Relocating to the San Juan Islands is not simply a change in address. It is a shift in pace, priorities, and perspective. Life here is shaped by water, weather, and a strong sense of community. For many, that is precisely the appeal.
The San Juan Islands is not a uniform market. Each island—and often each neighborhood—operates with its own set of considerations.
Access to the islands is primarily by ferry or small aircraft. While the rhythm of travel requires a bit more planning, it becomes part of the lifestyle—marking a clear transition between mainland and island life.
Ferries
Ferries operate from Friday Harbor as well as terminals on Oracs, Shaw and Lopez Islands. Secure a reservation or buy a ticket in advance on Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)’s website.
Air Travel
Seaplanes and wheeled aircraft fly in and out of the San Juan Islands daily. Find scheduled flights from Kenmore Air, San Juan Airlines or Friday Harbor Seaplanes. Shuttle services are available for those with extended travel to/from Sea-Tac.
For flexible, on-demand taxi service, choose Point to Point Air for their unlimited destinations.
Seasonal Variability in Travel
The “off-season” in the San Juan Islands runs from November to March. Ferries run on a reduced winter schedule and air travel will be subject to weather conditions.
Each property is unique in how it interacts with the land. Many homes rely on private wells, rain catchment systems, or shared water sources. Septic systems are standard, and power reliability can vary depending on location.
Wells vs. Water Systems
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Septic Considerations
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Internet Variability
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Vendor Directory
Knowing which service provider to call for small- and large-scale projects can be daunting as a new resident. For a detailed directory of trusted professionals used by San Juan Islands residents, view the Google spreadsheet linked below or email the team for any recommendations they may have.
Island life is both independent and deeply connected. There is a strong culture of participation—whether through local events, schools, arts, or conservation efforts.
Farmers Markets
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Arts & Theater
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Outdoor Recreation
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Is Island Life Right for You?
The islands reward those who appreciate beauty, patience, and a connection to place. They are not for everyone, but for the right buyer, there is nothing quite like them.
If you’re considering a move to the San Juan Islands, Zach and John are happy to provide insight tailored to your goals and help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Zach Harrison
Zach Harrison is a real estate broker with Compass, specializing in distinctive homes, land, waterfront, and legacy properties throughout the San Juan Islands and the broader Pacific Northwest.
With more than a decade of experience in real estate, Zach brings a rare combination of local insight, strategic marketing, negotiation skill, and storytelling to every property he represents. His work is especially focused on island and lifestyle real estate, where value is often shaped not only by square footage and comparable sales, but by setting, access, architecture, privacy, history, and the emotional pull of place.
Before focusing full-time on brokerage, Zach held regional leadership roles with Compass in the Pacific Northwest and helped establish Compass offices in Bellingham, Whidbey Island, and the San Juan Islands. That background gives him a broad network of brokers, buyers, and referral partners across Washington, the Bay Area, and key luxury feeder markets.
Zach’s approach is thoughtful, direct, and highly strategic. He believes the strongest marketing is rooted in truth, not hype, and that every property deserves a clear positioning strategy, a carefully considered launch, and honest guidance throughout the process. Whether representing a waterfront estate, a build-ready parcel, a historic island home, or a quiet retreat, Zach works to identify the right buyer narrative and bring the property to market with clarity and intention.
A longtime advocate for the San Juan Islands lifestyle, Zach understands both the beauty and complexity of island real estate. From ferry logistics and waterfront due diligence to land use questions, inspection strategy, and buyer experience, he helps clients navigate the details that matter.
Outside of real estate, Zach is deeply connected to the local arts community and brings a background in theatre and storytelling to his work. He holds a BA from the University of Washington and an MFA in Acting from UC San Diego/La Jolla Playhouse. That creative foundation continues to inform his ability to communicate, position, and advocate with nuance.
Zach lives and works with a clear belief: exceptional real estate representation requires both market discipline and a genuine understanding of place.
Contact Zach
John de la Haye
John has been a licensed real estate agent for over two decades, working in the luxury Southern California market prior to moving to San Juan Island in Washington State. Since moving to the Island, John has embraced the local community and joined the local outrigger paddling club, San Juan Island Yacht Club, and volunteers with the fire department and his community water board. Because of his commitment and client-focused mindset, John believes building a strong foundation with whom he works with is essential, nurturing every relationship and turning it into a long-lasting connection.
John takes pride in working closely with his client's and building trust through communication, transparency, and accountability. According to John, relationships are one of the most critical elements in any business, perhaps even more so in real estate than others.