looking for "classy" island vacation home! (Seattle, Port Angeles: how much, to buy)

[bmsea]

Originally Posted by nicolette

How about Gig Harbor, looks beautiful....any feedback would be appreciated. We are coming for a visit September 18th and will look at all the areas everyone has suggested.

Gig Harbor is pretty, but its very well developed, and I think has almost created a metro feel (its not so much a second home community anymore as a bedroom community of Tacoma/Seattle). I think home prices in that area are way steeper than the other areas that you have been looking at as well. However, I think it really depends on how you feel when you come out here ... it's so hard to predict what one individual will like about a place - it is definitely worth checking out.

[ejmatl]

Have you considered Gabriola Island in BC? Because it's not as trendy as Salt Spring or Denman (which used to be very affordable - not anymore), you can get a lot for your budget.

eileen

[nicolette]

Hi ejmatl,
Thank you for suggesting BC!! My husband and I have been doing research on property taxes in Washington and we are shocked, to say the least! We are so used to California and we definitely should have done more research on prop tax, took it for granted (not very responsible of us)..... this changes everything for us because we were looking for land to build on.

We are still flying to Seattle in Sept. but will now head straight to BC, so back to the drawing board....anyone have suggestions, based on what our criteria was for Washington, for places in BC? Will definitely check out Gabriola Island!!

[ejmatl]

Originally Posted by nicolette

Hi ejmatl,
Thank you for suggesting BC!! My husband and I have been doing research on property taxes in Washington and we are shocked, to say the least! We are so used to California and we definitely should have done more research on prop tax, took it for granted (not very responsible of us)..... this changes everything for us because we were looking for land to build on.

Oh now don't get too excited. Property taxes in BC can be huge - and tend to rise a "whim", rather than the concrete. I think you would be remiss by completely discounting all of the places people have recommended (and, definitely, visit - they're wonderful places) - but do think that checking out Garbiola would be a good idea as well.

There are other islands off of Vancouver Island as well. I'm only familiar with Hornby (really expensive and very protected), Denman (really expensive and growing too fast), Salt Spring (forget it - way out of line, real estate wise) and Gabriola (still within reach because it's still "up and coming" - yet peaceful). Maybe you should cross-post in the BC forums.

Best of luck...eileen

[nicolette]

Thanks Eileen! We decided to take a little longer of a trip so we can see as much of BOTH the WA areas you all recommended as well as some of BC. I over obsess about making the "perfect decision" and I have to keep telling myself that you do have to make compromises, adjustments etc...I will cross-post the BC forums (if I can figure that out), or just look at their forum and do a search question.
Thank you again!! Everyone is so helpful.

[ejmatl]

Originally Posted by nicolette

Thanks Eileen! We decided to take a little longer of a trip so we can see as much of BOTH the WA areas you all recommended as well as some of BC. I over obsess about making the "perfect decision" and I have to keep telling myself that you do have to make compromises, adjustments etc...I will cross-post the BC forums (if I can figure that out), or just look at their forum and do a search question.
Thank you again!! Everyone is so helpful.

Well you just be sure to let all of us know where you land - and if you're going to open another restaurant where you land. I, for one am, always, looking for new places to explore - and I'll be back in the area in just 37 days (31 for til move, 5 for the drive) - so count me in on any (ad)venture you and your hubby embark on.

Best of luck...eileen

[TribalCat]

Are the beaches and hiking trails near Port Townsend dog-friendly? Can you rent horses anywhere near there? How long does it take to get to Seattle by ferry?

[TribalCat]

Is Port Townsend very walkable? Or do you fight traffic there?

[mayfair]

Port Townsend is very walkable and bikable. There are trails and bike paths around town- but it is hilly (and is rainy/windy in winter).
People walk dogs all over town. I don't know about horses. There are some horse acreages outside town. It's 2-3 hours from Seattle. You couldn't commute on a daily basis.

[TribalCat]

Thanks for responding No, I wouldn't have to commute to Seattle, so that's okay.