Anderson Island, Washington (Tacoma, Kent, Lakewood: new house, schools, university)

[Madclown]

My family and I are looking into moving to Anderson Island.

Does anyone have information on life on the island?

How do you work around the ferry system? We have never lived on an island before so this will take some getting used to.

I have two children, is there activities on the island for kids?

Everything I have read so far sounds like it is an ideal place to raise a family, I would love to hear any opinions on life on the island.

[cobolt]

Where will you be working? What about schools? Have you budgeted the ferry into your commute, both timewise and moneywise? Rememeber, as quaint as island life can be, you are bound by the ferry schedule.

[allforcats]

Hi. We have some info here on C-D threads about Anderson Island:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...on-island.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...iful-area.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...lace-live.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...ng-island.html

As Cobolt wrote: "as quaint as island life can be, you are bound by the ferry schedule." And by the need to get to the mainland for groceries, gas, clothes, entertainment, home supplies, serious medical and veterinary services, etc.

[Madclown]

I will be working at Mcneil Island, my wife wants to focus on our children so she will be on the island most of the time. I don't see an issue with the ferry other than if it would interfere with my shifts (as of yet I have no idea what shift I am working). We can plan ahead for the groceries etc. but my main concern is a medical emergency requiring transport off the island.

[cobolt]

I know lots of people who work on McNeil, but they live on the mainland (Steilacoom, University Place, Lakewood, surrounding Tacoma areas) and there is a dedicated ferry (Dept of Corrections) that only services McNeil from Steilacoom. I don't think there is a ferry that runs from Anderson to McNeil, at least not what the ferry schedule is showing, so my guess would be you'd have to take the ferry first to Steilacoom.

Pierce County Ferry Schedule
McNeil Island Ferry Information

I wish I could give you some more info on island living. I know many of us envy people who live on Kentron and Anserson Islands (mostly because we can't afford to). Should be peaceful and quiet. I'd imagine you'd have to shop in either Lakewood or University Place for groceries and such as there is no real commerce in Steilacoom. There has been talk of a grocery store for neighboring Dupont, but nothing as of yet.

I can't give you information about the island but I can direct you to whatever you might need in the surrounding communities. Let me know how I can be of help.

[Hihithere]

My family actually owns a piece of land on Anderson Island. There is a helicopter on the island for huge medical emergencies. It takes about 15 mintues to get to the nearest hospital on it I hear, but I never had to use it. The island is pretty quiet for the most part. It is a mix of long time Anderson Island folks (huge pieces of properties on old houses) and the new batch of people that come to the new houses on the waterfront area. The ferry is pretty expensive, but if that is not a problem for you then you should be okay. As far as buildings on Anderson Island, there is basically just a: church, a mini mart, and a museum type of thingy. The shopping is usually done at either of the two Costcos (tacoma one might be closer?). You can always see the cars waiting for the ferries, with the backseats filled with rolls of tissue paper! If there is anything else you might want to ask, may be I can help more.