21 Dec Whidbey and Camano Islands Guide
It’s easy to see the appeal of living on an island like Whidbey and Camano. Some choose island life for the endless outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. Others come for the slow pace and tight knit communities. Many, especially retirees, move here because of the mild climate. Whatever your reason, choosing to buy a home on Whidbey or Camano is an exciting decision. Let’s explore these islands.
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is 25 miles northwest of Seattle. The island has beaches, rugged cliffs and rich farmland. It lies between the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, affording residents with the best of both water and mountain views. The southern end of the island is considered a bedroom community to Seattle and Everett. Commuters make use of the Washing State Ferry lines that run from the island’s village of Clinton to Mulkiteo. You can also drive to Whidbey Island via the beautiful Deception Pass Bridge. Island Transit provides public transportation around the island.
Whidbey Island is about 60 miles long. It’s made up several small harbor towns and unincorporated villages. Here are the largest populated areas on the island:
Oak Harbor
This city is the largest community on the island. Just outside the city is Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Like the rest of the island, Oak Harbor has a thriving artist community. It has small theatre group that performs at the Whidbey Playhouse. The many restaurants in town serve fresh local produce and seafood. Oak Harbor is the nearest community to Deception Pass State Park, the most visited state park in Washington. This park has trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. There is also beach access, swimming in Cranberry Lake, and camping. Families in Oak Harbor benefit from the highly rated area schools.
Coupeville
Coupeville is about 2 ½ hours away from Seattle. It sits on the shores of Penn Cove. This small coastal town is one of the oldest communities in Washington. Not only does it have a rich history, it is also the center of the island’s artist community. It is home to the Pacific Northwest Arts School and the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival. Living here means access to abundant fresh produce and seafood, including shellfish from the famous Penn Cove Shellfish. Residents and visitors can hop on the Coupeville ferry to Port Townsend to explore the Olympic Peninsula. Schools here are part of the Coupeville School District.
Langley
The small town of Langley is within an hour of Seattle. It’s located just 6 miles from the ferry terminal in Clinton. Langley is filled with boutiques, restaurants, tasting rooms, and breweries. Similar to other island communities, it has a vibrant art scene. Langley is home to the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, as well as many studios and galleries. Students here attend schools in the South Whidbey School District.
Camano Island
This island sits between Whidbey Island and the mainland. It lives up to its nickname “The Easy Island”, with both its laid back atmosphere and accessibility from the mainland. Camano Island is about an hour’s drive from Seattle and can be reached by the Camano bridge. Like Whidbey Island, Camano is served by the Island Transit buses.
Living on Camano Island means you can simultaneously have access to big cities and trails and beaches. Camano Island State Park has hiking trails, ranging easy to moderate. Cama Beach State Park also has trails, along with a beach and boats for rent.
Camano is made up of small, unincorporated villages. The island has small stores, cafes, and restaurants. For other services, residents make the quick drive to nearby Stanwood. Schools on the island also share a school district with Stanwood
Now that you’ve read more about Whidbey and Camano Islands, which appeals to you? Would you prefer the accessibility of Camano or being away from it all on Whidbey? Let’s chat about what your ideal island home is. Contact me today!
Photo by Joyce Adams on Unsplash