What You Should Know Before You Move to Vashon

So many visitors come to Vashon and fall in love with the Island and it’s people. However, before making the commitment to move potential Vashonites should get to know it’s quirks along with it’s gems. Most residents recommend booking an Airbnb or VRBO rental for a week or even a month in the winter months to fully understand what living on the Island is like. Summer is another excellent time as commutes can be worsened by summer tourists.

Regardless of the difficulties island life my entail, the residents on Vashon are warm and welcoming. There are plenty of activities to enjoy and lot’s of ways to get out an enjoy socializing.

Advice From Vashonites

Residents of Vashon Island offer a variety of perspectives and advice for those considering moving here, highlighting both the challenges and unique aspects of island life. Key suggestions include:

Embrace Localism: John Dally advocates for supporting local businesses by buying and eating locally.
Integration Tips: Gator Lanphear encourages newcomers not to be intimidated by long-time residents who may question their length of stay on the island.
Practical Considerations: Kim Kambak suggests patience in finding a fixer-upper and taking advantage of skilled local craftspeople.
Financial Advice: Several contributors, including retired Sheriff and resident Kurt Lysen and Lori Belfrage, stress the importance of having sufficient financial resources due to the cost of living and commuting expenses.
Housing Strategy: Mela Bredouw and others recommend renting for a year before purchasing a home to ensure the island lifestyle suits them.
Commuting Challenges: Shannon Williams, Flora, and Scott Stinson advise understanding the ferry system and commuting patterns, especially if working off-island.
Cultural Adaptation: Theresa Hampl and Janet Parker note that Vashon is a quirky, nosy, and opinionated community, and the lifestyle requires some adaptability.
Healthcare and Daily Life: Cheryl Dart mentions the limited healthcare facilities, highlighting the need for good health management.

These insights collectively paint a picture of Vashon as a place requiring thoughtful preparation and an open heart but offering a unique and tightly-knit community experience for those who choose to make it their home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is it to commute from Vashon?

If you work in Downtown Seattle, then Vashon is a fairly easy commute. The buses all follow the Vashon Highway (spanning North to South of the Island) and end up on the North End ferry. Morning and evening routes connect you with the King County Passenger ferry that runs a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the evening Monday through Friday. If you’re looking to commute to Bellevue, Redmond, Tukwilla, or other nearby cities in which you would need to drive, then you’re in for a bit of a tougher commute. There are limited car ferries in the morning and evening commutes, which have you waiting in line (especially during tourist season). With the West Seattle Bridge being closed, your car commute is a bit longer. If you plan to commute by car, we recommend getting up early and planning your commute time to spare you the frustration.

Is Vashon Island expensive?

Some residents will tell you that it is, and some will tell you that the cost of living on Vashon is comparable to Seattle. It’s all a matter of perspective. The median cost for a house on Vashon Island in November 2021 was reported to be $822k, whereas Seattle’s median was $ 897k. Property taxes also fall in line with King County, with roads and other levies, complicating taxes and ultimately pricing some of the longer-term residents out of their homes.
Unfortunately, rental housing on the Island has a similar story. Rent for a two-bedroom home can run $1.700 up to $2,500 per month (depending on the square footage and location). There are a few low-income apartments on the Island, but the waiting period for availability stretches for months.
Some organizations are working to alleviate the cost of living and the lack of affordable rentals on the Island. If you can get into one of the programs, it is well worth the effort.

How safe is Vashon Island?

The Vashon community is close-knit and, therefore, looks out for one another. While we’re close to the city (and the impending crime), we still maintain our small-town feel. One could leave their car and front doors unlocked while making a quick trip to town, but it is recommended to lock up at night and while gone for long periods of time. Some residents have been reporting break-ins for their barns and storage buildings, and there has been the rare reporting of a strange man entering a home while the senior residents were at home.
While Vashon is considered a safe community, it is always a good idea to exercise caution, just as you would in any place.

Are there bears and other predators on Vashon?

With Vashon being an Island, the likelihood of seeing bears, cougars, or other predators is slim; however, there have been sightings here and there.
Coyotes are especially prevalent on Vashon and have been reported to be seen quite often. Some have been bold enough to attempt to “play” with large dogs in their backyards.
Whether there are sightings or not, it is advised that you keep your dogs on leashes while walking our many trail systems and keep your pets indoors at night. Farm animals such as chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, and some cows should also be kept safe to avoid the occasional predator attempting some easy pickings.

What types of amenities and services are available on Vashon Island?

While Vashon Island offers essential services like grocery stores, a pharmacy, and medical clinics, the options are more limited compared to larger urban areas. For more specialized healthcare needs or diverse shopping options, residents often travel to nearby cities. The island also has several schools, making it a viable option for families.

How do Vashon Island’s educational facilities compare to the mainland?

Vashon Island is served by its own school district, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The schools are well-regarded for their strong community support, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers. The district is known for its commitment to progressive education practices and high student engagement. For those seeking alternatives, there are also private schooling options and various extracurricular programs to enhance educational opportunities.

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