Where to Move: Camano Island, Washington
Camano Island, according to Matthew Konsmo, real estate broker for Coldwell Banker Danforth, is the best place to live in Western Washington. Located just north of Seattle, a new home in Camano Island offers peace and quiet, great schools, outdoor adventure, great health care, and access to transportation to go anywhere—it’s a wonderful mix of solitude, community, and the natural world.
“As an up-and-coming community,” Matthew says, “home prices on Camano Island are rising, yet Camano Island is affordable compared to other areas of Western Washington.” Also, Camano Island is located in Island County, lowering some tax burdens, when compared to King County or Snohomish County. These attributes, he believes, represent a strong
“Camano Island is a welcoming community,” Matthew says. Matthew and his family, who live on the island in a remodeled farmhouse, were drawn to Camano Island for its sense of community and natural landscape. Driving across the Camano Gateway Bridge from Stanwood, they quickly discovered craft shops, dairy farms, plant nurseries, and other neighborhood spots. “True local desire,” Matthew suggests, “you’ll want to visit Camano Commons at Terry’s Corner,” either for a morning latte at Camano Island Coffee Roasters or a homemade waffle cone at Camano Scoopz.
Settled in the Puget Sound, Camano island has views of the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, the Cascades, the Olympics, and Vancouver Island. It’s a maritime paradise, with boat launches for sightseeing, fishing, crabbing, and voyaging to other islands. The sea is also accessible from the beach, with places like the Davis Slough tidal flats and Possession Sound waterfront where hikers can view whales, seals, eagles, and other wildlife. “My favorite thing to do on Camano Island,” Matthew says, “is to hike the nature trail through Camano Island State Park.”
Search for your new home in Camano Island
Camano Island is peaceful, yet transportation options are nearby. Amtrak Cascades, which has a station in Stanwood, runs south to Eugene and north to Vancouver. Interstate 5 connects Camano Island to Seattle and Vancouver. “Imagine a home located peacefully by the ocean,” Matthew says, “yet within proximity to the amenities—restaurants, art galleries, shopping, museums—of two world-class cities.”
And, when there’s a desire to travel beyond the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver International Airport and SeaTac International Airport, both less than two hours away, offer easy international flights to Asia, Europe, Hawaii, and elsewhere.
“We are looking forward to spring and summer,” Matthew says, “and we’re going explore the outdoors as much as possible.” On his family’s radar this year is traveling to the tulip fields in Mount Vernon, crossing the North Cascades Highway to Eastern Washington, and exploring the waterfront in Bellingham, a vibrant college town.
“My wife and I wanted to find a balance for our kids,” Matthew says. “We wanted to create a comfortable home in a welcoming community, have access to the outdoors, and visit other cities for diversity. Camano Island has it all.”
Visit: www.Matthewkonsmo.com
Contact Person: Matthew Konsmo
Phone: 425-463-8243
