Island Transit on Whidbey Island

Island Transit is the public transportation system serving Whidbey Island, located in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. The system consists of fixed-route buses and paratransit vans, as well as additional programs such as vanpools and bike locker rentals.
Island Transit began on December 1, 1987 as a response to the increasing traffic congestion and lack of transportation options on Whidbey Island. Today, the system serves a population of approximately 73,000 people, covering a service area of approximately 400 square miles. The buses pick up passengers from bus stops like the Northgate Terrace bus stop pictured above throughout all of Whidbey Island.
In addition to its fixed-route buses, Island Transit also operates a paratransit service for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-route buses. The paratransit vans offer door-to-door service and can be reserved by calling Island Transit in advance.
Island Transit’s vanpool program is a convenient and cost-effective alternative for commuters who travel long distances or have irregular work schedules. Participants in the program share the cost of gas and vehicle maintenance and can save money on the cost of driving alone.
The bike locker rental program allows riders to securely store their bike at a convenient location and use it to complete the first or last leg of their commute. The lockers are located at select bus stops and can be rented on a monthly basis (check out prices and apply here) in addition to public use lockers that are on a first come first served basis.
In recent years, Island Transit has made efforts to increase sustainability and reduce its environmental impact. Learn more about their initiatives here. As a result, hybrid buses have been added to its fleet all while keeping Island Transit buses fare-free.
Overall, Island Transit plays a vital role in the transportation needs of the residents and visitors of Whidbey Island. The convenient and reliable services, as well as its vanpool and bike locker rental programs, make it a valuable asset to the community.
If you have further questions or are interested in learning more about living on Whidbey Island please do not hesitate to connect with us. Contact us here.
Destination Deception Pass

Deception Pass is a stunning destination any time of the year. It’s busiest in the summer because people enjoy splashing in the salt or freshwater options at the park or putting their feet in the warm sand under blue skies and hot sun. However, from mid-fall to early spring in the PNW fog rolls in over the trees and around the bridge giving it a cozy yet mysterious feel. Many will call this time the true Pacific Northwest-style that offers a different take on the island’s appeal. Whatever your preferred season, Deception Pass State Park is the most visited park in Washington for a reason! Get out and explore!
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
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Welcome to Whidbey Green

Are you approaching age 55 and thinking about downsizing? Perhaps there is just too much home maintenance to keep up with and you’d rather spend your time enjoying the things you want to do rather than the things you are obligated to do to maintain your home. If this is the case, Whidbey Green might be the perfect place for you. You can elevate yourself from the honey-do list, relax and enjoy doing the things you want to do with a low-maintenance home in Whidbey Green where Home Ownership Association (HOA) dues cover exterior care of the homes and landscaping services.
Whidbey Green is an Active Adult Community
If you didn’t know already, Whidbey Green is one of the best 55-and-older communities on Whidbey Island. It is a quaint community located on the southern end of Oak Harbor bordering Whidbey Golf Club. There is actually golf cart access to the course for Whidbey Golf Club members only. The neighborhood provides a safe and comfortable environment for those approaching or enjoying retirement. Check out what is currently available here.
Just outside the community within walking distance you’ll be pleased to discover the beautifully maintained Fort Nugent Park which offers easy paved walking trails in addition to sports fields, frisbee golf, playground, basketball courts, and more. Best of all there are well-kept restrooms, covered picnic areas, and a plethora of parking.
Location, Location, Location
The neighborhoods’ location was no accident. It was developed with you in mind. Not only is it located near walking trails and a golf course, but it was developed near downtown Oak Harbor. This prime location places you close to shopping, restaurants, and of course the waterfront views at Windjammer Park.
If you have questions or are considering making this life change and would like to speak with an agent please feel free to connect with us here. We are just a call away 360.675.5953.
Improving Lifestyles While Reinforcing Independence

Did you know that our North Whidbey Help House offers more than just food? Part of their mission is to, “offer the best assistance possible and assist wherever possible in not only improving lifestyles but striving towards independence from the need for assistance.”
WHERE DOES THE ASSISTANCE COME FROM
They work in combination with other human service agencies within our communities and even offer welfare checkups to those in need. However, they cannot do it all alone. The North Whidbey Help House relies on 96.41% of public funding and the remaining 3.51% from the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP).
That means it is donations from people like you and me that personally affect those in need within our community to keep this program running.
DURING THE HOLIDAYS
During the holiday seasons alone in 2021, the help house was able to provide 458-holiday food baskets that fed over 1,870 people. There were 45 families “adopted” for Thanksgiving, and 51 Families for Christmas. Let’s make sure they can offer the same, if not more this year.
With the weather changing here in the Northwest, there is a need for warmer food items like to-go oatmeal bowls where you just add water, hot-hands, pasta, and rice. Easy-to-open items like pop-top cans of meat, cereal, and peanut butter are much appreciated.
WHAT ABOUT HYGIENE
Did you know the help house goes above and beyond supporting those in need with hygiene products too? There is a need for items like toilet paper, toothbrushes, deodorants, and feminine products.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We urge you to take a moment to clean out your pantries this month and donate any extras you might have that are cluttering up your space. We have made it easy by hosting a drop-off location in our Oak Harbor and Coupeville offices on Whidbey Island for you to drop off your donations.
We know it has been a rough year for a lot of people. Let’s work together to make it slightly easier for those in our community who are struggling to get by.
To kick off this event @WhidbeyIslandLiving has pledged to cut her coffee orders for a week and donate the funds directly to raising funds for the Whidbey Island Help House. If you would like to join in the efforts you can make a money donation here. Once done, message us at @windermere_Whidbey_Island as we would love to publicly thank you on Instagram for your donation and inspire others to do the same!
Back to School Oak Harbor

If your children are attending the Oak Harbor School District this year this is the right place for you!

One of the biggest changes this year is most of the SCHOOL SUPPLIES will be provided for you!
The Oak Harbor School district received funds through local levies that contributed to the school being able to provide most, if not all school supplies for students this year. Each school has provided comments for what your child will still need. We have put them all in one place for you to include links to each individual school if you need further information.
Crescent Harbor Elementary School – parents will only need to provide backpacks and headphones!
Hillcrest Elementary – a backpack and headphones (no earbuds, please)!
Broadview Elementary – a backpack and headphones (no earbuds, please)!
Oak Harbor Intermediate School – Suggestions for supplies that are not provided are a regular backpack, 2″ 3-ring binder (for organization), headphones, and a water bottle.
North Whidbey Middle School – Don’t forget a backpack and clothes for PE!
Oak Harbor High School – Recommended Supplies for each class will be provided the first day of school
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:
Kindergarten – 7 September 2022
1 – 12 Grade – 6 September 2022
Home Connection – 12 September 2022
Hand-in-Hand – 14 September 2022
START AND RELEASE TIMES:
School | Start Time . | Regular Release . | Wednesday Early Release |
OHHS | 8:00 am | 2:30 pm | 1:30 pm |
NWMS | 7:45 am | 2:15 pm | 1:15pm |
OHI | 8:55 am | 3:25 pm | 2:25 pm |
ELEMENTARY . | 9:00 am | 3:20 pm | 2:20 pm |
CHANGES TO THE FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal programs provided funding for schools to provide free school meals for all students. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, the funding that allowed for the free meals for all will expire. All families are encouraged to complete a 2022-23 Household Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals if your household income is within the guidelines. Learn more about how to apply!
TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation services will begin on Tuesday, September 6, the first day of school. All families needing transportation to or from school are required to fill out a transportation request form. Fill out a transportation form online!
High Bank Waterfront

Whidbey Island has an interesting geological history. During the last glacial age (around 15,000 years ago) Whidbey was so weighed down with ice that it was submerged far underwater. High bluff areas like the ones on West Beach, pictured on the front, are well above the waterline now but the wind, waves and slowly eroding bluffs keep geology enthusiasts coming back for interesting finds. These have included mammoth bones (no kidding!), huge erratic boulders dumped by glaciers, bands of black peat, and even shell middens left by the Coast Salish. Insane right? Tell us what you have found walking along the high-bank waterfronts of Whidbey.
This stunning photo is brought to you by: Willie Shaw
Janie Cribbs and the T.Rust Band is Ready to Rock Your Soul

This Whidbey Island local band spent the pandemic perfecting their most recent album. They say they dipped their toes into “rootsy blues and gritty true stories” meant to rock your soul and make you want to dance. Head on over to Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor to celebrate the closing night of the Sounds of Summer Concert series with this soulful group.
You may have previously seen them at places like Ott and Murphy Winery, the port of South Whidbey Harbor at Langley, Oak Harbor Music Festival, Bayview Corner, Port Townsend Brewing Company, Fraser’s Gourmet Hideaway, Blooms Winery Tasting Room, and more.
The band features a lead vocalist, percussion, and accordion by Jaine Cribbs, acoustic and electric guitars and slide by Joe Reggiatore, drums, percussion and backing voice by Kevin Holden, and bass, upright bass, hand drums, and banjo by Dave Willis. Learn more about them here.
Ready to Rock Your Soul:
Mark your calendars to join us during the month of August at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor for our summer concert series featuring a new act every Wednesday evening for the first four Wednesdays. In addition to Janie Cribbs and the T.rust Band on August 24 you can catch Whidbey’s Saratoga Orchestra with featured guests The Gothard Sisters (Aug 3), Zan Fiskum (Aug 10), and The Chris Eger Band( Aug 17). Presented by the Oak Harbor Music Festival in partnership with Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island. For more information about dates and times click here.
The Chris Eger Band on Whidbey

This year, Windermere Whidbey Island partnered with the Oak Harbor Music Festival to bring you four weeks of fantastic music to lead into the eagerly awaited music festival weekend.
On Wednesday, August 17th The Chris Eger Band will be taking the stage at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor. You can learn more about the event here.
It is likely that you have seen this high-energy band perform at places before like The Beach at Birch Bay, La Conner’s Gilkey Square, Mount Vernon River Walk, Birdsview Diner, Tulalip Casino, and more.
If you aren’t familiar, this crowd-pleasing band always puts on a show you won’t want to miss. They say the band has a “fresh take on vintage, guitar music for the 21st century”.
What some may not know:
When longtime guitar- hero, and Nashville recording artist, Eric Heatherly reached out to Eger he accepted. Together they, “…crafted an album that demands attention” and we bet you don’t want to miss out!
To learn more about The Chris Eger Band click here.
Mark your calendars to join us during the month of August at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor for our summer concert series featuring a new act every Wednesday evening for the first four Wednesdays. In addition to Chris Eger Band (Aug 17) you can catch Whidbey’s Saratoga Orchestra with featured guests The Gothard Sisters (Aug 3), Zan Fiskum (Aug 10), and Janie Cribbs and the T.rust Band (Aug 24). Presented by the Oak Harbor Music Festival in partnership with Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island. For more information about dates and times click here.