Thank you so much!! My husband and I are living in the Olympia area and considering moving to Camano Island though we've never been. This video was extremely helpful, in GRATITUDE for your making it🙏🏻.
@@LauraRandallRealtor I live on Camano and you forgot the biggest con which is there are way too many people on Camano Island,I cringe when I see more people moving out here.
I've lived here for about 22 years. Pros/Cons to add(depends on your viewpoint on which it is): 1. Forget working here unless you are self employed/online. Like Montana, bring your own money. People used to work in Everett or the like, but I would not want to that with the current level of traffic. 2. Likely because of #1, the typical age is more senior. There might be people under 50 in my neighborhood, but probably not (and yes, I do know all my extended neighbors). Retirement age plus is the norm. 3. Its beautiful. Big plus there. Pretty much everywhere you are has photo ops. 4. Not a nightlife kind of place. For me that's a big plus, but if Times Square is your kind of place then this isn't it. A couple restaurants is about it. That is likely not to change. People who move here are attracted to the quiet life. People in general are friendly, but it isn't claustrophic (you know, like when everyone knows everyone's business). 5. Healthcare? I really wouldn't worry about the distance to hospitals. The EMTs are very well funded and responsive. I had a life threatening medical meltdown last year and am still completely comfortable living here (and yes, I am in the senior set). 6. Real estate isn't cheap. Still much better than Seattle or a San Francisco, but there is a LOT more money here than when it was a "beach cabin" getaway. Most houses in my typical Camano neighborhood are $Million plus (2023) . 7. I'll vouch for low crime. Apart from some bizarre exceptions (like the barfoot bandit) the crime level is pretty much zero. 8. Shopping does require planning, but if you make it a day out its not a big deal (ie a big grocery run with a trip to Lowe's). The local grocery tends to be pretty pricey. Local stores in general are few. So much can be done online its actually much easier than when I first moved here. 9. Be aware that it is in proximity to Whidbey Naval jet training noise. The north end is worse and it seems to go in waves (right now its pretty minimal). Overall I would still call the area quiet. 10. Weather, like everywhere, is changing. Compared to the foothills its a banana belt. The summer's have become generally longer and dryer and the winters a lot wetter.
I liked that you know everyone. When I bought my house on Glacier Lane. All the phone numbers started with 360-387, you only had to know four numbers for your friends. Thank you
@jackprewitt5122 I remember that! Now with everyone using their cell phones I have a hard time remembering all of my families numbers without looking 😅
I just moved here last year. One of the other things that happens which may be a pro or a con depending on your point of view is that there's wind storms in the winter. Because we're on an island we tend to be the last ones that have power restored. They were parts of the island that were out for a week this past winter though that wasn't the norm. Another issue is internet access though that's getting better with things like starlink. It's not terrible but in some places it's a bit sketchy and drops sometimes. During that last storm my internet was out for a week even though I had power back in 2 days. Since I work at a technology job that was a bit of an issue. Another issue can be spotty phone service depending on your provider. I have T-Mobile and certain parts of the island have no reception. I hear that Verizon has more coverage but I'm on the T-Mobile senior plan so I'm trying to make that work right now by using a booster in my home.
These are all really great points to add. I enjoy wind storms as well but in some areas, the power outages can go on for several days. I have AT&T for cell service and have spotty service in some areas on the west side and some areas on the south end of the island. My son has Verizon and seems to have better reception than I do. I hope your booster works out!
Hi, Laura. Really liked your video about living on Camano. Wonder if you know anything about horses and trails on Camano? Are horses allowed on public trails? Beaches? In the water? Thank you.
Hi! Yes, horses are allowed on most trails. The Camano Ridge trails are where I see them most often. Camano Ridge covers over 400 acres of a forested area.
It really depends on which part of the Island you are located. There are a few fully staffed fire stations and volunteer ones that are alerted for emergencies.
Thank you so much!! My husband and I are living in the Olympia area and considering moving to Camano Island though we've never been. This video was extremely helpful, in GRATITUDE for your making it🙏🏻.
I'm so glad you found it helpful! It's a wonderful place to live. I would be happy to answer any questions you have.
@@LauraRandallRealtor I live on Camano and you forgot the biggest con which is there are way too many people on Camano Island,I cringe when I see more people moving out here.
@@burllawson4185 Camano has been growing! It is a lot more populated than when I grew up here but I still love it!
NO DO NOT, It is a one road joke.
I've lived here for about 22 years. Pros/Cons to add(depends on your viewpoint on which it is):
1. Forget working here unless you are self employed/online. Like Montana, bring your own money. People used to work in Everett or the like, but I would not want to that with the current level of traffic.
2. Likely because of #1, the typical age is more senior. There might be people under 50 in my neighborhood, but probably not (and yes, I do know all my extended neighbors). Retirement age plus is the norm.
3. Its beautiful. Big plus there. Pretty much everywhere you are has photo ops.
4. Not a nightlife kind of place. For me that's a big plus, but if Times Square is your kind of place then this isn't it. A couple restaurants is about it. That is likely not to change. People who move here are attracted to the quiet life. People in general are friendly, but it isn't claustrophic (you know, like when everyone knows everyone's business).
5. Healthcare? I really wouldn't worry about the distance to hospitals. The EMTs are very well funded and responsive. I had a life threatening medical meltdown last year and am still completely comfortable living here (and yes, I am in the senior set).
6. Real estate isn't cheap. Still much better than Seattle or a San Francisco, but there is a LOT more money here than when it was a "beach cabin" getaway. Most houses in my typical Camano neighborhood are $Million plus (2023) .
7. I'll vouch for low crime. Apart from some bizarre exceptions (like the barfoot bandit) the crime level is pretty much zero.
8. Shopping does require planning, but if you make it a day out its not a big deal (ie a big grocery run with a trip to Lowe's). The local grocery tends to be pretty pricey. Local stores in general are few. So much can be done online its actually much easier than when I first moved here.
9. Be aware that it is in proximity to Whidbey Naval jet training noise. The north end is worse and it seems to go in waves (right now its pretty minimal). Overall I would still call the area quiet.
10. Weather, like everywhere, is changing. Compared to the foothills its a banana belt. The summer's have become generally longer and dryer and the winters a lot wetter.
Thank you for your great additions to the pros and cons.
I liked that you know everyone. When I bought my house on Glacier Lane. All the phone numbers started with 360-387, you only had to know four numbers for your friends. Thank you
@jackprewitt5122 I remember that! Now with everyone using their cell phones I have a hard time remembering all of my families numbers without looking 😅
I use to work at Napa auto parts in Stanwood. My wife’s friend opened Rene’s
Don't have to go to court because you gotta go to Whidbey for it.
I just moved here last year. One of the other things that happens which may be a pro or a con depending on your point of view is that there's wind storms in the winter. Because we're on an island we tend to be the last ones that have power restored. They were parts of the island that were out for a week this past winter though that wasn't the norm. Another issue is internet access though that's getting better with things like starlink. It's not terrible but in some places it's a bit sketchy and drops sometimes. During that last storm my internet was out for a week even though I had power back in 2 days. Since I work at a technology job that was a bit of an issue. Another issue can be spotty phone service depending on your provider. I have T-Mobile and certain parts of the island have no reception. I hear that Verizon has more coverage but I'm on the T-Mobile senior plan so I'm trying to make that work right now by using a booster in my home.
I guess I should have said I actually enjoy the wind storms. It's actually a pro for me. I just got a generator for the con part. :-)
These are all really great points to add. I enjoy wind storms as well but in some areas, the power outages can go on for several days. I have AT&T for cell service and have spotty service in some areas on the west side and some areas on the south end of the island. My son has Verizon and seems to have better reception than I do. I hope your booster works out!
Hi, Laura. Really liked your video about living on Camano. Wonder if you know anything about horses and trails on Camano? Are horses allowed on public trails? Beaches? In the water? Thank you.
Hi! Yes, horses are allowed on most trails. The Camano Ridge trails are where I see them most often. Camano Ridge covers over 400 acres of a forested area.
Hi - what is the response time if I need to call 911 for an ambulance?
It really depends on which part of the Island you are located. There are a few fully staffed fire stations and volunteer ones that are alerted for emergencies.
Travel time is bad, ONE ROAD ALWAYS BACKED UP. Con
Dont forget you will pay 750,000 for a house that cost 300,000. The market drops you go bankrupt.