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Shelter Bay

Shelter Bay

Neighborhood in Oak Harbor, Washington

Island County 98257

$472,942 Average Value
$273 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Living on the marina

Shelter Bay is home to over 900 residences and 300 boat slips in the Shelter Bay Marina. This master-planned community has an HOA, an active social calendar and well-managed private amenities. “It used to be gated, but now we have security cameras,” says Jennifer Peters, office receptionist for the Shelter Bay community. Residents can drive, walk or bike about a mile to La Conner, a waterfront town full of shops, museums and restaurants.

Award-winning school district

Students may attend La Conner Elementary, rated C-plus on Niche, La Conner Middle, rated C-plus and La Conner High, rated B. All three schools are a part of the La Conner School District and require a quick commute outside of the neighborhood. In 2023, the La Conner School Board was recognized with the Board of Distinction award. This achievement honors the school board’s commitment to closing opportunity gaps, among other criteria.

A private beach and golf course

Shelter Bay has a long list of amenities for residents, starting with the private, dog-friendly beach and nine-hole golf course. Neighbors can also mingle at the swimming pool, clubhouse and courts for tennis and pickleball. From the Shelter Bay Marina, boaters can explore the Skagit Bay, which is abundant in crabs and fish. Boaters and paddleboarders can journey to Hope Island Marine State Park, where birdwatching, camping and beachcombing await.

Neighborhood gatherings and local festivals

The neighborhood offers a host of activities, from scrapbooking club to ukulele club. Additionally, Shelter Bay Communiversity is a life-long learning initiative that offers classes in various subjects to Shelter Bay residents and their neighbors, Swinomish Tribal members. In La Conner, The Museum of Northwest Art, Skagit County Historical Museum and Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum preserve the art and culture of the area. And finally, the daffodil and tulip festivals are the big draw every spring for the entire region.

Shopping and dining in La Conner

The closest shops and restaurants are in La Conner, like The Olive Shoppe & Ginger Grater. At this gourmet shop, foodies can sample olive oils and browse a variety of kitchen tools. Pioneer Market supplies the area with groceries. Since 1981, La Conner Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery has used local ingredients and homestyle recipes for their breakfast, lunch and baked goods. It overlooks the water and includes gluten-free options as well. COA Mexican Eatery & Tequileria is another highly-rated restaurant; this bright blue building in the middle of La Conner is easy to spot.

Leased land on the Swinomish Reservation

Like Skyline, another marina-centered neighborhood on Fidalgo Island, Shelter Bay has “a marina with boat slips that folks from the neighborhood can rent – and some houses are sold with their own slips as well,” says Shalyce Pocock, broker with John L. Scoff Real Estate and fourth-generation area resident. The main difference between the two is that Shelter Bay is located on the Swinomish Reservation. “When you purchase a home, you lease the land from the tribe,” Pocock says. “Home prices are lower, but there is the lease for land on top of the purchase price.” The community consists of a few cul-de-sacs branching off Shelter Bay Drive, which meanders around the marina. Styles include contemporary custom homes and ramblers, many with large windows and decks to take in the waterfront views. Prices begin at $210,000 for 1,600 square feet and peak at $1.2 million for 2,400 square feet on the waterfront. Land parcels are also available.

Outings across the bridge

There are no major roads in Shelter Bay. “We’re just over Rainbow Bridge, which is really pretty at sunset,” Peters says. Crossing this bridge is a daily routine for most residents leaving the neighborhood, although it’s also possible to exit through Reservation Road, which crosses through Swinomish Village. Bus stops are located just outside the neighborhood, with the closest at the corner of 1st Street and Shelter Bay Drive. Skagit Valley Hospital is 12 miles east and Bellingham International Airport is 42 miles north.

Laura Copan
Written By
Laura Copan
Jake Miller
Photography Contributed By
Jake Miller
Bill Jennings
Video By
Bill Jennings

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mikala Murphy, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Bellingham International

59 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Shelter Bay US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$432,000
Median Single Family Price
$459,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$480,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$273
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Last 12 months Home Sales
55
Months of Supply
3.10
Median List Price
$480,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-13%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
559
Median Year Built
1984
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,110
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,731
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,779
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    266 Quillayute Place, La Conner, WA 98257

    $550,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,325 Sq Ft
    • 266 Quillayute Place
    • New 1 day ago

    Experience the natural beauty and comfort of this captivating home with every room positioned to capture breathtaking water & mountain views. The craftsmanship combined with a natural forest canopy in this serene neighborhood is just steps away from the Marina. This 2,325 sq/ft 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features French doors, river-rock hearths, exposed ceiling beams, 2 wood-burning fireplaces and

    Joel Semanko Tucker Realty ERA Powered

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 2pm

    656 Muckleshoot Cir, La Conner, WA 98257

    $485,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,456 Sq Ft
    • 656 Muckleshoot Cir
    • New 5 days ago

    Wake up every morning feeling like you are on vacation in this very private and custom Balinese inspired home with views of Skagit Bay and the Olympic Mountains from almost every room. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, oversized windows and unique details inside and out make this home special. This home offers three levels but can easily be used as single level living. The main floor offers wrap

    Angie Bossarte Keller Williams Western Realty

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    160 Swinomish Dr, La Conner, WA 98257

    $845,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,356 Sq Ft
    • 160 Swinomish Dr
    • New 23 days ago

    WATERFRONT living at its finest in this delightful 3BR/2BA home with DOCK in Shelter Bay! A boater’s dream with coveted 45' dock (shared), offering direct access to the water for boating, fishing, & endless outdoor adventures. An open floor plan features vaulted ceilings, a sun-filled atrium & primary bedroom with ensuite, walk-in closet & office. Secondary bedrooms privately located off entry.

    Wendy Poulton RE/MAX Elevate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mikala Murphy, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,434
Median Age
65
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
49.9%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$84,701
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$111,403

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
41.3%
Advanced Degrees
15.3%
% Population in Labor Force
39.1%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

15 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Shelter Bay
Mikala Murphy
Hansen Group Real Estate Inc
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