Thinking of moving to Oak Harbor. Opinions ? (Seattle, Shoreline: apartment, to rent)

[dipan2222]

Hi,
We are couple in 40s, with 7 years old son. Currently we are in Shoreline. With our apartment rent increase and already used it for 7 years, we are planning to rent other place.
While searching, I came across one small individual house in Oak Harbor. This is near "499 SE Barrington Dr, Oak Harbor, WA 98277". Rent is low (I would save $400/month in comparison to now), it is individual house, with good rated elementary school nearby.
I can visit the place, but would look for opinions here. Nearby houses look run down, but usually we are isolated people. Apart from school, I will find if there are options for some sports community for kids, is there any?
Airport will be far, we may go not more than twice a year. My work is 100% WFH. Anything else, I should consider or think?
I visited Friday Harbor and other islands of San Juan, but not Oak Harbor.
Thanks in advance.

[Hemlock140]

It's a beautiful place, we visit often, with friends a bit north in Cornet Bay. There is the noise from jets at the naval base, to consider. That has caused a drop in property values over the years, and made it more affordable. I would definitely spend time there during the day before deciding.

[CrazyDonkey]

A lot of retired military there, to be close to the Exchange/Commissary. Closest major shopping would be in Burlington.

[Diana Holbrook]

It's a place where you should not just tolerate, but enjoy, the sights and sounds of a Navy base and Naval Air station in particular.

If you look at loud jets overhead and say "Wow, Cool!" then it might be a good idea.

[jabogitlu]

Compared to Shoreline, in terms of amenities/activities, it will be quite a bit quieter. Some folks think Oak Harbor is boring, while others think it's perfect because it's boring, lol. So, just make sure it lines up with what you want in a community.

I like the area overall. In terms of safety and vibes it's probably not that different than Shoreline honestly. And being close to Deception Pass, Coupeville, Anacortes is pretty sweet! I am friends with a family who grew up on Whidbey and they absolutely loved the experience and are highly successful people coming up through the school system.

[rkcarguy]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

It's a beautiful place, we visit often, with friends a bit north in Cornet Bay. There is the noise from jets at the naval base, to consider. That has caused a drop in property values over the years, and made it more affordable. I would definitely spend time there during the day before deciding.

I agree, except, consider the noise may be at night not just during the day.
During one of my camping trips in Anacortes, there was some sort of exercise going on from about 1am-5am. Just when we'd be about back to sleep, we'd get buzzed again. It made for quite a long night and we were exhausted the next day. I'm one of those that would be "oh cool!" during the day, but a person has gotta sleep to function.
Not a lot there otherwise, you'll be looking at Anacortes or Burlington/Mt. Vernon for any major shopping ventures. Drive in/out limited to the windy/twisty route over deception pass bridge or ferries, complete with neck deep tourist traffic during the summer+. Great place to visit generally, one of my favs. But to live there? In my opinion no, but YMMV.

[mayfair]

Yeah, in the past 3 years the growler flights have increased to often fly much of the night and most days except Sunday. For north Whidbey, Island Co, Skagit County and parts of north Snohomish Co. you can get some ground-shaking noise. Get used to to your floors and windows rattling if you happen to be under a flight path.

The only way to know is to check out the individual address by standing there during some flights because it depends on where the property sits in relation to the flight paths. Some places further away are actually noisier than places close to Oak Harbor depending on how they fly.

[dipan2222]

Thanks all.
Appreciate your help.

[Mforum2022]

I can’t say what it’s like to live there, but we like visiting. Both adults and kids are friendly at the parks and playgrounds. I don’t get a sense of the Seattle Freeze effect there. And there are the bumper stickers with I “heart” Jet Noise.

[Hemlock140]

As it turns out we'll be going over there this weekend. We have a few things planned, will explore a bit, but what I look forward to the most is stopping at Whidbey Pies in Langley, then eventually the Vinegar/Oil shop in Anacortes before heading back.