Whidbey Island Real Estate
& Neighborhood Guide

Artists have long flocked to Whidbey, and it's easy to see why. Whidbey has natural beauty around every bend, with privacy and community everywhere you turn. 

Whidbey is a vibrant island, filled with equally vibrant events. Events that bring the community together, from makers markets to art festivals. Penn Cove Mussel Fest, Coupeville Chocolate Walk, St Patricks Day Parade, Sounds of Summer, Coupeville Arts Festival, Whidbey Island Garden Tours,  many more events that bring the community together. 

Summer days are never quite long enough!

Whidbey is located about 35 (ish)  miles North of Seattle, 135 (ish) miles South of Vancouver, Canada, and 81 (ish) miles South of Bellingham -- all dependent on where you're located on the island. The close proximity to more densely populated areas, allows flexibility for both working and for extracurriculars. 

WSDOT ferry access from Clinton to Mukilteo allows shorter for a shorter commute into the city. With the world of working remotely, many communities on Whidbey provide a haven for work-life balance. Finish your work day, and step into the natural world to unwind. 

Whidbey is home to Deception Pass State Park, which is home to over 4,000 acres of protected forestlands, 14 miles of ocean coastline, and 8 miles of freshwater coastline (and fun fact, the most visited park in Washington State). In addition, Whidbey has Fort Casey State Park, Fort Ebey, Meerkerk Gardens, South Whidbey Community Park (Castle Park), Earth Sanctuary, Joseph Whidbey State Park, Maxwelton Park, Cloudstone Sculpture Park, and so many more. 

Many of these parks offer public beach access that can accommodate shoreline fishing, kayaking, and even whale watching if you're lucky. 

Whidbey as a whole has a variety of microclimates; proximity to the ocean, elevation, and wind patterns. On average, Whidbey has 162 days of sun per year. 

These days of sun are thanks to the rain shadow; a phenomena thanks to the Olympic Mountain Range. Whidbey is shielded from more ran than Seattle on average. 

In the 1890s three forts, Fort Casey on Whidbey Island, Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island, and Fort Worden in Port Townsend, were built with the intention to create a 'triangle of fire' against invading ships via the Puget Sound. This military strategy was enacted based on the theory that three fortresses would discourage any invasion attempt by sea during a tumultuous time in history. 

In the 1940s, just prior to the US involvement in WWII, Ault Field was identified as a valuable location for the refueling of jets. Simultaneously, Fort Ebey was also established as a defendable coastal position. 

Washington State acquired the 224 acres from the federal government, and was turned into a state park in the late 1980's. 

The first known European sighting of Whidbey Island was during a 1790 Spanish expedition. The island was fully explored in 1792 by Captain George Vancouver. In May of that year, Royal Navy officers and members of Joseph Whidbey and Peter Puget, began to map and explore the areas of what would later be named Puget Sound. After Joseph Whidbey circumnavigated the island in June 1792, Vancouver named the island in his honor.

In 1850, Colonel Isaac N. Ebey became the first known white settler on Whidbey Island, claiming a large swath of prairie with a southern shoreline on Admiralty Inlet.

What's your favorite thing about living in Anacortes?

Kristine Stultz, Founder of Lapis Homes

I've been a resident of Anacortes since 2003. I've seen it grow and change as I've raised my 3 kids. My favorite part of Anacortes is that is always grows and changes with what you need. There always seems to be enough going on for whatever you need. 

What's your favorite thing about living in Anacortes?

Audrey Stultz, Agent of Lapis Homes

'Anacortes holds a dear place in my heart. Growing up, I took the safety and community for granted. Upon return after college, I quickly learned that someone saying hello on a walking trail or a local business owner remembering you, was so rare in a city of our size. The warmth of Anacortes is so special.