Here's where you can actually afford to live in Everett:
- South Everett/Silver Firs – Homes $350K-$480K, rent $1,400-$1,900/month, family-friendly
- Lowell District – Homes $320K-$450K, rent $1,300-$1,800/month, central location
- Riverside/Port Gardner – Homes $295K-$425K, rent $1,250-$1,700/month, waterfront access
- Casino Road Area – Homes $340K-$470K, rent $1,350-$1,850/month, near Boeing
- Marysville (North, 10 min away) – Homes $380K-$520K, rent $1,500-$2,000/month, newer construction
Here's the reality: Everett is already cheaper than Seattle (median home $550K vs. $820K in Seattle), but if you're working with a tight budget or want financial breathing room, these five areas offer the best value—decent homes under $450K and rent under $1,900/month without brutal commutes or sacrificing safety.
What "Affordable" Actually Means in Everett
Source: Zillow, Redfin
For context: The median home price in Everett overall is $550K. In North Everett/View Ridge it's $650K-$750K. The areas in this guide are 20-40% cheaper.
South Everett/Silver Firs: Family-Friendly Value
Price Range: $350K-$480K homes | $1,400-$1,900/month rent
South Everett, particularly around Silver Firs and the Everett Mall area, offers the best balance of affordability, schools, and family amenities.
What $395K Gets You:
- 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,600 sq ft
- 0.15-0.25 acre lot
- Built 1970s-1990s (many updated)
- Everett School District
- 15-minute drive to Boeing
- Access to shopping, parks, amenities
Why South Everett Works:
✅ Pros:
- Good schools (Endeavour Elementary, Silver Firs Elementary both 7-8/10)
- Family-oriented neighborhoods
- Close to Everett Mall, shopping, restaurants
- Easy access to I-5 (Seattle 35-40 min)
- Silver Lake Park nearby
- More space than central Everett
❌ Cons:
- Older homes need updates
- Car-dependent (not walkable)
- Traffic on I-5 during commute
- Not as "urban" as downtown Everett
- Some areas near mall have higher crime
Real Home Examples:
- $359,900: 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,400 sq ft, needs cosmetic updates
- $419,900: 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,700 sq ft, updated kitchen
- $469,900: 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,000 sq ft, move-in ready
Local Amenities:
- Costco Everett – 5-min drive
- Multiple grocery options (Safeway, Fred Meyer, WinCo)
- Imagine Children's Museum – 10-min drive
- Silver Lake Park – Beach access, playground, trails
Monthly Cost (Family of 4):
Income needed: $88K-$105K household
✅ Choose this if: You have kids (good schools), you want suburban feel with amenities, budget is $350K-$480K, you work at Boeing or commute to Seattle
❌ Skip if: You want walkability, need brand-new construction, can't afford $350K+, prefer urban living
Lowell District: Central Location, Older Character
Price Range: $320K-$450K homes | $1,300-$1,800/month rent
The Lowell neighborhood sits in central Everett—older homes with character, walkable to downtown, and the most affordable option in Everett proper.
What $365K Gets You:
- 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,300 sq ft
- 0.1-0.2 acre lot
- Built 1920s-1960s (historic character)
- Walking distance to downtown Everett
- Older neighborhood with mature trees
- Mixed owner-occupied and rentals
The Lowell Appeal:
✅ Why it's affordable:
- Older housing stock (1920s-1970s)
- Smaller lots than suburbs
- Some blocks need revitalization
- Less trendy than waterfront areas
- Blue-collar working-class history
✅ Why people still choose it:
- Actually walkable to Downtown Everett
- Historic home character (craftsman, bungalows)
- Close to Everett Station (Sounder train to Seattle)
- Diverse, authentic neighborhood
- True urban living in Everett
Real Home Examples:
- $329,900: 2 bed, 1 bath, 1,100 sq ft, 1940s bungalow, needs updates
- $389,900: 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,400 sq ft, partially renovated
- $439,900: 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,600 sq ft, fully updated craftsman
Local Vibe:
- 10-minute walk to downtown breweries, restaurants
- Lowell Riverfront Trail access
- Mix of blue-collar families, young professionals, artists
- Improving slowly (early gentrification stages)
Monthly Cost (Family of 3-4):
Income needed: $81K-$98K household
✅ Choose this if: You want walkability to downtown, you appreciate historic homes, you use Sounder train to Seattle, budget is $320K-$450K
❌ Skip if: You need newest construction, safety is absolute priority (some blocks rougher), you prefer suburban over urban
Riverside/Port Gardner: Waterfront Access on a Budget
Price Range: $295K-$425K homes | $1,250-$1,700/month rent
Riverside and Port Gardner neighborhoods offer something unique—waterfront proximity and marina access at prices 30-40% below North Everett waterfront homes.
What $345K Gets You:
- 2-3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,200 sq ft
- Smaller lot but water views (some homes)
- Built 1950s-1980s
- Walking distance to Port of Everett Marina
- Blue-collar maritime neighborhood
- Access to waterfront parks
Why Riverside/Port Gardner Works:
✅ Pros:
- Waterfront access without $700K+ price tag
- Walk to Port of Everett Marina, restaurants
- Authentic maritime neighborhood character
- Jetty Island access (summer ferry)
- Improving area (new development coming)
- Cheapest waterfront proximity in Everett
❌ Cons:
- Older homes, many need updates
- Some industrial areas nearby
- Smaller homes than suburbs
- Flood zones in low areas (check maps)
- Mixed neighborhood conditions
Real Home Examples:
- $309,900: 2 bed, 1 bath, 1,000 sq ft, needs work, water views
- $369,900: 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,300 sq ft, decent condition
- $419,900: 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,500 sq ft, updated, marina access
Local Waterfront Access:
- Port of Everett Marina – Restaurants, Anthony's HomePort
- Jetty Island – Free summer ferry, beach, trails
- Waterfront parks and trails
- Maritime atmosphere and views
Monthly Cost (Couple/Small Family):
Income needed: $76K-$92K household
✅ Choose this if: You want waterfront access on budget, you appreciate maritime character, you're okay with older homes, budget $295K-$425K
❌ Skip if: You need newest construction, you want large suburban lots, safety absolute priority, you're not handy with updates
Casino Road Area: Near Boeing, Suburban Feel
Price Range: $340K-$470K homes | $1,350-$1,850/month rent
The Casino Road corridor in east Everett offers suburban living with quick access to Boeing—practical for Boeing employees wanting short commutes.
What $395K Gets You:
- 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,600 sq ft
- 0.15-0.25 acre lot
- Built 1970s-2000s
- 10-minute drive to Boeing
- Suburban neighborhood
- Good schools (Jackson High School 7/10)
Why Boeing Employees Choose This:
✅ Pros:
- 10-15 minute commute to Boeing (huge for shift workers)
- Suburban family neighborhoods
- Good schools (Everett School District)
- Access to shopping (Casino Road commercial strip)
- Quiet residential streets
- More space than central Everett
❌ Cons:
- Car-dependent (not walkable)
- Not scenic or trendy
- Traffic on Casino Road during rush hour
- Older homes need maintenance
- No real "downtown" or nightlife nearby
Real Home Examples:
- $349,900: 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,400 sq ft, needs updates
- $409,900: 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,700 sq ft, updated kitchen
- $459,900: 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,900 sq ft, move-in ready
Local Amenities:
- Multiple shopping centers on Casino Road
- Walter E. Hall Park – Golf course, trails
- 15-min to downtown Everett
- 20-min to I-5
Monthly Cost (Family of 4):
Income needed: $87K-$104K household
✅ Choose this if: You work at Boeing (short commute matters), you want suburban family neighborhood, budget $340K-$470K, you have kids
❌ Skip if: You want walkability or urban feel, you need waterfront/views, you work in Seattle (long commute)
Marysville (Just North): Newer Construction, More Space
Price Range: $380K-$520K homes | $1,500-$2,000/month rent
Marysville sits 10 minutes north of Everett—newer construction, larger lots, and more space for the money, though technically outside Everett.
What $450K Gets You:
- 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,200 sq ft
- 0.25-0.4 acre lot
- Built 2000-2024 (newer)
- Modern open-concept layouts
- Marysville School District (7-8/10)
- Suburban master-planned feel
Why Young Families Are Moving North:
✅ Pros:
- Newer construction (2000s-2020s)
- More space for money (2,000+ sq ft common)
- Larger lots than Everett
- Growing area with new development
- Still 20-30 min commute to Boeing/Seattle
- Good schools and family amenities
❌ Cons:
- Not Everett proper (different school district)
- Car-dependent (zero walkability)
- Longer commute to Seattle (40-50 min)
- Less urban amenities
- Feels more rural/suburban
Real Home Examples:
- $389,900: 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,800 sq ft, built 2015
- $459,900: 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,100 sq ft, built 2020
- $509,900: 4 bed, 3 bath, 2,400 sq ft, built 2022
Local Amenities:
- Tulalip Resort Casino nearby
- Jennings Memorial Park – Trails, sports fields
- Shopping on 116th Street
- 15-min to Everett amenities
Monthly Cost (Family of 4):
Income needed: $96K-$115K household
✅ Choose this if: You want newer construction, you prioritize space, you have kids, budget allows $380K-$520K, commute under 30 min acceptable
❌ Skip if: You want urban walkability, you work downtown Seattle (50 min commute), budget under $380K, you prefer established neighborhoods
Side-by-Side: Which Area Fits Your Budget?
The Rent vs. Buy Math in Everett
Scenario: $380K Home Purchase vs. $1,500/month Rent
Buying ($380K):
- Down payment (10%): $38,000
- Monthly payment: $2,660
- Property taxes: $315/month
- Maintenance: $180/month
- Insurance: $150/month
- Total: $3,305/month
- Equity after 5 years: ~$45,000
Renting ($1,500/month):
- Monthly rent: $1,500
- Renters insurance: $25/month
- Total: $1,525/month
- Equity after 5 years: $0
The difference: Buying costs $1,780/month more BUT you build $45K equity. Break-even point is 3-4 years if appreciation continues.
Hidden Costs in Washington
Budget $300-$500/month extra beyond mortgage for real costs.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Washington State Housing Finance Commission:
- Home Advantage: 3-5% down payment
- Down payment assistance up to $75,000
- Income limits: $142,700 (Snohomish County)
- Apply at: WSHFC.org
FHA Loans:
- 3.5% down payment
- Credit scores as low as 580
- Good for homes under $500K
VA Loans (Veterans):
- 0% down payment
- No PMI required
- Better interest rates
Your Decision Framework
Choose Riverside if:
- Budget $295K-$425K (cheapest option)
- You want waterfront access
- You're okay with older homes needing updates
- You work at Port of Everett or nearby
Choose Lowell if:
- Budget $320K-$450K
- You want walkability to downtown
- You appreciate historic home character
- You commute to Seattle via Sounder train
Choose Casino Road if:
- You work at Boeing (10-min commute)
- Budget $340K-$470K
- You want suburban family neighborhood
- Schools matter (Jackson High School area)
Choose South Everett if:
- Budget $350K-$480K
- You have kids (good schools, family-friendly)
- You want suburban amenities
- You value shopping/restaurant access
Choose Marysville if:
- Budget $380K-$520K (can stretch higher)
- You want newest construction
- You prioritize space (2,000+ sq ft)
- 25-30 min commute acceptable
People Also Ask
What is the cheapest area to live in Everett, WA?
Riverside/Port Gardner is the cheapest area in Everett with homes from $295K-$425K and rent from $1,250-$1,700/month. Lowell District is second cheapest at $320K-$450K. Both offer older housing stock near downtown and waterfront with character.
Can you buy a house in Everett for under $400K?
Yes. Riverside ($295K-$425K), Lowell ($320K-$450K), and parts of Casino Road and South Everett have homes under $400K. Expect older construction (1950s-1990s), 1,200-1,700 sq ft, and cosmetic updates needed. Condos and townhouses also available under $350K.
What income do you need to buy a home in Everett?
For a $380K home (typical affordable range), you need $76K-$92K household income. Use the 28% rule: monthly housing costs shouldn't exceed 28% of gross income. With 10% down, monthly payment would be around $3,300 total (mortgage + taxes + insurance).
Is Everett cheaper than Seattle?
Yes, significantly. Everett's median home price ($550K) is 33% cheaper than Seattle ($820K). Affordable Everett areas ($295K-$480K) are 50-65% cheaper than comparable Seattle neighborhoods. However, Everett is 25-30 min north, requiring commuting for Seattle jobs.
What are property taxes in Everett, WA?
Property taxes in Snohomish County average 0.98-1.1% of home value annually. For a $380K home, expect $3,720-$4,180/year ($310-$350/month). Washington has no state income tax, so property taxes fund schools and services.
Action Steps: Find Your Affordable Everett Home
Week 1: Get pre-approved for a mortgage (know your real budget). Check Washington State Housing Finance Commission programs for down payment help.
Week 2: Drive all 5 areas on Saturday. Check property conditions, your gut feeling, distance to work.
Week 3: Visit top 2 areas at different times (morning commute, evening, weekend). Tour 4-6 homes.
Week 4: Hire inspector for top choice. Check foundation, roof, HVAC age. Work with Affordable Movers, LLC to plan your relocation.
The Honest Truth About Affordable Living in Everett
What works:
- You CAN buy 3-bedroom home for $320K-$450K (impossible in Seattle)
- 25-30 min to Seattle (reasonable commute)
- Boeing jobs provide stable employment
- Waterfront access at fraction of Seattle prices
- Cost of living 25% less than Seattle
What you're trading:
- "Affordable" in Everett = older homes needing updates
- Not walkable (except Lowell downtown)
- Seattle-level rain with fewer urban amenities
- Some areas have higher crime than suburbs
- Property taxes around $300-$400/month
Who thrives:
- Boeing employees (short commute to plant)
- Seattle commuters willing to drive 30-40 min
- First-time buyers priced out of Seattle
- Families prioritizing affordability over trendiness
- Anyone wanting water access without $800K price tag
Who struggles:
- Need turnkey modern perfection
- Want Seattle urban walkability
- Can't handle 30-40 min commute
- Expect rapid appreciation (Everett grows slower than Seattle)
Ready to Make Your Affordable Move to Everett?
Affordable Movers, LLC makes your move to Everett stress-free and budget-friendly:
- Residential Moving – Efficient moves for homes of all sizes
- Packing Services – Professional packing to protect your belongings
- Long Distance Moving – Relocating to Everett from another state
- Local Moves – We know Everett neighborhoods inside and out
- Storage Solutions – Flexible options during your transition
We've moved hundreds of families into South Everett, Lowell, Riverside, and every affordable neighborhood in the area—we know which streets have tight turns and tricky parking.
Final Word:
If budget is truly under $350K: Riverside ($295K-$425K) offers waterfront access or Lowell ($320K-$450K) gives walkability.
If you work at Boeing: Casino Road ($340K-$470K) is 10 minutes to the plant.
If you have kids: South Everett ($350K-$480K) has best schools and family amenities.
If you want newest construction: Marysville ($380K-$520K) offers modern homes with more space.
Do this next: Get pre-approved this week, drive these neighborhoods Saturday, tour 4-6 homes. The right area becomes obvious when you see what your money buys.
Buying an affordable home in Everett isn't settling—it's choosing financial breathing room over Seattle status. Your $380K home with $3,300/month total payment leaves room for savings, vacations, and actually enjoying Pacific Northwest life. That matters more than a Seattle zip code.