Port Gardner vs Boulevard Bluffs: Comparison

Port Gardner: Waterfront Character and Urban Walkability

Port Gardner sits along the bay that shares its name, giving residents direct access to Everett's waterfront and marina district. The neighborhood stretches from the waterfront parks east toward Rucker Avenue and from Marine View Drive south to roughly 10th Street.

This is Everett's most walkable neighborhood outside of downtown. You can walk to Anthony's Restaurant at 1726 W Marine View Drive for waterfront dining, grab coffee at Narrative Coffee at 1813 Hewitt Avenue, or spend weekends at the Port Gardner Bay Marina. The neighborhood has direct access to the Interurban Trail for biking and walking.

Housing Stock in Port Gardner

Port Gardner's housing reflects its age and history. You'll find craftsman homes from the 1910s-1930s, many renovated with modern interiors while preserving exterior character. Waterfront condos and townhomes offer lower-maintenance alternatives, particularly along West Marine View Drive.

Homes typically sit on smaller lots (4,000-6,000 square feet), with limited yard space but proximity to waterfront parks compensating for this. The neighborhood attracts buyers who prioritize location over square footage. A 1,200-square-foot craftsman here might cost what a 2,000-square-foot home in Boulevard Bluffs does, purely based on waterfront proximity and walkability.

Daily Life in Port Gardner

Community Transit runs multiple routes through Port Gardner, with the Swift Blue Line providing rapid transit to downtown Everett and connections to Seattle.

The neighborhood's urban density means restaurants, cafes, and services cluster within walking distance. Residents regularly walk or bike to downtown Everett's amenities rather than driving. The waterfront defines the lifestyle here. Port Gardner Landing Park offers walking paths, beach access, and views of Jetty Island. Summer weekends see residents paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply walking the waterfront trail.

The City of Everett maintains these waterfront spaces well, making them genuine amenities rather than afterthoughts.

Boulevard Bluffs: Suburban Comfort with Established Trees

Boulevard Bluffs sits in central Everett, roughly bounded by Broadway to the west, 41st Street to the north, Rucker Avenue to the east, and the Port Gardner area to the south. This residential neighborhood offers the suburban feel many families want—quiet streets, larger lots, and established trees—while staying within Everett city limits.

The name references the slight elevation changes throughout the neighborhood, with some streets offering distant water or mountain views. Boulevard Bluffs developed primarily between 1970-1995, giving it a more uniform appearance than Port Gardner's eclectic mix of eras.

Housing in Boulevard Bluffs

Single-family homes dominate Boulevard Bluffs, with most built in the 1970s-1990s. You'll find split-levels, ramblers, and two-story homes with 3-4 bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, and attached garages. Lots typically run 7,000-10,000 square feet, providing actual yards for kids, dogs, and outdoor activities.

These homes show their era's construction style—wood siding, standard layouts, functional but not architecturally distinctive. Many homeowners have updated kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring while maintaining the original footprint. The neighborhood's tree canopy has matured beautifully, with many properties featuring large Douglas firs, maples, and cedars.

Family-Focused Living

Boulevard Bluffs caters to families wanting space and quiet. Streets have minimal through-traffic, and neighbors know each other. Kids bike on sidewalks and play in yards—something less common in urban Port Gardner. The Everett Public Schools serve the area, with several elementary and middle schools within a short drive.

You'll need a car for daily errands here. The nearest grocery stores (Safeway at 4510 Evergreen Way, Fred Meyer at 5010 Evergreen Way) require driving. Local restaurants like Arnie's Restaurant & Bar at 1721 Hewitt Avenue or Lombardi's Italian Restaurant at 1620 W Marine View Drive are 5-10 minutes away by car.

Cost Comparison: Where Your Money Goes

Port Gardner costs more per square foot due to location premiums. You're paying for waterfront proximity and walkability, not just the structure.

Boulevard Bluffs offers more space for your money, with larger homes and lots at similar or slightly higher total prices. Maintenance differs too. Port Gardner's older homes may need more upkeep (updated electrical, plumbing, foundation work), while Boulevard Bluffs homes from the 1970s-1990s might need cosmetic updates but typically have more modern systems. Condos in Port Gardner shift exterior maintenance to HOAs but add monthly fees.

Lifestyle and Daily Routine Differences

Port Gardner Daily Life

Weekend mornings in Port Gardner often start with walking to the farmers market or grabbing coffee downtown. Residents bike or walk to restaurants, shops, and entertainment. The waterfront becomes an extension of your living space—evening walks along the bay, watching sailboats, or sitting on driftwood beaches.

You'll hear foghorns, seagulls, and occasional ship traffic. The marina brings a steady flow of activity during boating season. Parking can be competitive on summer weekends when visitors flood the waterfront. Most homes have one-car garages or street parking only. The neighborhood attracts a younger demographic—professionals in their 30s-40s, empty nesters downsizing, and couples who prioritize experiences over square footage. Social life centers on waterfront activities, downtown restaurants, and community events at the marina.

Boulevard Bluffs Daily Life

Boulevard Bluffs mornings involve backing out of your driveway and driving to where you're going. Weekend activities might include yard work, home projects, or loading the car for errands. The neighborhood feels suburban and residential—you wave to neighbors mowing lawns, kids wait for school buses, and evenings are quiet. Privacy comes easier here. Larger lots mean more distance between homes.

Backyards accommodate play sets, gardens, and outdoor entertaining. You can work on your car in the driveway or store a boat without bothering anyone. The demographic skews slightly older—established families with school-age kids, people who've lived in the neighborhood 15-20 years, and buyers seeking traditional suburban family life. Social connections form through schools, youth sports, and neighborhood interactions rather than walking to common destinations.

Transportation and Commute Reality

Getting to Work

From Port Gardner, downtown Seattle commutes take 35-45 minutes via Sound Transit express buses or driving I-5. Community Transit provides frequent service, and the Swift Blue Line connects to Everett Station for Sounder train access.

Walking to downtown Everett takes 10-15 minutes. Boulevard Bluffs requires driving to transit hubs or driving the entire commute. Seattle commutes run 40-50 minutes depending on I-5 traffic. The neighborhood sits farther from Highway 2 access, adding 5-10 minutes to eastside commutes (Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond).

Walkability and Car Dependency

Port Gardner functions without a car for many daily needs. Grocery shopping at Safeway on Broadway or local markets within walking distance works for most. Community Transit provides reliable service for longer trips. Boulevard Bluffs requires a vehicle for nearly everything. The nearest grocery store sits 1-2 miles away.

Restaurants, shopping, and services require driving. Most households here operate as traditional suburban families with multiple cars.

Schools and Family Considerations

Both neighborhoods fall within Everett Public Schools boundaries, though specific schools depend on exact addresses. Port Gardner students typically attend schools closer to downtown, while Boulevard Bluffs feeds into schools serving central and north Everett.

Port Gardner offers less child-focused amenities on a block-by-block level. Smaller yards mean less play space at home, though waterfront parks compensate. The urban setting means more traffic and less obvious "kid appeal" than suburban streets.

Boulevard Bluffs provides the classic suburban family environment. Quiet streets, visible front yards where kids play, neighbors with children of similar ages, and driveways for basketball hoops. Families appreciate the safety of low-traffic residential streets and having actual yard space. The Sno-Isle Libraries system serves both neighborhoods, with the Everett Public Library downtown accessible from either location.

Pros and Cons: Port Gardner

✅ Advantages

• Direct waterfront access with beaches, marina, and walking trails

• Highest walkability in Everett—coffee, restaurants, and shops within walking distance

• Strong transit connections to Seattle and around Snohomish County

• Historic home character with craftsman architecture and established neighborhood feel

• Active community around marina and waterfront activities

• Downtown Everett entertainment and dining within 10-minute walk

• Lower square footage costs for those prioritizing location over size

❌ Disadvantages

• Limited parking—street parking or single garages common, crowded on summer weekends

• Smaller yards and lot sizes make outdoor space tight

• Older homes require more maintenance, potential system upgrades

• Higher per-square-foot costs mean less house for the money

• Noise from marine activity, traffic, and urban environment

• Less family-oriented infrastructure compared to suburban areas

• Foghorns and weather exposure can bother some residents

Pros and Cons: Boulevard Bluffs

✅ Advantages

• Larger homes and lots—typical 7,000-10,000 sq ft lots with actual yards

• Quiet residential streets with minimal through-traffic

• More square footage per dollar compared to waterfront locations

• Family-friendly environment with neighbors who've been here long-term

• Attached garages and driveways standard—no parking struggles

• Established trees and mature landscaping throughout the neighborhood

• Privacy and space between homes

❌ Disadvantages

• Car-dependent for all errands—walking to anything requires 20+ minutes

• Limited transit options make Seattle commutes vehicle-based

• Less architectural character—homes built in specific eras show their age

• Fewer restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment within the neighborhood

• Needs updating—1970s-1990s homes often require kitchen/bathroom renovations

• Higher utility costs due to larger home sizes

• Distance from waterfront and downtown Everett activities

Decision Framework: Which Neighborhood Fits You?

Choose Port Gardner If You:

• Value walkability and want to leave your car parked most days

• Prioritize waterfront access and active outdoor lifestyle focused on the bay

• Work in Seattle and want reliable transit options

• Prefer urban living with restaurants and cafes within walking distance

• Don't need a large yard and can work with 1,200-1,600 sq ft of living space

• Appreciate historic home character and craftsman architecture

• Want an active community around marina and waterfront activities

Choose Boulevard Bluffs If You:

• Need a yard for kids, pets, or outdoor activities

• Want 1,800-2,400+ square feet of living space with room to spread out

• Prefer quiet residential streets with minimal activity and traffic

• Already have multiple vehicles and want a two-car garage

• Like traditional suburban family neighborhoods with long-term residents

• Value privacy and space between you and neighbors

Don't mind driving for daily errands and activities Both neighborhoods keep you in Everett with access to the greater Seattle metro area, but they deliver completely different lifestyles. Port Gardner trades space for location and walkability. Boulevard Bluffs trades location for space and suburban comfort.

If you're moving to either neighborhood, Everett City Guide: Everything You Need to Know provides comprehensive information about living in Everett overall. For families specifically weighing options, Best Family Neighborhoods in Everett covers what makes different areas work for raising kids. Young professionals considering urban Port Gardner might also explore Young Professional Areas in Everett for additional downtown-adjacent options.

The choice ultimately comes down to whether you want waterfront walkability or suburban space. Port Gardner delivers the former; Boulevard Bluffs delivers the latter. Neither compromises on quality—they simply serve different priorities.