erie, and Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead are a short drive south. The neighborhood’s location near the Skyline Marina makes it ideal for boating enthusiasts.
Housing and Real Estate:- Property Types: Skyline offers a diverse range of homes, including waterfront luxury properties with private docks, 1960s ramblers, modern Craftsman-style homes, condominiums, and manufactured homes. Homes range from 1,500 to over 3,000 square feet, with prices typically between $453,000 (mobile homes) and $1.4 million for larger waterfront properties. As of January 2025, the median home price in Skyline is $724,475, with an average sale price of $784,887, up 8% from the previous year. The median price per square foot is $396, down 41% from July 2023.
Recent Listings:
- Waterfront Homes: Properties like a 3-bedroom, 3-bath home feature expansive views, vaulted ceilings, and modern kitchens with granite counters. Others include multi-level homes with panoramic views of Burrows Bay and the San Juan Islands, often with large decks for entertaining.
- Condos: A top-floor condo with views of Burrows Bay offers stair-free access, elevator, and amenities like in-unit laundry and covered parking. Some include marina slips, like a 25’ dock with an end-unit condo.
- Mobile Homes: Updated 3-bedroom mobile homes above Skyline Marina, priced around $453,000–$480,000, feature new flooring, stainless appliances, and partial views of Puget Sound.
- Vacant Lots: Level homesites are available for custom builds, with utilities in place and marina access nearby.
Market Trends:
Homes in Skyline sell after an average of 43 days on the market, slightly faster than the national average of 45 days. The market is competitive but has seen a 57% decrease in median list price from July 2023 ($750,000 in July 2024). Buying a home at $750,000 with 25% down requires an annual income of about $144,000. It’s a good time to sell due to demand, though prices per square foot have declined.
HOA and Amenities:
The Skyline Property Owners Association (SPOA) governs the neighborhood, offering low HOA fees and access to a private beach (Tugboat Beach), clubhouse, conference room, cabana, tennis and pickleball courts, five local parks, and the Skyline Marina with over 800 slips. The community center includes a lending library and game room. Some homes include marina slips as part of the purchase.
Community and Lifestyle:
- Scenic Appeal: Skyline is renowned for its breathtaking views of Burrows Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Mountains, with many homes designed to maximize these vistas through large windows and expansive decks. Residents enjoy year-round sunsets and frequent wildlife sightings, including whales, porpoises, deer, and the neighborhood’s bull elephant seal, Elsie Mae, at Tugboat Beach.
- Community Activities: The SPOA organizes events like annual picnics, flea markets, holiday parties, potlucks, and wiener roasts. Residents can join the Garden Club, yoga classes, or pickleball matches (e.g., mixed senior doubles three times a week). The clubhouse, cabana, and RV spaces are available for rent by SPOA members.
- Outdoor Recreation: Skyline’s proximity to Washington Park and the ACFL provides ample hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities. The Skyline Marina supports boating, whale watching, fishing charters, and kayaking tours through operators like Anacortes Kayak Tours and R&R Charters. Nearby activities include sailing, diving, golfing, and beachcombing.
- Local Amenities: The neighborhood has a low walk score (15) and bike score (11), meaning most errands require a car. However, a convenience store, gas station, and coffee shop are located at the marina. Downtown Anacortes, a 10-minute drive, offers restaurants like Union Tavern and Union Local 902, shops, and cultural attractions like the Maritime Heritage Center. The ferry terminal, 5 minutes away, provides easy access to the San Juan Islands and Sidney, BC, for day trips.
Schools and Education
- Public Schools: Skyline is served by the Anacortes School District, with highly rated schools including Island View Elementary (A-minus, Niche), Anacortes Middle School (A-minus, Niche), and Anacortes High School (A-minus, Niche; 10/10, Great Schools). The Northwest Career & Technical Academy offers hands-on programs in graphic design and construction.
Infrastructure and Utilities
- Utilities: Skyline homes have access to city-provided utilities (water, sewer), natural gas, electricity, and broadband internet (up to 987 Mbps via Comcast). Some homes feature energy-efficient upgrades like triple-pane windows, metal roofs, and natural gas backup generators.
- Transportation: The neighborhood’s quiet, winding roads and cul-de-sacs lack sidewalks but are safe for walking. The ferry terminal and I-5 are 5–30 minutes away, with Oak Harbor 30 minutes south. Bellingham International Airport is the nearest airport.
Historical Context
- Development History: Skyline was once the site of Fidalgo Island’s largest sawmill, owned by the Northern Pacific Railroad and Henry Havekost in the 1890s. In 1960, Skyline on Burrows Bay, Inc. purchased the land for development, but progress stalled until Harry Davidson created a master plan in the 1960s for a community of hillside and waterfront homes, recreational areas, and the marina. The SPOA, established in 1963, has since managed communications and amenities.
Considerations
- Environmental Risks: Coastal properties may face risks from rising sea levels. Air quality is generally good (AQI 5 for PM2.5), though there were 7 days in 2020 with poor air quality (AQI >100).
- Cost of Living: Skyline is 2% more expensive than the national average for homebuying, reflecting its desirable location and amenities.
- Pet Policies: Dogs must be leashed on SPOA property, including beaches, per Anacortes ordinance 6.04.100. Dog waste stations are provided.
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