🦪 Mason County, WA

SHELTON

"The Town Seattle Forgot About"

(And honestly? That's kind of the point.)

A working-class timber town where houses cost what cars cost in Seattle, Hood Canal oysters are cheaper than fast food, and nobody asks what you "do" at parties—because everyone's just happy to get off work.

10,500
Population
40%
Cheaper Than Seattle
15
Min to Hood Canal
110
Years of Heritage
Read the Honest Guide Moving Quote
No Sugarcoating

The Honest Truth About Shelton

Let me be straight with you: Shelton isn't for everyone. If you need a Whole Foods within 15 minutes or get anxious when there's only two coffee shop options, you might struggle here. But if you've been priced out of the Puget Sound housing market and you're tired of pretending $2,500/month for a studio is "reasonable"? Pull up a chair.

I moved here three years ago when my Seattle landlord raised rent by $400 "because the market supports it." The market didn't support my paycheck. So I did something that felt radical at the time: I bought a house. In cash. For what my security deposit used to be.

Okay, that's a slight exaggeration. But my mortgage is literally half what I was paying in rent, I have a yard, and my commute is watching eagles from my porch instead of sitting in I-5 traffic. There's a trade-off. There's always a trade-off. But after three years, I'm still here, still not leaving, and still finding reasons to love this weird little timber town.

THE GOOD 👍

  • Actually affordable housing (not "Seattle affordable")
  • 15 minutes to Hood Canal beaches
  • Olympic National Forest in your backyard
  • Oysters cost less than a latte
  • People actually wave at you

THE MEH 🤷

  • Limited restaurant options (you'll learn to cook)
  • 1 hour to Olympia, 2 to Seattle
  • Nightlife = one brewery and it's great
  • Cell service gets spotty in the hills
  • Everyone knows everyone's business

THE REAL 💯

  • Job market is limited (remote work helps)
  • Some neighborhoods are rougher than others
  • Healthcare means driving to Olympia
  • Timber industry boom/bust affects economy
  • Winter = gray and wet (but you knew that)
FOREST FESTIVAL • EVERY SUMMER SINCE 1936
Visual Tour

This Is What You're Getting

Olympic forest Hood Canal Mountain views Forest trail Small town
Weekends Here

What We Actually Do For Fun

🌲 Outdoors (The Main Event)

🦪

Hood Canal Shellfish

Oakland Bay oysters are legendary. $15 fishing license, bucket, done. Dinner for a week.

🥾

Olympic National Forest

Lake Cushman, Staircase Rapids, endless trails. Bring bear spray.

🎣

Salmon & Steelhead

The Skokomish River runs through town. Fish runs are still real here.

🏕️

State Parks

Potlatch, Twanoh, Jarrell Cove. Waterfront camping without the reservation fight.

🏘️ In Town (Yes, There's Stuff)

🍺

7 Seas Brewing Taproom

Excellent local beer. This is where everyone ends up Friday night.

🥬

Farmers Market

Saturday mornings, April-October. Local produce, honey, and your neighbors.

🎭

Mason County Forest Festival

Logging competitions, parade, carnival. The whole town shuts down. It's a thing.

🛒

Historic Downtown

Antique shops, local cafes, the hardware store that sells everything. Very walkable.

"Look, I'm not going to pretend there's a thriving arts scene or farm-to-table restaurants on every corner. If that's what you need, this isn't your town. But if you want to kayak on a Wednesday because you can, dig for clams at sunset, and actually own property? We've got you. The trade-off is real but so is the quality of life."

Where to Live

Shelton Neighborhoods

I'll be honest about each area. Some are great, some are rough, and some are perfect if you want acreage and don't mind a commute.

$1,200-1,600

Downtown Shelton

Walking distance to everything. Mix of historic buildings and newer apartments. Some blocks are charming, some are less so. Do your homework on specific streets.

Walkable Affordable Mixed
$1,400-1,800

South Shelton

Newer developments, more suburban feel. Good schools nearby. This is where young families tend to end up. More cookie-cutter but also more predictable.

Family-Friendly Newer Homes
$1,600-2,200

Harstine Island

Connected by bridge. Waterfront living, more expensive but stunning. Tight-knit community. If you want privacy and views, this is it. Limited services on-island.

Waterfront Quiet
$1,300-1,700

Hoodsport

Right on Hood Canal, 20 min from Shelton. Tiny town, big views. Gateway to Lake Cushman and Staircase. Tourist traffic in summer but paradise off-season.

Canal Access Outdoors
$1,400-1,900

Allyn

Cute waterfront village on Case Inlet. Slightly higher prices but better restaurant options. Good farmers market. Feels more polished than Shelton proper.

Waterfront Nicer
$1,100-1,500

Rural Mason County

Acreage, trees, privacy. No HOA, no neighbors close by. Perfect for homesteading types. Internet is spotty, roads are gravel, and that's the appeal.

Acreage Off-Grid Options
The Numbers

What You'll Actually Pay

Expense Shelton Seattle You Save
Median Home Price $385,000 $875,000 $490,000 (56%)
2BR Rent $1,450/mo $2,800/mo $1,350/mo (48%)
Groceries (monthly) $350 $450 $100/mo (22%)
Dozen Oysters $8 (dig your own: free) $24 $16 (67%)
Craft Beer $6 $9 $3 (33%)

My Actual Monthly Budget

Single person, 2BR house, remote work

Mortgage $1,150
Utilities (all) $180
Internet $70
Groceries + Dining $400
Gas (Olympia trips) $120
Car Insurance $85
TOTAL ~$2,005

"My Seattle rent was $2,400. My entire cost of living here is under that. I own my home. I have savings for the first time in my adult life. Yeah, I drive to Olympia for Costco. Worth it."

— Me, still a little shocked
Practical Advice

If You're Actually Moving Here

1. Visit in Winter First

Everyone loves it here in July. The real test is February when it's been gray for six weeks straight. If you can handle PNW winter (and actually kind of like it), you'll thrive.

2. Line Up Remote Work First

The local job market is limited—timber, shellfish, retail, healthcare. If you need professional work, make sure you have a remote gig secured before you move.

3. Get a Reliable Car

There is zero public transit. None. You'll drive to Olympia for big shopping, medical specialists, and anything you can't find locally. Budget for gas.

4. Embrace the Slower Pace

The hardware store might close at 5pm. The barista will chat with everyone ahead of you. Things just move slower here. It's annoying at first, then it becomes the point.

5. Hire Movers Who Know the Area

Rural driveways, older homes, tight corners. You want movers who've navigated Mason County before—not a Seattle company making their first trip down Highway 101.

Get a quote from people who know
🏡 Ready to Make the Move?

Affordable Living Awaits

We know Mason County roads, rural driveways, and the quirks of moving to a small town. Whether you're coming from Seattle or across the country, we'll get you home.

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