Everett, WA Suburbs Guide: 6 Surrounding Communities Compared

Mill Creek: The Master-Planned Community

Mill Creek is a carefully planned community developed starting in the 1970s, located south of Everett along I-5 and Bothell-Everett Highway. The city's development centered around extensive trail systems, parks, and recreational facilities rather than commercial strips. The Mill Creek Town Center at 15311 Main Street provides shopping and dining anchors including Whole Foods, Target, and restaurants like Anthony's HomePort and The Lodge Sports Grille.

The Everett School District serves parts of Mill Creek with highly-rated schools including Jackson High School and Heatherwood Middle School. The community features over 50 miles of trails connecting neighborhoods to parks like North Creek Park and the Mill Creek Sports Park at 13723 Puget Park Drive.

Why Families Choose Mill Creek

Mill Creek consistently ranks among Washington's top communities for families, driven by school quality, safety, and intentional community design. Unlike typical suburban sprawl, Mill Creek's master planning means parks and trails are integrated throughout rather than afterthoughts. The trade-off: You're paying a premium for this planning, with median home prices around $750,000 making it one of the pricier suburbs in the Everett area.

If you're prioritizing schools and family amenities within Everett itself, comparing Mill Creek against Everett's top family neighborhoods provides important context. Our guide to Best Family Neighborhoods in Everett shows how Everett's family-friendly areas stack up, helping you decide whether the Mill Creek premium makes sense or if an Everett neighborhood delivers similar benefits at lower cost.

✅ Advantages:

• Excellent schools with high test scores and graduation rates
• Extensive trail system for walking, running, biking
• Well-maintained parks and recreational facilities throughout
• Town Center provides walkable shopping and dining
• Safe, family-oriented community with active neighborhood involvement
• Newer homes (mostly 1990s-2020s construction)

❌ Trade-Offs:

• High property prices—among the most expensive in the region
• HOA fees are common and can be significant ($200-400/month)
• Limited housing diversity (mostly single-family, townhomes)
• Can feel sterile or lacking character compared to historic areas
• Commute times increase significantly during I-5 rush hours
• Less cultural diversity than Everett or Lynnwood

Mill Creek Home and Lifestyle Costs

Mukilteo: Waterfront Living with Ferry Access

Mukilteo occupies a stunning waterfront position on Puget Sound, directly west of Everett. The city's defining feature is the Washington State Ferries terminal at 670 Front Street, providing regular service to Clinton on Whidbey Island. The waterfront Lighthouse Park at 609 Front Street offers beaches, picnic areas, and views of the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse, while the downtown area along Front Street features local restaurants like Ivar's Mukilteo Landing and Diamond Knot Craft Brewing.

The Mukilteo School District serves the community with highly-rated schools including Kamiak High School and Harbour Pointe Middle School. Housing ranges from waterfront properties with direct Sound access to hillside homes with views to more affordable inland neighborhoods near Harbour Pointe Boulevard.

The Mukilteo Premium and What You Get

Mukilteo commands some of the highest property values in Snohomish County—median prices around $825,000—driven by waterfront access, views, excellent schools, and small-town character minutes from Everett. The waterfront lifestyle here includes beach access, ferry connections for weekend island escapes, and a strong sense of community centered around the historic downtown and lighthouse area.

✅ Advantages:

• Waterfront access and Puget Sound views for many properties
• Excellent schools with strong academic performance
• Ferry terminal for Whidbey Island access (commuters, recreation)
• Historic downtown with local restaurants and shops
• Short commute to Boeing Everett and Paine Field
• Safe community with low crime rates
• Beach parks and waterfront recreation opportunities

❌ Trade-Offs:

• Premium pricing—among the most expensive suburbs
• Limited housing inventory (high demand, low turnover)
• Waterfront properties require additional maintenance (salt air, erosion)
• Traffic congestion near ferry terminal during peak times
• Smaller commercial district (need to go to Everett or Lynnwood for many services)
• Limited dining and entertainment compared to larger cities

Who Should Choose Mukilteo

Best fit: Boeing employees (5-10 minute commute to Paine Field), families prioritizing top-tier schools, anyone valuing water access and views, ferry commuters to Whidbey Island, professionals who can afford the premium for waterfront lifestyle.

Consider alternatives if: You need more affordable entry prices, want urban walkability and nightlife, prefer historic home character, or don't value water access enough to justify the cost premium. If you're drawn to waterfront but want to stay within Everett, exploring our Living in Port Gardner: Complete Guide shows how Everett's established waterfront neighborhood compares on price, amenities, and lifestyle.

Marysville: Affordable Space North of Everett

Marysville sits directly north of Everett, offering the most affordable housing in the immediate area. The city has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, expanding along I-5 and State Avenue with new residential developments, retail centers, and improved infrastructure. The Tulalip Resort Casino provides entertainment and employment, while retail along 88th Street NE and State Avenue includes major chains, grocery stores, and service businesses.

The Marysville School District serves the community with multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. Parks include Jennings Memorial Park at 6915 Armar Road and Ebey Waterfront Park providing access to the Snohomish River. The historic downtown area along First Street maintains small-town character with local shops and the Marysville Opera House.

Why Buyers Choose Marysville

Let's be direct: Marysville's primary appeal is affordability. Median home prices around $520,000 make it the most accessible option for buyers priced out of Everett's nicer neighborhoods or other suburbs. You're typically getting more square footage and larger lots than you'd find in pricier areas. The trade-off is a longer commute to many employment centers, less established community amenities, and schools that don't match Mill Creek or Mukilteo's performance.

If budget is your primary concern but you're wondering how Marysville compares to Everett's most affordable neighborhoods, our guide to Most Affordable Areas in Everett provides direct comparisons, helping you understand whether staying within Everett city limits or moving to Marysville makes more financial sense for your situation.

✅ Advantages:

• Most affordable housing in the Everett area
• Larger lots and more square footage per dollar
• New construction available in multiple developments
• Growing retail and service options along major corridors
• Access to Tulalip Resort Casino for entertainment
• Less traffic congestion than I-5 corridor suburbs
• Room for hobby farms, RV parking, workshops

❌ Trade-Offs:

• Longer commute times to Everett, Seattle, Bellevue (30-45+ minutes)
• Schools rank below Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Snohomish districts
• Less walkable—car dependent for daily errands
• Some areas still developing infrastructure and services
• Less cultural diversity and dining variety than Everett
• Higher crime rates than premium suburbs (though improving)

Marysville Growth Areas to Watch

Lake Stevens: Small-Town Life Around the Lake

Lake Stevens centers around its namesake 1,040-acre lake, located east of Everett. The city maintains a small-town feel despite steady growth, with the downtown area along Main Street featuring local shops, restaurants like The Watering Hole and Tres Hermanos Mexican Restaurant, and community gathering spots. Lake Stevens is accessed via Highway 9 and Highway 204, providing connections to Everett, Snohomish, and I-5.

The Lake Stevens School District serves the community with Lake Stevens High School and multiple elementary and middle schools. The lake itself offers year-round recreation including Wyatt Park and North Cove Park for swimming, boating, fishing, and waterfront access. The Lake Stevens Aquatic Center at 1808 Main Street provides indoor swimming and programs.

The Lake Stevens Lifestyle

Lake Stevens appeals to buyers seeking outdoor recreation, small-town community, and escape from urban intensity while remaining within reasonable commuting distance of Everett and Seattle-area jobs. The lake provides the community's identity—summer weekends bring boat traffic, paddleboarding, and waterfront gatherings. Property values ($625,000 median) sit between Marysville's affordability and the premium suburbs, offering balance between price and amenity quality.

✅ Advantages:

• Lake access and water recreation year-round
• Small-town community feel with local businesses
• Good school district with solid performance
• Parks and trails throughout the city
• Active community events and festivals
• Moderate pricing—less than Mill Creek/Mukilteo
• Growing but maintaining character

❌ Trade-Offs:

• 20-25 minute commute to Everett (longer to Seattle)
• Limited dining and entertainment options
• Car dependent—minimal walkability for daily needs
• Two-lane highway access can bottleneck during rush hour
• Fewer job opportunities within the city itself
• Less cultural diversity than larger cities
• Waterfront properties command significant premiums

Lake Stevens Housing Options

Housing in Lake Stevens divides roughly into waterfront properties (premium pricing, often $900,000+), near-lake homes with potential water views ($650,000-800,000), and non-lake neighborhoods offering more affordable entry ($550,000-650,000). Newer developments on the city's edges provide modern construction, while older neighborhoods near downtown feature 1970s-90s homes with established trees and larger lots.

Lynnwood: Transit Hub and Retail Convenience

Lynnwood sits directly south of Everett along I-5, functioning as a major retail and transit hub for Snohomish County. The Alderwood Mall at 3000 184th Street SW anchors extensive retail development including big-box stores, restaurants, and services. The Lynnwood Transit Center provides Sound Transit light rail connections (opening 2024) to Seattle, Everett, and beyond, making Lynnwood increasingly attractive for transit-oriented living.

The Edmonds School District serves Lynnwood with well-regarded schools including Lynnwood High School and multiple elementary and middle schools. Parks include Lynnwood Recreation Center at 18900 44th Avenue W and Scriber Lake Park offering trails and natural areas. The city's central I-5 location provides easy access north to Everett, south to Seattle, and west to Edmonds' waterfront.

Why Lynnwood Works for Many Buyers

Lynnwood offers something increasingly rare: urban convenience without urban pricing. The new light rail station transforms Lynnwood into a legitimate transit-oriented community, while the concentration of retail means you can handle most errands without traveling. Median prices around $650,000 provide more affordability than Mill Creek or Mukilteo while delivering better walkability and transit access than Marysville or Lake Stevens.

✅ Advantages:

• Light rail access opening 2024 (Sound Transit Link)
• Extensive retail and services—everything within minutes
• Central I-5 location for north/south travel
• Good schools with solid academic performance
• More affordable than Mill Creek or Mukilteo
• Diverse community with varied restaurants and shops
• Multiple parks and recreational facilities

❌ Trade-Offs:

• Heavy traffic on I-5 and major arterials during rush hours
• Commercial strip development lacks charm or character
• Higher density than other suburbs (more apartments, townhomes)
• Some neighborhoods have higher crime than premium suburbs
• Less small-town community feel than Lake Stevens or Snohomish
• Airplane noise from nearby Paine Field affects some areas

Lynnwood Transit-Oriented Future

The opening of Sound Transit's Lynnwood Link Extension in 2024 fundamentally changes Lynnwood's value proposition. Properties within walking distance of the Lynnwood Transit Center gain legitimate car-free commuting to Seattle, the University of Washington, Sea-Tac Airport, and eventually Everett's downtown when further extensions complete. This positions Lynnwood as an increasingly attractive option for buyers prioritizing transit access and urban convenience over small-town character.

Snohomish: Historic Character and Rural Feel

Snohomish sits southeast of Everett, maintaining its identity as a historic small town despite suburban growth pressure. The downtown area along First Street features dozens of antique shops, local restaurants including The Cabbage Patch Restaurant and Oxford Saloon, and well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The Snohomish Farmers Market operates seasonally, and the city hosts the annual Kla Ha Ya Days festival celebrating logging heritage.

The Snohomish School District serves the community with Snohomish High School and multiple elementary and middle schools known for solid academic performance. The Snohomish Aquatic Center at 516 Second Street provides recreational swimming, and Centennial Trail runs through the city providing walking and biking routes. Equestrian properties are common in surrounding areas, reflecting the community's rural heritage.

Why Snohomish Appeals to Certain Buyers

Snohomish attracts buyers seeking authentic small-town character, rural aesthetics, and space while remaining within commuting distance of Everett and Seattle-area jobs. The historic downtown provides real charm (not manufactured like some planned communities), and the surrounding area offers larger properties, equestrian facilities, and separation from urban intensity. Median prices around $680,000 reflect the community's desirability while remaining below Mill Creek and Mukilteo premiums.

✅ Advantages:

• Authentic historic downtown with antique shops and character
• Rural feel with larger properties available
• Equestrian-friendly areas for horse owners
• Strong community identity and local events
• Good schools with solid performance
• Access to Centennial Trail for recreation
• Less traffic and congestion than I-5 corridor

❌ Trade-Offs:

• 20-25 minute commute to Everett (30-40 to Seattle)
• Limited job opportunities within Snohomish itself
• Fewer dining and entertainment options than cities
• Car dependent—no transit options
• Older homes may require maintenance and updates
• Rural areas have well water and septic systems
• Limited diversity compared to larger communities

Snohomish Property Types

Making Your Suburb Decision: Framework and Priorities

Choosing between Everett suburbs requires honest assessment of what actually matters to you versus what sounds good in theory. Here's how to cut through the noise and make a decision that fits your real life:



Decision Matrix by Priority

The Honest Commute Calculation

Suburb living means commuting—even if it's only 15-20 minutes, that adds 2.5-3.5 hours to your week, 10-15 hours per month, 130-200 hours per year. At $0.67 per mile (IRS rate), a 30-mile daily round-trip commute costs roughly $200/month in gas and vehicle wear before considering time value.

For perspective: If you're saving $150,000 on a home in Marysville versus Mill Creek, but spending $200/month extra on commuting for 7 years (typical homeownership duration), you've spent $16,800 of that savings on transportation. Factor in your hourly earnings and commute time value, and the math gets more complex. Sometimes paying more to live closer makes financial sense when you run the full numbers.

Suburbs vs. Everett City Proper: Key Considerations

When Suburbs Make Sense

Suburbs deliver clear advantages in specific situations: You prioritize school districts above all else and have school-age children who benefit from Mill Creek or Mukilteo programs. You need more space (square footage, yard size, workshop area) than Everett offers at your price point. You value small-town community feel and are willing to commute for it. You want newer construction with modern layouts and systems. You're seeking specific lifestyle amenities like lake access (Lake Stevens) or equestrian properties (Snohomish).

When Everett Proper Makes More Sense

Staying in Everett offers advantages many overlook: Shorter commutes save time and money if you work in Everett, at Boeing Paine Field, or the Port. Urban amenities including walkability, restaurants, cultural events, and waterfront access match or exceed suburbs. You avoid HOA fees that add $200-400/month to suburban costs. Everett's improving neighborhoods offer investment upside as the city continues developing. Transit access (Sounder, Swift, future light rail) provides car-free options suburbs can't match.

If you're weighing premium Everett neighborhoods against suburbs, understanding what you get at the top end of Everett's market helps frame the comparison. Our Luxury Neighborhoods in Everett guide explores Everett's most expensive areas, showing how they compare to suburb offerings at similar price points.

Safety Considerations Across Suburbs

Crime rates vary significantly between suburbs. Mill Creek and Mukilteo consistently rank among Washington's safest communities with very low property and violent crime rates. Lake Stevens and Snohomish maintain small-town safety with minimal serious crime. Lynnwood has higher crime rates than premium suburbs but still safer than many urban areas. Marysville has the highest crime rates among these suburbs, though specific neighborhoods vary widely.

For comparison with Everett's safest areas, our Safest Neighborhoods in Everett guide provides data on crime rates, police response times, and community safety measures, helping you understand whether suburb safety advantages justify the premium or if Everett's top neighborhoods deliver similar security.

Emerging Opportunities in the Suburbs

Several suburbs are experiencing transformation that creates investment opportunities: Lynnwood's light rail opening in 2024 positions properties near stations for significant appreciation. Marysville's continued retail and residential development suggests steady value growth as the city matures. Lake Stevens' downtown revitalization efforts and continued lake-area development support property values. Snohomish's historic preservation and antique district expansion maintain community appeal.

If you're interested in up-and-coming areas with appreciation potential, comparing suburbs against Everett's emerging neighborhoods provides important context. Our Up-and-Coming Areas in Everett guide identifies neighborhoods experiencing transformation similar to what's happening in some suburbs, helping you decide where to invest.

Walkability Reality Check

Let's be honest about walkability: Most suburbs require cars for daily living. Mill Creek's Town Center provides some walkability, but most residents drive. Mukilteo's downtown is walkable but small. Marysville, Lake Stevens, and Snohomish are car-dependent with minimal pedestrian infrastructure. Lynnwood offers the best suburb walkability, especially near the transit center and retail core.



If walkability matters significantly to you, Everett's most walkable neighborhoods likely serve you better than suburbs. Our Walkable Neighborhoods in Everett guide identifies areas where you can genuinely reduce car dependency, comparing walkability scores, transit access, and daily amenity proximity across the city.

The Suburb Life Reality: What No One Mentions

Suburb living includes trade-offs that real estate marketing glosses over but you'll experience daily: You'll drive everywhere—groceries, pharmacy, doctor appointments, kids' activities, social gatherings. Traffic on I-5 and connecting highways creates unpredictable commutes. HOAs in many suburban developments restrict everything from paint colors to RV parking to landscaping choices. Community amenities like pools and parks require HOA dues but may be crowded during peak times. Small-town suburbs offer less cultural diversity in restaurants, shops, and community composition.

Schools may be highly-rated, but larger class sizes in growing suburbs like Marysville can mean less individual attention. "New construction" means builder-grade everything—you're paying premium prices for basic finishes and minimal character. The "safety" premium you're paying partially reflects economic segregation rather than inherent security. Your daily experience matters more than school ratings if you don't have kids in those schools.

Comparing Historic Neighborhoods: Suburbs vs. Everett

If historic character appeals to you, comparing Snohomish's authentic Victorian downtown against Everett's Riverside or Port Gardner neighborhoods helps clarify whether you need to leave the city for that aesthetic. Everett's historic neighborhoods offer similar architecture and mature landscaping with shorter commutes and better urban amenities. Our Port Gardner vs Boulevard Bluffs: Comparison explores two of Everett's most established historic areas, providing context for how they stack up against suburb alternatives.

Making the Move: Suburb or City?

You've weighed the options, run the numbers, and identified your priorities. Whether you're choosing a suburb for its specific advantages or staying in Everett for its urban benefits, making the physical move efficiently matters. Different communities present different logistical challenges—from Mill Creek's HOA move-in restrictions to Mukilteo's narrow waterfront streets to Snohomish's rural driveways to Everett's urban parking situations.

Affordable Movers, LLC understands both Everett and surrounding suburbs—we've navigated Mill Creek's winding residential streets, managed Mukilteo waterfront access challenges, handled Marysville's developing areas, worked around Lake Stevens' lake-area traffic, dealt with Lynnwood's apartment complex logistics, and accessed Snohomish's rural properties. Whether you're moving to a suburb or staying in Everett, we handle the details so you can focus on settling into your new community. When you're ready to make your move, we're ready to help you get there.