Anderson Island, WA

Looking for something fun to do for Labor Day Weekend? Tired of the traffic jams and being where EVERYONE is? Just want to get away from it and relax?

The Anderson Island Island Fair will be held on September 4th. Just a short 20 minute ferry ride from Steilacoom this island seems to capture all that is good and simple about life in the slower lane. Visit the island and relax and unwind take in the fair and watch the Tacoma Scots Pipe Band perform in the parade. The Brothers in Arms Motorcycle Club will be particpating too. If you want to dance the Tripolar Jazz Trio will be performing for the evenings dance from 7pm to 8:30.

Take the time to unwind and recharge this Labor Day weekend on Anderson Island. I know you will be happy you made the choice!

For more information on Anderson Island and the various events and activities happening there please visit Explore Anderson Island.

Looking for something fun to do August 14th. 2010? How about taking the ferry to Anderson Island and listening to the Tacoma Concert Band perform?

The concert band will be performing at The Johnson Farm at 6pm. Get to the island early and relax by taking a tour of the Johnson Farm or by walking the beaches, taking a short hike or just enjoying the peace and quiet of island life. Bring a picnic, a blanket, and relax and enjoy the island and the concert band.

The Tacoma Concert Band is considered the finest symphonic band in the Northwest. The performance on Anderson Island is part of their neighborhood series of free shows held during the summer.

The Anderson Island Historical Society will collect donations to help cover the costs of putting on the show. The Anderson Island Historcial Society is an active group that provides many activities for people who live on or visit Anderson Island.

To help make it easier for you to plan your visit to Anderson Island here are some links to information about the island.

Explore Anderson Island- A blog that discusses things that are happening on Anderson Island

Anderson Island Historical Society- The historical societies website.

Pierce County Ferry System- The timetable for the ferry that will take you to the island and back.

Tacoma Concert Band- Website of the Tacoma Concert Band

Anderson island is just a 20 minute ferry ride away from Steilacoom, WA, yet it's a world apart.

As the ferry slips from the mainland, and the sight of Mount Rainier moves into the distance, the Island visitor leaves behind the hustle and bustle of city life and enters Island Life, where the only schedule that's important is the ferry schedule, and where there are no traffic congestion or parking problems.

On the Island, time seems to have stood still and the atmosphere harkens back to an era where neighborliness was an important virtue, when people knew one another, where children could roam free on their bikes, where all the news where to be had at the general store, and the most pressing trouble was keeping the deer out of the vegetable garden.

This Island is so incredibly charming that my family spends time there every year during summer vacation. Friends who have come to see us at the island in the past, look forward to our annual stay, so they have an excuse to visit the Island and get away.

Although the island is small, there is lots do do there: We enjoy kayaking, going to the ol' swimming hole, going fishing, crabbing, beach combing, playing tennis, playing golf, playing badminton, riding our bicycles, getting coffee at the island's only coffee shop, visiting the Johnson Farm Museum, going to one of the many parks, stopping by the community garden to pick up fresh vegetables, or walking to the General Store to get ice cream and the daily news.

We rent a vacation home every year, and on rainy days we stay inside to play games, rent an old movie at the General Store, or we go out to eat the the Riviera Country Club restaurant.

If you plan on visiting to check out life on the island, you can get ferry information here: www.piercecountywa.org/ferry

To find vacation rentals check here: www.andersonislandinn.com

I feel like I'm spilling a secret, because if many people find out about this island treasure, they might all want to move there. Luckily not everyone can handle the island life in regard to being dependent on the ferry to get to the mainland for jobs, events, or shopping.

For those, inclined to settle on the island, the good news is that Vacant land lots on Anderson Island can be bought for as low as $4,000 and homes start under $150K. Even the real estate prices harken back to a different era.

Sandy Nelson, Realtor®

Our community is important to me. I take pride in our beautiful locality, and our quality of life.

Feel free to contact me for questions about local attractions, events, or real estate information.
360-789-7505
www.SandyNelsonRealEstate.com

American Express has given one million dollars in funds to help preserve historical properties is the greater Seattle Puget Sound region. The 25 properties that have been selected are all getting the word out so that "fans" can vote daily for their favorite property. The top vote getting site is guaranteed a preservation grant. The others will have money granted to them based on the decision of the board who is in charge of handing out the grant money.

Anderson Island Historical Societies Johnson Farm is one of the 25 properties that were selected for this contest.

May 1: All farm buildings open to the public; docents at major buildings from 12 – 2 PM; AIHS 35th year celebration and Partners in Preservation kickoff begins at 12 PM; free popcorn, hot dogs, desserts, door prizes and hay rides throughout the day.

May 2: All farm buildings open to the public, docents on-site.

You should come out and take a look the weekend of May 1st. and 2nd. Anderson Island is one of the hidden gems in the Puget Sound. Just a 20 minute ferry ride from Steilacoom. You can read more about the Open House by visiting our website here. Or if you want more information on the Johnson Farm and the grant contest you can visit an article we have written here.

Hope to see you on the island during the open house. If you see me please say hello!

Ever heard of Anderson Island?

The #1 question I hear from people when they ask where I live and work is "where's Anderson Island?"

Well, Anderson Island is the Southern-most island in Puget Sound. Accessed via a short 20 minute ferry ride from Steilacoom. This lovely island has approximately 1,100 full-time residents and countless "snow-birds".

Currently, the real estate market on the island offers an inventory of almost 60 homes with prices starting in the low 140's. There's waterfront, golf course and non-view properties; something for every budget. An added bonus is the community has 2 fresh water lakes, a salt water marina, 9 hole golf course and too many parks to list.

If you don't find what you're looking for in an existing home, consider purchasing an affordable parcel with prices as low as $5,500. There's even a lakefront parcel for $120,000 on beautiful Lake Josephine.

Do I have your curiosity up? Come on over and check it out....You won't be sorry.

For more information, maps, pictures, etc., please visit www.AndersonIslandLiving.com or e-mail cheryl@cherylsteffen.com

Cheryl Steffen

Your Island Agent & Neighbor

Better Properties Real Estate