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Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor

Located in Island County

$697,126 Average Value
$352 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

Island living in northwest Washington

Oak Harbor is the largest city on Whidbey Island, which is, in turn, the largest island on the west coast of the continental U.S. The city serves as a hub for shopping, dining and nightlife for the northern half of the island. Puget Sound plays a large role in everyday life in town, much of which overlooks the waterfront. Whale sightings are common, and boating and fishing are popular pastimes. Just north of town, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island employs a sizeable chunk of the local population. “Oak Harbor is a great blend of nature while still having the amenities needed for everyday living,” says local Realtor Andrew Hosford, who has lived in the area for eight years. "Within 10 minutes you can be on a boat fishing for salmon, hiking the coastline, mountain biking the local trails, or browsing a farmers’ market for local goodies. The area is one of the more affordable places left in Washington with water views and access."

Whidbey Island's naval air station is a stone's throw from Harbor View.
Whidbey Island's naval air station is a stone's throw from Harbor View.
Harbor View is on Whidbey Island in the scenic Puget Sound area of Washington State.
Harbor View is on Whidbey Island in the scenic Puget Sound area of Washington State.
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Midcentury ranchers and modern subdivisions near Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

In contrast to most of the rest of Whidbey Island, there are relatively few vacation homes in Oak Harbor. Although the town was founded in 1915, the majority of the homes here today were built following the establishment of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in 1941. The residential market is largely made up of midcentury properties near the center of town, and an expanding ring of subdivisions mostly lined with contemporary Craftsman two-story homes. A selection of condos and townhouses are available as well. Condos and townhouses usually sell for $350,000 to $500,000, while the median sales price for a single-family home in 2024 was $545,000.

Oak Harbor has a Mediterranean climate, which essentially means that the sound keeps temperatures mild. The island is in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, so rainfall is substantially less than in nearby Seattle. The city is served by the Oak Harbor Police Department, but overall crime rates are not available.

Although many of the homes are of a similar style in Olympic Gardens, they are all unique.
Although many of the homes are of a similar style in Olympic Gardens, they are all unique.
Craftsman style homes are among the many types seen throughout the Utsalady neighborhood.
Craftsman style homes are among the many types seen throughout the Utsalady neighborhood.
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Deception Pass State Park and easy water access

The city oversees a robust local parks system — most neighborhoods in town feature at least a couple of green spaces. Windjammer Park, located near downtown, is the largest of these and includes a beach, walking trails and harbor views. The town is also close to multiple state parks and other wilderness areas. “Many residents go crabbing clamming, salmon fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing even in the colder months," says Hosford. "On land, there are trail systems all around the island for scenic hikes, mountain biking, and exploring." To the north of town, Deception Pass State Park offers miles of hiking trails with stunning views of both Puget Sound and the iconic Deception Pass Bridge. Nearby Dugualla State Park is a little closer to town and a lot less visited, but it still offers scenic Puget Sound-side hikes. Boating and fishing are a big part of life for many locals, and multiple marinas and boat launches can be found in the area.

Ebey's Landing is a stunning beach with outstanding views in the Penn Cove Park neighborhood.
Ebey's Landing is a stunning beach with outstanding views in the Penn Cove Park neighborhood.
Harbor View visitors can easily pop up to Deception Pass for beautiful views.
Harbor View visitors can easily pop up to Deception Pass for beautiful views.
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Route 20 shopping and waterfront dining

Shopping in Oak Harbor is concentrated along state Route 20, Whidbey Island’s major arterial road. Shopping centers and retail areas follow the road along its north-south path through town, housing multiple supermarkets and chain retailers along with a few popular local shops like The Book Rack. There are also a number of casual eateries along 20, but many of the city’s most popular eateries are located closer to the waterfront, in Oak Harbor’s historic downtown area. While most amenities are close at hand, it is a 10-mile drive south from Oak Harbor to the nearest major hospital, Whidbey Health Medical Center in nearby Coupeville.

Harbor View offers residents close proximity to downtown shopping.
Harbor View offers residents close proximity to downtown shopping.
Coupeville is a beautiful, waterfront town just a few miles south of Olympic Gardens.
Coupeville is a beautiful, waterfront town just a few miles south of Olympic Gardens.
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Oak Harbor public schools and Skagit Valley College

The Oak Harbor School District oversees the local public schools and has a B-plus grade on Niche. Oak Harbor High School also has a B-plus grade, and offers dual enrollment courses at Skagit Valley Community College, which has a campus in town.

Oak Harbor High school has a B-plus rating on Niche.com.
Oak Harbor High school has a B-plus rating on Niche.com.
Oak Harbor Intermediate School is a public intermediate school in Oak Harbor.
Oak Harbor Intermediate School is a public intermediate school in Oak Harbor.
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The Whidbey Island Marathon and other events

Every April, the Whidbey Island Marathon attracts runners from across the Pacific Northwest, while the simultaneous Holland Happening celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage with a parade, food and live acts.

Deception Pass Bridge or the Clinton-Mukilteo Ferry to Seattle

State Route 20 runs through the city, connecting residents to other island communities and Deception Pass Bridge, the island’s only permanent connection to the mainland. Island Transit provides free bus service throughout Whidbey Island, with routes that include stops in Oak Harbor and connections to the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry terminal. It’s about two hours to Seattle via either the ferry or the bridge.

Andrew Moreno
Written By
Andrew Moreno
Erik Knudsen
Photography Contributed By
Erik Knudsen
Jacob McAllister
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Jacob McAllister

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jenn Ryan, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
536
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Median Year Built
1956
Months of Supply
4.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,487
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
952
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 10
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    1232 NW Kathleen Dr, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

    $565,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,937 Sq Ft
    • 1232 NW Kathleen Dr
    • New 1 day ago

    Step into this impeccably maintained home where classic charm meets contemporary convenience. Thoughtfully designed living space welcomes you with a stunning wrap-around porch—the perfect spot for your morning coffee. Inside, find light-filled formal living and dining rooms ideal for hosting, alongside a modern kitchen featuring newer stainless steel appliances and a gas range. The upper level

    Emily Frame Keller Williams Western Realty

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  • Saturday, May 9
    Open Sat 2PM - 4PM

    1031 Cove View Cir, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

    $745,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,050 Sq Ft
    • 1031 Cove View Cir
    • New 22 days ago

    Tucked into the highly desirable Penn Cove Park III neighborhood, this home perfectly blends comfort, style, and practicality. Mere blocks from Monroe Landing County Park, it’s an ideal retreat. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully crafted layout featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and skylights, bathing the home in natural light. Recent updates include fresh paint, newer LVP flooring and

    Mariah Haney COMPASS

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  • Saturday, May 9
    Open Sat 12PM - 2PM

    2241 Mariner Beach Dr, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

    $749,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,686 Sq Ft
    • 2241 Mariner Beach Dr
    • New 8 days ago

    Showcasing exceptional pride of ownership, this move-in ready home is a must-see! Located in Mariners Cove—North Whidbey’s premier boating community—this beautiful 2-bedroom residence offers canal frontage and the ease of spacious single-level living. The bright, inviting interior features skylights and large windows that fill the home with natural light. An open-concept kitchen, living, and

    Julie Kinnaird Windermere Whidbey Island

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Oak Harbor

Property Mix - Square Feet

Oak Harbor Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
22,865
Median Age
34
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$63,651
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$78,724

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.7%
On par with the national average
89%
College Graduates
26.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.5%
% Population in Labor Force
66.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

40 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

40 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

10 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Oak Harbor