Anacortes is a lively coastal hub on Fidalgo Island that feels anything but boring for multi-week assignments—think marinas, whale‑watching and kayak access, beaches and islands to explore, a bustling farmers market, craft breweries, galleries and excellent hiking nearby.
For weekend variety, Bellingham (bigger dining, shops and an airport) and Everett (larger medical centers and transit links) are both within about an hour, so you get charming waterfront small‑town living with easy access to bigger-city amenities.