$1,077,763Average Value$599Average Price per Sq Ft47Homes 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 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Vashon, WA over the last 12 months is $893,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy spectacular sweeping Quartermaster Harbor views and 95' of waterfront from this solidly built mid-century home with original charm and appeal. Easy main floor living with 3 bedrooms, full bath, living area with wall of windows and view deck. With high ceilings and a pre-plumbed bath, the daylight basement offers the perfect opportunity for additional living space - or ample, dry storage. A
Welcome to one-level at its finest! This exquisite & meticulous contemporary home sits on 2.2 lush acres across from Vashon Golf & Country Club. The 3-bed/2-bath home boasts a blend of luxury & functionality with soaring ceilings, Brazilian hardwoods, natural gas heat pump & fireplace, on-demand water heat, & a spacious workout/studio room attached to the garage. A large gourmet chef's kitchen
Live the good life in Burton! Sweet cottage oh-so close to Jensen Point waterfront park, Burton Store, Burton Coffee Stand and woodland trails through the center of the peninsula. Easy-care, one-level home with great fenced yard for furry friends or backyard games. The main living space enjoys a bay window & sturdy wood stove. Two sweet bedrooms & an eat-in kitchen overlooking the street where
This 12.24-acre forested property on Vashon offers endless possibilities for someone with vision and a desire for island living, all while being close to Vashon town. Zoned R-5, this level, timber-graded parcel has potential, it is is a versatile investment opportunity, the perfect canvas for your dream home with lots of space or more. Surrounded by towering old-growth fir and cedar, the lush
Step into a one-of-a-kind 1936 1 bed 1 bth waterfront property that feels straight out of a storybook. Tucked into the hillside like a hobbit-style cabin, this charming home offers a truly magical setting. A steep stepped five-minute walk from off-street parking leads you down to your private escape on the shores of Puget Sound. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by sweeping water views, the
Come and relax on this private water front property nestled on Burton beach with 180 degree views of Quartermaster Harbor. A short 15 min Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry ride transports you to this tranquil beach cabin on a 100 feet no bank waterfront. 1,120 sq ft filled with natural light and large windows 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, A/C split unit and bonus room can be office, yoga, or art studio.
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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