$1,029,359Average Value$586Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Rural island community between Seattle and Tacoma
On a forested island between the Kitsap Peninsula, Seattle and Tacoma, Vashon is an agricultural center untouched by mass commercialization. “As soon as you get off the ferry, Vashon says, 'Welcome home.' Whether you're simply visiting or looking for a new hometown, Vashon greets everyone with open arms; it’s the perfect blend of rural charm and urban vibe,” says Nichole Banducci, resident and Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce executive director. “On Vashon, we often use the term 'It Takes an Island.' As a community without bridges to the mainland or even traffic lights, islanders naturally rely on each other. We show up to our kid's sporting events, regularly support local arts, donate to important causes, and even offer to return your shopping cart with ours at the grocery store.”
The island’s economy is fueled by farming and tourism. The population is about 11,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and double that in the summer. With proximity to Seattle and Tacoma, employers in the technology, aerospace, and healthcare industries are nearby. “Many people come for [vacation rentals], and people looking to move to Seattle come for remoteness and quiet,” says Aaron Hendon, a local managing broker with Christine & Company for over eight years.
Outdoor recreation and Oscar the Bird King
Trailheads dot forested areas, including Maury Island Marine Park on the island’s east coast and Shinglemill Creek Natural Area on the west. The troll statue “Oscar the Bird King” at Point Robinson Park is part of a Seattle-based, six-troll project to promote watershed protection and habitat preservation in the Northwest region of Washington. Oscar is entirely made of recycled materials and bears a crown of birdhouses. Waterfront areas include various parks, rocky beaches and marinas.
Architectural variety from the waterfront to farmland
Homes here include Cape Cod cottages, ranch styles and traditional farmhouses throughout the island, from the waterfront to forested acres and farmland. Many low-bank waterfront properties have seawalls to guard against potential flooding, and property sizes vary from less than an acre to around 25 acres. The median home price is about $880,000, roughly double the national median. Vashon has a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, while the national average is 4. According to the King County Sheriff’s Office of Vashon Crime Statistics, overall crime figures declined by 11% from 2022 to 2023. “It’s like living in Mayberry; it's very community friendly,” Hendon says, recalling when the sheriff took the time to return Hendon's child's bike home that had been left at the soccer fields.
Large homes sit on the bluff overlooking the water on Vashon Island.
Go sailing through Maury Island Aquatic Reserve in Vashon Island.
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Schooling on island and Links Alternative Learning
Vashon Island School District has three schools, serving kindergarten through 12th grade. The district also has the Links Alternative Learning school, where instruction is given outside traditional classrooms. Links Alternative Learning has a kindergarten through eighth-grade program and one for ninth through 12th grade. The district earns an A grade overall from Niche. “When we were first checking out the schools, the cafeteria had a salad bar and really good fresh food, not what you'd think of as cafeteria food,” Hendon says.
Farm stands, downtown and bulk buying off-island
Gift shops, boutiques and home supply stores comprise downtown Vashon. Various restaurants are based downtown, including pizzerias and a butcher shop-restaurant combination. This island center hosts most local events, including the Vashon Strawberry Festival in July and the bike decorating event, Stupid Bike Night, in September. Although national food delivery providers do not serve the island, the Vashon Eats website offers delivery from local restaurants. According to Hendon, weekly groceries can be purchased on the island at the local markets and farm stands, but bulk buying is typically done off-island. Galleries and the Vashon Heritage Museum are also located nearby. The Vashon Center for the Arts holds live theatrical performances and arts courses.
Highway cut-through and learning the ferry system
Vashon Highway, which has King County Metro bus stops, connects the North End Ferry Terminal and the Tahlequah-Point Defiance Ferry on the island’s southern tip. The northern ferry has routes to Fauntleroy, Southworth and Seattle. Although the island has medical centers, the nearest hospitals are located off-island in Seattle and Tacoma. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has domestic and international flights, about 15 miles off the Fauntleroy ferry. “Ferries are ridiculously different from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You could wait two hours in line to get on, and if you’re not on the 3 o'clock boat Fridays in summer, you could be stuck in Seattle,” Hendon says. With summertime traffic in mind, he adds, “You cannot move here because it is more convenient. You have to move here knowing it’s a bit exotic, an adventure and willing to give up convenience for a couple of acres.”
Written By
Lauren Melton
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Video By
Mallory Nolte
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Vashon, WA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Vashon, WA over the last 12 months is $900,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This thoughtfully maintained, light filled water view home offering 3 bed, 2 bath and 3 bonus rooms is hitting the market. It features new appliances; wide ash hardwood flooring; granite and marble countertops; views of the Sound and Mt. Rainer from the kitchen window and upper & lower decks. There's a cherry and apple tree and a fenced yard with a 9x12' windowed shed. The beach has easy access
Perched in the sunny, quiet community of Dockton, this solid mid-century home captures stunning views of Quartermaster Harbor. With classic 1947 brick construction, the home features large rooms, with fireplaces on both levels. A wall of elegant wood-trimmed windows fills the living and dining rooms with natural light, framing the harbor views. The spacious kitchen and family room overlook a
This historic 1904 Cape Cod 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom waterfront retreat has been beautifully refreshed with timeless coastal charm, blending vintage character with modern comfort. Wide-plank floors, classic wainscoting, a farmhouse sink, updated kitchen with new appliances, and all-new bathrooms elevate the home while honoring its heritage. The light-filled living area opens to a covered
Experience easy island living in this well-maintained, one-level northend home just minutes to the Seattle ferries. Set on a spacious corner lot in a peaceful neighborhood, the sunny, fenced yard is a gardener’s dream with a greenhouse, three apple trees, and a chicken coop—plus chickens! South-facing windows frame the vibrant outdoor life beyond. Inside, the circular floor plan invites
Welcome to Bide a Wee, a fully modernized home secluded at Vashon’s historic Spring Beach community, just a stone's throw from a pristine no-bank shared beach. Originally built in 1912, this turn key home is newly reconstructed from the studs out to showcase its historic roots while adding modern conveniences. Fully permitted construction with new foundation, electrical and plumbing featuring two
Zen waterfront living in this charming Vashon Island home with 3 beds and 1.5 baths on 2 spacious lots. Boasting 150 feet of low-bank shoreline, with sweeping views of the water and Mt. Rainier, this property includes two tax parcels, a boat launch, and a registered mooring buoy. Inside, a wall of windows frames the stunning scenery while the cozy interior blends charm with modern comfort.
Break from the bustle and lean into quintessential Island living on Bunker Trail! North-facing views of city lights, Cascade Mountains and the Sound, all framed by large windows and expansive, tiered decks to the water’s edge. Inside, vintage charm meets modern amenity — whimsical details pair well with an infusion of upgrades including newer appliances, high-speed internet, rare sewer
Discover over 1.5 acres of gently sloping, private west-facing "recreational" waterfront land. With 155 feet of no-bank waterfront, the serene, park-like atmosphere along Colvos Passage includes established patio and deck areas, perfect for enjoying the tranquility of this secluded oasis. Essential utilities are readily available, with power on-site and a water share included in a multi-party
Return to Market - Buyer financing failed during feasibility. Geotech & inspection were completed with positive findings. ASSUMABLE $750K loan - inquire. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a visionary entrepreneur to create a premier destination on Vashon Island. Just seconds from the ferry, this bustling property features a fully equipped commercial kitchen, bar/restaurant space w/permits,
This thoughtfully maintained, light filled water view home offering 3 bed, 2 bath and 3 bonus rooms is hitting the market. It features new appliances; wide ash hardwood flooring; granite and marble countertops; views of the Sound and Mt. Rainer from the kitchen window and upper & lower decks. There's a cherry and apple tree and a fenced yard with a 9x12' windowed shed. The beach has easy access
Newly Improved Duplex! Enjoy peaceful Vashon Island living with a brand-new deck, rolling gate, fully fenced yard, new driveway, newer roof, & exterior paint. Flexible 4-bed, 2-bath home is perfect for homeowners, multi-gen living, Airbnb, or investors. Upstairs features fresh paint, new carpet, a bright living room with a wood-burning fireplace, and an updated kitchen with newer appliances. The
Set along the sun-drenched sands of Burton Beach, this inviting waterfront home captures sweeping views across Quartermaster Harbor and Mt Rainier, creating a backdrop that changes beautifully with the light, the tides, and the seasons. Here, the beach truly becomes an extension of your living space. Designed for both relaxed everyday living and effortless entertaining, the home offers five
This move-in ready house is a 3-bed, 2-bath home with privacy, convenience and comfort. The living space is on one level. It is situated on a third of an acre on a quiet road with a 3 minute walk to the bus and ten minutes to town. Enjoy fresh paint, inviting layout, Xfinity and undergound electricity. It is community water and septic to provide adequate and reliable services. Roof and plumbing
One of two newly renovated tiny houses in the woods. These houses are 400 square feet each and were constructed as farm worker housing, featuring full baths, washers and dryers, and kitchens—heatpump for heat and cooling. Power and water are included. Each house has one assigned parking space and a small area surrounding the house. Shared driveway with the neighbor. First, last, and damage fee of
One of two newly renovated tiny houses in the woods. These houses are 400 square feet each and were constructed as farm worker housing, featuring full baths, washers and dryers, and kitchens—heatpump for heat and cooling. Power and water are included. Each house has one assigned parking space and a small area surrounding the house. Shared driveway with the neighbor. First, last, and damage fee of
Single small office OR combination of up to 2 offices in one suite with common kitchen, conference room, WIFI and exquisite 1928 construction with all finishes remodeled to "AS NEW" state or condition. Call your Broker for access to view. May 1st 2024 earliest available.Offices from $475 up to $1250 depending on which space you choose. Broker/Owner
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