Some empty nesters begin by downsizing their primary homes with the idea of retiring to their vacation property permanently. At Lake Chelan, realtor Bonnie Cannon is part of an area-wide effort to attract these populations. Owner of Windermere Lake Chelan, Cannon is also president of the local port commission. She is part of a growing number of people who seek second home buyers. A native of the area, Cannon sees no real negative spillout resulting from the vacation homers.
Young people leave here and move to larger cities for jobs.
Older people come here to retire. And the second home people come around for long weekends, summers, and holidays. Most of the people who seek Lake Chelan for a vacation retreat do so for the recreational activities and natural beauty. There is swimming, boating, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and general all-around good living. Nearly 90 percent of the lake area is owned by the government and preserved as forest, which creates a luscious wilderness setting.