Population: 15,514
15-year population growth: 24.5%
Median home price: $347,600
Home price 2-year forecast: 9.8%
Water lovers will like the crowned jewel of Fidalgo Island, a hop, skip and a short sail to British Columbia. While recreation at this seaside destination tends towards aquatic staples like sailing, kayaking and power boating, there are plenty of other things to do like golfing, camping, bird watching and beach combing. Anacortes' historic downtown boasts specialty shops, antique stores and art galleries plus bed and breakfasts and gourmet restaurants.
