Sue Eller, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) Broker & Guest Blogger, describes the top reasons she sees Alaskans relocating to Sequim: As I serve the areas in and around Sequim Washington on the Olympic Peninsula, I have conversed with several potential home buyers who are considering moving to Sequim from Alaska. There are at least three reasons for this.
1. The Olympic Peninsula has wide-open spaces unlike almost any other region in the country, EXCEPT for Alaska. The unspoiled wild nature of the Olympic National Park resonates with Alaskans because of the beauty and open spaces that remind them of home. There are times you can be driving down a road on the Olympic Peninsula and not see another car for miles. The photo below was taken on one of the back roads on the Olympic Peninsula – and on my whole excursion I did not see another car for over an hour!
I enjoy showing Alaskan home buyers the sights of the Sequim because they appreciate it so much and they become excited by the amazing natural beauty all around them. Several Alaskans I have met have also considered purchasing land in the Sequim or Port Angeles area, often preferring large acreage. That is still an affordable commodity here on the Olympic Peninsula. A case in point is my listing in the Blue Mountain area of Port Angeles set over 20 acres with a panoramic view of the Strait, the San Juan Islands and Victoria, B.C.
41 Ocean View Drive | Offered at $350,000 | Learn More >>
2. The second reason Alaskans consider relocating to Sequim is for the mild climate. They’ve often spent several years in Alaska and are ready for a change. Even though we sometimes get snow, it usually only remains long enough to be fun and not a hassle.
This photo of the snow above was taken last year on my property and while it looks like a true winter wonderland, the snow melted within a day!
The winter temperature ranges from about 30 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the nearby water seems to keep the area temperate. Usually when it is cold enough to snow, there are no clouds. And when there are clouds, it warms up so that it rains instead. The brutal cold of Alaska is but a dim memory to those who are lucky enough to migrate here to Sequim.
3. Finally, many who move to Sequim from Alaska are fond of the outdoors and are avid hunters and fishermen. Moving to the Olympic Peninsula allows them to continue to enjoy those pursuits, much like the gentlemen pictured on the Alaskan river below.
Luckily, we have so many rivers and lakes on the Peninsula that former Alaskans have no problem finding places to pursue their passion for fishing.
Here is one of my favorite current listings on the Olympic Peninsula, perfect for the avid fisherman:
173 Pleasant Meadows Lane | Offered at $545,000 | Learn More >>
Of course, movement between the Puget Sound and Alaska does not just flow one way. In fact, turning northward often presents the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind pristine hideaway.
Hidden Bay Retreat offers approximately 385 feet of no-bank waterfront along with a fleet of fishing and service vessels for the hobbyist:
Juneau, Alaska | Offered at $4,750,000 | Learn More >>
Halibut Cove, on the other hand, is an “off the grid” resort with a main lodge, four condominiums and conference center to create your own Alaskan paradise:
Homer, Alaska | Offered at $1,545,000 | Learn More >>