Whidbey Island
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7/31/2009
Langley on Whidbey Island, is north of Seattle and is a bit of an unknown to much of the country. Whidbey is anchored on the north by the only sizeable town (Oak Harbor) and the home to a Naval Air Station. Big box stores in Oak Harbor provide the only major shopping access on the island. Langley anchors the south end of the island. A community known for it's turn of the century small town buildings and active arts community, it provides it's residents with an unexpected amount of cultural activity for such a small town. While Langley has the reputation of being "high" end,the population is in fact, diverse in terms of life styles and backgrounds. It's a warm welcoming community that perhaps has some similarities to Brattleboro, Vermont. In fact,the island terrain being highly treed with meadows is similar to some areas of Vermont. For a small community with very few jobs, the cost of living is high. It is one of those "destination" towns where you must work off the island or bring your income with you. There are many artisans here who derive a living from their works in galleries on or off the island. The residential market is impacted by a large number of second home owners primarily from the Seattle area and California. There are rental properties. In Langley these tend to be well cared for.
Peter | Langley, WA