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Vashon Island

Vashon Island

Suburban Neighborhood in Vashon, Washington

King County 98070

$1,055,075 Average Value
$604 Average Price per Sq Ft
41 Homes For Sale

Isolated but peaceful Seattle island

Vashon Island is an isolated Seattle neighborhood that combines island and rural living. Nicknamed “The Rock,” residents get a slower-paced lifestyle that’s met with ample outdoor activities and simple yet valuable amenities. “Vashon is a bedroom community, where they live a rural lifestyle but have city amenities,” says Connie Cunningham, Real Estate Broker at Windermere Vashon. Vashon Island is only accessible by ferry, and often, it requires planning around the ferry schedule, but once on the ferry, Cunningham noted that it can come with peaceful perks. “It’s a 15 to 20-minute ferry ride to Tacoma and Seattle, but when people get on the ferry, they kind of travel back in time,” Cunningham says. “If you’re lucky, you’ll see the sunset sunrise on Mount Rainer. You’ll see the beauty of the island.”
Vashon Island is only accessible via a short 15 minute ferry ride.
Vashon Island is only accessible via a short 15 minute ferry ride.
Point Robinson Lighthouse
Point Robinson Lighthouse
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Various property types

Vashon Island offers a deal of home options within its 38 square miles. “There are larger properties, and there is more space between a lot of parcels, which are 1 acre or 5 acres,” Cunningham says. “In other words, you can live in a neighborhood or larger setting with more elbow room.” Cunningham also noted how housing can vary depending on the needs. “There are an array of different properties; you have waterfront. You have farm and forest properties. You have neighborhood properties and horse properties,” she says. Buyers can find turn-of-the-century cottages and ramblers that start at $450,000 to contemporary and modern mansions that overlook the waters that cost over $1.5 million. Common amenities include at least three bedrooms, along with driveways and garages.
An Amazing Hillside Estate on Vashon Island.
An Amazing Hillside Estate on Vashon Island.
Many old Vashon Island homes sit waterside looking out over the puget sound.
Many old Vashon Island homes sit waterside looking out over the puget sound.
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Ample outdoor recreation to maintain active lifestyle

Residents here maintain an active lifestyle through all its outdoor recreation options. “For outdoor recreation, there’s, of course, the water sports. There’s a marina and yacht club in Point Rob,” Cunningham says. “There are hundreds of miles of protected forest trails throughout the island. Some parks have beaches and trails and are located in the woods.” Dockton Park is one park where locals launch their boats and wander the 12 miles of multi-use trails. Kids also enjoy themselves on the playground and beach area. Point Robinson serves as both a historic landmark and one of the main parks. Locals take the shoreline to launch their boats or play around the athletic fields. Jensen Point Park provides another boat launch, but most head to the shoreline park for canoeing, kayaking, and an afternoon picnic.
Point Robinson Lighthouse
Point Robinson Lighthouse
Head to the Dockton Marina for an afternoon on the water on Vashon Island.
Head to the Dockton Marina for an afternoon on the water on Vashon Island.
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Vashon Island Schools receive high marks

Vashon Island School comprises three schools but still ranks in the top 10 for Niche’s best districts in Washington, earning an A rating. Students will attend Chautauqua Elementary School up until the fifth grade. The B-plus-rated school has a Spanish Intern Program to give kids exposure to the Spanish language and culture. McMurray Middle School follows that and holds an A-minus from Niche. Students can enroll in several electives, including mountain biking, outdoor living and food 101. Vashon Island High received an A from Niche and has a 90 to 95% annual graduation rate.
Mcmurray Middle School welcomes students in grades 6-8 on Vashon Island.
Mcmurray Middle School welcomes students in grades 6-8 on Vashon Island.
Students on Vashon Island have the option to attend The Harbor School.
Students on Vashon Island have the option to attend The Harbor School.
High school students attend Vashon Island High School.
High school students attend Vashon Island High School.
Welcome to Chautauqua Elementary School in Vashon Island.
Welcome to Chautauqua Elementary School in Vashon Island.
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Quirky events and celebrations

Events on Vashon Island match the island’s quirkiness and artistic interests. “We have a vibrant art community and a vibrant art center with lots of shows and events throughout the year,” Cunningham says. “Everything is livelier in the summer; concerts are in the summer and the Strawberry Festival.” The Strawberry Festival started in 1909, tributing the island’s booming strawberry production. Today, thousands travel to the island for a weekend filled with sweet red berries from dozens of vendors, live music, and a parade. That’s not the only fruit Vashon Island celebrates, CiderFest draws locals to various apple creations while sipping variations of the fall beverage. On Saturdays from May to September, farmers head to Uptown to sell their goods at the Vashon Farmers Market.

Accessible by ferry

Traveling around the island requires a car; however, getting to the mainland is by ferry. “We’re totally landlocked. There’s a passenger-only or commuter ferry during the week,” Cunningham says. For travel to Tacoma, folks will take the Vashon Island terminal to the Fauntleroy terminal. For travel to Tacoma, locals will hop on the Tahlequah terminal south of the island and head towards Port Defiance. These have an option for vehicles, but they require an extra fee. Schedules for ferries change frequently depending on the weather and the season. The nearest metro airport is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The ferry system provides Vashon Islanders access to Port Orchard, Tacoma, and Seattle.
The ferry system provides Vashon Islanders access to Port Orchard, Tacoma, and Seattle.
Take in the amazing views from the front of the ferry on the way to Vashon Island.
Take in the amazing views from the front of the ferry on the way to Vashon Island.
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Fun eateries in island's Uptown

While Vashon is a rural island, its downtown, or Uptown, as locals say, embodies what can be found in a metro city with a handful of eclectic restaurants and shops. “I think we have a growing foodie tourist interest. Vashon has a small tourist attraction to it. A lot of those visitors go to the restaurants,” Cunningham says. Residents and tourists take a culinary walk along Vashon Highway, where it’s all local restaurants. May Kitchen + Bar transforms its diners into a Thailand lounge that serves modern Thai dishes with a flattering presentation. Diners get a casual bar scene when dining at the Ruby Brink; locals love their flare bartending and hearty meat dishes. Locals often cap the day off with a sweet treat of handmade ice cream from Glass Bottle Creamery. Weekly groceries can be bought from Vashon Thriftway and Vashon Market Fresh.
Grab a craft cocktail and seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine at Ruby Brink on Vashon Island.
Grab a craft cocktail and seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine at Ruby Brink on Vashon Island.
Spend the afternoon shopping or eating out in Vashon Islands main retail area, Uptown.
Spend the afternoon shopping or eating out in Vashon Islands main retail area, Uptown.
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Courtney Murphy
Written By
Courtney Murphy
Photography Contributed By
Noah Lubin

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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 Melene Thompson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

76 min drive

Bus

Vashon HWY SW & SW 178th St

Bus

Vashon HWY SW & SW 188th St

Bus

Vashon HWY SW & Burma Rd SW

Bus

SW Ellisport Rd & Dockton Rd SW

Bus

Vashon HWY SW & SW 132nd Pl

Bus

SW 204th St & Vashon HWY SW

Bus

Vashon HWY SW & SW Burton Dr

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Vashon Island Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$975,000
Median Sale Price
$893,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$950,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$387,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$395,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
138
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$604

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,575
Number of Homes for Sale
41
Median Year Built
1968
Months of Supply
3.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,879
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,719
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
922
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
724
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
21,344

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 21
    2 - 4pm

    26030 Wax Orchard Rd SW, Vashon, WA 98070

    $950,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,370 Sq Ft
    • 26030 Wax Orchard Rd SW
    • New 3 days ago

    Custom built in 2009, this Westside 4+ acre retreat presents a private, harmonious balance of northwest wilderness and modern, up scale style. Set in a serene forest, the grounds host walking trails that wind through towering trees and natural beauty. Constructed from galvanized steel, the home showcases clean lines, steel accents, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that exemplify

    Sophia De Groen Windermere RE Vashon-Maury Isl

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  • Friday, Jun 20
    4 - 6pm

    16305 Crescent Dr SW, Vashon, WA 98070

    $1,750,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,620 Sq Ft
    • 16305 Crescent Dr SW
    • New 4 days ago

    Magical island living at Vashon pocket farm w/3+ acres & 165+/- ft of accessible waterfront in coveted Westside location. 3 bed 2 bth mid-century modern w/great floorplan & tons of natural light. Spacious liv rm w/frplc, updated open kit & large din rm w/view. Walk in pantry, large laundry, hdwd floors. Lower level w/media rm, 3rd bed, bth, extra storage. New HVAC & A/C, new water filtration sys.

    Kelly Souder Windermere Real Estate Co.

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  • Saturday, Jun 21
    11am - 1pm

    7459 SW 255th St, Vashon, WA 98070

    $569,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,620 Sq Ft
    • 7459 SW 255th St
    • New 16 days ago

    Escape to your private retreat! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath manufactured home sits on 2 serene acres nestled in native vegetation and majestic madrone trees. Interior freshly painted, easy maintenance yard. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with quick access to nearby trails, beaches, and parks; or rejoin the Gold Beach Community Club with pool & beach right down the hill. The

    Leslie Ferriel John L. Scott Vashon

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,297
Median Age
55
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
16.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$108,950
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$137,378

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.4%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
52.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.6%
% Population in Labor Force
60.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
6''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

30 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

18 / 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.

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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
Vashon Island