Community Spotlight: Stanwood, Washington

This week, we’re heading north to Stanwood, a community that offers a different pace of life while still keeping you connected to everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Located in northern Snohomish County, Stanwood sits near the mouth of the Stillaguamish River and serves as the gateway to Camano Island. With its historic downtown, surrounding farmland, newer residential communities and access to the water, Stanwood offers a little bit of everything.

If you’ve been dreaming about a little more space, a quieter setting or simply getting away from the hustle and bustle of the more populated areas to the south, Stanwood might be worth a closer look.

Lifestyle

Stanwood has managed to maintain its small town identity while continuing to grow. Its agricultural roots are still evident throughout the surrounding area, where open fields, farms and mountain views are part of the everyday landscape.

Historic Downtown

Downtown Stanwood offers local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, bakeries, antique stores and independently owned businesses. It’s the kind of downtown where you can grab a cup of coffee, browse a few shops and enjoy an afternoon without feeling rushed.

The community also comes together throughout the year for events, including the popular Stanwood Camano Community Fair, affectionately known as the “Best Lil’ Fair in the West.”

Outdoor Recreation

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Stanwood delivers.

Heritage Park offers walking paths, recreational facilities, a skate park and a dog park. Hamilton Landing Park provides access to the Stillaguamish River, while the Port Susan Trail offers opportunities to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery.

Nearby Kayak Point Regional Park is another popular destination for beach walks, fishing, picnics and enjoying views of Puget Sound.

And, of course, Camano Island is just across the bridge. No ferry required! With beaches, hiking trails and state parks, it’s easy to see why this part of Washington appeals to those who enjoy the outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

Stanwood is approximately 50 miles north of Seattle, with access to Interstate 5 making travel to Everett, Marysville and Mount Vernon relatively straightforward.

Stanwood also has an Amtrak station, offering another transportation option for those traveling north or south.

While commuting into Seattle every day may not be ideal for everyone, Stanwood can be an attractive option for those working remotely, working closer to home or looking for a lifestyle that doesn’t revolve around the daily commute.

The community is served by the Stanwood Camano School District.

The Market

One of the things I find particularly interesting about the Stanwood real estate market is the variety of homes available.

From condos and townhomes to newer construction, established ramblers, waterfront properties and homes with several acres, there are opportunities at a wide range of price points.

Over the past 12 months, 380 homes sold in the greater Stanwood area, with an overall median sale price of approximately $667,000 and an average sale price of nearly $750,000.

Here’s how the market breaks down by property type:

Single Family Homes

Traditional single family homes had a median sale price of approximately $685,000.

Single story homes came in at approximately $675,000, while traditional two story homes had a median sale price of $680,000.

What’s interesting here is how closely those two price points align. Buyers looking for the convenience of single level living aren’t necessarily paying a significant premium compared to those looking for a traditional two story home.

Townhomes

Townhomes had a median sale price of approximately $533,000.

For buyers looking for newer construction, less exterior maintenance or a more affordable entry into the Stanwood market, townhomes can be an appealing option.

Condos

Condos had a median sale price of $450,000.

While the condo market is relatively small compared to the single family market, it provides another option for buyers looking to enter the market or simplify their living situation.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes had a median sale price of approximately $552,000.

These properties can offer an interesting alternative, particularly when the home is situated on its own land. Lot size, financing eligibility, foundation type and the condition of the home can all play a significant role in determining value.

Homes with Acreage

Here’s where Stanwood really starts to differentiate itself from many communities farther south.

Homes situated on an acre or more had a median sale price of approximately $895,000, with 99 sales over the past 12 months.

For buyers dreaming of a workshop, garden, room for recreational vehicles or simply more distance between themselves and their neighbors, Stanwood offers opportunities that can be much harder to find in more densely developed communities.

Of course, acreage properties come with additional considerations, including septic systems, wells, property maintenance and, in certain locations, floodplain restrictions. These are all important factors to understand before making a purchase.

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you’re looking for your first home, considering a move to a property with more land or simply exploring communities that offer a different lifestyle, Stanwood deserves a spot on your list.

As a Managing Broker with CENTURY 21 Real Estate Center, I help buyers and sellers throughout Snohomish County and the surrounding communities navigate the real estate market and make informed decisions about their next move.

If you’re curious about what your budget could buy in Stanwood, or you’re considering selling your current home, let’s connect and explore your options.

Question of the Week

If you had a budget of $900,000, would you choose a newer home in a suburban neighborhood or a home on an acre or more in a community like Stanwood?

I’d love to hear which you’d choose!

Home is For Everyone.