The San Juan Islands are not just a chain of 172 islands scattered in the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the northwest tip of Washington State, the islands represent a way of life and a state of mind embracing stunning natural beauty and a rural island lifestyle. Although easily accessible from Seattle, WA the San Juan Islands enjoy a far different weather pattern with sunny weather and low rainfall created by the Olympic Mountain rain shadow.
Fidalgo Island (Anacortes, WA) and Whidbey Island (Oak Harbor and home of Whidbey NAS) are the most populated islands. Whidbey Island is connected by Fidalgo Island by the Deception Pass Bridge as well as being serviced from the southern end by the Washington State Ferry. In addition to being connect to Whidbey Island, Fidalgo Island is connected to the mainland by two other Bridges. Because these two islands are so easily accessed by car, they are often not considered part of the San Juan Islands although geologically they are part of the island chain.
Most of the other San Juan Islands are sparsely populated by humans, but fish, whales, eagles, and other wildlife are abundant. The most accessible islands are San Juan Island, Shaw Island, Lopez Island, and Orcas Island - the islands serviced by the Washington State Ferry system. The ferry system carries both foot passengers and cars and the main ferry terminal is in Anacortes, WA which is just 80 miles north of Seattle.
The most populated Island not connected by bridge is San Juan Island with the town of Friday Harbor. The options for transportation to the island include scheduled land planes out of Seattle, Bellingham or Anacortes, WA. State Ferry service out of Sidney B.C. or Anacortes, WA; float planes out of Seattle, WA, charter planes, tour boats, water taxi, private boats, charter boats, private planes, private boats, or catch a ride with a friend. You can take your car, motorcycle, or bicycle aboard the ferry. If you walk on board you can rent a car, bicycle, moped, or take a bus or taxi once you reach San Juan Island.
Each San Juan Island has a very different culture and lifestyle. For example, Blakely Island is a private island which has a paved airstrip, water taxi service, a marina, a small seasonal store, and fuel, and has only a few year round residents. The smallest ferry served island is Shaw with only about 200 permanent residents. Portions of Decateur Island are serviced by a boat owned by residents; however there is also water taxi and an air field. Guemes Island and Lummi Island are service by a Skagit County Ferry.
Almost all of the islands inhabited have an air strip, some paved and some a little on the rustic side. The less populated the island the slower the lifestyle and island time takes on a new meaning from island to island.
At Jean Groesbeck & Assoc. LLC in Old Town Anacortes, we often have clients that want a vacation home or are looking for a place to live a slower lifestyle but they do not know which island that they want, and since each island boasts to be the best the options can be confusing. Our Jean Groesbeck & Assoc. LLC full time professional REALTORS® have been very successful in helping our clients chose the island with the lifestyle that is the best match. We have sold waterfront and water view estates from Hood Canal to San Juan Island, and would love to help you through the decision making process of finding your dream vacation home or next destination.
December 27th, 2018
Are you wondering if the winter freeze will hurt your plants? Luckily the answer is no! Plants have a sixth sense that detects changes in the weather, giving them time to adjust to the cold. Here are some quick dos and don'ts for your winter garden: DO protect your plants from the colder weather by using a commercially …
December 24th, 2018
December 4th, 2018
We have some absolutely wonderful news that we would like to share with you! VA loan limits have increased in Skagit County from $453,100 to $484,350. This increase not only benefits buyers, but sellers as well. Since there are now larger VA loans with zero down available helping sellers sell their homes. Plus, …
November 9th, 2018
Fall garden planning is key to a fabulous garden come the spring season. this is the perfect the time to clean up beds, manage soils and plant spring-blooming bulbs. Here are some tips for prepping your garden during the fall: Water all your plants thoroughly, in particular, your trees. Their roots need an abundance …
March 31st, 2017
The San Juan Islands are a chain of 172 islands scattered in the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the northwest tip of Washington State. Although easily accessible from Seattle, the San Juan Islands enjoy a far different weather pattern with sunny weather and low rainfall created by the Olympic Mountain rain shadow. Fidalgo …
July 27th, 2016
Expansive panoramic views are available from almost every room in this open-concept home located in the Skyline neighborhood located in Anacortes, WA. Located at 2208 Highland Drive, this beautifully remodeled 2,902 square-foot home offers wonderful indoor and outdoor living space. With two decks perfect for both entertaining …
July 20th, 2016
This custom-built, 4,446 square-foot home is located at 4133 San Juan Blvd in Anacortes, WA and offers some of the best views one can find on Fidalgo Island. Not only does it bast great entertaining opportunities with the large living and dining areas, it also includes a beautifully landscaped patio in the back and a small …
April 17th, 2015
Are you thinking of buying a new home? Our newest listing in Mt. Vernon, WA is like nothing you've seen before. It is a magnificent home with stunning views, custom design, exquisite details, spectacular light and beautiful views! If you are looking for a home with privacy and acreage, look no further! We have the home …
June 30th, 2011
Pending homes sales are up according to the National Association of REALTORS as home buyers take advantage of great home values. May statistics for home sales were up higher than anticipated. You can view home sales statistics on our website for Skagit County, La Conner, Oak Harbor, Guemes Island, Samish Island, and …
May 1st, 2011
The peak for WA State Ferry season begins Sunday, May 1. The Anacortes / San Juan Islands run will have an additional 35 percent surcharge applied to full fare vehicle/driver tickets. The peak season surcharge does not affect foot passenger fares or frequent user fares. Peak seasonferry fares will be in effect …
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December 27th, 2018
Are you wondering if the winter freeze will hurt your plants? Luckily the answer is no! Plants have a sixth sense that detects changes in the weather, giving them time to adjust to the cold. Here are some quick dos and don'ts for your winter garden: DO protect your plants from the colder weather by using a commercially …
December 24th, 2018
December 4th, 2018
We have some absolutely wonderful news that we would like to share with you! VA loan limits have increased in Skagit County from $453,100 to $484,350. This increase not only benefits buyers, but sellers as well. Since there are now larger VA loans with zero down available helping sellers sell their homes. Plus, …
November 9th, 2018
Fall garden planning is key to a fabulous garden come the spring season. this is the perfect the time to clean up beds, manage soils and plant spring-blooming bulbs. Here are some tips for prepping your garden during the fall: Water all your plants thoroughly, in particular, your trees. Their roots need an abundance …
March 31st, 2017
The San Juan Islands are a chain of 172 islands scattered in the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the northwest tip of Washington State. Although easily accessible from Seattle, the San Juan Islands enjoy a far different weather pattern with sunny weather and low rainfall created by the Olympic Mountain rain shadow. Fidalgo …
July 27th, 2016
Expansive panoramic views are available from almost every room in this open-concept home located in the Skyline neighborhood located in Anacortes, WA. Located at 2208 Highland Drive, this beautifully remodeled 2,902 square-foot home offers wonderful indoor and outdoor living space. With two decks perfect for both entertaining …
July 20th, 2016
This custom-built, 4,446 square-foot home is located at 4133 San Juan Blvd in Anacortes, WA and offers some of the best views one can find on Fidalgo Island. Not only does it bast great entertaining opportunities with the large living and dining areas, it also includes a beautifully landscaped patio in the back and a small …
April 17th, 2015
Are you thinking of buying a new home? Our newest listing in Mt. Vernon, WA is like nothing you've seen before. It is a magnificent home with stunning views, custom design, exquisite details, spectacular light and beautiful views! If you are looking for a home with privacy and acreage, look no further! We have the home …
June 30th, 2011
Pending homes sales are up according to the National Association of REALTORS as home buyers take advantage of great home values. May statistics for home sales were up higher than anticipated. You can view home sales statistics on our website for Skagit County, La Conner, Oak Harbor, Guemes Island, Samish Island, and …
May 1st, 2011
The peak for WA State Ferry season begins Sunday, May 1. The Anacortes / San Juan Islands run will have an additional 35 percent surcharge applied to full fare vehicle/driver tickets. The peak season surcharge does not affect foot passenger fares or frequent user fares. Peak seasonferry fares will be in effect …