Whidbey Island is an idyllic oasis surrounded by natural beauty and nestled against a backdrop of the snow-covered Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Though it’s only approximately 30 miles from Seattle, Whidbey Island feels worlds away from the hectic pace of the city.

Its charming, rural vibe is complemented by easy access to all the amenities of a major metropolis, and it’s situated close to several charming towns, including Langley, Oak Harbor, and Coupeville. It’s also home to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island and many waterfront communities. The island is nestled between the Olympic Peninsula and the Seattle-Metro corridor of western Washington and forms the northern boundary of Puget Sound.

What to Love

• Brimming with arts and culture
• Easy access to Seattle, Everett and Bellingham
• Natural beauty with lush parks and beautiful beaches

Whidbey Island Homes and Architecture

Whidbey Island, situated in Washington State's Puget Sound, is a haven characterized by a diverse architectural landscape that beautifully integrates with its natural surroundings. The island features an eclectic mix of architectural styles, from charming seaside cottages to expansive waterfront estates. Many homes on Whidbey Island embrace a Northwest architectural style, combining elements such as large windows to capture stunning views, cedar shingles, and open floor plans to merge indoor and outdoor living seamlessly. Some properties are designed in a modern, eco-friendly approach, featuring sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs that complement the island's commitment to environmental preservation.

The architectural diversity of Whidbey Island offers a unique blend of heritage and innovation. Historic homes on the island, including classic farmhouses and cabins, stand as testaments to the area's rich history, while newer constructions showcase contemporary design elements and technologies. Whether nestled within the island's forests or perched on the coast, homes on Whidbey Island not only provide comfortable living spaces but also celebrate the connection between architecture and the surrounding natural beauty, creating an environment that resonates with both charm and functionality for its residents.

Local Lifestyle

Whidbey Island is a friendly, small town-feel in a warm, welcoming, and low-key island atmosphere. It’s a great place to raise a family, as it’s home to excellent public schools and several private schooling opportunities.

Often referred to as Puget Sound’s Largest Artist’s Colony, Whidbey encourages participation in the arts and outdoors, and is home to numerous working artists, writers, and performers. These include many well-known painters, sculptors, glass artists, woodworkers, metalworkers, mixed media artists, photographers, authors, poets, actors, and musicians. The south end of the island is a true haven for those who enjoy the fine arts.

In addition to being a haven for artists, the southern end of Whidbey Island also serves as a commuter community for the nearby cities home to major names such as Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Netflix. Commuters from those areas enjoy easy access to major transportation to and from various nearby cities. The Clinton Ferry connects Whidbey Island to Seattle in the south, while the Deception Pass Bridge connects the island on the north end, and Coupeville Ferry connects to the Olympic Peninsula in the center.

Things to Do

This small island oasis is brimming with many great galleries, studios, and art walks, as well as state parks and beaches. It’s perfect for outdoor recreation like kayaking, hiking, boating, or just exploring the local flora and fauna.

Whidbey Island is home to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve , the first of its kind in the country to preserve the rural history and culture of the island and to protect the area’s rare flora and fauna. The island also boasts Deception Pass State Park , Washington's most-visited state park. Locals and visitors alike flock to Deception Pass to enjoy stunning sunsets, fishing, forest trails, and miles of Puget Sound beachfront, as well as bird, seal, and whale-watching. The impressive Deception Pass Bridge towers high above the waters of Deception Pass and boasts sweeping views of the water and forest below. This bridge is known for fostering the eventual placement of NAS Whidbey in Oak Harbor.

Additional parks highly worth exploring include Fort Casey State Park, Joseph Whidbey State Park, Fort Ebey State Park, Possession Point State Park, South Whidbey State Park, Dugualla State Park, Greenbank Farm, and Double Bluff Beach.

Each year, bicyclists rejoice at the Tour de Whidbey, known as one of the most beautiful bike rides in the Pacific Northwest. This annual fundraising event features various routes, from the family-friendly 10-mile route to the 100-mile excursion.