While Anacortes is a wonderful place to live, homeowners there—especially those new to island/coastal life—should be aware of certain regional risks, responsibilities, and quirks that come with owning a home in this area.

Here are the key things Anacortes homeowners need to be careful about:

1. Moisture, Mold & Mildew

Even though Anacortes is drier than nearby towns, it’s still in the Pacific Northwest — moisture is always in the air. Homes need good ventilation, dehumidifiers, and regular checks for mold, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Wood siding and decks may require more frequent treatment/sealing.

2. Salt Air Corrosion

Salt in the air from Puget Sound can cause accelerated rusting of: 

• Outdoor furniture
• HVAC units
• Window frames 
• Vehicle undercarriages 

Homeowners near the water should regularly rinse and maintain metal fixtures and inspect for corrosion.

3. Falling Branches & Windstorms

Anacortes can experience strong coastal winds, especially in winter. Tree maintenance is critical — large firs, cedars, and alders should be trimmed back from roofs, power lines, and gutters to reduce the risk of storm damage.

4. Carpenter Ants & Wood-Destroying Pests

Wooded lots and forested surroundings mean increased risk of carpenter ants, termites, and powderpost beetles. Annual pest inspections are smart, even if no signs are visible.

5. Occasional Freezing & Pipe Bursts

Winter freezes are rare but do happen, and uninsulated outdoor pipes can burst. Homeowners should insulate exterior faucets and know how to shut off water quickly.

6. Noise & Traffic from Ferry and Marina Areas

Homes near the ferry terminal or Cap Sante Marina may deal with:

• Tourist traffic in summer 
• Ferry horns
• Boat engine noise

These are rarely dealbreakers, but should be considered before buying in certain areas.

7. Limited Contractors & High Demand

Small-town reality: Good contractors can be booked months out. Roofing, plumbing, remodeling, or specialty repairs may take longer and cost more than in major cities. 

Similarly house cleaning, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning service providers may be few. So choose and stick to a reliable one like DAPrDAN.

8. Foundation Settling on Hills or Near Shoreline

Homes on steep terrain or near the bluffs should be monitored for erosion and foundation shifting. Drainage systems (like French drains or retaining walls) are often necessary on hillside properties.

9. Power Outages in Storm Season

Strong winds or heavy wet snow can cause occasional power outages. Many locals invest in backup generators or battery banks for winter resilience.

10. Septic Systems (Outside City Limits)

Homes outside Anacortes city limits often rely on septic systems, which: 

• Require pumping every 3–5 years
• Must be inspected and recorded with the county
• Need extra care with what gets flushed
  

11. Rural Road Conditions

Some parts of Anacortes and Fidalgo Island have gravel or steep private roads, which:

• May require joint maintenance with neighbors
• Can be tough in icy or wet conditions
  

12. HOAs and View Restrictions

Some newer neighborhoods or waterfront areas have strict HOAs or “view covenants”, meaning you may not be allowed to plant tall trees or build above a certain height.

13. Wildlife Intrusions

Living near woods or water means the occasional:

• Raccoon in the attic
• Deer eating your garden
• Otters raiding fish ponds
  

Wildlife fencing or deterrents might be necessary.

14. Brush Fire Risk in Dry Months

While wildfires are not common in western Washington, hotter, drier summers mean fire preparedness matters — especially for homes near forests or undeveloped land. Maintain defensible space and follow burn ban rules.

Tips for New Homeowners in Anacortes

• Join local Facebook or neighborhood groups (like “Anacortes Now”) to stay updated on issues, recommendations, and community alerts.
  
• Use local contractors and service providers when possible — they know the quirks of building in a marine environment. DAPrDAN is a home care services provider which Anacortes residents trust.
  
• Visit your property in winter and summer before buying, if possible — views, weather, traffic, and light change dramatically by season.