Are you looking for the perfect place to call home? Look no further than Oak Harbor real estate! This picturesque Washington city is a great place to buy a home, thanks to its gorgeous surroundings and amenities. From the stunning views of Puget Sound to the quaint downtown scene full of shops and restaurants, Oak Harbor has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a single-family estate in a tranquil neighborhood, a starter home, or a vacation oasis, Oak Harbor offers a variety of options. With its friendly, close-knit community and wide range of recreational activities and events in store, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call your own in this beautiful city.
1: A fantastic location
Buying a home is an exciting investment, and Oak Harbor is a top-tier place to purchase a new property. Oak Harbor boasts a robust economy, with a growing commercial sector and a thriving tourism industry. The tourism industry is primarily driven by the glorious views of Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, and the nearby San Juan Islands. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard is the city’s largest employer. Oak Harbor has mild weather all year-round, which makes it a great place to live and enjoy recreational adventures in every season. Summers are warm and full of sunshine, winters are mild, and there is very little rainfall. The warm weather makes Oak Harbor a great place to enjoy fun-filled outdoor activities year-round.
2: Things to do
Enjoy outdoor recreation galore
The nearby San Juan Islands are an excellent place for fishing and boating. Residents with a heart for adventure also enjoy exploring the 645 acres of Fort Ebey State Park, a historic spot with 25 miles of hiking and biking paths surrounded by fir trees. Here, you can head out on a peaceful trek with exquisite vistas of the sunset, Admiralty Inlet, and the Point Wilson Lighthouse. The trails here also connect with the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, one of the most beautiful in the country.
North of Oak Harbor, Deception Pass State Park is another popular destination full of expedition spots, thanks to its jagged cliffside terrain, saltwater and freshwater shorelines, and incredible views. The astounding 3,800 acres here span a range of landscape types, from forests to marshes and coves. It’s the perfect place for diving, boating, hiking, camping, bird-watching, mountain biking, and swimming. Fort Casey Historical State Park is another beautiful spot to enjoy the scenery, historic sites, and pristine weather. Check out the Admiralty Head lighthouse and the military fort here to get a sense of history.
Dine in at excellent restaurants
If you’ve worked up an appetite after all this adventuring, head to one of the amazing restaurants in the area. Frasers Gourmet Hideaway offers a menu of delectable seafood, steaks, and more, including fried calamari, rack of lamb, crab and shrimp lasagna, and vegetable gnocchi. Don’t miss Flyers Restaurant and Brewery for its hurricane chicken burger, double-dipped wings, or fireball burger.
Explore many other amenities in the area
Head to the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum to learn about the history of the Navy on Whidbey Island through a collection of artifacts and photographs. If you’re looking for a relaxing night out, the Blue Fox Drive-In is the place to be, with showings of top movies under the stars.
Oak Harbor schools
As part of the Oak Harbor School District, Oak Harbor features highly rated educational opportunities. It is home to top schools like Broad View Elementary, Oak Harbor Elementary, Olympic View Elementary, Crescent Harbor Elementary, North Whidbey Middle School, Oak Harbor Intermediate, and Oak Harbor High School.
Community events
As a tight-knit community, Oak Harbor has no shortage of fun events on the roster. The Oak Harbor Music Festival in September is a three-day event that promises outstanding performances, food vendors, and more. In April, don’t miss the Holland Happening Parade and Festival, a springtime event with canal racing, wooden shoe racing, street fairs, and an exciting parade.
Buying a house in Oak Harbor
If you’ve decided that Oak Harbor real estate is the right place to be, read on for what you can expect as you move forward in your house hunt.
Tips for getting a loan
If you’re applying for a loan, the most crucial first step is to receive pre-approval from a mortgage lender. This will ensure you have a budget on which to focus your home search and give financial backing to any offers you make to sellers. To receive pre-approval, you’ll need to provide documentation of a stable income, as well as your assets and employment history.
You’ll also need to ensure that your credit report is accurate and work on improving your credit score in order to receive the lowest interest rate. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time, keeping your credit card balance as low as possible, and applying for new credit sparingly.
Make sure to inquire with multiple lenders to see which one can offer you the best rate. Mortgage rates change frequently, so it’s a good idea to shop around to get the best deal.
Of course, the bigger the down payment you make, the less you’ll pay for the loan over the long term. For instance, if you put down 20% instead of just 5%, you’ll pay drastically less in interest over the life of the loan.
Ready to move forward?
Buying a new home is a significant milestone in life, and Oak Harbor is a wonderful place to start your home search. With mild weather, gorgeous coastal scenery, great schools, and outdoor recreation galore, this Washington city is a paradise of luxury, serenity, and appeal. You are sure to find the perfect place to call home in this picturesque city. When you are ready to proceed with your Oak Harbor real estate journey, reach out to experienced broker Tim C. Miller for the guidance you can count on. Specializing in vacation homes on Whidbey Island and the Puget Sound area, Tim is ready to help you achieve your real estate dreams.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
