Are you okay with neighbors being close on either side of your home, or do you prefer a little privacy so that neighbors cannot see you walk around on your deck or in your yard? Most people who move to Sequim prefer some privacy, but the definition of privacy varies. Clearly many do not mind having neighbors within a stone’s throw, and we see that by the several subdivisions in the Sequim area with postage sized lots. But many others do not want to see another home from their property, and that either requires a large parcel or trees and shrubs that serve as vegetative screens.
Neighbors – Good or Bad
Sequim is known for its Blue Hole or Rain Shadow, but Sequim is also notorious for the friendliness of its people. Everyone talks about this, and as you come to Sequim and spend time in the community, you will find out how friendly people are just by striking up conversations with long time Sequim residents. This means that neighbors are generally very friendly and helpful, so neighbors can be a good thing.
Neighbors and Homeowners’ Associations
But many who move to Sequim want the kind of privacy that also means you don’t have neighbors looking over your fence to see if you are in violation of any homeowner association rules. And there is the rare “neighbor from hell” as I used to call him when I practiced as a lawyer. A bad neighbor in the Sequim area is extremely rare, and the super majority of Sequim neighbors are wonderful and friendly.
The challenge that buyers have when they are searching the MLS online is that they may find a great looking home, but there are no photos of what is around the house, and many buyers are disappointed to arrive in Sequim to find the home they thought was perfect is surrounded by houses only 50 to 100 feet away with no privacy whatsoever.
Here’s a tip to help you find out how much privacy a home has before you even come to Sequim. Use Google satellite maps to look at homes, and you can instantly see how close the neighbors are. If neighbors are too close for your personal preference, scratch that home off your short list.
Last Updated on September 23, 2019 by Chuck Marunde
