Life on South Whidbey (Seattle, Oak Harbor: apartments, for rent, vehicle registration)

[tewhann]

Well, I've visted and just fallen in love with the Island! I'm hoping to move fall/winter this year.

I've got a few questions, though.

1. What's the cost of vehicle registration and are there personal property taxes on said vehicle.
2. Is there DSL?
3. What's the best way to find either an apartment or house to rent?
4. Are there ever roommate situations available?

Thanks, and any other advice for a single 35 YO gal is appreciated.

[AzDreamer]

Try looking at seattle.craigslist.org. There are both apartment and roomate listings. Good luck.

[Alcon]

I'll answer what I can.

Yes, there's DSL.

You probably won't find way too many apartments. There are two incorporated towns - Coupeville and the very artsy Langley - which probably have apartments, but your pickings there may be slim.

It's a beautiful area, and very nice if you like laid-back and progressive areas that are isolated but not way far from Seattle.

It's also entirely different culturally than Oak Harbor and the north island, so don't judge it based on OH (which is military-influenced and shows it).

[tewhann]

Don't worry.....anyone who's ever visited wouldn't confuse S. Whidbey w/Oak Harbor!!

What about vehicle registration/personal property taxes?

Thanks for the responses!!!

[Alcon]

I don't drive, but you might want to get in touch with the Island County Auditor. They should be there for another few hours. Info and contact details here:

Island County* Auditor

I've dealt with them before - they're generally pretty helpful.

[scirocco22]

I obviously can't answer specifically to your situation but here are some good references which should help you a bit pertaining to vehicle registration:

Island County Auditor's Office Licensing Department


Washington State Department of Licensing --Fees



edit: Alcon beat me to it ...Thanks, Alcon!

[tewhann]

Looks like the tax only applies to 3 counties (and Island isn't one of them). Yippee!!

[AlwaysSmiling]

Good Morning,
I live on South Whidbey. It is absolutely beautiful when it is sunny, but that is not very often. This past winter was brutal...power outages, snow, sleet, rain and gloom for days on end. I would be very anxious moving here as a single, 35 year old woman. Do you have family, friends, a job here?
The South Whidbey Record is the best place to find a place to rent. You won't find apartments, but you will find single family homes in the 1000 to 1500 range. Is that doable for you?
Please let me know if there are other questions I can answer for you.
Good Luck!!

[chris]

good point about power down in South Whidbey. Make sure you get a house with an automatic generator. The in-laws were without power during an outage this past winter for almost 5 days before they gave in and got one.

[tewhann]

Hi! I don't have friends and family on the Island and I did notice the abundance of retired folks and families, so I realize it may be tough for a single gal socially. But, the Island just calls...so I must go.

Job wise, I underwrite commercial loans, but could easily switch to residential--the residential stuff is much less complex. Also, I was a closer before an underwriter, so I could work for a title company or a bank. Or.....I might get to work from home for my current company.

I'd like to pay less than $1,000 for rent....is that really so impossible?

Thanks for the info on the power issues....I will make sure I have a generator.