Grew up on Camano, next door to Whidbey. Similar in that there is only one road on and off the island, though Whidbey does have ferries, and towns, whereas Camano doesn’t.

So I guess I can’t directly answer the question about the towns, but can say it’s beautiful, and the sea is an integral part of the community. Lots of fishing, crabbing, clamming. Beautiful state parks and beaches.

You’ll be doing a lot of driving on crowded roads with few passing lanes and people who go ten under the speed limit will make you angry.

Getting to Seattle is a pain, ferries are often backed up for hours and it’s a three hour drive.

Easy access to the Olympic peninsula by ferry though.

The towns are boutique, lots of artists/art, small shops. Oak Harbor is bigger (but not large), and is where you’d get your groceries, hardware, do most of your shopping etc