Those new to Whidbey and the Pacific Northwest may need a little help figuring out which area of the island suits their needs. Here's a map and some geographic facts to make your search for a home a little easier.

Whidbey is long and narrow, with 3 distinctively different regions.

North
Geologically the north end of Whidbey is rocky. Beautiful Deception Pass, at the northernmost tip, is a great example of the scenery. Oak Harbor, the north end's only town and the island's largest city, is home to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.
Travel times from Oak Harbor:
Deception Pass - 15 min
Anacortes - 30 min
Freeland - 40 min
Clinton Ferry - 1 hr
Downtown Seattle - 2 hrs (Off island travel, by ferry or bridge, takes longer in the summer.)

Central
The central section of Whidbey is characterized by rolling farmland, long sandy beaches and quiet coves. Most historical Whidbey sites are congregated here, near Coupeville, the county seat. Penn Cove is generally considered to divide North and Central Whidbey. Greenbank, a quaint hamlet, is commonly thought of as part of Central and anything south of Greenbank is South Whidbey.
Travel times from Coupeville:
Deception Pass - 30 min
Anacortes - 60 min
Freeland - 30 min
Clinton Ferry - 45 hr
Downtown Seattle - 1.5 hrs

South
The high, sandy bluffs of South Whidbey are geologically more similar to the mainland than to the northern parts of the island. The communities of Freeland, Bayview, Langley and Clinton are all oriented toward the water with many beach homes and a lot of water activity. This area is culturally more connected to the mainland, with many residents commuting to Everett, Bellevue or Seattle to work.
Travel times from South Whidbey:
Oak Harbor - 45 min
Deception Pass - 60 min
Anacortes - 90 min
Downtown Seattle - 1 hr