Moving to NAS Whidbey Island
NAS Whidbey Island is the Navy's home for EA-18G Growler electronic attack and P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, split between Ault Field and Outlying Field Coupeville. Families live on a long island reached by Deception Pass Bridge, which brings small-town living, ferries and a lot of outdoor time, along with limited retail and long drives to Seattle.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Oak Harbor, WA |
| Airports | Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), roughly 1.5 to 2 hours with ferry/traffic variability; Bellingham and Paine Field are other regional options |
| Climate | Mild marine climate; Whidbey sits in a rain shadow so it is drier than Seattle |
| Cost of living | Above the US average; a 2024 guide listed an Oak Harbor median home price near $485,000 |
| On-base housing | Hunt Military Communities (about 1,489 PPV units; whidbeyislandfamilyhousing.com) |
| Medical care | Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor (NMRTC Oak Harbor) |
| Family support center | Fleet & Family Support Center (Navy Life Pacific Northwest) |
Where families live
Oak Harbor
The main town, with apartments, mobile home parks and single-family homes at relatively lower island prices.
Crescent Harbor / Torpedo Gate area
Government-property neighborhood next to the base on the Crescent Harbor side.
Coupeville
Historic waterfront town with quieter, pricier homes and a small-town feel.
Anacortes
Larger mainland-side town with ferry access to the San Juan Islands.
Schools
No schools are located on the installation; most base families attend Oak Harbor public schools. Coupeville and Anacortes are alternatives for families living farther south or across the bridge. The School Liaison Office can explain enrollment and transfers.
- Oak Harbor Public Schools — Main district serving the base and Oak Harbor.
- Coupeville School District — Serves central Whidbey for families living near Coupeville.
Navy School Liaison Office via Fleet & Family Support / Navy Life Pacific Northwest.
Things to do near NAS Whidbey Island
- Deception Pass State ParkoutdoorsDramatic bridge, beaches and trails; one of the state's most visited parks.
- Ebey's LandingoutdoorsCoastal bluff trail near Coupeville with sweeping water views.
- Coupeville waterfrontfoodHistoric downtown with seafood spots such as mussels harvested locally.
- Whidbey Island ferry to Mukilteoday-tripFerry access to the mainland and Seattle area.
- Anacortes and San Juan Islands ferriesday-tripGateway for island hopping trips.
- Harbor Square and downtown Oak HarborfamilyLocal shopping and dining near the marina.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Navy Housing Services Center (Whidbey)Maintains rental lists and assists with tenant/landlord problems and PPV wait list questions.
- Navy Life Pacific NorthwestRegional hub for family support programs, child care and housing.
PCS tips for NAS Whidbey Island
- Whidbey PPV housing has no air conditioning or generators, so plan for that in summer and winter outages.
- Waitlist placement depends on control date, bedroom entitlement and zone; apply early.
- Off-base rentals usually run 6 to 12 months and furnished options are scarce; arrange mobile home park space before you arrive.
- Pets in PPV housing need a pet addendum, a microchip and a refundable deposit.
- Bridge and ferry timing affects every trip off the island, so factor it into commutes and appointments.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Pacific Northwest
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.