Retirement on Whidbey Island (Oak Harbor, Sequim: real estate, condo, how much)

[wolfdog]

I've read through nearly all of the previous threads on WI, but would like some current information and opinions.
I'm retired, but my wife will likely continue substitute teaching. So any opinion on the schools, regarding sub opportunities would be great. We're leaning toward the Oak Harbor area. I'm ex-Navy Vietnam era, so jet noise is "sound of freedom" to me. We'll be fine in that regard. We spent our '80-'82 honeymoon years in Mt Vernon, so we know the area pretty well, though haven't lived in western WA since then. Medical and shopping info would help.
Initially considering a 2/2 condo or townhouse, with a nice view. Any help in that regard is appreciated, including projects under construction or on the drawing board.
Any other information or opinions appreciated. PM me as well, if you wish.

Thanks!

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by wolfdog

I've read through nearly all of the previous threads on WI, but would like some current information and opinions.
I'm retired, but my wife will likely continue substitute teaching. So any opinion on the schools, regarding sub opportunities would be great. We're leaning toward the Oak Harbor area. I'm ex-Navy Vietnam era, so jet noise is "sound of freedom" to me. We'll be fine in that regard. We spent our '80-'82 honeymoon years in Mt Vernon, so we know the area pretty well, though haven't lived in western WA since then. Medical and shopping info would help.
Initially considering a 2/2 condo or townhouse, with a nice view. Any help in that regard is appreciated, including projects under construction or on the drawing board.
Any other information or opinions appreciated. PM me as well, if you wish.

Thanks!

I wouldn't assume anything about the bolded, at all, if you haven't actually heard, and felt, the Growler jets. They cause the ground to shake, and resound at an unhealthfully-high decibel level; citizens' groups have monitored them. Look around youtube for the Growler videos in the area around Sequim and WI.

[wolfdog]

Thanks
We'd choose our location carefully, with that in mind. So has it been certified "unhealthy"?
Are there areas around OH that aren't as noisy, yet have a great harbor/sound/mtn view?
I'll check out the videos.

[mayfair]

The growlers can be heard over a wide area, even off the island to the east, and you have to experience it to realize how much they vibrate the ground, house windows etc. It's more than just noise.

[wolfdog]

How much has it affected real estate sales?

[Pretzelogik]

If you are out and about hiking or camping in north W. I. it spoils the adventure of being there with nature. Also with the mild climate on W.I. in the summer, there is no need for home AC. However, windows are often open for natural cooling exacerbating the noise levels. There seems to be a circular pattern for practice landings...not sure why the pattern could concentrate more offshore rather than over the populated areas of Oak Harbor. By the way thanks to our men and women in the services for their contributions.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by wolfdog

How much has it affected real estate sales?

I'm told the Growlers have caused long-term residents on the island to sell, so it may have depressed RE values slightly, I don't know for sure. Some people say that it's not as bad at the south end of the island.

[wolfdog]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

I'm told the Growlers have caused long-term residents on the island to sell, so it may have depressed RE values slightly, I don't know for sure. Some people say that it's not as bad at the south end of the island.

The noise, or the depressed real estate values? Or both?

[wolfdog]

Saw a few of the Growler videos. Impressive aircraft. Yes, they are noisy.
I'm pretty confident we could buy the right house in the right place. Maybe even build one, spec'ed out for max noise insulation. We'll spend a few days in Oak Harbor, this fall.
Fact is, the area checks off a lotta blocks for us. It's like the OR coast, without so much rain. Any other negatives, besides the noise?

[Tac-Sea]

Originally Posted by wolfdog

jet noise is "sound of freedom" to me.

Thanks!

To top it off, you claim you know an area you haven't lived in for almost four DECADES. I can see why you think wars for the petro-dollar are for your "freedom"....