Best Family Neighborhoods in Everett Where to Raise Your Family in Washington

We know that planning a move is both exciting and overwhelming—especially when you're moving with children. You're not just choosing a house; you're choosing schools, playgrounds, neighbors, and the community where your kids will grow up. You're wondering which Everett neighborhoods for families offer the best combination of safety, excellent schools, outdoor space, and that welcoming community feel where your children can thrive.



That's exactly why we created this comprehensive guide to family neighborhoods in Everett. As your trusted, budget-friendly partner at Affordable Movers, we've helped hundreds of families make this exact transition without breaking their budgets. We've moved families with newborns into homes near top-rated elementary schools, helped parents with teenagers find neighborhoods with strong high schools and community programs, and assisted families seeking that perfect balance of space, safety, and affordability.

Everett offers remarkable options for families—from established neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and welcoming neighbors to suburban communities with parks and excellent schools to areas experiencing revitalization that offer value alongside family-friendly features. The challenge isn't finding a good family-friendly neighborhood in Everett WA; it's choosing which one best matches your family's specific needs, priorities, and budget.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the top family areas in Everett, covering what makes each special, which schools serve them, what amenities your kids will enjoy, and which families tend to thrive in each community. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of where your family belongs in Everett.

What Makes a Neighborhood Great for Families?

Before diving into specific kid friendly areas in Everett, it helps to understand what criteria actually matter for families. Not every family prioritizes the same features, but certain factors consistently appear on family wish lists:

School Quality ranks at the top for most families. You want strong academics, dedicated teachers, safe campuses, and extracurricular opportunities that help your children develop. Everett Public Schools serves most of Everett, but school quality varies significantly by campus—elementary, middle, and high school assignments should drive your neighborhood search.

Safety is non-negotiable. You want neighborhoods where kids can ride bikes, play outside, and walk to friends' houses without constant worry. Low crime rates, responsive police presence from Everett Police Department, and communities where neighbors look out for each other all contribute to that essential sense of security.

Parks and Recreation matter tremendously. Growing children need space to run, playgrounds to explore, splash pads for summer fun, and sports fields for team activities. The best family neighborhoods provide abundant outdoor options within walking or short driving distance.

Community Feel separates good neighborhoods from great ones. You want neighbors with similar life stages, communities that organize events, streets where kids play together, and that intangible sense of belonging that makes a neighborhood feel like home.

Practical Amenities include proximity to pediatricians at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, grocery stores like Fred Meyer and Safeway, libraries through Everett Public Library system, youth activities, and all the services that support family life.

Home Size and Value affect daily quality of life. Growing families need bedrooms for children, space for homework and play, and ideally yards for outdoor activities, pets, and backyard gatherings—all at prices that don't strain budgets already stretched by childcare and education costs.

With these criteria in mind, let's explore where families actually live in Everett and why these neighborhoods consistently attract parents raising children.

Silver Lake Area: Everett's Premier Family Destination

When families ask about the best areas for families in Everett, the Silver Lake area appears in nearly every conversation. This established suburban neighborhood was essentially designed with families in mind, and it delivers on virtually every family-friendly criterion.

Why Families Choose Silver Lake

Silver Lake Park serves as this area's defining feature—a beautiful urban lake with extensive park facilities that become the center of family life. The park features a beach with designated swimming areas where kids splash and play all summer, playgrounds that accommodate different age groups, sports fields hosting youth leagues, picnic areas perfect for birthday parties and family gatherings, and walking paths around the lake where families stroll on summer evenings.

What makes this special for families is the sheer volume of children. Your kids will have dozens of potential friends within a few blocks. Summer evenings bring families to the beach and parks. Weekends feature youth sports games at the fields. The neighborhood culture revolves around families, creating natural social networks for both children and parents.

Everett Public Schools serves the Silver Lake area with several schools including Silver Lake Elementary School, providing convenient access for younger students. The elementary school benefits from active parent involvement and stable enrollment from the surrounding neighborhoods. Middle school students typically attend Northshore Middle School, while high schoolers generally go to Henry M. Jackson High School, though families should always verify exact assignments as boundaries can shift.

The housing stock emphasizes family needs—most homes feature 3-4 bedrooms, 1,500-2,800 square feet, open floor plans for family living, and yards sized for play sets and outdoor activities. You'll find everything from 1960s-70s ranches to 1980s-90s family homes to more recent construction, providing variety in style and price points.

What Families Should Know

Silver Lake area pricing typically ranges from approximately $400,000 for smaller or older homes to $650,000+ for larger, updated properties in prime locations near the lake. This makes it accessible to middle-class families while requiring careful budgeting—not the cheapest in Everett, but delivering quality schools and amenities that justify the investment.

The community is large enough that different sections have distinct micro-cultures. Streets closest to the lake see higher traffic and more activity, while neighborhoods a few blocks out offer more residential peace. Families should explore different pockets within the broader Silver Lake area to find their best fit.

The location east of Broadway/Evergreen Way provides excellent access to shopping and services. Fred Meyer, Safeway, Target, and countless restaurants and stores line this corridor, meaning daily errands rarely require more than 10 minutes' drive. Pediatric care is available through various clinics, with Providence Regional Medical Center Everett about 15 minutes away for urgent needs.

For families with parents working at Boeing, the commute typically takes 15-20 minutes. For those commuting to Seattle, expect 45-90 minutes via Interstate 5 depending on traffic—a substantial drive but manageable for families prioritizing Everett's affordability and family-friendly environment over commute convenience.

Crime rates in the Silver Lake area are low compared to Everett overall. Parents feel comfortable with children playing outside, biking around the neighborhood, and enjoying age-appropriate independence. The established family culture means neighbors watch out for kids, and the area's stability creates safety through familiarity.

For families specifically comparing this community to other options, the Silver Lake area consistently ranks as one of the best family neighborhoods in Everett when balancing schools, parks, safety, and value.

North Everett and Forest Park: Quality and Character

North Everett and the Forest Park area represent another premier choice for families, offering established neighborhoods, mature tree canopy, and proximity to Everett's most impressive park—all while maintaining slightly more accessible pricing than might be expected for such desirable locations.

Why Families Thrive Here

Forest Park's 197 acres dominate this area's family appeal. This isn't just a park—it's a destination that defines childhood for families living nearby. The park features extensive trail systems perfect for family hikes and bike rides, multiple playgrounds accommodating toddlers through tweens, sports fields hosting youth soccer and baseball leagues, Pigeon Creek where kids explore nature and spot wildlife, and the beloved animal farm with goats, sheep, chickens, and other animals that delight young children.

The Japanese-style garden provides peaceful beauty for family strolls, while the covered picnic areas host countless birthday parties and family gatherings throughout the year. Living within walking or short biking distance of Forest Park represents a significant quality-of-life advantage that shapes daily family routines—after-school park visits, weekend nature explorations, and summer days spent entirely outdoors.

The neighborhoods surrounding Forest Park feature mature landscaping, tree-lined streets, and well-maintained homes reflecting pride of ownership. You'll find solid family houses from various eras—charming homes from the 1920s-40s with character, substantial mid-century houses from the 1950s-70s, and some newer construction scattered throughout.

Everett Public Schools serves this area with various schools depending on exact location. Families should verify specific assignments, but the area generally benefits from engaged parent communities and stable school populations—factors that support better educational outcomes regardless of specific campus.

What Families Should Know

North Everett/Forest Park area pricing typically ranges from $425,000 to $750,000+ depending on exact location, size, condition, and proximity to the park. Homes nearest Forest Park or with territorial views command premium pricing, while properties a bit farther from the park offer more moderate prices while maintaining access to the area's general character.

The demographics skew toward established families, successful professionals, and those who've chosen to remain in neighborhoods they love even after children grow. This creates stability and institutional knowledge—longtime residents who serve as neighborhood anchors and maintain community culture.

The area provides balanced access to employment. Downtown Everett sits about 10-15 minutes west, Boeing is approximately 15-20 minutes depending on exact locations, and Seattle commutes via I-5 require the typical 45-90 minutes. The quality of the neighborhood and park access makes families accept commute times that might otherwise feel burdensome.

Shopping and services require short drives to commercial corridors along Broadway/Evergreen Way or downtown Everett, though the neighborhood's residential character means fewer walkable services immediately at hand. This trade-off—residential peace versus commercial convenience—appeals to families prioritizing quiet streets and green spaces over being able to walk to stores.

Safety in North Everett ranks among Everett's best. The established neighborhood character, engaged residents, and family orientation create environments where crime is rare. Parents report high comfort levels with children's outdoor independence, and neighbors genuinely look out for each other's kids.

For families drawn to established character, mature neighborhoods, and access to Everett's premier park, North Everett represents an excellent choice that balances quality with relative affordability compared to premium waterfront areas.

South Everett: Value-Conscious Family Living

South Everett encompasses a large, diverse area with significant variation in neighborhood quality and character. However, for families willing to research carefully and choose specific subdivisions wisely, South Everett offers some of Everett's best value—delivering safe neighborhoods with good schools at prices that make family homeownership accessible.

Why Smart Families Choose South Everett

The key to South Everett is recognizing it as multiple distinct neighborhoods rather than one homogeneous area. While some sections face challenges, many family-oriented subdivisions provide exactly what growing families need: safe streets, decent schools, parks, and community—all at prices substantially below premium areas.

Specific neighborhoods in South Everett that attract families include areas near Silver Lake (the southern portions), established subdivisions with active HOAs maintaining standards, and neighborhoods near good schools where engaged parents create supportive educational environments.

Everett Public Schools serves most of South Everett, with school quality varying significantly by campus. The critical factor for families is researching specific school assignments for any property and investigating individual campus performance using Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) data, parent reviews, and visiting schools personally. Some South Everett schools perform quite well, while others struggle—making specific assignment more important than general area reputation.

The housing options in South Everett range from affordable starter homes at $350,000-425,000 to solid mid-range family houses at $425,000-550,000 to select premium properties. This range makes homeownership accessible to working families who'd be priced out of Silver Lake or North Everett, while still providing safe, quality neighborhoods for those who choose carefully.

What Families Should Know

Shopping and services are abundant in South Everett. Everett Mall provides anchor retail, while Broadway/Evergreen Way corridor offers everything families need: Fred Meyer, Safeway, WinCo Foods (excellent for budget-conscious grocery shopping), Target, Costco (nearby), and countless restaurants and services. This convenience means daily errands rarely require leaving South Everett.

Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport sits in South Everett, providing limited commercial air service through Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. While not replacing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for most travel, it offers convenient options for select destinations without the drive to Sea-Tac.

Everett Community College serves the area, providing not just higher education but also community programs, youth activities, and cultural events that benefit families. The college's presence creates educational atmosphere and opportunities beyond K-12 schools.

For families with parents working at Boeing, South Everett provides relatively short commutes—typically 15-25 minutes depending on exact locations. Seattle commuters face 35-75 minutes via I-5 depending on traffic and destinations, though this is slightly better than from northern Everett neighborhoods.

The critical consideration for South Everett families is careful neighborhood selection. Not all areas are equal—some sections are excellent for families, others less so.

Prospective residents should:

• Visit neighborhoods at different times of day, including evenings and weekends
• Research specific schools thoroughly using OSPI data and parent feedback
• Check crime statistics for exact neighborhoods (not just general South Everett data)
• Talk to current residents and neighborhood parents if possible
• Drive through multiple times before committing

For detailed neighborhood-by-neighborhood safety analysis across all Everett areas, our guide to the safest neighborhoods in Everett provides comprehensive crime statistics and safety comparisons that help families make informed decisions.

For families prioritizing value while maintaining quality standards, specific pockets of South Everett deliver exactly this combination. Our comprehensive guide to the most affordable areas in Everett highlights which neighborhoods provide the best value without sacrificing family-friendly features.

Port Gardner and Bayside: Waterfront Family Living

While waterfront neighborhoods might not immediately come to mind as family destinations, Port Gardner and Bayside offer unique opportunities for families who prioritize outdoor lifestyle, water access, and raising children connected to nature—all at prices well below Seattle's waterfront areas.

Why Active Families Love the Waterfront

Grand Avenue Park serves as the centerpiece for waterfront family life, providing beach access where kids swim and play during summer months, a fishing pier where families cast lines together, stunning views across Port Gardner Bay to the Olympic Mountains, playgrounds accommodating different ages, and picnic areas perfect for family gatherings and birthday parties.

The waterfront lifestyle shapes childhood differently than suburban neighborhoods. Kids in Port Gardner and Bayside grow up walking to beaches, watching boats and wildlife, learning to identify marine life at low tide, and developing appreciation for the Puget Sound ecosystem. Many families find this connection to water and nature invaluable, creating memories and experiences unavailable in inland subdivisions.

Jetty Island, accessible by free ferry during summer months, provides two miles of sandy beach just offshore—a unique urban beach experience where families spend entire days swimming, building sandcastles, and picnicking. The island feels like a vacation destination despite being minutes from home.

The neighborhoods themselves feature primarily older homes with character—Craftsman-style houses, mid-century architecture, and properties reflecting various eras from the 1920s through present. Many have been renovated with modern systems and features while maintaining period charm. Yards tend to be modest given the premium waterfront location, but community beach access compensates for limited private outdoor space.

What Families Should Know

Port Gardner and Bayside pricing reflects the waterfront location—expect $450,000-750,000+ depending on water views, property condition, and exact location. Homes with direct water views or beach frontage command the highest prices, while properties a few blocks inland offer the neighborhood's character and beach access at more moderate price points.

Everett Public Schools serves the waterfront areas with various school assignments. Families should verify specific schools, understanding that the urban waterfront character means these aren't neighborhoods with hundreds of kids like Silver Lake, but rather smaller numbers of families spread across age ranges.

The lifestyle requires embracing coastal living realities—salt air affects home exteriors, damp conditions from marine influence, and potential storm impacts during severe weather. However, for families who value water access and natural beauty, these are acceptable trade-offs.

Commute access is excellent given proximity to downtown Everett and Everett Station, where Sound Transit's Sounder commuter rail provides comfortable Seattle commutes without I-5 traffic stress. For families with one or both parents working in Seattle, living near Sounder rail dramatically improves commute quality of life.

The demographics in Port Gardner and Bayside skew toward smaller families and couples without children compared to Silver Lake or North Everett, but families who choose these areas tend to be highly engaged, outdoors-oriented, and intentional about raising children connected to nature. The smaller number of kids creates tight-knit social networks where children know each other well.

For families specifically drawn to waterfront character and lifestyle, Port Gardner offers unique opportunities. Our detailed guide Living in Port Gardner: Complete Guide provides comprehensive information about this distinctive neighborhood.

Schools: What Families Need to Know About Everett Public Schools

Since school quality drives many families' neighborhood decisions, understanding Everett Public Schools is essential for making informed choices about safe neighborhoods for families in Everett.

Everett Public Schools serves approximately 20,000 students across more than 30 schools, making it a substantial district covering the entire city and some surrounding areas. The district's size creates both opportunities—diverse programs, resources, and options—and challenges, particularly significant quality variation across campuses.

Elementary Schools Families Research

Elementary schools families particularly investigate include:

• Silver Lake Elementary School (serving the Silver Lake area) - benefits from engaged parent community and stable neighborhood
• View Ridge Elementary School (North Everett)
• Lowell Elementary School (central locations)
• Garfield Elementary School (northeast area)

Performance metrics vary across campuses. Families should research using:

• Washington State OSPI website for standardized test scores and school report cards
• GreatSchools.org for ratings and parent reviews
• School websites for information about programs, staff, and culture
• Visiting schools personally and speaking with administrators

The critical factor is researching specific school assignments for any property rather than making assumptions based on general area reputation.

Middle and High Schools

Middle schools include Sequoia High School, Everett Middle School, and others, with quality varying by campus. The middle school years are crucial for social development and academic foundation, making school quality particularly important.

High schools include:

• Everett High School (original, serving downtown and north areas)
• Cascade High School (south/east areas)
• Henry M. Jackson High School (east Everett, serving many Silver Lake area families)

High school choice often becomes decisive for families with teenagers. Campus culture, academic rigor, extracurricular programs, sports offerings, and graduation rates vary significantly. Families should research carefully, visit campuses, and talk to parents of current students.

Private School Alternatives

For families seeking alternatives to public schools, limited private options exist in Everett proper:

• Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School (Catholic secondary school)
• Cascade Christian Schools
• Various smaller religious schools

Additional private school options exist in nearby communities for families willing to drive. Tuition typically ranges from $8,000-15,000+ annually depending on school and grade level.

The school quality conversation in Everett requires nuance. The district faces challenges common to diverse, working-class communities—funding constraints, varying levels of parent involvement, and economic diversity. However, individual schools show strong performance, and families who research carefully can find excellent public school options. The key is treating each school as distinct rather than judging all by district reputation.

Parks, Recreation, and Family Activities

Beyond schools, kid friendly areas in Everett need abundant opportunities for outdoor play, recreation, and family activities. Everett delivers impressive options throughout the city that shape family life.

Major Parks for Families

Forest Park dominates Everett's park system with 197 acres offering:

• Extensive trail systems for family hikes and bike rides
• Multiple playgrounds for different age groups
• Sports fields hosting youth leagues
• Animal farm with goats, sheep, chickens, and other animals
• Japanese-style garden for peaceful family strolls
• Pigeon Creek for nature exploration
• Covered picnic areas for parties and gatherings

Silver Lake Park provides:

• Beach with designated swimming areas
• Playgrounds near the water
• Walking paths around the lake
• Sports fields for youth activities
• Picnic areas with BBQ facilities
• Fishing opportunities from shore

Grand Avenue Park offers waterfront access:

• Beach area for summer play
• Fishing pier
• Playground equipment
• Spectacular views across Puget Sound
• Picnic facilities

Recreation Programs and Youth Activities

Everett Parks and Recreation Department operates programs including:

• Youth sports leagues (soccer, baseball, basketball, t-ball)
• Summer camps at various parks
• Swim lessons at pools including Forest Park Pool
• After-school programs
• Youth classes in arts, sports, and enrichment

These organized activities help kids make friends, develop skills, and stay active while giving parents structured, affordable options.

Family Entertainment and Attractions

Imagine Children's Museum (nearby in downtown Everett) provides interactive exhibits and programs for young children. Schack Art Center offers glass-blowing demonstrations and classes that fascinate kids and adults alike.

Everett AquaSox (Minor League Baseball) plays at Funko Field, providing affordable family entertainment during summer months—perfect outings where hot dogs, baseball, and fireworks create lasting memories.

The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour offers fascinating experiences for families with older children interested in aviation—tours of Boeing's assembly plant where 747s, 777s, and 787s are built create unforgettable experiences.

The abundance of outdoor and recreational opportunities means families in Everett rarely struggle to keep kids active and engaged. The challenge is choosing among options rather than finding things to do.

Making Your Decision: Which Family Neighborhood is Right for You?

After exploring the top family-friendly neighborhoods in Everett, the question becomes: which one matches your family's specific situation, priorities, and budget?

Choose Silver Lake area if:

• Good schools and abundant parks are top priorities
• Your children will thrive with many neighborhood kids their age
• You want classic suburban family living with community feel
• Your budget accommodates $400,000-650,000 range
• Daily convenience to shopping and services matters

Choose North Everett/Forest Park area if:

• Access to Everett's premier park is important
• You want established neighborhoods with character
• You value mature trees and quality construction
• Your budget stretches to $425,000-750,000+ range
• You're willing to trade some commercial convenience for residential peace

Choose South Everett if:

• Maximizing home value per dollar is essential
• You're willing to research carefully to find the right specific subdivision
• Your budget centers around $350,000-550,000
• Abundant shopping and services convenience matters
• You don't mind slightly longer commutes to premium areas

Choose Port Gardner/Bayside if:

• Waterfront lifestyle and water access are priorities
• You're raising kids to love nature and outdoor activities
• Downtown walkability and urban character appeal
• Your budget accommodates $450,000-750,000+ range
• You value unique experiences over suburban conformity

No neighborhood is perfect for every family. The key is identifying your non-negotiables (school quality? specific budget limits? commute distance? outdoor amenities?) and finding the community that delivers on those priorities while offering acceptable trade-offs elsewhere.

We strongly recommend visiting your top choices at different times. Drive through on weekday mornings and observe kids waiting for school buses. Visit on Saturday afternoons when families are using parks. Stop by on weekday evenings and watch neighborhoods come alive after work and school. You'll get genuine feel for each community's energy and whether it matches your family's vibe.

Talk to families currently living there if possible. Parents at parks are usually happy to share honest feedback about schools, neighborhoods, and daily life. You'll gain insights that listings and websites simply can't provide.

For comprehensive information about everything else Everett offers families beyond just neighborhoods—including detailed cost of living analysis, employment opportunities, healthcare options, and complete city overview—explore our detailed Everett City Guide. And if you're curious about communities just outside Everett that also attract families, our Everett suburbs guide examines nearby areas worth considering.

Moving Your Family to Everett Affordably

Once you've identified the right family neighborhood in Everett for your situation, the practical reality of moving with children requires careful planning and experienced professionals who understand family relocations—all while keeping costs manageable for budgets already stretched by housing, childcare, and education expenses.

At Affordable Movers, we've successfully moved hundreds of families into every neighborhood we've discussed—from Silver Lake's suburban streets to Forest Park's established areas to South Everett's diverse communities—all at rates that keep moving costs from breaking family budgets.

We understand the unique aspects of family moves: protecting children's belongings and treasured items, coordinating timing around school schedules, efficiently handling family homes with multiple bedrooms, and minimizing disruption to your children's routines during an already stressful transition—all while keeping costs transparent and affordable.

Our team knows Everett's family neighborhoods intimately—which areas have street parking restrictions requiring coordination, the best times to schedule moves to avoid disrupting kids' routines, and how to efficiently navigate everything from urban downtown streets to suburban subdivisions to waterfront areas.

We offer comprehensive, budget-friendly moving services including:

• Careful packing assistance at competitive rates
• Efficient loading and transport by experienced professionals
• Timely unloading that gets families settled quickly
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Special care for children's belongings and family valuables
• Flexible scheduling around school calendars and family needs

Whether you're relocating from across the country or moving between neighborhoods within the Puget Sound area, we're here to make your family's transition to Everett as smooth and affordable as possible.

Everett's family neighborhoods are ready to welcome you. These communities offer the safety, schools, parks, and quality of life that make childhood memories and help families thrive—all at prices more accessible than Seattle. Let us help you get there without the premium moving costs that burden already-tight family budgets.