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Vashon Island

Vashon Island

Suburban Neighborhood in Vashon, Washington

King County 98070

$1,046,446 Average Value
$595 Average Price per Sq Ft
29 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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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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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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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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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.

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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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 Barbara Fotheringill, 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

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$893,000
Median Single Family Price
$911,000
Median Townhouse Price
$523,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$395,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$595
Number of Homes for Sale
29
Last 12 months Home Sales
134
Months of Supply
2.60
Median List Price
$925,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,570
Median Year Built
1968
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,879
On par with the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,709
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
922
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
724
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
21,344

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 11
    11:30 - 2pm

    28812 125th Place SW, Vashon, WA 98070

    $2,395,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 3,000 Sq Ft
    • 28812 125th Place SW
    • New 4 days ago

    Luxury island paradise in this stunning, solidly built waterfront estate. Breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier & Puget Sound unfold through walls of windows. This pristine 3-bed, 2.5-bath home features a water-facing primary suite, chef's kitchen, great room w/fireplace, office, large bonus room, whole house air filter & 2 car garage. 100 ft of private beachfront, a guest cabin, & the almost 4

    Jim Marsh John L. Scott Vashon

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  • Saturday, May 10
    1 - 3:30pm

    9322 SW 156th St, Vashon, WA 98070

    $985,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,745 Sq Ft
    • 9322 SW 156th St
    • New 13 days ago

    Spacious mid century home sits tucked away on over two acres of rolling pasture & mature fruit orchard. Gorgeous whole house renovation makes this home feel brand new! New hard wood floors upstairs & carpets downstairs. Newer stainless steel appliances and cook top, large open format kitchen/living room + breakfast bar, cooking island, & access to back deck for dining al fresco. Large laundry

    Kyle Moss COMPASS

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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 Barbara Fotheringill, 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