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Why you may want to live in Mason County WA

By
Real Estate Agent with Shelton Land & Homes, LLC

Western Washington has many delightful and scenic places to live.  I've lived up and down the I-5 corridor, from up north in North Snohomish county, to King and Pierce counties.  Each of these counties has its charms, though King and Pierce counties are getting a bit too crowded and congested for me.  I've been living in Mason county for the last several years, and I like it here.  Mason county is a truly beautiful part of western Washington state, with some of the best scenery around.  While I enjoyed the snow covered mountains when I lived in Oso (North Snohomish county), especially views of White Horse Mountain, I love the combination of water and mountains here in Mason.  Hood Canal coils its way through the county in a great bend, and other portions of Puget Sound loop and curl through the county in inlets and passages.   I have heard that there is 900 miles of shoreline.  In many places you see both views of the water, and of the Olympic Mountain range. 

Mountains and Water

All the saltwater shoreline means lots of fresh shell fish -- oysters, clams, geoducks.  You can buy direct from one of the shoreline "farmers" or go dig your own at a public beach.  People who own salt waterfront can often also own the tideland rights.   

Along with miles of salt waterfront about 80% of Mason county is classified as timber, open space and agricultural, so if you are a lover of trees, you will be well satisfied.  This county used to be known as the Christmas Tree capital of the world.  The timber industry continues to play a major role in the economics of the county.  Then there are the many lakes, from huge lakes like Lake Cushman and Mason Lake, to tiny little lakes, like Emerald Lake, or Catfish Lake.  (For a list of lakes go to Mason County Lakes).

Our lakes have communities nestled around them, taking advantage of lake side living.  Some of these lake communities are Fawn Lake, Lake Cushman, Mason Lake, Timberlakes, Lake Limerick, Emerald Lake, Star Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lost Lake, etc.  Nearly every lake is stocked with fish.  If you like waterfront, you will love Mason County.  The big lakes have great water-sports... water skiing and jet skiing. 

Pontoon on lake

There are still many building lots available in the county, but many of the future available properties in Mason county will be limited to one house per 5, 10 or 20 acres.  The Growth Management Plan for Mason County (plans are mandated for each county in Washington) is sort of a "no growth" plan, purposely written to slow down growth.  While other counties are becoming more congested and troubled by traffic problems, our county is actually attempting to manage growth carefully.  While this slow growth policy angers some, who would like to make more money on development, it also makes others happy.  The plan greatly limits future commercial and industrial development.  If you are a small entrepreneur, however, it is possible to have a "cottage industry" in the county. 

If you desire to get away from traffic and congestion, give Mason County a try.  You can drive for miles without encountering a stop light or a stop sign.  Of course, sometimes we get stopped by the train, but most of us don't mind.  Parking is free -- no parking garages or meters.  Public transportation is also free anywhere in the county, and if you are living with disabilities call Dial-a-Ride and they will come and pick you up. 

Of course, as you have probably figured out on your own, Mason County is one of the most commuter dependent counties in western Washington.  Residents are used to driving to Olympia south, or Bremerton north, for work and shopping.  These destinations are easy commutes.  Many drive further, to Tacoma and sometimes all the way to Seattle. 

There are several parks (see parks) to enjoy, salt and fresh water activities, hiking trails, clean air, and beautiful scenery in Mason County.  You just might want to live here!

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