“Loving Island Life” Vashon Island “An Alternative to the Eastside?”

There’s no question that heated markets like West Bellevue, Medina and Mercer Island are popular choices for new residents arriving in the Seattle area. With miles of gorgeous waterfront homes, renowned school districts, and ample recreation, retail, dining and residential services, the Eastside has led King County to higher real estate prices.

But those prices are one reason more and more buyers eye Vashon Island, an alternative that boasts similar attributes to the Eastside but at a fraction of the price.  “We’re only 22 minutes by passenger ferry to downtown Seattle, and yet Vashon has loads of rural charm and not even one traffic light,” said Sonja Jones, Founding Member of the Bainbridge Island branch of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “Vashon is where you live when you get away to it all.”

According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, there have been 21 waterfront home sales within the Eastside region (areas 510 and 520) so far this year. The median home price is $3,800,000 or an average price of $785 per square foot. Over the same period there have been 12 waterfront home sales on Vashon Island, but the median home price of just $549,000 averages out to only $278 per square foot.

Those who budget for an Eastside waterfront home but buy on Vashon instead get enormously more for their money.  For example, a gorgeous Vashon estate home and guest house on acreage and 275 feet of no-bank waterfront is available for less than $4 million (see www.seattleisland.com). “You couldn’t match this home on the Eastside for three times as much money, (said Ken Zaglin of John L. Scott on Vashon Island), who shares the listing with Jones.

“Vashon Island has long been an alternative real estate market for mainlanders, but for families that know this community– it’s the preferred alternative,” Jones said. “The public schools are so good that 150 Seattle kids commute to Vashon every day to attend. As the storybook seaside lifestyle becomes better known, we’ll continue to see increases in real estate activity and property values on Vashon. At some point the secret will get out and Vashon may really zoom, because the island is very handy and yet retains low-key charm.”

For more information about Events and things to do on Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island, our Real Estate Market , Island Lifestyle,  Condominiums, Luxury Waterfront Homes, Equestrian Properties, and Estates and Farms, visit www.homesforsaleonbainbridgeisland.com.   Discover what “Loving Island Life” is all about!