Craving salt air weekends but not sure if your best fit is a quiet island hideaway or a walk-to-everything harbor town? You are not alone. Many second-home buyers in 98221 weigh the pull of Guemes Island’s calm with the convenience of Anacortes. In this guide, you will learn the key differences in access, services, utilities, rules, risk, and resale so you can choose a weekend home that matches how you plan to use it. Let’s dive in.
Guemes vs. Anacortes: Quick snapshot
Guemes Island sits just north of Anacortes, across a short channel that you reach by ferry or private boat. It has a small population, limited on-island services, and a mostly residential, rural feel. Anacortes, within zip code 98221 on Fidalgo Island, is a full-service city with marinas, shops, restaurants, medical care, and reliable year-round road access.
- Guemes best fit: solitude, direct shoreline and boating access, and a true island experience. Be ready for ferry schedules and fewer nearby services.
- Anacortes best fit: marine recreation plus walkable amenities, faster services, and easier guest access.
Access and daily logistics
Guemes Island access depends on a short vehicle and passenger ferry or a private boat. Schedules, capacity, and weather can affect plans, especially on busy summer weekends or in winter conditions. Before you buy, it is smart to review current ferry operations, fares, and vehicle load rules and to test the routine at different times of year.
Anacortes is reachable by road with consistent year-round access. That makes supply runs simple and creates a more predictable arrival for guests, cleaners, and contractors. If you plan frequent short stays or need tight timing, this reliability can be a deciding factor.
Property types and market feel
On Guemes, you will see single-family cottages and cabins, older island homes, waterfront lots, and some newer custom builds. Most are on septic and often on private wells. Inventory is limited and turnover tends to be slower because the island has fewer parcels and many owners hold long term.
In Anacortes, you can choose from single-family homes, townhomes, condos, waterfront properties, and newer infill subdivisions. There is generally more variety in price points and more frequent market activity. For current data like median prices and days on market, your agent can pull up-to-date local MLS snapshots.
Utilities and connectivity
Many Guemes properties rely on private septic systems and wells. Broadband and cellular coverage can be spotty in some areas, so verify provider options and speeds for each address. If you plan to work remotely or stream reliably, utility checks should be part of your early due diligence.
In Anacortes, most neighborhoods have municipal water and sewer with broader broadband and cellular options. Service reliability tends to be higher, which simplifies weekend use and makes it easier to manage turnovers if you plan to rent the property when you are not there.
Rules, permits, and risks
Guemes Island falls under Skagit County jurisdiction for most planning and permitting. Expect septic permits for many parcels and potential reviews tied to critical areas like shorelines, wetlands, and steep slopes. New construction or major remodeling will require county permits and may trigger shoreline permits or environmental review.
Anacortes properties follow city zoning and permitting. The city offers a range of zones from single-family to multi-family and commercial, each with different redevelopment potential and code requirements. If you are considering a design and build path, review setbacks, lot coverage limits, and any open code items early.
Waterfront anywhere in the area comes with special considerations. Shoreline rules can limit bulkheads, docks, and where you place structures. Flood zones, erosion exposure, and tsunami risk should be checked, and some parcels can have higher insurance costs or stricter building limits. Get insurance quotes early for both locations and confirm coverage types you will need.
Short-term rentals are regulated in both places. Anacortes has municipal rules for licensing, taxes, and nuisance standards. Guemes follows Skagit County rules, and neighborhoods can have their own covenants. Because these policies change, verify current requirements and any pending updates before you rely on rental income.
Ownership costs to plan for
Owning near the water or on an island can bring added expenses. Budget for the following and confirm line-item estimates for the property you choose:
- Mortgage, property taxes, and homeowners or landlord insurance
- Septic pumping and maintenance, well service if applicable
- Electricity, garbage and recycling, and broadband fees
- Ferry fares and parking if you keep a vehicle on either side
- Marine structure upkeep for docks or bulkheads, shoreline mitigation if needed
- Seasonal maintenance for storm prep, salt-air wear, and contractor access
- Property management and cleaning if you plan short-term rentals
Lifestyle and recreation
Both locations are excellent for boating, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and coastal hiking. Guemes delivers a quieter, nature-first experience with immediate shoreline and island trails, plus a close-knit feel. Anacortes layers on full-service marinas, restaurants, galleries, and event programming that keep weekends active even when the weather is not ideal.
- Guemes lifestyle: low traffic, privacy, slower pace, and a retreat mindset.
- Anacortes lifestyle: dining, shopping, services, and an easy base for San Juan and Salish Sea adventures.
Resale outlook
Anacortes typically attracts a larger buyer pool, which can translate to faster resale potential. Properties on Guemes are more niche and may sell more slowly, but scarce waterfront and the island setting can command a premium when the right buyer is looking. Your timeline, price strategy, and property type will shape outcomes in both places.
How to decide: a simple checklist
Use this quick screen to find your best fit. If most of your answers fall in one column, that location likely suits your weekend routine.
Access and timing
- Guemes: You are flexible on arrival and departure times and comfortable planning around a ferry.
- Anacortes: You want straightforward road access with predictable travel for you and guests.
How you will use the home
- Guemes: Seasonal or retreat use is the priority with fewer turnovers.
- Anacortes: Frequent weekend visits and easier short-term rental logistics matter.
Utilities and connectivity
- Guemes: You are fine with a private well and septic and will verify broadband options property by property.
- Anacortes: You prefer municipal utilities and broader internet providers.
Risk and rules tolerance
- Guemes: You are comfortable with county permits, shoreline rules, and septic considerations.
- Anacortes: You want city processes and potentially more redevelopment options.
What you value most
- Guemes: Privacy, nature, and an island vibe.
- Anacortes: Walkable amenities and service reliability.
Smart due diligence steps
Wherever you land, thorough due diligence protects your weekends and your budget. Use this list as a starting point and tailor it to the property:
Title and use
- Review the current deed, chain of title, and all easements, especially for access, utilities, and shoreline.
- Confirm zoning, permitted uses, setbacks, and lot coverage limits.
Permits and systems
- Pull building permit history and confirm final inspections passed.
- Get septic permits, recent pump and inspection reports, and verify replacement options and capacity.
- Verify water source, whether private well or municipal, and any water-rights documentation.
Hazards and insurance
- Check FEMA flood status and local shoreline or erosion maps.
- Request homeowners and flood insurance quotes before you offer.
Utilities and providers
- Confirm electricity provider, outage history, and whether natural gas is available.
- Verify internet providers and tested speeds for the exact address.
Physical inspections
- Schedule a full structural inspection with attention to salt-air corrosion, rot, drainage, and foundation.
- If applicable, inspect docks, piers, and bulkheads with a qualified marine contractor.
- Evaluate roofing and exterior finishes for exposure to marine weather.
Practical questions for sellers and neighbors
- Ask about typical ferry wait times, seasonal variations, and any reservation systems.
- Clarify road maintenance on the island and typical utility outages and workarounds.
- Ask about shoreline permitting history, erosion control measures, and community norms for rentals.
Final thoughts and next steps
There is no wrong choice between Guemes Island and Anacortes. The right weekend home depends on how you travel, how often you visit, and the balance you want between solitude and services. If you crave privacy and the feel of a true island, Guemes is a great match. If you want reliable access with restaurants, marinas, and medical care at your fingertips, Anacortes will likely feel effortless.
Ready to compare specific properties or set up an on-the-water and in-town tour to test both lifestyles? Start your island story and schedule a consultation with Amy Gulden.
FAQs
Can I drive my car onto Guemes Island for weekend stays?
- Yes, access is by vehicle and passenger ferry or private boat, but always confirm current ferry schedules, fares, capacity, and any seasonal load rules before planning your trip.
Are island utilities reliable for Guemes weekend homes?
- Many Guemes properties use private wells and septic, and internet or cellular can be limited in some areas, so verify providers, speeds, and system records for each address during due diligence.
Which location usually resells faster for second homes?
- Anacortes typically draws a larger buyer pool, which can mean quicker resale; Guemes properties can be more niche and may take longer, though scarce waterfront and island settings can be valuable.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Anacortes and on Guemes Island?
- Both are regulated, with Anacortes following city rules and Guemes following Skagit County rules; confirm current licensing, taxes, and neighborhood restrictions before relying on rental income.
What extra costs come with owning on Guemes Island?
- Budget for ferry fares, higher insurance for some waterfront or island risks, septic and well maintenance, possible marine-structure upkeep, and additional contractor or turnover logistics.
