Moving to
Vashon Island
Your Island Escape Guide: Ferry-Dependent Living, Creative Community, and Rural Sanctuary Just Minutes from Seattle
Discover Vashon Island
Where Artists, Farmers, and Free Spirits Create Island Magic
Vashon Island offers a unique blend of rural charm, artistic creativity, and deliberate escape from mainland hustle. This 37-square-mile island in Puget Sound is accessible only by ferry, creating a natural buffer that preserves its independent character and tight-knit community. Home to approximately 11,000 residents, Vashon attracts artists, writers, organic farmers, and families seeking an alternative to conventional suburban living while remaining accessible to Seattle and Tacoma.
Unlike its neighbor Bainbridge Island with its upscale ferry commuter lifestyle, Vashon maintains a more bohemian, agricultural character. You'll find no chain stores, no traffic lights, and no rush hour gridlock. Instead, expect farmer's markets, artist studios, organic farms, quirky local businesses, and a population fiercely protective of the island's rural character and environmental values.
Moving to Vashon means embracing ferry schedules, limited shopping options, and genuine small-town community. In return, you gain stunning natural beauty, creative energy, slower pace, and the rare privilege of island living while remaining connected to major Puget Sound cities. Whether you're drawn by the arts community, agricultural lifestyle, or simply need escape from urban intensity, Vashon offers sanctuary that few places can match.
Island Life Gallery
Ferry Crossings, Rural Landscapes, and Island Beauty
Washington State Ferry Service
Pastoral Island Landscape
Island Forest Trails
Puget Sound Sunsets
Vashon Farmers Market
Ferry Terminal Life
Best Neighborhoods on Vashon Island
From Village Center to Rural Retreats
Vashon Village (Town Center)
The island's commercial heart near the Vashon Heights ferry terminal. Home to galleries, cafes, grocery stores, restaurants, and the iconic Vashon Theatre. Walkable downtown with nearby neighborhoods offering small-lot homes and village proximity. Ideal for those wanting convenience and community hub access.
Burton
Charming waterfront village on the island's east side with historic character and marina access. Burton Acres Park and protected harbor make this area popular with boaters and beach lovers. Mix of waterfront homes, cozy cottages, and rural properties. Quieter than Vashon Village but with distinct community identity.
North End / Point Vashon
Rural residential areas with larger properties, forested lots, and maximum privacy. Popular with those seeking acreage for gardens, animals, or simply wooded sanctuary. Longer drive to ferry terminals and town center, but offering the most authentic island seclusion and natural surroundings.
Maury Island
Technically separate but connected to Vashon by narrow isthmus. Even more rural and secluded than main island areas, with beautiful beaches, Maury Island Marine Park, and agricultural properties. Longest ferry commute but offering ultimate island privacy and natural beauty for those seeking true escape.
Schools & Education
Vashon Island School District
Vashon Island School District serves the entire island community with one elementary school (Chautauqua), one middle school (McMurray), and one high school (Vashon High School). This single-track system creates continuity from kindergarten through graduation, with students forming lasting connections throughout their education.
Arts Integration: The district emphasizes arts education, reflecting the island's creative community. Students have access to visual arts, music, theater, and creative writing programs integrated throughout curriculum. Vashon High School offers extensive performing and visual arts opportunities.
Environmental Focus: Island location enables hands-on environmental science, outdoor education, and sustainability programs. Students engage with local ecology, marine science, and agricultural education reflecting island values and resources.
Community Involvement: Smaller school population (approximately 1,400 students district-wide) allows for personalized attention and strong parent involvement. Island schools benefit from engaged families and community members who contribute time, expertise, and resources.
Alternative Education: The island also hosts The Harbor School (alternative high school program) and several homeschool co-ops. Many families choose Vashon specifically for education options beyond traditional public school models.
While Vashon schools may not rank as highly as some suburban districts academically, they excel in creative education, individualized attention, and preparing students who value community, environmental awareness, and independent thinking.
Cost of Living on Vashon Island
Moderate to High Island Living Costs
Housing Market
- Median Home Price: $750,000 - $900,000
- Property Types: Single-family homes, rural acreage, waterfront properties, modest cottages to luxury estates
- Market Trends: Steady demand from Seattle/Tacoma escapees, limited inventory maintains prices
- Land: Many properties include significant acreage (1-5+ acres common)
Daily Expenses
- Groceries: Higher than mainland due to ferry transport costs and limited competition
- Ferry Costs: Walk-on ~$6, vehicle + driver ~$30 round-trip (frequent commuters buy passes)
- Gas: Typically 20-40 cents per gallon higher than mainland
- Dining: Limited restaurant options, higher prices reflect island operating costs
Budget Reality Check
Living on Vashon Island costs more than comparable mainland communities. Ferry-dependent location means higher prices for goods and services, limited shopping options require mainland trips, and ferry commuting adds significant time and expense. However, many residents happily trade higher costs for island lifestyle, creative community, natural beauty, and escape from urban intensity. Those considering Vashon should budget for premium island living while embracing the trade-offs that make it special.
Ferry Commute Realities
What You Need to Know About Island Access
Three Ferry Routes
Vashon offers three Washington State Ferry connections: Fauntleroy (West Seattle) with 15-minute crossing and most frequent service; Point Defiance (Tacoma) with 15-minute crossing serving south island access; and Southworth (Kitsap Peninsula) connecting to Bainbridge and Bremerton networks. Most commuters use Fauntleroy for Seattle access.
Real Commute Time
While ferry crossing takes just 15 minutes, total door-to-door commute requires 45-75 minutes depending on home location and Seattle destination. Factor in driving to ferry terminal, parking or loading, potential wait times, crossing, unloading, and mainland driving. Morning rush means arriving early to ensure space on desired sailing.
Schedule Dependency
Ferries typically run hourly during peak times, less frequently during mid-day and late evening. Missing your ferry means 45-60 minute delay. Weekend and holiday schedules differ from weekdays. Life on Vashon requires planning around ferry times for work, appointments, social events, and mainland errands.
Weather Disruptions
High winds, fog, or mechanical issues can delay or cancel ferry service. While uncommon, weather-related disruptions occasionally strand commuters or prevent island access. Residents learn to maintain flexible schedules and mainland backup plans for critical appointments.
Ferry Costs Add Up
Daily vehicle commuting costs approximately $30 round-trip or $600+ monthly. Walk-on passengers pay less (~$250/month), but require island vehicle or mainland parking. Many residents purchase multi-ride cards or monthly passes for modest savings. Factor ferry costs into overall island living budget.
Who Ferry Commuting Works For:
Remote workers with occasional office visits, part-time employees, retirees, self-employed creatives, and those with flexible work schedules thrive on Vashon. Traditional 9-5 daily commuters often find ferry dependency challenging long-term. Many residents specifically chose Vashon to escape daily commuting altogether.
Island Living: Pros & Cons
Honest Assessment of Vashon Island Life
Island Life Advantages
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Thriving Artist Community: Galleries, studios, First Friday Art Walks, creative collaborations, and artistic events year-round
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Rural Character Preserved: No chain stores, traffic lights, or strip malls - true small-town authenticity
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Tight-Knit Community: Strong social networks, community events, neighbor support, genuine belonging
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Natural Beauty: Forests, beaches, parks, wildlife, stunning Puget Sound views
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Local Agriculture: Organic farms, farmers market, CSA programs, farm-to-table dining
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Slower Pace: Escape from urban stress, intentional living, quality over speed
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Safe for Families: Low crime, outdoor recreation, kids can roam safely, strong community values
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Still Accessible: Just 15 minutes by ferry to Seattle and Tacoma - not completely isolated
Island Life Challenges
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Ferry Dependency: All mainland access requires ferry scheduling, costs, potential delays
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Limited Shopping: No major grocery chains, home improvement stores, or retail diversity
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Higher Costs: Groceries, gas, services all cost more than mainland equivalents
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Healthcare Access: Limited island medical facilities; specialists require mainland visits
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Dining & Entertainment: Few restaurants, no movie theaters or nightlife beyond local venues
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Job Opportunities: Limited island employment; most residents commute or work remotely
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Small Town Scrutiny: Everyone knows everyone - less anonymity than mainland living
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Internet Service: Some areas have limited broadband options for remote work needs
"Vashon Island isn't for everyone, and that's precisely what residents love about it. Those who thrive here embrace ferry schedules, value community over convenience, and choose creative energy over commercial amenities. If you need same-day Amazon delivery and Costco runs, mainland life might suit better. If you crave artistic inspiration, agricultural authenticity, and intentional island escape, Vashon could be your paradise."
Ready to Make Your Island Move?
Next Phase Moving specializes in ferry-dependent island relocations to Vashon Island. We understand ferry schedules, logistics, and unique challenges of island moves. Let our experienced team make your transition seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Vashon Island?
The primary way to reach Vashon Island is via Washington State Ferry from either West Seattle's Fauntleroy terminal (15-minute crossing, most frequent service), Tacoma's Point Defiance terminal (15-minute crossing), or Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula. There is no bridge access to Vashon Island.
What is the cost of living on Vashon Island?
Vashon Island has moderate to high cost of living with median home prices around $750,000-$900,000. Daily expenses run higher than mainland due to ferry transport costs and limited shopping options. Ferry commuting adds $250-600+ monthly. However, many residents happily trade higher costs for unique island lifestyle and creative community.
Are Vashon Island schools good?
Vashon Island School District serves the entire island with Chautauqua Elementary, McMurray Middle School, and Vashon High School. Schools emphasize arts integration, environmental education, and community connections with smaller class sizes. The island also offers alternative education options including The Harbor School and homeschool co-ops.
What is the ferry commute reality from Vashon Island?
Ferry commuting requires careful planning. While crossing takes just 15 minutes, total door-to-door time is 45-75 minutes including driving, loading, potential waits, and mainland travel. Ferries run less frequently than Bainbridge, and missing one means significant delays. Weather can cause cancellations. Many successful Vashon residents work remotely or have flexible schedules.
What makes Vashon Island special?
Vashon Island is renowned for its thriving artist community, rural agricultural character, independent spirit, and environmental consciousness. The island attracts creatives, families seeking alternative education, and those wanting escape from urban life. No chain stores, no traffic lights, and fierce protection of island character create truly unique community unlike anywhere else in Puget Sound.