$1,061,885Average Value$568Average Price per Sq Ft43Homes 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
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On average, homes in Vashon, WA sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Vashon, WA over the last 12 months is $958,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Major cool factor! One-of-a-kind, single-level contemporary octagonal home, built with lumber milled right on the property and surrounded by nearly 6 secluded, sun-filled acres. Tucked beneath towering firs at the end of a private drive, this 3BR/2BA home with loft bonus room feels like a creative retreat in the woods. The real showstopper for artists, makers and woodworkers is the fully
Rare Vashon investment and development opportunity! This established 5-unit multifamily property offers immediate income with future upside. The versatile mix includes a studio, two 2BR/1BA and two 3BR/1BA apartments with a history of strong occupancy. Current rents have intentionally been maintained below estimated fair-market levels, offering potential for increased rental income over time.
Lightly lived in and beautifully remodeled, this turn-key single-level home in Burton offers the rare combination of style, function and everyday ease. A thoughtful three-bedroom layout features a beautifully updated kitchen with butcher block counters, a striking gas range and new appliances, refreshed baths, oak and LVP flooring, new lighting and fixtures, and a full mud/laundry room with
Nicole Donnelly MartinVashon Isl. Sotheby's Int'l RE
Sunset Cove offers incomparable waterfront acreage and an exceptional home! The gated entry opens to 10.192 acres of privacy, a magnificent overlook toward the northwest, and 456’ of bulkheaded low-bank waterfront and sandy beach. Situated in the center of the property, the four-story home is finished throughout with cherry cabinets and floors, walls of windows and vaulted ceilings, solid brass
Meticulously maintained, and intentionally kept, this Northend home provides effortless comfort and practical livability. The location offers direct connection to the Seattle ferries & Metro bus line, linking quiet Island repose to the bustle of downtown Seattle and Vashon’s city center. The interior is sensibly designed with space for everyone, featuring three bedrooms—including a primary on the
Perched above Tramp Harbor in a private setting, this artful, unformulaic home offers over 3,200 sq.ft. of quality craftsmanship, strong connection to nature, & resort-style amenities. With a flexible floor plan, it’s designed for gathering, quiet retreat, work, & entertaining. The chef's kitchen features premium appliances, garden views, and a wood-burning fireplace. It opens to the dining area
Quartermaster Harbor view cedar home on a sunny, west-facing half acre, offering sunset views, timeless craftsmanship, and beautifully updated interiors. Solid cedar construction with interlocking joinery, rich wood detailing, and warm cedar interiors give the home distinctive character and enduring quality, while thoughtful modern updates make it completely turnkey. With four bedrooms, an
Nicole Donnelly MartinVashon Isl. Sotheby's Int'l RE
Set amongst a rare backdrop where beachfront meets lush forest, this west-facing waterfront home offers a blend of privacy, beauty, and coastal living, complete with two charming guest cottages! Nestled among evergreens and mature landscaping, the property enjoys 95 feet of waterfront frontage and views across Quartermaster Harbor. Expansive windows fill the home with natural light and frame the
Discover an extraordinary blend of refined luxury, architectural sophistication, and pristine natural beauty on 5.5 fully fenced and professionally landscaped acres in the heart of Vashon. Privately tucked behind a gated entry, this Northwest Contemporary estate offers serene island living with sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, and Mt. Rainier. The setting is exceptionally
Finally, an affordable home in a waterfront community! At the end of a quiet street overlooking a shallow ravine and grassy glade, this property in two parcels awaits a person with vision and energy. Built in 1952, the house has never been on the market. There are two bedrooms and two baths in 1,420 square feet, on sewer with a pretty garden space and a few sheltering, grand trees; all that is
Situated at the top of Huckleberry Hill on a parklike acre+, this four-bedroom, three-bath, 2,700 square foot contemporary home exudes traditional substance. Spacious—even over-sized—kitchen, dining, living, den, flow seamlessly, spanning two stories, including an attached two-car garage + storage. Enjoy every modern amenity of a comfortable life: high speed internet, walk-in closets and pantry,
First time on the market, this classic white cottage captures the charm and simplicity of island waterfront living along Inner Quartermaster Harbor. With 95 feet of low-bank, west-facing waterfront, this lovingly maintained 1930 beach house offers the timeless character of Vashon’s shoreline cottages.Rich old-world wood paneling, exposed beams, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace create warmth and
Set against a sweeping backdrop of mountain, Sound and pastoral views, this 5-bedroom Maury Island farm offers a rare blend of beauty, privacy and true island utility. Just 7 minutes from town and schools, the 4.76-acre property feels worlds away, with nearby access to 800 acres of protected parks and open space, 12+ miles of trails, Puget Sound shoreline, beach access, boating, mountain biking
Nicole Donnelly MartinVashon Isl. Sotheby's Int'l RE
First time on market, this custom-built waterfront offers an extraordinary opportunity to own one of Vashon's premier lifestyle properties. Featuring 70 feet of waterfront, over 3,000 sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an attached garage, and a 630 sqft unfinished basement for storage or future expansion, this home pairs exceptional craftsmanship with breathtaking waterfront living. Wake to
Single small office OR combination of up to 3 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. June 1st 2026 earliest available.Offices from $375 up to $2000 depending on which space(s) you choose. Broker/Owner. Have a suite of three offices available.
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