Who Vacations, Moves or Retires on Orcas Island?

You do! This is an open community that welcomes new islanders. We are a diverse group of islanders that defy stereotypes with the possible exception of a common streak of independence. Orcas Island is an ideal place to vacation, move or retire.

Orcas Island is the perfect vacation community for those wishing to spend a few weeks or months here, yet large enough to satisfy the full-time Islander. Despite our beautiful winters, many island ‘snowbirds’ do fly south to warmer climates, sandy shores and greener golf courses.

Commuting redefined. Although commuting might seem cumbersome from Orcas Island, may successfully do. Commuter flights from Orcas Island leave on a regular schedule while some leave a car on the mainland to ease the ferry commute. The ferry ride, once a pillar of sleepy downtime, can now reluctantly be productive with WiFi service at the ferry landings and on ferries.

Retiring on Orcas Island should require minimal adjustment. Combine reasonable housing prices compared to major cities, virtually no crime, plenty of activities, proximity to Seattle and gentle weather and you have one of the best locations on the west coast.  Best of all is slow-paced relaxed living, which the reality Orcas Island.

A vacation home on Orcas Island is a great option. This is an economically feasible way to own and enjoy a home on Orcas Island and generate rental income. Orcas Island has a strong vacation rental market May through October for all different types of homes, from small remote cabins to modern waterfront villas. Professional vacation rental companies can minimize the complexity of rental ownership. Typically, owners reserve their preferred personal use time and enjoy significant rental income during the non-owner use periods.  Vacation rentals do require a San Juan County permit, so not every home can qualify. Often, a number of homes for sale do have vacation rental permits.