Anacortes has grown 15% since the year 2000, and its increasing popularity, picture postcard scenery and high quality of life have bumped prices up.   Even during this Great Recession, the cost-of-living is roughly 25% above the national average, and the median home price is $275,000, also well above the national average (although it is nearly 40% less than it was two and a half years ago).  Most homes are expensive, but those closer to the water are generally the highest priced.   Spreading across the northern tip of Fidalgo Island, Anacortes boasts a  number of distinct neighborhoods with architectural styles ranging  from Victorians in the historic Old Town section to rambling 1970s ranch-style residences in the sought-after Skyline neighborhood.   

It is possible to find modest homes in need of some care for less than $175,000, but these are rare.  The median home price of $275,000 will purchase roughly 2,000 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and perhaps a water view.   Waterfront homes begin at around $400,000 to $500,000.   Because Anacortes has seen a lot of growth and revitalization in the last 10 to 15 years or so,  many of the homes here are relatively new.  

Condominiums are a rather new phenomenon here, and there are not a lot of them, but the ones that exist are priced from around $200,000 (1,000 sq. ft. to 1,300 sq. ft.) and reach into the $900,000s; many have at least "peek a boo" views of Padilla Bay or Fidalgo Bay.  There are some small apartments for lease (from around $600 a month) and a few small houses for rent (from around $1,200 a month).

 This is an interactive map.  Click on the arrows in the upper left hand corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click on the +/- signs to zoom in and out.

Anacortes has two property tax levy rates within city limits, 7.4 or 7.5 per $1,000 of assessed home value, and homes are assessed at 100% of fair market value.  The annual taxes on a $275,000 home would be roughly $2,062.  A property tax exemption program is available for persons age 61 or older or for persons unable to work due to a physical disability.  Under the exemption program, the value of a residence is frozen for property tax purposes, and the owner becomes exempt from all excess and special levies and possibly regular levies – resulting in a reduction of property taxes.  There is also a tax deferral program for seniors.  Washington has no personal income tax, and the local sales tax rate is 8%. 

And while this charming fishing port (home to Washington's largest fishing fleet) is tucked away from much of the country, it is not inaccessible. Fidalgo Island, easternmost of the San Juan Islands and known as the "drive-to" island, is easily reached by bridges from the mainland to the east and from Whidbey Island to the south.  Seattle is 70 miles south and Vancouver, British Columbia is roughly the same distance to the north.   Bays, mountains, rivers and forests are found at every turn.

Anacortes, Washington, Continued...