Snohomish County in Seattle, Washington, presents a vast landscape brimming with diverse living options. From serene waterfronts to majestic mountain views, this area offers a plethora of choices for those looking to call it home.
As a resident with over 50 years of experience in this region, I am thrilled to guide you through the 10 (+1 bonus) major cities in Snohomish County.
This journey will provide insights into each city, helping you find your perfect match, whether you seek the tranquility of nature or the vibrancy of suburban life.
The Appeal of Unincorporated Snohomish County
In Snohomish County's unincorporated areas, there's a special way of living waiting for you. It's not an official city, but it's great for people who want to have a lot of land for farming, keeping horses, or building big workshops.
Since there are no Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) to tell you what to do, you can create the kind of home you've always wanted, as long as you follow the county rules.
If you love having lots of space and being free to do what you want with your property, this place could be just what you're looking for.
Snohomish Town
Snohomish (the town) is a cozy place right by a beautiful river. It feels like a friendly suburb and used to be known for logging. You'll find a sweet downtown area with lots of antique stores and welcoming places to eat.
Take a walk down First Street to really feel the artistic side of the town. For fun with the family, check out the Aquatic Center, and if you need to shop, there's Home Depot and Fred Meyer close by. Don't miss out on the summer farmer’s market, where you can get fresh fruits, veggies, and flowers
If you're looking for a place that's comfortable, artsy, and charming, Snohomish town is one of the best places to be.
Monroe
Monroe is a mix of easy suburban living and peaceful farmland.
Located between Snohomish Town and wide open farms, Monroe has lots of different things to do and see. There's a big movie theater with 12 screens and stores like Walmart and Lowe's, so you've got everything you need.
The downtown part of Monroe, which looks a lot like Snohomish, has antique stores and great places to eat, giving it a nice suburban feel.
Monroe started as just a gas station and a barn, but now it's a lively town that keeps up with the times while still holding on to its farming history.
Granite Falls
If you love mountains, you can't skip Granite Falls.
It's a bit past Snohomish to the north and has a small downtown that gives you amazing views of the mountains. About 5,000 people live here, and it's perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, with the beautiful Pilchuck River running through it.
Granite Falls isn't all old-school—it's got new areas to live in that give you a modern home right in the middle of nature. Plus, big shopping places are only a short drive away.
Granite Falls is great if you want the best of nature with the perks of convenience.
Edmonds
Edmonds is a top spot for living by the sea in Snohomish County.
It's famous for its pretty waterfront and is the perfect place for people who love the ocean more than the land. You can take a ferry or a train to Kitsap County, so it's great for those who like to go on adventures.
The beaches are peaceful, with both rocks and sand, and there's a special park underwater for scuba diving that you won't find anywhere else. Plus, Edmonds has lots of unique shops and places to eat.
Sure, houses in places like the Edmonds Bowl can be expensive, but with a range of housing options and amazing views of the water, it might be just the right place for you.
Being close to Seattle and Everett also makes Edmonds even more attractive for those who love living by the coast.
Mukilteo
Keeping with the coastal theme, Mukilteo is another beach town that's great to check out.
It has a ferry to Whidbey Island and is known for its amazing sunsets. You can walk along the waterfront, visit a historic lighthouse, or enjoy the park, which are perfect places for hiking and having picnics.
Homes on the hills have great views, and the local schools are really good.
If you work at Boeing, living in Mukilteo is super convenient because it's close by.
Lynnwood
Lynnwood, where I'm from, is the perfect example of a suburban area.
It's right by the crossroads of I405 and I5, making it easy to travel the 13 miles to Everett or 16 miles to Seattle, which is ideal for people who travel to work.
What used to be a quiet place full of trees is now a lively spot, thanks to the Alderwood Mall. There's also a convention center and you can see the Olympic and Cascade Mountains from here.
With all the new apartments and stores, Lynnwood has a great mix of city and suburban life It's a great place to live if you want both convenience and a sense of community.
Mill Creek
Mill Creek is a well-thought-out area built around a golf course and country club.
It has about 10 different neighborhoods and lots of parks, plus 23 miles of trails for people who love being outside. Every neighborhood in Mill Creek is special, and being close to the golf course makes it feel fancy.
You'll find the Mill Creek Town Center a lively spot for shopping and eating out. It's a great place for families because it has good schools, lots of fun things to do, and easy ways to get onto big roads.
If you're looking for a place with all the benefits of suburban living, Mill Creek is one of the best picks.
Bothell
Next up, there’s Bothell, this huge geographical area that covers both Snohomish and King County.
Bothell is a city full of variety. It's where the University of Washington, Bothell campus is located, which gives the city a young feel with lots of college students around.
The downtown part of Bothell has been fixed up nicely and has lots to offer, like a dog park, places you can walk around easily, and homes built in the 1950s style. There's a fun mix of places to eat and drink downtown, as well as a swimming pool and a big sports field.
Because Bothell covers a large area, there's a lot to see and do, which makes it an exciting place to live.
Everett
Everett, the county seat of Snohomish County, is a city full of different people and chances for a good life.
With about 110,000 people, it's the home of the Everett Silvertips hockey team and the AquaSox baseball team, which shows how much the city loves sports.
You can find all kinds of houses here, from old ones with views of the water to brand-new ones.
There are plenty of jobs thanks to places like the Navy base, the big hospital, and the huge Boeing building.
Everett has something for everyone: malls for shopping, museums, art galleries, lots of places to eat, and parks to relax in.
+1 Bonus City: Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens is like a treasure that's been tucked away, offering a mix of water activities, land space, and the comforts of suburban life.
It's famous for its big lake, making it the ideal spot for people who love water skiing or want a house right by the water.
But it's not just for water lovers; Lake Stevens also has plenty of space for people who want bigger properties a little further from the lake.
With lots of new homes being built, stores for shopping like Michael's for crafts, and a good choice of places to eat, Lake Stevens has a little bit of everything.
Wrapping things up, the lively and varied cities of Snohomish County have a lot to offer for anyone thinking of moving here. Whether you're into the peacefulness of the outdoors or the handiness of suburban living, you'll find a spot that's just right for you.
I’m pretty sure this helped you see how many options Snohomish County has to offer, and I know choosing one city to live in is a difficult task.
But I would love you and your family in that task. So, if you’re moving to the area, my team and I are here to be your real estate agency of choice. We can help you like we’ve helped over 500 people buy & sell their houses in Snohomish County. All you have to do is contact us at:
Tel: 425-366-9353
Have more questions or want to learn more about those areas? Then make sure to download my Snohomish County neighborhood guide by clicking here. It includes 50 years of local experience information that you won’t find online.
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