Shelter Bay is home to over 900 residences and 300 boat slips in the Shelter Bay Marina. This master-planned community has an HOA, an active social calendar and well-managed private amenities. “It used to be gated, but now we have security cameras,” says Jennifer Peters, office receptionist for the Shelter Bay community. Residents can drive, walk or bike about a mile to La Conner, a waterfront town full of shops, museums and restaurants.
Students may attend La Conner Elementary, rated C-plus on Niche, La Conner Middle, rated C-plus and La Conner High, rated B. All three schools are a part of the La Conner School District and require a quick commute outside of the neighborhood. In 2023, the La Conner School Board was recognized with the Board of Distinction award. This achievement honors the school board’s commitment to closing opportunity gaps, among other criteria.
Shelter Bay has a long list of amenities for residents, starting with the private, dog-friendly beach and nine-hole golf course. Neighbors can also mingle at the swimming pool, clubhouse and courts for tennis and pickleball. From the Shelter Bay Marina, boaters can explore the Skagit Bay, which is abundant in crabs and fish. Boaters and paddleboarders can journey to Hope Island Marine State Park, where birdwatching, camping and beachcombing await.
The neighborhood offers a host of activities, from scrapbooking club to ukulele club. Additionally, Shelter Bay Communiversity is a life-long learning initiative that offers classes in various subjects to Shelter Bay residents and their neighbors, Swinomish Tribal members. In La Conner, The Museum of Northwest Art, Skagit County Historical Museum and Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum preserve the art and culture of the area. And finally, the daffodil and tulip festivals are the big draw every spring for the entire region.
The closest shops and restaurants are in La Conner, like The Olive Shoppe & Ginger Grater. At this gourmet shop, foodies can sample olive oils and browse a variety of kitchen tools. Pioneer Market supplies the area with groceries. Since 1981, La Conner Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery has used local ingredients and homestyle recipes for their breakfast, lunch and baked goods. It overlooks the water and includes gluten-free options as well. COA Mexican Eatery & Tequileria is another highly-rated restaurant; this bright blue building in the middle of La Conner is easy to spot.
Like Skyline, another marina-centered neighborhood on Fidalgo Island, Shelter Bay has “a marina with boat slips that folks from the neighborhood can rent – and some houses are sold with their own slips as well,” says Shalyce Pocock, broker with John L. Scoff Real Estate and fourth-generation area resident. The main difference between the two is that Shelter Bay is located on the Swinomish Reservation. “When you purchase a home, you lease the land from the tribe,” Pocock says. “Home prices are lower, but there is the lease for land on top of the purchase price.”
The community consists of a few cul-de-sacs branching off Shelter Bay Drive, which meanders around the marina. Styles include contemporary custom homes and ramblers, many with large windows and decks to take in the waterfront views. Prices begin at $210,000 for 1,600 square feet and peak at $1.2 million for 2,400 square feet on the waterfront. Land parcels are also available.
There are no major roads in Shelter Bay. “We’re just over Rainbow Bridge, which is really pretty at sunset,” Peters says. Crossing this bridge is a daily routine for most residents leaving the neighborhood, although it’s also possible to exit through Reservation Road, which crosses through Swinomish Village. Bus stops are located just outside the neighborhood, with the closest at the corner of 1st Street and Shelter Bay Drive. Skagit Valley Hospital is 12 miles east and Bellingham International Airport is 42 miles north.
Stu McNabb
Windermere Whidbey Island
(360) 926-7165
187 Total Sales
1 in Shelter Bay
$389,000 Price
Jenn Eddleman
Windermere RE Skagit Valley
(360) 503-0054
45 Total Sales
1 in Shelter Bay
$390,000 Price
Kristi Jensen
Keller Williams Western Realty
(360) 499-0102
163 Total Sales
1 in Shelter Bay
$375,000 Price
Kathy D. West
Windermere Real Estate JS
(360) 503-0712
70 Total Sales
1 in Shelter Bay
$815,000 Price
Shelley Camacho
eXp Realty
(360) 399-2730
81 Total Sales
3 in Shelter Bay
$25K - $300K Price Range
Stacy LaCount
Keller Williams Western Realty
(360) 404-7358
387 Total Sales
6 in Shelter Bay
$313K - $919K Price Range
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Shelter Bay | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 1 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 1 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 1 | 4 |
| Robbery | 1 | 4 |
| Burglary | 3 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Shelter Bay, Oak Harbor sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Shelter Bay, Oak Harbor over the last 12 months is $464,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$895,000
Dream Waterfront Lifestyle in Shelter Bay! A rare 63’ dock—perfect for boating, fishing, and crabbing right from your backyard. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath home features two ensuite bedrooms and 2,246 sq ft of living space. The open-concept layout offers great flow and solid bones, ready for your personal touch. Large windows frame the view and bring in natural light. A generous garage and ample
$439,000
Charming 3 bed 4 bath home with 1,800 SQFT of light filled living space and 2 laundry areas with water views! Nestled in the scenic Shelter Bay community, this well maintained gem offers an open layout, spacious kitchen, and serene outdoor spaces. Enjoy access to private beaches, golf, tennis, and marina. A perfect blend of comfort and coastal lifestyle!
Malia Morin American Dream R. E. Services
$427,000
Ready to get away from it all and enjoy one level living in this custom-built rambler featuring a great room with vaulted ceilings; open floor plan; lots of natural light; and a peek-a-view water view with the Olympic Mts. in the background. The home features new engineered hardwood flooring, carpet, & roof. Outside your doorstep, Shelter Bay beckons with a wealth of recreational opportunities.
Timothy Good RSVP Brokers ERA
Bike Score®
Walk Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Quiet, rural community overlooking Padilla Bay
Quiet, residential Oak Harbor neighborhood that's close to downtown and the water
Central Oak Harbor neighborhood close to downtown
View-heavy coastal neighborhood on north Camano Island
Master-planned community in Anacortes with marina access
Lakefront properties near natural recreation and Stanwood amenities
