Why Live in Samish Island
Samish Island in Bow, Skagit County, offers a serene coastal lifestyle surrounded by Samish Bay. This inner San Juan Island, connected to mainland Washington by a strip of land and Samish Island Road, spans about 4 miles. The island features multigenerational properties with waterfront views and a close-knit community spirit, highlighted by events like the 4th of July parade. The Skagit Land Trust Samish Conservation Area welcomes visitors with century-old forests, bald eagles, and walking trails. Residents can harvest crabs and oysters from Samish Bay, with public beach access available for canoeing and kayaking. The southern end of the island hosts campgrounds and recreational amenities, including a playground, basketball hoop, and courts for pickleball and tennis.
Homes on Samish Island range from secluded cabins to custom builds with large windows overlooking the bay. The island has a year-round local presence, complemented by vacationers in the summer. Community life centers around the Samish Island Community Center, which hosts the annual Summer Arts Festival and regular potluck dinners. The Samish Island Marching Band performs at local events, fostering a sense of community.
While there are no schools on the island, students attend Burlington-Edison School District schools on the mainland. Dining options are available in nearby Edison, and grocery shopping can be done in Burlington, 14 miles away. For healthcare, PeaceHealth United General Medical Center is 16 miles east, and Bellingham International Airport is 33 miles north. Samish Island's low crime risk compared to the national average adds to its appeal as a tranquil residential area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samish Island a good place to live?
Samish Island is a good place to live. Samish Island is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Samish Island is a neighborhood with a crime score of 1, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. It is sparse in population with 0.6 people per acre and a median age of 55. The average household income is $110,259 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 48.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Samish Island are home owners, with 17% of residents renting and 83% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Samish Island can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Samish Island neighborhood guide.
Is Samish Island, WA a safe neighborhood?
Samish Island, WA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 1 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Samish Island?
The median home price in Samish Island is $1,595,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $319,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.24%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $7,850 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $336K a year to afford the median home price in Samish Island. The average household income in Samish Island is $110K.
What are the best public schools in Samish Island?
The best public schools that serve Samish Island are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Samish Island, Bow, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Samish Island, Bow, WA?
Home Trends in Samish Island, WA
On average, homes in Samish Island, Bow sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Samish Island, Bow over the last 12 months is $1,527,500, up 54% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$1,527,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,750,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$660
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median List Price
$1,595,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
54%