Are you looking for a place with appealing amenities to buy a vacation home? Or are you planning to retire and want a primary residence in a laid-back, relaxing locale? You'll find plenty to love when you buy Whidbey Island real estate, no matter your stage of life.
Located just north of Seattle in Puget Sound, Whidbey Island is the largest island in the contiguous United States. Major towns on the island include Coupeville (population 1,715), Freeland (population 2,154), and Langley (population 1,094). If you're considering a home on Whidbey Island, its selection of unique, friendly, and charming beach communities are perfect destinations to call home.
What is a Whidbey Island beach community?
These are historic neighborhoods of varying sizes, typically founded as weekend cabins — some over 100 years ago! They’ve since developed into a pleasant mixture of primary homes and secondary residences. Whidbey Island beach communities offer a variety of amenities to residents, like beach access, boat ramps, pools, playgrounds, clubhouses, and more.
Island Real Estate
Ranging from classic beach houses to cozy cabins, elegant mansions to family compounds, and stunning modern homes to retro vacation hideaways, Whidbey Island’s beach communities offer a variety of real estate choices. Each beach community offers its own unique style — here are some options by size:
Whidbey Island beach communities — east side
- Baby Island (Small)
- Dines Point (Small)
- Hidden Beach (Small)
- Cascade View (Small)
- Brighton Beach (Small)
- Witter Beach (Small)
- Sandy Point (Small)
- Harbor Sands (Small)
- Shangri La (Small)
- Harrington Lagoon (Small)
- Rhodena Beach (Small)
- Davis Landing (Small)
- Possession Point (Medium)
- Columbia Beach (Medium)
- Honeymoon Lake / Bay (Medium)
- Beachcombers (Medium)
- Polnell Shores (Medium)
- Bells Beach (Large)
- Whidbey Shores (Large)
- Saratoga Beach (Large)
- Beverly Beach (Large)
- Holmes Harbor (Large)
- Mariners Cove (Large)
- Dugualla Bay (Large)
Whidbey Island beach communities — west side
- Surfcrest Beach (Small)
- Teronda West (Small)
- Maxwellton Beach (Small)
- Mutiny Bay (Medium)
- Mutiny Sands (Medium)
- Sunlight Beach (Medium)
- Sierra Country Club (Large)
- Admirals Cove (Large)
- Ledgewood Beach / Bon Air (Large)
- Lagoon Point (Large)
- Bush Point (Large)
- Useless Bay Colony (Large)
- Scatchet Head (Large)
- Sandy Hook (Large)
What beach community is right for you?
Whidbey Island has a versatile landscape, with several real estate options on every side of the island. Therefore, it's easy to get confused about buying into the right beach community. If you’re a first-time buyer — or experienced — it's good to consider some key points that will help you decide on the right Whidbey Island property for you.
Remember that your property is worth a handsome amount of money, so it's only sensible to invest it with expert advice. Besides seeking an experienced local realtor to assist your search, you can also suggest how amenities work on Whidbey Island. So, consider asking the following questions:
Sunrises or sunsets?
First, it's a personal preference for whether you like sunrises or sunsets. Although you can get a good view of both from most Whidbey Island beach houses, your property preferences may narrow down your search if you prefer one over the other.
If you want to enjoy soothing sunsets from your home, watching the last rays of light dim behind the horizon, you’ll want a west-facing house. With such a spectacular view, these properties command higher prices than other Whidbey Island home options. West-facing communities include Sierra and Ledgewood, and owners say the view is well worth the price — both upfront and in upkeep. Be prepared for high-speed winds, corrosion, sand, and saltwater damage.
On the other hand, east-facing houses are great if you like the sunrise and a fresh morning breeze. There are several captivating viewing sights to watch the sun crest over Puget Sound’s hills and mountains, including the Cascade Range and Mount Baker. The wind and waves aren’t as fierce as those felt by west-facing Whidbey Island beach homes, thanks to the eastern hills. East-facing neighborhoods form most of the island’s coastline, including Davis Landing, Shangri-La Shores, and Scenic Heights.
Easy boating access?
Boating access is generally available for most of the communities on Whidbey Island. If you're particularly interested in boating, it's better to look for Whidbey Island waterfront homes. Some communities with the best boating and docking facilities on the island include Langley Marina, Oak Harbor, Deception Pass Marina, and Cornet Bay Marina.
Easy beach access?
The beach homes and waterfront homes in Whidbey Island offer convenient access to the beach. While most places provide beach access to residents and tourists, it's always a good option to talk to a local realtor like Mike Konopik to better understand the local beach regulations.
Size of the neighborhood?
Neighborhood size has a direct relationship to the cost of real estate. If you're looking for a place with more amenities, the price will increase accordingly. Whether you’re looking for Whidbey Island waterfront homes, beachfront homes, or land, most communities will have all of these real estate types available.
For a primary residence: how close to services?
If you want a primary residence in Whidbey Island, the distance from services like maintenance and municipal services becomes critical. So, ask your realtor about the best option for a full-time home. Whidbey Island Real Estate has many luxury amenities and spectacular surroundings, and you can enjoy some of the most exotic places as your primary residence. However, be prepared to pay a pretty penny.
For a secondary residence: how close to your primary home?
You can go anywhere on Whidbey Island, but the beach and waterfronts remain constant. Having a secondary residence close to your primary residence won't make much sense — as a rule of thumb, look for a place at least 50 miles from your primary residence. Those with homes in Seattle or other Puget Sound islands look to Whidbey Island to enjoy a diverse living experience.
Are there things to do?
At Whidbey Island, you can find most of the amenities you’ll have elsewhere in the US. You can enjoy community parks, water sports, sea and yacht charters, pools and spas, drive-in-theaters, golf courses, art galleries, award-winning restaurants, and much more. Many small pleasures and high-end amenities ensure a luxe lifestyle as a Whidbey Island resident.
Whidbey Island's delicious dining options capitalize on its lush farmland. Orchard Kitchen is a farm-to-table establishment that serves fresh, local flavors of the Pacific Northwest. For a taste of the daily catch on the island, there is the Taproom at Bayview Corner. This casual pub serves up artisan ale, bar favorites, and stewed shellfish in a relaxed setting. For the early mornings, visit Ulysses, a coffee shop with espresso drinks, pastries, and snacks by the water. Grab brunch at Flower House Cafe for late mornings, serving delicate but hearty brunch and lunch on the heated patio.
There are many public parks on Whidbey Island, including Coupeville Town Park, dotted with tall, shady trees and rolling fields. Bring your dog to Double Bluff Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the State of Washington and a dog-friendly paradise. Views of the Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Mountains are an appealing bonus.
Visit Whidbey Island — take a fun tour of beach community real estate
While reading about amenities and services may be captivating, visiting is always a better option. See for yourself what services and amenities you can enjoy as you tour Whidbey Island beachfront homes. It's also a great idea to consult a local agent like Mike Konopik for the latest and best Whidbey Island houses for sale.
Once you experience the environment, it will be easier to make the right call when deciding on a property. So, what should you do when you visit Whidbey Island? Here are a few suggestions:
Come for the local festivals!
Residential pride is evident in the island's many local festivals. Those who buy Whidbey Island homes can look forward to attending events year-round, such as:
- Choochokam is an arts festival and street fair held in Downtown Langley every second weekend of July since 1975
- Whidbey Island Kite Festival in September
- Island Shakespeare Festival from July to September
- Whidbey Island Highland Games; featuring Scottish dancing, bands, and athletic contests held on the second Saturday in August
- Whidbey Island Race Week; a sailing regatta held around the third week of July based on tide conditions
Find a Whidbey Island real estate expert like Mike Konopik
Mike Konopik of Compass Whidbey Island is a renowned realtor with immense experience and expertise in the Puget Sound region. A second-generation Whidbey Island realtor, he's the ideal person to talk about Whidbey Island homes for sale. Mike can get you the best listings from his vast local network, whether you’re looking for land for sale, waterfront homes, or beachfront homes.
Charming and close-knit, the Whidbey Island community is the perfect place for a vacation home — or to settle down and enjoy as a primary residence. It’s an area where you can slow your pace and enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. Sound like the right place for you? Reach out to local real estate agent Mike Konopik for expert guidance. He’ll help you select the perfect part of the island that suits your needs and assist you in securing the home of your dreams. Contact Mike today!
*Header photo courtesy of whidbeyisland.us