A seaside oasis of nature and community on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is located north of Seattle and is known for its vibrant, pastel aesthetic and friendly community. Connected to Whidbey Island by a bridge at Deception Pass State Park, Washington State’s most popular state park, Anacortes enjoys a perfect blend of evocative surroundings and welcoming neighbors. 

Home to more than 67 miles of public trails, Anacortes is only a few miles from old-growth forests full of striking scenery and waterfront views. Between easy access to the mainland via a bridge, the city is only 15.4 miles but is considered spacious, relaxing, and full of opportunity. 

Initially known for its fishing tradition, thriving canning industry and timber mills, the seaside village of Anacortes has blossomed into a gorgeous destination of attractive architecture, waterfront vistas, and the famous verdant Washington greenery for which Island County is famous. Anacortes' architectural styles include cozy Craftsmans, cabins, sleek contemporary abodes, and Cape Cod-style ranch houses. With all these options, the dream of being an Anacortes resident is closer than ever!

Things to Love

• Easy access to the mainland and other great destinations like Whidbey Island

• Ideal boating destination

• A close-knit community

• A warm-summer, Mediterranean climate

• Home to one of the last remaining old-growth forests throughout all of Washington
  
  

With a small but mighty population barely topping 16,000, the residents of Anacortes are proud to live on the island and are passionate about their city. The community is present on every corner and in every mom-and-pop shop. If you’re ready to count yourself among that number, get excited to live with close access to some of the nation’s best boating, birdwatching, whale watching, and festivals.

City’s with a stable population, many retirees and families are enamored with the small, seaside town vibe and charmed by the many big-city amenities the area offers. Replete with restaurants, coffee shops, and especially excellent parks, Anacortes has something to offer everyone.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment

The heart of Anacortes is found downtown, where a variety of delicious eateries and lovely boutiques and shops are waiting. The walkable streets are bursting with stops for the whole family to enjoy, and the area even includes many stunning art galleries with rotating displays to suit the season.

Nestled into the Marina, Anthony’s leans into its Anacortes heritage for some truly top-tier seafood and unparalleled views, as it’s situated practically on the water. On the other hand, a casually upscale Italian restaurant in the Anacortes, Nonna Luisa Ristorante, is a local favorite for celebrating life’s achievements.

For a mix of delicious American fare and Anacortes-special seafood-influenced menu items, be sure to head over to Brown Lantern, which was voted Best Hamburger of Anacortes in 2021. Sink your teeth into that award-winning burger while enjoying the excitement of great live music! Or, visit Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery for some of the best brews in the area, not to mention fish ‘n’ chips, pizza, house ales, and some more excellent live music to add to the already great atmosphere.

Things to Do

While Anacortes might be home to some of the state’s best natural vistas and trails, that’s not where the excitement ends. Considering how involved the city’s community is, it’s no surprise that numerous festivals and outdoor fun await each resident.

Surround yourself with the beauty of Anacortes’ annual Art Festival, where the whole community comes together to celebrate the diversity and culture found in their community with striking pieces of all varieties. Meanwhile, locals relish the chance to “let their inner sailor out” at the Waterfront Festival, where the whole family gets a chance to enjoy a car show, food vendors, water-based activities, arts and crafts, and more!

Don’t forget to check out the annual Bier on the Pier Brew & Cider Festival, held right on the Pier of Anacortes with more than 40 breweries and food trucks to sample from. After all that fun, be sure to be wowed by the annual Oyster Run, hailed as the largest motorcycle run in all of the Pacific Northwest!

Interested in buying a home in Anacortes? You can browse the entire MLS for homes for sale in Anacortes, WA. When you find what something that interests you, I'm here to help!

If you need to sell your home first, check out our free home valuation tool or contact me for help.

 

 

 

Anacortes Neighborhoods – FAQ

Anacortes, located on Fidalgo Island in northwest Washington, blends waterfront living, small-town charm, and convenient access to outdoor recreation and urban amenities. These FAQs answer common questions about the city’s neighborhoods and community features beyond what’s already on the main page.

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1. How many people live in Anacortes and what is the community like?

Anacortes has an estimated population of about 18,000 residents, offering a mix of families, retirees, and professionals in a friendly, small-city setting. 

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2. What is the general lifestyle and feel of Anacortes neighborhoods?

Neighborhoods range from sparse suburban feel with restaurants, parks, and coffee shops to quiet residential streets, attracting people who enjoy a blend of outdoor recreation and community life. 

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3. Are there popular neighborhoods known for scenic views or waterfront access?

Yes — areas like Skyline offer waterfront homes with marinas, beaches, and bay views, making them highly desirable for scenic living.

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4. Does Anacortes have historic or cultural neighborhoods?

Yes — neighborhoods such as Old Town Anacortes are known for their historic charm, cultural attractions, and walkable downtown environment. 

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5. How easy is it to access other regions from Anacortes?

Anacortes is connected to the mainland by bridges on Fidalgo Island and serves as a gateway to the San Juan Islands via ferry, making island access and travel convenient for residents.

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6. What transportation options affect Anacortes neighborhoods?

Most residents rely on Highway 20 for regional travel, while ferry terminals near some neighborhoods influence commuting patterns and accessibility to island communities.

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7. Are there differences in home-ownership patterns across neighborhoods?

Yes — many Anacortes neighborhoods have high rates of homeownership and a suburban feel, with local housing values generally above the regional median. 

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8. Do neighborhoods in Anacortes tend to attract certain age groups?

Anacortes has a median age around 49–50, with many neighborhoods popular among retirees and middle-aged adults, while still offering family-friendly areas with good schools and amenities.

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9. What outdoor lifestyle options influence neighborhood appeal?

Proximity to parks, waterfront trails, marinas, and access to boating or whale-watching excursions enhances the appeal of many Anacortes neighborhoods for those who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle.

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10. Are some neighborhoods considered strong real estate investments?

Yes — Skyline, Old Town, San Juan Passage, and waterfront areas often show strong buyer interest due to scenic views, community character, and location advantages tied to access and natural beauty.