Anacortes, WA

Living in Anacortes gives you an authentic island feel without cutting you off from the mainland, thanks to the Highway 20 bridge. Perched on Fidalgo Island, the town serves as the launching point for the Washington State Ferries sailing out to the San Juan Islands, with a small local ferry shuttling across to Guemes Island throughout the day. Named in the late 1800s after early settler Amos Bowman's wife, Anna Curtis, the town grew from historic timber mills and salmon canneries into a thriving coastal community of around 18,000 residents. Today, it combines a proud maritime heritage with an easygoing neighborhood feel where boats and salt air are part of daily life.

ATTRJoe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0

The town's working waterfront sets the tone for the community. Along the Port of Anacortes and nearby docks, you will find active shipyards, commercial fishing boats, and several expansive marinas packed with pleasure craft. A pair of oil refineries sits out of the way on March Point to the east, largely separated from the historic downtown core. For residents, the marine traffic makes great scenery, though the ferry terminal also requires a bit of practical planning. If you plan to explore or work across the water, you will quickly get used to managing seasonal vehicle reservations and timing your drives around ferry sailings.

ATTRWalter Siegmund / CC BY 2.5

Outdoor recreation is woven directly into the city layout. The standout feature is the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, with nearly 3,000 acres of protected woods, lakes, and over 50 miles of multiuse trails right at your doorstep. On the west end of town, Washington Park offers coastal campgrounds, beaches, and a scenic loop road overlooking Rosario Strait, while Cap Sante Park provides panoramic views across the marina toward Mount Baker. Downtown stays lively throughout the year, especially on Saturday mornings at the Depot farmers market, during summer concerts at Seafarers Memorial Park, and during the annual Anacortes Arts Festival along Commercial Avenue.

ATTRJoe Mabel . / CC BY-SA 3.0

When shopping for a home here, look closely at how the natural landscape shapes each parcel. Given the coastal terrain, you will want to check for steep slopes, drainage patterns, and protected wetland areas on any property you tour. Waterfront parcels and view lots often come with specific shoreline regulations or tree-height restrictions that are worth reviewing early. The city provides dependable municipal utilities, including its own high-speed municipal fiber internet network, which is a big bonus for remote workers. Take time to check utility connections, street access, and travel times to the ferry terminal before making an offer.