Anacortes 80 Exceptional
Anacortes Livability #90 ranked city in Washington#1,700 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Anacortes

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

What's it like Living in Anacortes?

Anacortes is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 17,678 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (90% White). Given that fact, Anacortes could be considered less diverse than other cities. In Anacortes, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 49, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Anacortes your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Anacortes can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of Washington, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like crime, commute, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Anacortes and in the areas around Anacortes is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Anacortes has received a livability score of 80/100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the national average, Anacortes ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Anacortes has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Anacortes scores well for crime (B), education (A-), employment (A) and housing (B+) On a less positive note, Anacortes does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Anacortes, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 94 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

The Anacortes unemployment rate of 2.4% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Anacortes schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 69%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Anacortes an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Anacortes can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Assuming that Anacortes meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Anacortes. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Anacortes are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Anacortes come in at $822,809, which is 67.3% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Anacortes, the home price to income ratio is 7.3, which is 35.2% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Anacortes

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      Anacortes transportation information

      Statistic Anacortes Washington National
      Average one way commute23min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.0%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.9%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.1%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.4%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home9.8%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Anacortes, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.