Anacortes is a vibrant coastal community of slightly under 18,000 residents situated on Fidalgo Island in northwestern Washington. Known for its historic downtown core, strong community spirit and abundant natural beauty, Anacortes is a popular retirement destination. Approximately 28.5% of the overall population of Anacortes is aged 65 and over, far higher than the national average of 16.5%. With Washington’s tax-friendly status, pleasant maritime climate and proximity to Seattle and Vancouver, Canada, it’s easy to see why the community is so appealing to senior citizens.
Assisted living facilities provide a range of nonclinical supportive services so that seniors who don’t require a nursing home level of care can live comfortably and safely. Typical services offered by assisted living facilities include routine personal care, housekeeping and laundry. Most have on-site dining rooms and common areas for group activities, and some offer upscale lifestyle amenities such as spas, state-of-the-art fitness centers and on-site movie theaters. Residents of assisted living facilities in Anacortes pay an average of $5,500 per month, which is above the national average but below the median of other Washington communities.
This guide provides an introductory look at assisted living in Anacortes. Keep reading for cost comparisons with other communities and a list of resources designed for older adults.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Washington. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The average cost of assisted living in Anacortes is $5,500 per month, but prices vary at different facilities based on their location and the amenities and services that they offer.
Assisted living in Anacortes is $500 less than the Washington average of $6,000, but it’s $1,000 higher than the national average of $4,500.
The average assisted living costs in other Washington communities range from a low of $3,211 in Walla Walla to a high of $6,750 in the Seattle Metro. Costs in Washington’s second-largest city, Spokane, average $4,888 per month, while residents in Olympia, pay $4,805. Cost are lower near the Canadian border in Bellingham at average $4,600 but rise to $5,300 at the southern end of the state in Longview.
Note: Data for Anacortes was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Mt. Vernon, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Washington.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Anacortes Senior Activity Center | (360) 293-7473 | Anacortes seniors can learn to line dance, play the harmonica, join friends for a game of cards and enjoy a hot, nutritious lunch with their peers at Anacortes Senior Activity Center. The center also hosts the Aging Mastery Program, which is provided by the National Council on Aging and designed to promote happy and healthy aging. |
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs | (800) 562-2308 | Those who have served in the military and their qualifying dependents and survivors can get help with service-based benefits from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. The agency also offers long-term care for veterans in four facilities throughout the state and hosts a variety of informational events open to the public. |
Northwest Justice Project | (888) 201-1012 | Those aged 60 and over may be able to receive legal services from the Northwest Justice Project. The project typically does not handle criminal charges but rather focuses on civil issues such as denial of benefits, housing and tenants’ rights, consumer fraud and health care directives. Telephone intake hours are Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. until 12:15 pm. An online portal is available for those who’d rather reach out online. |
Skagit County Senior Nutrition Program | (360) 416-1500 | Skagit County residents aged 60 and over and those aged 55 and over who are Native American or Alaska Native who meet income requirements may be able to receive free meals as well as vouchers to use at local farmers markets and farm stores. Vouchers are limited in number and are available on a first-come-first served basis. |
Northwest Regional Council | (360) 676-6749 | NWRC is the Area Agency on Aging for Anacortes and surrounding communities. Skagit County seniors can attend Medicare and Medicaid workshops as well as get individual health care counseling and attend balance workshops designed to minimize slip-and-fall accidents. The agency also provides case management, care coordination and general resources. |
Skagit Transit Paratransit | (360) 757-8801 | Skagit Valley residents who are unable to access fixed-route buses may be able to receive transportation from Paratransit, which operates through Skagit Valley Transit. Riders must be approved before they can use this service, and rides must be arranged in advance. Operating hours are from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Saturday service is limited in Anacortes. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Anacortes area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.