Since the pandemic, many Pacific Northwest buyers have shifted their priorities toward space, flexibility, and stronger ties to nature, creating fresh demand for island communities. Camano Island, situated between the Canadian border and Seattle, has managed to attract new residents while maintaining its community character.
Median home prices currently sit at around $700,000. That may seem high to people in other parts of the country, but that price point is comparatively attainable in the Seattle area, where prices in many suburbs reach far higher. Camano Island offers a balance between exclusivity and accessibility that continues to draw buyers.
A Three-Decade Perspective
Ellen Bohn, managing partner at The Agency Camano Island, has observed these shifts over nearly 30 years in real estate. She started her career in 1996 with basic tools: a pager, a stack of business cards, and a map of the local area. At that time, listings were just beginning to appear online, replacing black-and-white print directories.
While technology has revolutionized the industry, Bohn believes the fundamentals of real estate remain unchanged. “No matter what market we’re in or what time frame we’re in, it’s still a relationship business, and that’s always something that needs to be held in the highest regard,” she says.
Bohn’s move to The Agency reflects her interest in a brokerage structure that supports both local expertise and broader marketing exposure. For Camano Island — a market that attracts buyers from across Washington and beyond — having access to coordinated marketing and cross-office collaboration helps bring more attention to listings on the island. Bohn says this setup strengthens her ability to connect with buyers who may not be familiar with Camano but are looking for Pacific Northwest properties with space, scenery, and year-round appeal.
Buyer Evolution
Camano Island’s appeal has broadened as the resident base has shifted from mostly seasonal visitors to a growing year-round population. Families are drawn to the slower pace and outdoor access; retirees appreciate the services in nearby Stanwood and the island’s quieter setting; and remote workers value the ability to trade suburban density for more space without giving up access to the I-5 corridor. “Camano used to be more for your summertime snowbird residents, but now it is a much more full-time community with families, and it’s growing all the time,” Bohn observes.
Part of that attraction comes from the island’s accessibility. Unlike other islands in the region, Camano is connected to the mainland by bridge, so daily life doesn’t depend on ferry schedules. “Camano is a drive-on island, which makes it commutable,” she explains. This convenience appeals to buyers who want the scenery and privacy of island living while still keeping commuting or regular trips to the mainland practical. It has also makes the island an appealing option for second-home owners who want an easier arrival and departure routine.
Market activity remains steady across price ranges. “We are seeing an overturn of homes in all price points. We have luxury homes from one to four million dollars that sell fairly quickly, and then we have our first-time home buyer bracket as well,” Bohn reports. That mix reflects a buyer pool that is more varied — and more consistently active — than in past decades.
A “Teeter Totter” Market
Camano Island, like many housing markets, currently faces headwinds from higher interest rates and broader economic uncertainty. In the greater Seattle region, tech remains the dominant employer, and recent layoffs across major companies have added another layer of hesitation for some buyers. Bohn describes the present environment as a “teeter totter” shaped by rising rates, elevated prices, and concerns about job stability — especially among workers in tech and related fields who traditionally make up a significant share of Puget Sound homebuyers.
Even so, Bohn believes buyers with stable finances may benefit from acting now. She notes that once rates ease and confidence returns, the market is likely to shift back toward sellers, with higher prices and more competition. Sellers are responding to current conditions with more flexible terms, including help with closing costs or contributions that allow buyers to reduce their mortgage rate for the first few years of the loan. Bohn notes that in a softer market, sellers are generally more willing to offer this kind of financial assistance to keep a deal moving forward.
Infrastructure, Landscape, and Community
For buyers considering Camano Island, Bohn emphasizes that understanding how the island functions day to day is essential. Much of the housing stock relies on septic systems and private wells rather than municipal utilities, which means homeowners must plan for regular inspections, maintenance, and eventual replacement.
The terrain varies widely, from wooded interior lots to shoreline bluffs, and each type of property introduces different considerations — drainage, soil stability, shoreline setbacks, and limits on what can be built or expanded. Bohn notes that these conditions shape both the cost of ownership and the scope of future projects, making local expertise especially valuable.
Local officials and community planners have taken an active role in shaping how Camano develops. Zoning rules, infrastructure limits, and environmental protections all work together to keep growth at a scale that fits the island. Instead of large commercial corridors or dense subdivisions, Camano has two modest commercial centers: Camano Island Marketplace, with restaurants and specialty shops, and another hub with essential services such as grocery and hardware stores. Additional amenities are available over the bridge in nearby Stanwood, where island students attend middle and high school, a connection that reinforces the shared community between the two areas.
These planning decisions are intended to preserve the island’s natural setting and residential feel, even as demand increases. According to Bohn, that balance is part of Camano’s appeal: a quieter, more sustainable lifestyle supported by essential services but without the rapid expansion seen in other parts of the region. At the same time, the limited commercial footprint and reliance on nearby Stanwood for many day-to-day needs can help prospective residents decide whether the island’s pace and amenities fit the way they want to live.
Looking Forward
Camano Island’s appeal aligns with a broader shift toward communities that offer access to nature, a slower pace, and a clear sense of place. Its combination of year-round livability, manageable access to the mainland, and intentional development continues to draw a varied mix of buyers. Bohn expects the market to pick up as economic conditions stabilize, noting that current softness offers an opening for buyers before competition increases again.
For real estate professionals in similar markets, Camano illustrates how strong local knowledge and thoughtful planning can support long-term demand. The island’s evolution from a seasonal destination to a year-round community reflects changing buyer priorities, especially as remote work continues to influence where people choose to live.
About the Expert: Ellen Bohn is the managing partner of The Agency Camano Island and has worked in real estate since 1996. Over nearly three decades, she has guided buyers and sellers through multiple market cycles, from the early days of print listing books to today’s digital, data-driven environment. Based on Camano Island, she specializes in residential properties across a wide range of price points, including waterfront homes, acreage properties, and primary residences for full-time island living.
This article is based on information and perspectives provided by the expert source cited above. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making any real estate or financial decisions.
