Why the Puget Sound Islands Are Desirable Places to Live

December 16, 20223 min read

San Juan Island | Image credit: Benjamin Massello

The Puget Sound is a sprawling body of water that stretches across Northern Washington. This inlet of the Pacific Ocean is famed for its beauty, and many of Washington’s biggest cities, like Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett, sit alongside it. But while many people live by these waters, others live on the many islands that dot the Puget Sound.

Away from the mainland, the numerous islands throughout the Puget Sound provide stunningly beautiful, laid-back places to reside. While some are uninhabited, there are many with thriving communities and exciting real estate opportunities for buyers. Let’s look at what makes living on the Puget Sound islands so appealing.

Quaint Communities

While mainland Washington has busy communities like Seattle and Tacoma, you aren’t likely to find crowded cities on the Puget Sound islands. Instead, you’ll find quaint and charming small towns with relatively small populations. This makes them exceedingly safe places, popular for everyone from families to retirees.

Oak Harbor is a busy city on Whidbey Island that is home to almost 25,000. It has a bustling downtown with many quaint shops and restaurants and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere as well as its military legacy. Gorgeous Camano Island is home to more than 15,000 and boasts a colorful downtown with galleries, casual dining, and nearby beaches. Friday Harbor is a scenic town on San Juan Island with a small permanent population of just under 3,000. It is a hotspot for nature lovers, with plenty of renowned preserved natural sites and excellent boating conditions.

Camano Island

Unique Culture

Each island on the Puget Sound is distinctive and unique. If you’re looking to buy a home on an island on the Puget Sound, your choice will likely depend on your personality and what you’re looking for in a home.

Camano Island is an excellent community for art lovers. The scenic setting has made it a hotspot for artists, many of whom host public galleries that can be visited on weekends. There are also art events throughout the year, like the Great Northwest Glass Quest. San Juan Island has a cozy feel, with Friday Harbor’s quaint downtown, plenty of inns and bed and breakfasts, and a boat-filled marina. Whidbey Island is known for being a trendy destination with Oak Harbor’s boutique stores, fine dining destinations, and galleries.

Friday Harbor | Image credit: Eric Brehm

Stunning Natural Beauty

Washington is famed for its rugged natural beauty, which extends to the many islands scattered throughout the Puget Sound. These scenic islands are typically densely forested and a hub for flora and fauna. They have small populations but plenty of gorgeous natural surroundings that make them appealing for nature lovers seeking a tranquil home.

There are plenty of preserved natural settings and parks throughout the Puget Sound islands. Fay Bainbridge Park is a popular camping destination on Bainbridge Island with Cascade Mountain views. Point Robinson on Maury Island is a scenic coastal park with a historic lighthouse overlooking the water. Samish Island is quiet and thickly forested with beaches and trails.

Bainbridge Island | Image credit: Zoi Palla

Outdoor Recreation

If you want to live somewhere that accommodates an active outdoor lifestyle, the Puget Sound islands are for you. These islands have scenic parks and trails that residents can explore, excellent weather, and year-round mild weather. You aren’t likely to deal with dry summer heat, and snowfalls are exceedingly rare.

While living on the Puget Sound islands, you’ll have access to some incredible recreation opportunities. Their waterfront locations make them a hub for boaters and fishers, and the marine wildlife is incredible, so spotting a whale or orca is very possible.