Safest Neighborhoods in Everett Where Security and Peace of Mind Come Standard
We know that planning a move is both exciting and overwhelming—especially when safety is at the top of your priority list. You're researching neighborhoods online, looking at crime statistics, and wondering where in Everett you can truly feel secure.
You want streets where you can walk your dog at night, where packages stay on porches, where your children can play outside without constant worry, and where neighbors look out for each other.
That's exactly why we created this comprehensive guide to the safest neighborhoods in Everett. As your trusted, budget-friendly partner at Affordable Movers, we've helped hundreds of families and individuals relocate to Everett's most secure areas without breaking their budgets. We've moved families into quiet streets in North Everett near Forest Park, helped young professionals settle into safe downtown areas near Hewitt Avenue, and assisted retirees in finding peaceful spots in Bayside with low crime and strong community bonds.
Safety means different things to different people—low crime rates, engaged neighbors, well-lit streets, responsive police presence, or simply that intangible feeling of security when you're home. Everett offers all of these elements in specific neighborhoods, though like any city, safety varies significantly by area. The challenge isn't finding safe neighborhoods in Everett; it's understanding which areas truly deliver the security you need and how they match your other priorities like budget, commute, and lifestyle.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the secure neighborhoods in Everett WA, covering crime statistics, what makes each area safe, and practical details to help you make confident decisions. By the end, you'll know exactly where to focus your housing search for maximum peace of mind.
Understanding Safety in Everett: Crime Data and Context
Before diving into specific safe areas in Everett, it helps to understand how to evaluate neighborhood safety and what the data actually tells us about this city.
How Crime Data Works
Everett Police Department tracks and reports crime statistics across the city, categorizing incidents into violent crimes (assault, robbery, homicide) and property crimes (burglary, theft, vehicle theft, vandalism). These numbers get reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and are available through various databases.
Crime rates are typically expressed per 1,000 or per 10,000 residents, allowing for fair comparison between neighborhoods of different sizes. A neighborhood with 500 incidents and 50,000 residents has the same crime rate as one with 50 incidents and 5,000 residents—both at 10 per 1,000 residents.
The critical distinction is between violent crime and property crime. Violent crime affects personal safety—these are the incidents that create fear and affect daily life. Property crime, while frustrating and costly, doesn't carry the same threat to personal security. Most "high crime" areas in Everett deal primarily with property crime rather than violent crime.
Everett's Overall Safety Profile
Everett's crime statistics place it in the middle range for Washington State cities. The city experiences higher crime rates than wealthy suburbs like Mercer Island or Sammamish, but lower rates than struggling urban areas. The presence of Boeing, Naval Station Everett, and working-class economic diversity creates a complex safety picture where some neighborhoods are remarkably safe while others face challenges.
According to FBI Uniform Crime Reports and Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs data, Everett's crime rates have fluctuated over the past decade, with property crime remaining the primary concern. Violent crime occurs but remains concentrated in specific areas rather than being citywide.
The Everett Police Department maintains visible presence throughout the city, with response times generally good in residential areas. The department operates community policing programs, neighborhood watch support, and various initiatives aimed at reducing crime and building relationships between officers and residents.
What Actually Makes a Neighborhood Safe
Statistics tell part of the story, but genuine neighborhood safety comes from multiple factors:
- Low crime rates (obviously) with particular emphasis on violent crime
- Engaged residents who know neighbors and watch out for each other
- Physical characteristics like good lighting, maintained properties, and natural surveillance
- Economic stability reducing desperation-driven crime
- Community investment in schools, parks, and neighborhood identity
- Geographic factors creating natural boundaries and limiting through-traffic
- Active neighborhood associations and social cohesion
The safest neighborhoods typically combine all these elements rather than relying solely on police presence or socioeconomic factors.
North Everett and Forest Park Area: Top Tier Safety
North Everett and the neighborhoods surrounding Forest Park consistently rank among Everett's safest areas, combining low crime statistics with the community engagement and stability that create lasting security.
Why This Area is So Safe
The crime statistics speak clearly: North Everett experiences significantly lower rates of both violent and property crime compared to city averages. Violent crime is rare—residents go years without incidents on their blocks. Property crime, while never zero, occurs at rates well below other Everett neighborhoods.
Several factors create this safety profile:
Economic stability: North Everett attracts middle-to-upper-middle-class residents with stable employment, often at Boeing, in healthcare, or professional fields. Economic security reduces crime driven by desperation.
Homeownership dominance: The area features primarily owner-occupied homes rather than rentals. Homeowners invest in their properties and neighborhoods, creating stability and social cohesion. Longtime residents know their neighbors, notice unfamiliar activity, and maintain informal community watch.
Physical characteristics: The neighborhoods feature well-maintained homes, good street lighting, and natural surveillance from residents who are home during various hours. Streets are primarily residential with limited through-traffic, reducing anonymity that can facilitate crime.
Forest Park presence: The 197-acre Forest Park with its trails, animal farm, playgrounds, and active use creates constant legitimate activity and "eyes on the street." Parks that are well-used and maintained tend to be safe parks, and Forest Park exemplifies this principle.
Community engagement: Neighborhood associations are active, National Night Out participation is strong, and residents genuinely know each other. This social fabric creates informal security that complements formal policing.
What Residents Experience
Residents in the North Everett/Forest Park area consistently report feeling secure in their daily lives. Parents let children play outside, walk to friends' houses, and bike around neighborhoods with age-appropriate independence. Adults walk dogs in the evening, jog early morning, and feel comfortable with outdoor activities regardless of time.
Package theft, while occasionally occurring, is rare enough that residents express shock when it happens rather than expecting it. Vehicle break-ins are uncommon, and violent crime is so rare that any incident makes neighborhood news and prompts community response.
The Everett Police Department's response times to this area are good, though residents rarely need to call. The area's safety comes more from prevention and community cohesion than from heavy police presence.
The Practical Details
Housing in North Everett/Forest Park area typically ranges from $425,000 to $750,000+, reflecting the area's desirability. While not the most affordable option in Everett, many residents consider the premium worthwhile for the peace of mind and quality of life.
The area provides excellent access to quality schools within Everett Public Schools, with campuses here benefiting from engaged parent communities. For families, the combination of safety and schools makes this area particularly attractive.
Commutes to Boeing take 15-20 minutes, while Seattle commutes via Interstate 5 require 45-90 minutes depending on traffic—typical for Everett locations. The safety premium doesn't add significant commute time compared to other areas.
For comprehensive information about what North Everett offers beyond just safety, including specific neighborhoods, housing options, and lifestyle details, our guide to the best family neighborhoods in Everett provides detailed coverage of this area's family-friendly features.
Silver Lake Area: Safe Suburban Family Living
The Silver Lake area, centered around its namesake lake and park, represents another of Everett's safest zones, combining low crime with the family-oriented culture and community engagement that reinforce security.
Why Families Feel Secure Here
Crime statistics for the Silver Lake area show rates well below Everett averages for both violent and property crime. The neighborhood's family orientation creates natural security through constant legitimate activity—kids playing, parents supervising, neighbors socializing—that deters crime through presence and vigilance.
The safety factors include:
Family demographics: The overwhelming presence of families with children creates a culture where adults are constantly present and aware. Parents driving kids to activities, supervising outdoor play, and generally being visible throughout the day create constant informal surveillance.
Economic stability: The area attracts dual-income middle-class families with stable employment, creating economic security that reduces crime motivation while providing resources to maintain properties and community standards.
Community focus: The shared orientation around Silver Lake Park and schools creates common ground where neighbors interact regularly. Parents meet at the park, kids attend school together, and social networks develop naturally—all building the relationships that underpin community safety.
Physical layout: Primarily residential streets with limited through-traffic mean most vehicles in the neighborhood belong to residents or their guests. This makes unfamiliar activity more noticeable and suspicious behavior easier to identify.
Active youth: The constant presence of children and teenagers using parks, walking to school, and playing outside creates legitimate activity that deters crime. Would-be criminals avoid areas with high activity levels and many potential witnesses.
What Daily Safety Looks Like
Silver Lake area residents report high comfort levels with outdoor activities at all times. Children walk to Silver Lake Elementary School, bike to friends' houses, and play outside without parents feeling the need for constant supervision. Teenagers walk to Silver Lake Park independently, and families use park trails after dinner without security concerns.
Property crime remains at low levels. While no neighborhood is immune to occasional theft or vandalism, these incidents occur infrequently enough that residents view them as aberrations rather than expected risks. Vehicle break-ins are rare, package theft is uncommon, and home burglaries are exceptional events that shock the community.
The area's safety allows families to enjoy the suburban lifestyle they sought—kids playing outside, neighbors chatting on sidewalks, and that sense of community security increasingly rare in urban areas. This represents exactly what many families want when moving to Everett.
Practical Considerations
Silver Lake area housing typically ranges from $400,000 to $650,000, positioning it in the middle of Everett's market—not the cheapest, but delivering value through combination of safety, schools, and amenities.
The neighborhood provides excellent access to shopping along Broadway/Evergreen Way, with Fred Meyer, Safeway, and countless other retailers within 5-10 minutes. This convenience means families don't sacrifice practical accessibility for safety.
Everett Public Schools serves the area with generally good performance in local campuses, benefiting from engaged parent communities. The combination of safety and schools makes this area particularly popular with families who have school-age children.
For families specifically evaluating neighborhoods based on both safety and family-friendliness, our comprehensive guide to the best family neighborhoods in Everett provides detailed comparisons of schools, parks, and community features across all areas.
Bayside and Port Gardner Waterfront: Secure with Views
The waterfront neighborhoods of Bayside and parts of Port Gardner might not immediately come to mind as safety-focused areas, but these established communities combine low crime rates with strong community bonds and the security that comes from stable, engaged residential populations.
What Makes Waterfront Areas Safe
Crime statistics for Bayside and the residential sections of Port Gardner show favorable numbers, particularly for violent crime which remains rare. Property crime occurs but at rates below city averages, and the area's character creates natural security.
The safety factors include:
Economic investment: Residents who choose waterfront living invest significant resources in their properties and neighborhoods. Homes here represent substantial financial commitments, attracting owners with stability and resources.
Established community: Many residents have lived in these waterfront areas for years or decades, creating deep social networks and neighborhood knowledge. Longtime residents know who belongs and what's normal, making unusual activity noticeable.
Geographic barriers: The waterfront creates a natural boundary, meaning neighborhoods have defined edges and limited entry points. This geography reduces through-traffic and creates clear neighborhood identity.
Active use: Grand Avenue Park and waterfront areas see constant legitimate use from residents walking, enjoying beaches, and recreating. This activity creates natural surveillance and deters crime through presence.
Pride of place: Residents who specifically chose waterfront living tend to be highly invested in maintaining neighborhood quality and character. This investment extends to security consciousness and community engagement.
The Security Experience
Bayside and Port Gardner residents report feeling secure in their waterfront neighborhoods. Evening walks to Grand Avenue Park for sunset views are common and feel safe. Residents kayak, paddleboard, and use the waterfront without security concerns. The area's active use by legitimate community members creates safety through presence.
Vehicle break-ins and package theft occur but remain relatively uncommon compared to higher-crime areas. Home burglaries are rare enough that any incident prompts neighborhood discussion and response.
The waterfront location means these aren't neighborhoods with hundreds of kids creating the activity levels of Silver Lake, but the residents present maintain community awareness and informal security through relationships and engagement.
Practical Factors
Bayside and Port Gardner waterfront housing ranges from $450,000 to $750,000+, with premium water views commanding top prices. The safety profile is part of the overall value proposition these neighborhoods offer.
The location provides excellent access to downtown Everett amenities, Everett Station for Sound Transit commuter rail to Seattle, and the walkable urban conveniences that residents of these areas value. Safety doesn't require sacrificing urban accessibility.
For detailed information about what Port Gardner specifically offers, including comprehensive neighborhood characteristics beyond just safety, our guide Living in Port Gardner: Complete Guide provides in-depth coverage.
Boulevard Bluffs: Hidden Safety in Established Neighborhoods
Boulevard Bluffs and similar established neighborhoods northeast of downtown represent safe, solid areas that don't get the recognition they deserve. While not as prestigious as North Everett or as family-focused as Silver Lake, these neighborhoods deliver genuine security at more accessible price points.
Why These Areas Are Safer Than Their Reputation
Crime statistics for Boulevard Bluffs and similar established working-class to middle-class neighborhoods show moderate rates—higher than premium areas but well below problem zones. Violent crime remains low, and property crime, while present, occurs at manageable levels.
The safety comes from:
Community stability: These are neighborhoods where people have lived for years, creating the social bonds and neighborhood knowledge that underpin security. Longtime residents know their blocks intimately.
Homeownership: Primarily owner-occupied homes mean residents are invested in their properties and neighborhoods, creating stability and standards maintenance.
Practical vigilance: Working-class and middle-class neighborhoods often feature higher levels of practical security consciousness—residents lock doors, watch for neighbors, and maintain awareness that creates deterrence.
Geographic elevation: The "bluffs" character means elevated terrain with territorial views, creating natural surveillance advantages and limited access points.
Moderate property values: While this might seem counterintuitive, moderate values mean these neighborhoods aren't targeted by organized theft operations focusing on luxury goods or high-value homes. Opportunistic crime remains low due to community vigilance.
What Residents Experience
Boulevard Bluffs residents generally feel secure in their daily lives, though with somewhat higher awareness than in premium neighborhoods. They lock vehicles, bring packages inside promptly, and maintain sensible security practices—but these are precautions rather than responses to constant threats.
The area isn't where parents let young children roam completely unsupervised, but older children have appropriate independence. Adults walk dogs in the evening without concern, and neighbors greet each other regularly, creating that community awareness that deters crime.
Property crime occurs occasionally—a vehicle break-in here, a stolen package there—but at levels that don't create constant anxiety or fundamentally affect quality of life. Residents treat these incidents as frustrations rather than ongoing threats requiring drastic security measures.
Practical Considerations
Boulevard Bluffs housing typically ranges from $325,000 to $550,000, representing some of Everett's better value while maintaining decent safety profiles. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing security, this area delivers practical compromise between cost and safety.
The location provides good access to downtown Everett and reasonable routes to Boeing and other employment centers. Safety doesn't come with geographic isolation or extreme commute penalties.
For those comparing Boulevard Bluffs to other neighborhoods and seeking detailed analysis, our comparison guide Port Gardner vs Boulevard Bluffs breaks down the trade-offs between these geographically close but characteristically different areas.
What About Other Everett Areas?
Understanding the safest neighborhoods in Everett also requires honest discussion about areas that present more challenges, helping you make fully informed decisions.
Areas Requiring Careful Evaluation
Downtown Everett near Hewitt Avenue is experiencing revitalization and improving safety, but urban areas naturally see higher crime rates than residential neighborhoods. Property crime, particularly theft and vehicle break-ins, occurs more frequently downtown than in residential areas. However, violent crime remains relatively low, and many residents feel comfortable living downtown with sensible urban precautions.
South Everett encompasses an enormous geographic area with dramatic variation—some sections are quite safe while others face higher crime rates. The key is researching specific subdivisions and streets rather than judging all of South Everett by area reputation. Some South Everett neighborhoods rival North Everett for safety, while others struggle with property crime and occasional violent incidents.
Riverside and neighborhoods south of downtown maintain working-class character with moderate crime rates. These aren't dangerous areas, but they see higher property crime than premium neighborhoods. Residents practice sensible precautions and generally feel secure, though with greater awareness than in the safest zones.
The honest assessment: Everett offers safe living in multiple neighborhoods across different price points, but like any city, safety varies significantly by specific location. Research carefully, visit neighborhoods at different times, and make decisions based on specific streets and subdivisions rather than broad generalizations.
For families specifically concerned about both safety and affordability, our guide to the most affordable areas in Everett highlights which neighborhoods provide the best value without sacrificing too much on security.
How to Evaluate Neighborhood Safety Yourself
Beyond reading guides like this, you should evaluate safety personally using multiple methods before committing to any Everett neighborhood.
Research Crime Data
Everett Police Department provides crime statistics through their website and public records. Request crime data for specific neighborhoods you're considering, focusing on the past 1-2 years rather than outdated information.
City-Data.com, NeighborhoodScout.com, and similar sites aggregate crime statistics and provide neighborhood-level data, though always verify information is current and accurate.
Snohomish County Sheriff's Office maintains records that may cover some unincorporated areas often considered part of greater Everett.
Focus particularly on trends—is crime increasing, decreasing, or stable? A neighborhood with slightly higher absolute numbers but strongly improving trends may be safer than one with lower current numbers but worsening trends.
Visit Multiple Times
Drive and walk through neighborhoods you're seriously considering at different times:
- Weekday mornings (observe commute patterns and general activity)
- Weekday afternoons (see kids coming home from school, general neighborhood activity)
- Weekday evenings (observe whether people are outside, how neighborhoods feel after dark)
- Weekend days (see family activity, park use, community engagement)
- Weekend evenings (assess nighttime safety and activity levels)
Pay attention to physical indicators: property maintenance, lighting quality, whether people are outside, general neighborhood "feel." Your instincts matter—if a neighborhood feels unsafe, trust that feeling regardless of statistics.
Talk to Current Residents
Strike up conversations with people you see:
- Dog walkers (often know neighborhoods intimately and are willing to chat)
- Parents at parks (will be honest about child safety and schools)
- Neighbors working on yards (longtime residents with deep knowledge)
Ask direct questions: "Do you feel safe here?" "Have you experienced any crime?" "Would you let your kids walk to school alone?" Most residents provide honest feedback, particularly to prospective neighbors.
Check Community Resources
Nextdoor.com provides neighborhood-specific social networks where residents discuss local issues including crime and safety. Reading a neighborhood's Nextdoor feed reveals community character and concerns.
Everett Police Department offers neighborhood watch programs and community policing initiatives. Contact them for information about specific areas and available resources.
Local Facebook groups for specific neighborhoods often discuss safety issues and community concerns, providing unfiltered resident perspectives.
Consider Your Personal Security Needs
Different people have different security requirements. A single young professional might feel perfectly comfortable in areas where parents with small children would prefer more suburban safety. Retirees might prioritize different factors than families with teenagers.
Be honest about your personal security comfort level and choose neighborhoods that meet your specific needs rather than abstract safety standards.
Making Your Decision: Balancing Safety and Other Priorities
After understanding the safest neighborhoods in Everett, the challenge becomes balancing security against other priorities like budget, commute, schools, and lifestyle preferences.
If safety is your absolute top priority: Choose North Everett/Forest Park area or Silver Lake area where crime rates are lowest and community safety culture is strongest. Accept that you'll pay premium prices for this security, but gain peace of mind worth the investment.
If you want safety balanced with value: Explore Boulevard Bluffs and similar established neighborhoods that deliver solid security at more accessible prices. You'll practice sensible precautions but won't face constant anxiety or significant crime threats.
If you need affordability but can't sacrifice safety: Research specific sections of South Everett carefully, focusing on stable subdivisions with engaged residents and good schools. Safe, affordable options exist but require careful selection rather than choosing blindly.
If you value both waterfront lifestyle and security: Consider Bayside and Port Gardner waterfront areas that combine coastal living with low crime rates, though at price points reflecting both advantages.
The key is prioritizing intelligently. No neighborhood offers perfection—every choice involves trade-offs. Identify your non-negotiables (perhaps minimum safety threshold, maximum budget, specific school requirements) and find areas that meet those essentials while offering acceptable compromises elsewhere.
For comprehensive information about everything Everett offers beyond just safety considerations—including detailed neighborhood comparisons, housing markets, schools, and complete city overview—explore our detailed Everett City Guide.
Moving to Your Chosen Safe Neighborhood
Once you've identified a safe neighborhood in Everett that matches your needs and budget, the practical reality of relocating requires experienced professionals who understand local areas and can execute your move efficiently and affordably.
At Affordable Movers, we've successfully moved hundreds of families and individuals into every neighborhood we've discussed—from North Everett's safest streets to waterfront areas to carefully selected South Everett locations—all at rates that keep moving costs manageable.
We know Everett's neighborhoods intimately, including the practical logistics that affect moving days:
- Which areas have street parking restrictions requiring advance coordination
- The best times to schedule moves to avoid traffic congestion
- How to navigate everything from urban downtown streets to quiet suburban cul-de-sacs
- Special considerations for waterfront properties and hillside locations
Our team provides comprehensive, affordable moving services including:
- Careful packing assistance at competitive rates
- Efficient loading and secure transport
- Timely delivery and unloading at your new safe Everett home
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Licensed and insured operations for your protection
- Local expertise that makes your move smoother
Whether you're relocating from across the country or moving between neighborhoods within the Puget Sound area, we're here to make your transition to Everett's safe neighborhoods as smooth and affordable as possible.
Safety is foundational to quality of life—it affects daily comfort, long-term satisfaction, and the peace of mind that makes a house feel like home. Everett offers genuinely safe neighborhoods across different price points and lifestyle categories. Let Affordable Movers help you get there without the premium moving costs that burden already-tight budgets.
