SNOHOMISH COUNTY
County Offices
3000 Rockefeller
Everett 425-388-3411
https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
3500 188th Street SW
Lynnwood 425-774-0507
http://www.cityofsnohomish.com/
Newcomers to Snohomish County will quickly discover that this area encompasses a diversity of natural beauty: saltwater beaches, rolling hills, rich farmlands, dense forests, majestic mountain views, and alpine wilderness. Tucked between Skagit County to the north and King County to the south on Puget Sound, the region is only 15 miles from the City of Seattle. With such an ideal location, it is little wonder that Snohomish is one of the fastest growing counties in Washington State.
The county offers a strong economic base, a mild climate, reasonably priced housing, and a prime location near the bright lights of downtown Seattle. At the same time, it draws in the natural beauty of the nearby mountains and waters of Puget Sound. More than half of the county is public property that includes the Cascade Mountains, Glacier Park Wilderness Area, Boulder River Wilderness, and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Needless to say, city and county parks are abundant; the city of Everett alone has more than two dozen parks.
Economy & Services
Home to the Technology Corridor, Snohomish County enjoys a robust and diverse economy. This ten-mile stretch of business parks provides a first-class home for aerospace, biotech, communications, and software firms that remain on the cutting edge of new developments in advanced technology. Companies range in size from major international corporations like Boeing, which manufactures several models of commercial aircraft in Everett and employs over 25,000, to small companies and start-up businesses.
Everett, which has served as the county’s seat since 1897, is also the largest city in Snohomish County. The community enjoys the economic stimulation of a major government installation, the United States Naval Station Everett. Residents enjoy the benefits of a strong healthcare system that includes many respected hospitals. Providence Everett Medical Center is one of the nation’s leading hospitals for open-heart surgery and recognized for its cardiac program. Snohomish is also home to Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington, Stevens Healthcare in Edmonds, and Valley General Hospital in Monroe.
Quality public and private schools provide a quality education for area youth. Higher education can be as convenient and affordable as desired. Most communities are only minutes from a community college campus, where college-track and degree programs mix with vocational training and career paths. A number of public and private colleges and universities are located nearby for advanced study.
Lifestyle
The high quality of life in Snohomish County is one of the region’s greatest assets. With the Cascade Mountains to the east and Puget Sound to the west, the area boasts an abundance of tree-covered hills and sparking lakes. Throughout the year, state, county, and city parks provide ideal niches and secluded places for hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. Opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and active sports are virtually unlimited—golfing, boating, ferry trips, biking, or whale watching at a saltwater park.
Welcoming communities provide a wealth of options for housing in equally diverse settings. Historic homes, quiet residential neighborhoods, elegant estates, and handsome master-planned communities are all available. Local shopping malls, antique shops, and farmer’s markets provide a variety of shopping pleasures; while public art collections, wonderful galleries, fine museums, and colorful festivals abound in Snohomish County. Community theatre, performing arts centers, and the Everett Symphony round out the cultural attractions for year-round enjoyment.
Throughout Snohomish County, participation in community events and civic organizations is high, giving newcomers the opportunity to become involved and feel immediately at home. Regardless of where you settle, the most obvious asset will be the friendliness of your new neighbors and the sense of community warmth.
Arlington
City Hall
360-403-3421
https://www.arlingtonwa.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
360-659-5453
https://www.stillyvalleychamber.com/
Located midway between Seattle and Bellingham, Arlington serves as the northern gateway to the Mountain Loop Highway and the southern gateway to the North Cascades. Residents can choose from a kaleidoscope of outdoor activities and sports. Some of the most popular pastimes are fishing on the Stillaguamish, hiking in the foothills of the Cascades, and bicycling on the back roads of Northwest Washington. This small town provides the tranquility of a relaxed atmosphere within the context of a vibrant community that is accommodating growth and change. Housing choices range from cozy bungalows to more luxurious homes on larger lots. Several restaurants offer everything from international cuisine to traditional fare.
Edmonds
City Hall
425-775-2525
http://www.edmondswa.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
425-670-1496
https://edmondschamber.com/
About 14 miles north of Seattle, Edmonds is located on the west-facing shores of Puget Sound. Beaches, waterfront parks, and views of the Olympic Mountains make this community a scenic and livable place to call home. Incorporated in 1890, the city evolved from a logging economy into a railroad town. Today, Edmonds is a neat and well-kept residential community with an active arts and cultural community. Although the Pacific Northwest is known for its warmth and hospitality, Edmonds has been named “Friendliest City” for many years by a King TV survey. The quaint main streets, cozy cafes, art galleries, gift shops, and antique shops combine with a museum, symphony, and ballet for an unrivaled quality of life.
Everett
City Hall
425-257-8700
https://everettwa.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
425-438-1487
www.everettchamber.com
Serving as the county seat, Everett is a bayside community with a strong economy; beautiful scenery; and educational, cultural, and recreational activities for families. This former mill town with wood-based industries has evolved into a dynamic center for high technology companies and service-based industries. The Naval Station Everett has transformed the area into a major government employment center with 16,000 uniformed and civilian personnel and family members. Boeing also maintains a major manufacturing site in Everett. In addition to a wealth of parks and three 18-hole golf courses, residents enjoy scores of hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure opportunities.
Lake Stevens
City Hall
425-622-9400
https://www.lakestevenswa.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
425-334-0433
https://lschamber.clubexpress.com/
From the 1920s through the 1950s, Lake Stevens was primarily a resort community. Located 38 miles north of Seattle and eight miles east of Everett, Lake Stevens incorporated in 1960 and began drawing residents who enjoyed the recreational advantage of the 1,040-acre lake with eight miles of shoreline. Today this delightful suburban community offers a growing number of permanent residents all the advantages that vacationers have always enjoyed. Fishing, waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, and swimming are some of the most popular pastimes centered around the lovely lake environment. Because of the great influx of people moving to Lake Stevens, particularly in the last decade, home prices are rising. Although the area offers a good variety of styles and prices ranges, some of the more elegant lakeside estates are million-dollar properties.
Lynnwood
City Hall
425-670-5000
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Home
Chamber of Commerce
425-563-7505
https://www.lynnwoodchamber.org/
Located about 15 miles north of Seattle and 12 miles south of Everett, the community of Lynnwood offers a pleasing selection of moderately priced housing as well as larger more luxurious homes. Quality commercial and recreational development includes over 100 restaurants, 14 public parks, public art displays, a golf course, and plenty of shops. Alderwood Mall, which has almost two-hundred specialty shops, five major department stores, and a food court is popular for extensive shopping trips. Retail, manufacturing, construction, and education jobs are abundant. More than 2,500 businesses are licensed in the city, many of them drawn by the robust local economy and the lack of business taxes. Lynnwood also has more than 245 acres of parks and open spaces. Scriber Lake Park is well-known for its 18 acres of winding paths, native plants, and trees. The paved, 12-mile Interurban Trail is also great for bike riders, walkers, and joggers.
Marysville
City Hall
360-651-5000
https://marysvillewa.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
360-659-7700
www.marysvilletulalipchamber.com
With a panorama of clear waters of the Puget Sound to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east, Marysville’s motto is “Where quality of life is our way of life.” Marysville is situated about 10 miles from Boeing’s Everett facility, which serves as one of the major employers for local residents. Despite the fact that the population doubled in the last decade, Marysville still offers a selection of reasonably priced housing. Newcomers will discover a wealth of recreational and cultural attractions that include Jennings Memorial/Nature Park, the Rotary Ranch Petting Zoo, Gehl House Museum, and the lush greens of the Cedarcrest Golf Course. Third Street in the downtown district creates a charmingly rustic setting for great restaurants. Famous for its strawberry desserts, Marysville is known to many as “The Strawberry City.”
Mill Creek
City Hall
425-745-1891
www.cityofmillcreek.com
Chamber of Commerce
425-774-0507
https://millcreekchamber.com
Incorporated in 1983, Mill Creek is one of the Washington State’s youngest cities. From its roots as a master-planned community, the city has evolved into a balanced community that offers immaculate homes, lovely shopping areas, upscale shops, and many family restaurants. A championship 18-hole golf course, miles of nature trails, and lush parks with open space underline the recreational amenities. Other opportunities for outdoor enjoyment include jogging and walking paths, bicycle lanes, a nature preserve, country club, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Beautiful new middle and high schools are now a part of the well-managed Everett School District and rank among the most technologically advanced in the state. Many residents commute to work in Bothell, Redmond, Seattle, and Everett.
Monroe
City Hall
360-794-7400
http://www.monroewa.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
360-794-5488
https://monroechamberofcommerce.wildapricot.org/
Although Monroe’s population has doubled since the mid 1990s, the town still preserves its original character as a small and friendly community in south Snohomish County. New chain restaurants, financial institutions, and vibrant strip malls have sprung up in many corners of the town. Residential expansion is equally impressive, particularly on the city’s west side where the terrain is flat and prime for development. New homes in this section have attracted young families, those employed by local industries, and commuters to high-tech jobs in Seattle and other cities. Specialty shops, restaurants, and antique shops line the downtown district, along with several historic buildings and recently restored structures. Monroe Shopping Center is another popular retail destination. In late summer, residents and visitors enjoy 12 days of the Evergreen State Fair.
Mountlake Terrace
City Hall
425-776-1161
http://www.cityofmlt.com/
Chamber of Commerce
206-361-2260
https://shorelinechamber.org/
Located north of Seattle along the Interstate 5 corridor, Mountlake Terrace was first settled at the turn of the century as a logging town known as “Alderwood Manor.” Later, the land was used as ranches for mink, chinchillas, and poultry. After World War II, returning veterans turned the area into a residential community that was incorporated in 1954. Today, over 120 acres of lush parkland punctuates the peaceful residential streets. A growing number of light manufacturing and regional office headquarters are springing up to complement the revitalized downtown district. Lake Ballinger is a favorite spot for boating, fishing, and windsurfing. As expected, houses around the lake tend to be more luxurious, commanding not only spectacular views but higher prices. The summer festival, “Tour de Terrace,” draws friends, neighbors, and visitors to an auto show, musical showcase, children’s activities, and great selection of food.
Mukilteo
City Hall
425-263-8018
https://mukilteowa.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
425-347-1456
https://mukilteochamber.org/
Mukilteo, which means “Good Camping Ground” was first settled in the mid 1800s and incorporated in 1947 with a population of just 775. Today, this scenic waterfront community is a thriving city located on Puget Sound just 25 miles north of Seattle. From the beauty of its hills, residents can catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains to the west, Whidbey Island to the northeast, and the Northern Cascade Mountains to the north and east. The Mukilteo Lighthouse attracts thousands of visitors from the United States and foreign countries each year. Every August, the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival includes a parade, arts and crafts, and other attractions. For outdoor enthusiasts the community has developed several small parks, including a 14-acre city park with a natural pond and nature trail.
Snohomish
City Hall
360-568-3115
https://www.snohomishwa.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
360-568-2526
http://snohomishcoc.com/
Boasting some of the state’s finest vintage homes, Snohomish is well known for its delightful city walking tour. The community showcases 75 homes throughout a 26-block historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district is a charming host for annual shows and festivals including a tour of gardens, classic motorcycle show, classic auto show, Easter parade, and other community festivals that can attract up to 20,000 visitors a day. Blending small shops and restaurants with an abundance of antique dealers, the city is also recognized as the antique capital of the Northwest. Hugging the banks of the Snohomish River, many neighborhoods are shaded by the large cedar trees that are native to the area. Snohomish offers attractive homes that are rich in country charm and tradition.
Woodway
City Hall
206-542-4443
https://www.townofwoodway.com/
Chamber of Commerce
425-774-0507
Founded in 1912 and incorporated as late as 1958, the Town of Woodway is a residential haven known simply as “The Quiet Place.” Residents interested in preserving the tranquil atmosphere of their home have supported civic planners in enforcing strict zoning regulations that protect the quality of neighborhoods filled with single-family homes. Most residential lots cover at least one-third of an acre and many exceed two or more acres. An abundance of estate homes are tucked away in secluded lots shaded by towering Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar trees. Home prices tend to reflect the exclusive residential nature of the community, although a variety of architectural styles are available. No commercial businesses, apartment buildings, or condominiums are allowed within the city limits. The area’s well-maintained, winding streets and scenic landscapes are ideal for avid walkers and bikers.
