Allyn's downhome coastal lifestyle
Founded in the 1800s as an oystering and logging community, Allyn is on the shores of Case Inlet and still maintains a small community and a sense of spaciousness. "For the most part, it's an undiscovered gem, and you can feel that," says broker Emily Niles, who's been selling homes for a decade and works for Properties NW. "Many people who choose to live here have grown up in the area, and they like the large lots and the wide views of the water compared to some of the other inlet communities." Home to family-owned restaurants and shoreline parks, the town is mainly known for its downhome coastal lifestyle, where people spend days crabbing, boating and fishing off the local dock. Being 6 miles from the town of Belfair and 25 miles from the communities of Silverdale and Gig Harbor gives them more commercial options when they want them.
Residential options include waterfront and golf course living
Custom-built homes, modern farmhouse styles, cottages and ranch styles have a foothold in Allyn. "You can have the golf course or the small lot with a water view or a waterfront home. Or if you go up the hill a bit, you can get 10 acres, no problem," Niles says. Located on the western side of Allyn is its golf course community, Lakeland Village, which is also built around tennis and pickleball courts and a 45-acre lake regularly stocked with rainbow trout. To the east are The Cottages at North Bay Village, a newer community known for its storybook setting and proximity to the waterfront, town restaurants and parks. While most homes in Allyn are single-family, the town has a small selection of condos, townhouses and multifamily units. The median sale price here is around $520,000.
Places to shop and grab a bite in Allyn and beyond
Allyn's commercial core has longstanding restaurants near community staples, including the park and Allyn Historic Church, established in 1909. Big Bubba's Burgers has been a fixture since 1966 and is still cash-only. The eatery makes burgers and shakes to order and has a few niche menu items, including fish and chips. Allyn Pizza's slices are piled with toppings on homemade dough. The Boat House Restaurant & Bar is located on the inlet for burgers, seafood and microbrews with a view. 2 Margaritas Family Restaurant is a go-to for classic Mexican dishes and twists, including chips paired with mushroom salsa. The Coffee Spot is in town for morning and afternoon fuel. Market Place is a small local grocery store, but QFC and Safeway are in Belfair for a wider selection. Major retailers, including Target and Walmart, are in Gig Harbor and Silverdale.
Trips to the beach and fishing off the dock
Allyn Waterfront Park is about a block from Big Bubba's Burgers for beach time after a cold milkshake. The park's white sand beach is about half a mile long, providing space for relaxation and watching kayakers and paddleboarders in the distance. The park's 500-foot dock has long been a popular casting spot for local anglers and a sunbathing area for sea lions. Its gazebo hosts local weddings and casual gatherings throughout the year. Locals also head here to launch their boats into the water. Another pastime here is golf. While the Lakeland Village Golf Course is in the community of Lakeland Village, it is open to the public.
A popular annual event at Allyn Waterfront Park
Allyn Days Festival is held annually at Allyn Waterfront Park. The event draws a crowd for live music, an oyster shucking competition, a salmon bake and the Annual Mud Run. Locals can sip brews in the beer garden and peruse local vendors selling their crafts. In the Kids Zone, youngsters have their own activities, including paintball and riding the kiddie train.
Where local students get their start
Students attend the North Mason School District, which participates in school choice. They may begin at Belfair Elementary School before transitioning to Hawkins Middle School and North Mason Senior High School, all of which earn a C on Niche. Belfair Elementary inspires a lifelong love of reading through its Reading Olympics, where kids track their reading hours for a month to compete for bronze, silver and gold medals.
Ways to get around
Washington State Route 3 flows through Allyn and is dotted by bus stops serviced by Mason Transit Authority. Route 1 connects commuters to Belfair.
Mason County poses a flood risk
Allyn’s home county, Mason County, is prone to flooding. One of the last significant floods was in 2023 when the Skokomish River — roughly 20 miles from Allyn — crested at 18 feet.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
