Section Image

Utsalady

Utsalady

Neighborhood in Oak Harbor, Washington

Island County 98282

$842,661 Average Value
$637 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

A quiet coastal community

Utsalady is a small community on the northern end of Camano Island. Originally founded as a logging port in the late 19th century, the neighborhood is better known these days for its impressive Puget Sound views, easy water access and great fishing and crabbing. Situated along the eastern shore of the island, it overlooks Utsalady Bay and Skagit Bay and offers residents views that can stretch all the way to Canada on clear days. It's location on the Puget Sound is also a plus. “It’s a great access point to the San Juan Islands,” says Jill Vail, owner of Windermere Camano Island, who has lived in the area for over 22 years. “Utsalady Bay is shallower and more protected than most of the island’s coast, so it’s great for mooring smaller boats. Getting out on the water is really a way of life out here.”

Homes on the bay

Houses in Utsalady reflect the community's coastal character. Closely spaced waterfront homes make up a significant portion of the neighborhood’s housing stock, and many homes that aren’t on the water are built to emphasize views of Utsalady Bay, either via second-floor balconies or raised decks. Architectural styles vary, from midcentury ranch-style homes and traditional beach bungalows to more spacious modern beach houses. “There’s a good collection of older cabins and ranches and more modern homes in the area,” says Vail. “So whether you’re looking for a vacation home or a nice retirement spot, or just a place to live near the water, there’s a good chance you can find it here.” Large, coastal-facing windows are common, particularly in houses built on the inland hills, and many properties back into the pine forests that run through the area. Inland homes generally sell for between $500,000 and $800,000, while waterfront homes, when they hit the market, go for between $1 million and $1.5 million.
Boats are a common sight throughout the Utsalady Bay on Camano Island.
Boats are a common sight throughout the Utsalady Bay on Camano Island.
Modern homes are found alongside other homes on the waterfront in Utsalady.
Modern homes are found alongside other homes on the waterfront in Utsalady.
1/2

Utsalady Bay

Outdoor spaces are a big part of life in Utsalady — not surprising given its natural setting. Utsalady Bay, which the community overlooks, provides opportunities for water activities such as boating, kayaking and fishing. While there are no large public parks within Utsalady proper, residents have access to several nearby recreational areas. Camano Island State Park, located about 7 miles south of Utsalady, features 134 acres of beach and forested land. The park has camping, hiking trails and beach access, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors. Cama Beach Historical State Park, slightly farther south, offers historic cabin rentals and boating programs. For golf enthusiasts, Camaloch Golf Course, located in the center of Camano Island, offers 18 scenic holes. The island also features several smaller community parks and beaches that provide spaces for picnicking, wildlife viewing and enjoying the coast.
The Camaloch Gold Course is open to the public and is a popular spot to practice the sport.
The Camaloch Gold Course is open to the public and is a popular spot to practice the sport.
The Camano Island State Park offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and surrounding area.
The Camano Island State Park offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and surrounding area.
1/2

Camano Island public schools

Most kids in the area attend local public schools, which are run by the Sanwood-Camano School District. Utsalady Elementary School has an 8 out of 10 rating on GreatSchools, while both Port Susan Middle School and Stanwood High School have a 6 out of 10 rating. Stanwood High completed significant renovations in 2021 and offers dual enrollment courses for college credit through Everett Community College.

Getting to the Mainland

Transportation in and around Utsalady is primarily car-dependent. The main road serving Utsalady is North Camano Drive, which connects to other parts of the island. Camano Island is accessible from the mainland via the Camano Gateway Bridge, eliminating the need for ferry service. This bridge connects to state Route 532 in Stanwood, providing a direct link to the mainland and Interstate 5. Island Transit operates a few bus routes on Camano Island, but service is infrequent, and there are few stops in the neighborhood. It’s a 70-mile drive from the neighborhood to the nearest major airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Camano shops and restaurants

Shopping and dining options within Utsalady itself are limited, reflecting its small size and rural character. Residents often travel to other parts of Camano Island, or the mainland, for a wider range of retail and restaurant choices. The nearby community of Camano, about 5 miles south of Utsalady, offers general shopping options, including Camano Plaza IGA, Camano Island’s only fully stocked supermarket, along with the island’s only hardware store. Locals looking to do additional shopping can head to the mainland town of Stanwood, a roughly 6-mile drive. Stanwood is home also home to the nearest medical center. That said, locals are generally mindful of the fact that the nearest emergency rooms and full-service hospitals are a 20-mile drive from Utsalady, in Arlington and Mount Vernon. While Camano Island’s shopping options are limited, its status as a tourist destination allows it to sustain a few popular and highly-rated restaurants, like Primal Barbeque and Blue Heron Kitchen & Bar in Camano. Tapped Camano, located less than 2 miles from Utsalady, is known for its impressive craft beer selection and hearty pub grub.
The Camano Plaza Market is the only grocery store on Camano Island, but has a large selection.
The Camano Plaza Market is the only grocery store on Camano Island, but has a large selection.
Utalady locals can visit Tapped Camano, which offers many draft selections and great food.
Utalady locals can visit Tapped Camano, which offers many draft selections and great food.
1/2
Andrew Moreno
Written By
Andrew Moreno
Carter Rogers
Photography Contributed By
Carter Rogers
Michael Carey
Video By
Michael Carey

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brandon Barkema, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle Paine Field International

54 min drive

Bus

North Camano & Essex St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Utsalady US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Utsalady Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$827,000
Median Sale Price
$770,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,200,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$637,250
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
161%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$637

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
115
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1973
Months of Supply
12.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,606
Below the national average
1,933
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,016
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brandon Barkema, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
272
Median Age
56
Population under 18
15.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
36%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$127,976
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$139,606

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.2%
Advanced Degrees
12.4%
% Population in Labor Force
54.3%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

7 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Utsalady neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Utsalady