Where on Whidbey? (Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Langley: to rent, house, neighborhoods)

[Barbara12]

We're looking for a house on Whidbey Island. We have spent some time on the island, but always on Useless Bay.

Now that we are thinking of purchasing, we are looking all over the south and central parts of Whidbey. The neighborhoods (Useless Bay, Mutiny Bay, Admiral's Cove and Holmes Harbor for a start) all seem so different. Does anyone have opinions on where the best place to spend time would be?

We enjoy the beach, but don't boat or fish. I like watching the sunset over the Olympics and the fresh air that comes through the straits. I've heard that Admiral's Cove has noise issues, is that in the past? Is it always windy there and on Bush Point?

Thanks for your opinions.

[SunInHair]

I lived on Whidbey for a couple of years but on the eastside and south sides. West coast areas are popular but get some hellacious wind storms! Holmes Harbor is more sheltered. If you can, best to rent first before buying.

[Whidbey]

Well, each town on Whidbey is different. I think there is a perfect spot for someone anywhere on the island. Are you retiring, have kids, needing to work? These might factor into where you'd want to go.

The south end is wetter than the north.

North from Coupeville & Oak Harbor, you're in the rain shadow. Most people like that. I would highly suggest it. We tend to get liquid sunshine (mist/fog/something that gets on your glasses), drizzle and some days actual rain. They get real rain on the south end.

The west side is windier than the east. The whole island & Western Washington too, can have wind storms.

I am not familiar with those neighborhoods, but Admiral's Cove has a really nice pool on the water & clubhouse. Anyone can buy a membership to use the pool in the summertime, not only property owners. Noise? Check with Realtors or the County for a noise map that the base developed.

I would believe the other two neighborhoods have or are near golf courses. Play golf? There is a public course near Oak Harbor, Gallery Golf Course, that is terrific, right on the water. Oak Harbor also has a private country club. There are some nice homes near the Holmes Harbor golf club & restaurant.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Some areas have more to offer than others. For example, Central Whidbey & Coupeville have the most hiking & biking trails.

Renting isn't a bad idea, or you might stay two nights in Langley, two in Coupeville & two in Oak Harbor and explore the towns and surrounding areas.

Do you want to be on city water or a community water system or a private well? Sewer or septic? Enjoy the restaurants in the town or despair of finding a meal?

All towns, except Greenbank, have branches of the local Sno-Isle library, which is a real treasure. The entire island has amazing scenic beauty you can't compare.

Give me more feedback and I can try to point you one direction or the other. Working? Hobbies? Political leaning?