Decatur Island is a very beautiful island, located about 70 miles north of Seattle...and 5 nautical miles from Anacortes.  Very rural with narrow tree-lined roads, Decatur Island is home to about 55 full-time residents and 300-500 part-timers.  Although it's located off-the-grid, it's certainly not out of touch with the rest of the world.  Two water taxis provide regular service to the island and four different airlines fly into the island on a charter basis.  Underground utilities provide electricity, phones and high speed internet service.  

FAQ

Is it expensive to build on the island?

All materials come to the island by barge so additional transportation costs will be incurred during the building process.  Licensed contractors are available on island, including an excavation/concrete company, but subcontractors will be needed for electrical, plumbing and insulation.  Most individuals plan on adding 25% to their cost estimate for the "Decatur Factor".  For ideas about building on the island, click here.

Are there any services on the island?

The island has a small store and a one-room school (k-8)
The store is currently for sale but, in the past, has been open 5 days/week, in the summer, and has a large inventory of food, beer and wine, hardware supplies, gift items, video rentals and book exchange.

The school usually varies between 4 and 6 full-time students.  The school has been the center for many community activities including potlucks, Sunday afternoon craft days, art auctions and political forums. See pictures of the island and a calendar of ongoing events here.

What do people do out there?

Most of the full-time residents are self-employed in either construction, fishing or real estate.  However, there is also an editor, artist, teacher, flight attendant and mechanic on the island.  Many families visit the island as part-time residents and the children have wonderful times exploring the island and enjoying the many water-related activities.  To read my blog about the island lifestyle, click here. 

Does everyone have either a boat or a plane?

No, many people use the water taxis exclusively to access the mainland.  Right now, two companies provide excellent passenger ferry service.


Paraclete Charters - (800) 808-2999
Island Express - (877) 473-9777

What about garbage and fuel?

Trash removal is the responsibility of each property owner.  Most people recycle as much as possible and take their trash off-island regularly.  Fuel can be purchased, in bulk, from Richardson Fuel or brought onto the island in 5 gal cans.  The fuel barge comes to the island every 4-6 weeks. 

Is there a lot of public lands?

No...almost all of the island is owned privately.  There is a public boat ramp but no public dock.  At the very south tip of the island there is some property owned by San Juan Preservation Trust that is very beautiful but the only access is by water.

What is Decatur Shores?
Decatur Shores is a development on the south end of the island, built around a 2500' airstrip, dock and 10 acre waterfront park.  Many pilots love being able to fly into the island and enjoy their homes.  There are a number of properties for sale that are perfect for people with planes.  Decatur Shores property owners enjoy all the benefits of owning waterfront and have protective CCR's which specify the type of development that can occur.  Lots and roads are very rural in character and numerous green belt areas provide privacy and protection to the abundant island wildlife.  Below is an aerial picture of the development and the beach at high tide.  More information available: www.dsca.net



How will I know if the island is right for me?

If you love a rural environment, where nobody has to lock up cars or their home, but where everybody knows each other's "business", you'll love it here.  Most residents are very independent but can be counted on to be "immediately there" in an emergency.  The children enjoy freedoms here that vanished long ago in a city environment...plus they learn how to clean a crab, spot an eagle, blow grass whistles, run a boat, catch cod and the fun of spotting a dragon in a cloud.


Beautiful view acreage is available at Southridge and very affordable lots can be found in Decatur Shores and undeveloped areas of the island.  Decatur Island is a great place for a 2nd home or year-round residence.  To see a list of everything that's currently for sale on the island, click here.

What do people do socially on the island?

Like many small communities, impromptu social encounters happen all the time....potlucks, birthday parties, beach bonfires, school plays or just meeting someone new on one of the hiking trails.  This year, the Saturday morning Farmer's Market at the school has become a wonderful place to meet new people and get caught up with old friends.  Usually there is a large picnic for the 4th of July and often a Halloween and New Year's Party.  The annual school Art Auction is also a very fun event as is the sheep roundup at Decatur Northwest in May.


To read articles about island life, go to: http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=littleschool23&date=20060523 and http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2003687599_decaturupdate01.html



Map of Decatur Island: http://maps.google.com/maps?om=1&ie=UTF8&ll=48.50091,-122.792473&spn=0.023431,0.05064&z=14



For more information, send me an e-mail or give me a call.... I would love to give you a tour of this wonderful place.  Sarah