Relocating to Whidbey Island (Oak Harbor, Anacortes: crime, home, neighborhoods)

[shanac01]

Hey all, we are moving to Whidbey Island around January 2007. I am trying to get information on all schools; public and private in the area. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Shana

[cutedeedle]

Where on Whidbey -- up north in Oak Harbor, or mid- or south Whidbey? It makes a difference -- totally different cultures and amenities.

[shanac01]

We are planning on living closer to Oak Harbor, Anacortes or the Mt. Vernon area. Thanks, Shana

[cutedeedle]

This MacGregor's Plaid Book is published (print and online) for all the local areas around Puget Sound. They are very handy, and free. You can do an online search for "private schools" in the areas you mentioned -- they are all listed in the Skagit Valley directory:
http://skagitvalley.plaidnet.com/

Just a warning about Anacortes but especially Oak Harbor -- you'll be constantly exposed to the unbelievable noise from the Naval Air Station's overhead jets -- low-flying and ear-splitting.

Burlington or Mt. Vernon are on the mainland, Anacortes is on Fidalgo Island, Oak Harbor is on Whidbey Island. Oak Harbor is reasonably priced, Anacortes is very expensive, Burlington and Mt. Vernon are also reasonable.

Shopping and civilized amenities are best on the mainland, all right in Oak Harbor, and not great in Anacortes. Also, Anacortes is a popular retirement place so you'll be amongst an older population.

Hope this helps.

[Taranis17]

I don't know about private schools, but I can tell you from experience that Oak Harbor and Anacortes schools aren't as good as the Burlington school district. Not sure why that is (funding?), but I noticed a huge difference with my kids between the areas over the years.

Ammenities are very good in Oak Harbor, and getting better all the time. The city is trying very hard to get new restaurants and stores in here to keep the residents (and specifically, their money) on the island, vs leaving to go shopping.

Housing here is more affordable, crime is much less than the mainland, and the lifestyle more relaxed. Plenty of seaside parks south of Oak Harbor, about 15 minutes for the nice summers here. A jaunt to the other San Juan islands is about 35 minutes to the ferry, and you're off from there - 20 min or so from Mt. Vernon/Burlington.

Anacortes is a retirement community and home prices reflect it - they're way overpriced. The neighborhoods are quite and relaxed though, and shopping/restaurants and I-5 are about 20 minutes away. If you can afford it, it's not bad.

... and Cutedeedle has sensitive ears - or lives next to an airstrip. The jet noise is not that noticeable, but it can be an annoyance during your favorite TV show. There are many places around Oak Harbor that afford a good commute that don't sit in the flying pattern of the jets.

[fairweathergolfer]

I am curious what caused you to look North on the island and not south. Not that one is better then the other in my opinion--I am a city girl--but just curious.