ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY

Find a different way of life in the San Juan Islands. The pace is slower, the world quieter, the people approachable. The area is abundant with breathtaking views, natural wonders and wildlife.

On San Juan Island, the largest town and county seat is Friday Harbor, home to the island’s business hub and about 2,000 year-round residents.

A temperate climate helps to make living here easy. Our islands lie in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and average about half the rainfall of Seattle. In the summer, temperatures stay in the 70’s during the day and dip to the 50’s or 60’s at night. Winters are mild with temperatures normally staying above freezing.

When people decide to buy real estate and to make the islands their home, it is common for them to get involved in the community’s activities.

The San Juan Island School District performs among the top school districts in the state, with consistently high achievement scores and a number of ways for students and parents to participate in school life. There are also options for private schools. San Juan Island has an active public library, a community theater, a number of community-minded service organizations, and is home to the University of Washington’s Marine Labs, the Washington State Extension office, and the San Juan Center for Skagit Valley College.

People who love the water love the island, which offers fishing and whale watching, and boating opportunities that stretch down Puget Sound and up through the Canadian Gulf Islands.

Being accessible only by boat or plane adds to the privacy and security of the islands, but does not diminish the safety. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Department, Fire Departments, EMT’s and Ambulance Services are well equipped to handle any emergencies. There is helicopter service to mainland hospitals if needed and medical centers on the larger islands.


San Juan Island offers a warm and welcoming place for newcomers to settle in, visitors to explore, and people to make a new and fulfilling life.

Want to find out more about the San Juan Islands? Give me a call. I’ll be happy to tell you about life here in the San Juans.

LOCAL NEWS