Anacortes' cost-of-living is roughly 20% above the national average, and the median home price is around $450,000.   More homes are on the market these days, and they are taking longer to sell, but the prices have not dropped much in recent months.   The town spreads across the northern tip of Fidalgo Island and has a number of distinct neighborhoods; all homes are expensive, but those closer to the water are generally priced higher.  Home styles range 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 (650 sq. ft.) homes in need of some care for less than $200,000, but these are rare.   Small (1,000 sq. ft.) but comfortable homes toward the center of town, away from the water, are available in the  $265,000 to $285,000 range and seem to be in good supply.  The median home price of $450,000 will purchase roughly 2,000 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and perhaps a water view.  Waterfront homes begin at approximately $800,000.  Anacortes has seen a lot of growth and revitalization in the last 15 to 20 years or so, and many of the homes here are relatively new.  

Condominiums are a rather new phenomenon in Anacortes, and there are not a lot of them, but the ones that are here are priced from around $225,000 (1,000 sq. ft. to 1,300 sq. ft.) and reach into the mid- to high $900,000s; many have at least "pee a boo" views of Padilla Bay or Fidalgo Bay.  There are some small apartments for lease (from around $500 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 $450,000 home would be roughly $3,350.  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%. 

Anacortes, Washington, Continued...