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San Juan Islands : Washington

What it's Like to Retire in San Juan Islands

If you are one of those people who has always wanted to live on an island, the San Juan Islands are your chance (actually you have 450 chances, although only 4 of the islands have ferry service). Located off the coasts of Washington and British Columbia, the islands are both a tourist destination and a retirement community. The setting, the tranquility, and the scenery are world class.

Orcas is the largest of the San Juans at about 57 square miles and a little over 4,400 residents. Eastsound is the largest town on this island. Other hamlets there include Orcas, West Sound, Deer Harbor, Rosario, Olga, and Doe Bay. Nearby San Juan Island has slightly more residents (6,800). It has the only incorporated town in the islands, Friday Harbor, a quaint and historic fishing village. Life in the San Juans is quiet and tends to center around outdoor activities like hiking, bird and whale watching, kayaking. There is one golf course that we know of. The wintertime is even quieter once the tourists have left. Click here for more information on taxes and what it is like to retire in Washington State. Here is an excellent source for further information about the San Juan Islands.

Where to Retire in San Juan Islands and Home Prices

The real estate market and development is very active, although we are not aware of any specific 55+ or active adult communities. Many of the people who live on the San Juan Islands are retired or just come on weekends or for vacations.

According to one real estate company, it is very hard to find a home for less than $300,000, and most go for a half million or even over a million. Use this link to see some listings on Friday Island.

What is special about San Juan Islands

Being able to live on an island; incredible scenery and outdoor activities; small town charm; Mount Constitution; Moran State Park; Obstruction State Park; Madrona Point Park; Rosario Resort and Spa (on National Register of Historic Places); outstanding boating; whale watching; Aproximada (the Boat Builder); San Juan Island National Historical Park

What is not special about San Juan Islands

The towns are small and these are islands – you have to want to live in a small world, or have another place to escape to. No one wants to see these islands become too developed. It is expensive to live here.

Who will like retirement in San Juan Islands

San Juan Islands attracts a community who want to live in a very small island community surrounded by world class scenery and recreational opportunities.

Use this link for a page that explains the various types of retirement communities

Local economy is driven by

Tourism, boating, summer camps

Climate and Physical Environment

San Juan Islands (there about 450 of them, 4 have ferry service) are located in Puget Sound on the east coast of Vancouver Island and to the west of the state of Washington, north of Seattle. The climate is temperate; it rarely gets above 70 degrees in summer, it occasionally snows in winter. The islands get about half the rain of nearby Seattle.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There is a summer arts fair in July .The event is located outdoors in beautiful Friday Harbor, along historic Court Street. There is also an active senior center. Movies are shown at the Palace Theatre. Check out the San Juan Island Artists Community. Visit the Whale Museum.

Crime

Crime here is very low.

Medical facilities

The nearest hospital is in on the mainland in Anacortes (29 miles)

Transportation

The Washington State Ferry provides daily service to the mainland at Anacortes (WA), with limited service to Sidney (British Columbia). There are daily commercial flights from Orcas Island Airport (Eastsound).

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What people are saying about San Juan Islands
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San Juan Islands Active Communities

Facts about SAN JUAN ISLANDS

State: WA
Environment: Rural,Coastal,Boating Community,Biking Community,Island,
City Population: Less than 10,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Avg July Temperature: 60-80
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $300,001-$500,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
Total Crime Index: <80 (Very low)
Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: jfb48

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Currently 2.86>/5
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1. Rating: 2.9/5 ( 7 votes cast)

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2. Rating: 3.8/5 ( 4 votes cast)

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3. Rating: 2.3/5 ( 6 votes cast)

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4. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

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5. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

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7. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 3 votes cast)

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8. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 8 votes cast)

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9. Rating: 2.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)

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