About Island Living

One of the best parts of island life are the varied and gorgeous landscapes, from rocky beaches, to bird’s eye vistas, to bucolic pastures.

For those who love activities related to boating, the San Juans are idyllic. In every direction are numerous marine parks, fishing, crabbing and prawning. This is the gateway to boating in Canada, with more remote anchorages, abundant wildlife, and true seclusion. Sailing is popular here, and there are several racing groups as well as sailing lessons for kids. Large swathes of the islands have been preserved through the parks systems and other entities, most often offering public access for hiking, picnicking and camping. And the communities are rich with cultural opportunities, festivals, and entertainment.

We have one of the highest numbers of non profits per capita in the country, with countless opportunities for volunteerism. There is a strong culture of neighbor helping neighbor.

The public schools rank as some of the best in Washington State, with smaller classes and focused personal instruction. There are several excellent private school options as well, offering alternatives for families.

Each of the ferry served islands has excellent grocery stores. There are also numerous farm stands and farmer’s markets, where residents can buy organic, sustainably raised, local products. “Know your farmer, know your food.” Many insist the farm-to-table movement started here, and there are world-class restaurants in many locations.

The San Juans get an average of 25% less precipitation than the Seattle area. The various ‘hamlets’ have microclimates, with some areas decidedly more sunny than nearly anywhere in the region. When it’s stormy, the breeze tends to blow the weather in and then out – no long days of gray drizzle. And the Sound serves as a buffer, keeping temperatures moderate, with warmer winters and cooler summers than the mainland.

Life is life wherever you are, but the lack of traffic jams, violent crime, and constant barrage of stimulation contribute to high life satisfaction rates in the San Juans. Being in a place with such stunning natural beauty is soothing for the soul.