Up-and-Coming Areas in Everett, WA: 5 Neighborhoods to Watch in 2025

Downtown Everett: The Waterfront Revival

Downtown Everett is undergoing the most visible transformation of any neighborhood in the city. The waterfront along West Marine View Drive is seeing significant investment, with new apartments, the renovated Schack Art Center at 2921 Hoyt Avenue, and an expanding brewery and restaurant scene that includes Scuttlebutt Brewing Company and Anthony's HomePort.

The City of Everett has invested heavily in streetscape improvements along Hewitt Avenue and Colby Avenue, making the downtown core more pedestrian-friendly. The Everett Public Library at 2702 Hoyt Avenue serves as a community anchor, and the Everett Farmers Market (Sundays, May-October at Wetmore Avenue) draws crowds throughout the warmer months.

What Makes Downtown Up-and-Coming

Real momentum here: The Waterfront Place development is adding 200+ residential units, new ground-floor retail is filling vacant storefronts along Hewitt Avenue, and Community Transit's Swift Green Line provides rapid transit connections. Property values have risen 22% in the past three years, but you're still buying at a fraction of Seattle waterfront prices.

✅ Advantages:

• Genuine walkability with restaurants, shops, services within blocks
• Waterfront access and views without Seattle pricing
• Strong transit connections (Sounder train, Community Transit)
• Active nightlife and cultural scene developing
• City investment in public spaces and infrastructure

❌ Trade-Offs:

• Urban environment means street noise and limited parking
• Some blocks still have vacant storefronts
• Homelessness visible in certain areas
• Property taxes rising as values increase
• Limited single-family home options (mostly condos/apartments)

Who Should Consider Downtown Everett

Best fit: Young professionals who want walkability without Seattle prices, empty nesters downsizing from suburban homes, commuters who value Sounder train access to Seattle or Bellevue.

Not ideal for: Families needing yards and quiet streets, anyone who prioritizes privacy and space over urban amenities, buyers who can't tolerate construction and ongoing change. If family-friendly neighborhoods are more your priority, explore our guide to Best Family Neighborhoods in Everett.

Riverside: Historic Charm Meeting Modern Investment

Riverside sits just east of Downtown Everett, bounded roughly by Broadway to the west and the Snohomish River to the east. This neighborhood features Craftsman and early-20th-century homes on tree-lined streets like Summit Avenue, Pacific Avenue, and Rucker Avenue. Walter E. Hall Park provides green space and river access, while American Legion Memorial Park offers sports fields and playgrounds.

What's changing: Long-time homeowners are selling, and buyers are renovating these historic properties. New businesses are opening along Broadway, including coffee shops like Narrative Coffee and local eateries. The neighborhood's walkability to downtown combined with quieter residential streets creates appeal for buyers priced out of Port Gardner.

The Riverside Opportunity

Riverside offers character that newer developments can't replicate—original hardwood floors, built-in details, established trees—at prices still below $500,000 for many properties. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown (10-minute walk) and access to parks positions it well as downtown continues to improve. If you're comparing established neighborhoods with character, see our Port Gardner vs Boulevard Bluffs: Comparison for insights into how historic areas stack up.

Riverside 3-Year Outlook

✅ Advantages:

• Historic homes with character and craftsmanship
• Established trees and mature landscaping
• Walking distance to downtown amenities
• River and park access for outdoor activities
• Strong sense of community and neighborhood identity
• 

❌ Trade-Offs:

• Older homes often need updates and maintenance
• Some properties require significant renovation investment
• Street parking can be tight on popular blocks
• Property values rising quickly (affordability window closing)
• Mix of renovated and unrenovated homes creates uneven appearance

Delta: The Affordable Entry Point with Potential

Delta sits in south Everett, roughly bounded by 52nd Street SE to the north, Highway 99 to the west, and 112th Street SE to the south. This working-class neighborhood has historically been one of Everett's most affordable areas, with proximity to Boeing's massive Paine Field complex providing employment stability.

Recent improvements include the new Delta Park at 4408 Rucker Avenue, upgraded sidewalks along stretches of Rucker Avenue and Evergreen Way, and community programs through the Everett School District's Delta High School. Local shopping along Highway 99 includes grocery options at WinCo Foods and various service businesses.

Why Delta Is Gaining Attention

Let's be honest: Delta isn't polished. But median home prices under $400,000 in the Everett market make it the most accessible entry point for first-time buyers and investors. The neighborhood's proximity to Boeing employment, ongoing city investment in parks and infrastructure, and the simple math that Delta is one of the few remaining affordable options position it for gradual appreciation as other neighborhoods become increasingly expensive.

For buyers balancing budget constraints with investment potential, exploring our guide to Most Affordable Areas in Everett provides comprehensive comparisons across all price-conscious neighborhoods, helping you understand where Delta fits in the affordability spectrum.

✅ Advantages:

• Most affordable home prices in Everett proper
• Close proximity to Boeing and major employers
• New park and infrastructure improvements
• Strong potential for value appreciation
• Larger lots than many newer developments

❌ Trade-Offs:

• Higher crime rates than north Everett neighborhoods
• Limited dining and entertainment options
• Commercial corridors need significant revitalization
• Slower transformation timeline (3-5 years minimum)
• Schools have lower test scores than district average

The Delta Investment Calculation

Here's the trade-off clearly: You're buying affordability and future potential at the cost of current amenities and neighborhood polish. If you need a safe, established neighborhood immediately, Delta isn't your best choice—consider exploring our Safest Neighborhoods in Everett instead. But if you can handle a longer investment horizon and are comfortable in a grittier environment while improvements happen gradually, Delta offers the lowest entry price with legitimate upside potential.

Evergreen Way Corridor: Redevelopment in Progress

The Evergreen Way corridor runs north-south through central Everett, historically characterized by mid-century commercial strips, older apartment complexes, and aging retail. What's changing: The Community Transit Swift Orange Line (opening 2025) will provide rapid bus service along Evergreen Way from Everett Station to the Mill Creek area, spurring redevelopment interest.

Multiple mixed-use projects are planned or under construction along Evergreen Way between 41st Street and 128th Street SW. These developments will replace older strip malls and underutilized parking lots with apartments, ground-floor retail, and improved pedestrian infrastructure. The corridor's central location provides access to both north Everett employment and connections to I-5 and Highway 99.

The Corridor's Transformation Timeline

This is a 5-10 year play. Current property values remain relatively low ($390,000 median) because you're buying into vision rather than current reality. The Swift Orange Line represents significant infrastructure investment by Community Transit, signaling that this corridor has regional importance. As transit-oriented development happens, properties within walking distance of Swift stations will likely see the strongest appreciation.

Evergreen Way Planned Improvements

✅ Advantages:

• Major transit investment creating long-term value
• Central location with freeway access
• Multiple redevelopment projects underway or planned
• Still relatively affordable compared to established areas
• High upside potential if corridor develops as planned



❌ Trade-Offs:

• Longest transformation timeline (5-10 years)
• Currently lacks walkable amenities and character
• Redevelopment success depends on multiple projects completing
• Heavy traffic on Evergreen Way during commute hours
• Higher risk than neighborhoods already showing momentum

Who Should Consider Evergreen Way Corridor

Best fit: Investors with longer time horizons, transit-oriented buyers who value bus rapid transit, buyers who prioritize location and access over current neighborhood character.

Skip if: You need amenities and walkability immediately, you're risk-averse about neighborhood development, you want a traditional residential feel rather than an urban corridor.

South Forest Park: The Family-Friendly Emerging Area

South Forest Park occupies the area roughly bounded by 128th Street SW to the north, Highway 99 to the west, and the Mukilteo city limits to the south. This residential neighborhood features primarily single-family homes built from the 1960s through 1990s, with mature trees and established landscaping creating a suburban feel.

The neighborhood serves families well with Everett School District schools including Silver Firs Elementary and Endeavour Elementary, Forest Park Pool and Park providing summer recreation at 802 Mukilteo Boulevard, and quick access to both Highway 99 retail and I-5 for commuting. Local shopping centers along Highway 99 include Fred Meyer, Target, and various restaurants.

Why South Forest Park Is Emerging Now

As Port Gardner, Boulevard Bluffs, and other established north Everett neighborhoods push past $600,000-700,000 median prices, families are looking south for better value. South Forest Park offers good schools, safe streets, and a suburban lifestyle at prices typically $150,000-200,000 below comparable properties in north Everett. The neighborhood is seeing steady renovation activity as original owners sell and younger families move in.

If schools and family amenities are your primary concern, our comprehensive guide to Best Family Neighborhoods in Everett compares South Forest Park with other family-focused areas across price points, helping you make an informed decision about which neighborhood best fits your family's needs and budget.

✅ Advantages:

• Solid schools and family-friendly environment
• Suburban feel with yards and quiet streets
• Mature landscaping and established neighborhood character
• Good value compared to north Everett alternatives
• Access to Forest Park Pool and recreation facilities

❌ Trade-Offs:

• Further from downtown Everett and urban amenities
• Homes typically need updates (1960s-90s vintage)
• Limited walkability to restaurants and shops
• Highway 99 corridor lacks character and charm
• Commute times longer to Seattle or Bellevue

The South Forest Park Value Proposition

This neighborhood won't give you urban excitement or historic charm, but it delivers on practical family living at accessible prices. As north Everett becomes increasingly expensive, South Forest Park represents a rational alternative—trading location and walkability for affordability, good schools, and a traditional suburban environment.

The appreciation potential here is steadier and more predictable than riskier emerging areas, driven by simple affordability pressure as buyers get pushed south from pricier neighborhoods.

Making Your Decision: Which Up-and-Coming Area Fits Your Goals

Choosing an up-and-coming neighborhood requires honest assessment of your timeline, risk tolerance, and lifestyle priorities. Here's how to think through your decision:

Decision Framework by Priority

Risk-Tolerance Assessment

Conservative buyers (need current amenities, shorter timeline): Downtown Everett offers the lowest risk with momentum already clearly established. You're paying more now but getting a neighborhood that's already transforming rather than betting on future change.

Moderate risk tolerance (can wait 2-4 years, some current challenges OK): Riverside and South Forest Park provide balance—clear positive indicators with more affordable entry than established neighborhoods, but requiring patience for full appreciation.

Higher risk tolerance (5+ year timeline, comfortable with uncertainty): Delta and Evergreen Way Corridor offer the highest upside potential if development happens as planned, but also the highest risk if economic conditions change or planned improvements stall.

Practical Considerations Before You Buy

Research Steps You Must Take

Beyond price and appreciation potential, successful up-and-coming neighborhood purchases require homework:

• Walk the neighborhood at different times – Visit evenings and weekends, not just weekday afternoons. See the actual street life and activity patterns.
• Check crime statistics – The Everett Police Department provides neighborhood crime data. Compare your target area against city averages.
• Verify planned developments – City planning documents and permits are public record. Confirm that projects you're counting on actually have approvals and funding.
• Talk to current residents – Knock on doors or attend neighborhood association meetings. Get unfiltered opinions about what's actually happening.
• Understand your renovation costs – Older homes in emerging areas often need work. Get realistic contractor quotes before you commit.

The Honest Trade-Offs of Up-and-Coming Areas

These neighborhoods aren't fully developed yet—that's why they're opportunities. You'll likely experience construction noise, inconsistent property maintenance across neighbors, limited local retail and dining until businesses catch up with residential growth, property tax increases as values rise, and potential disappointment if development timelines extend or plans change. If you need everything perfect immediately, you should be looking at established neighborhoods instead. Consider our guide to Luxury Neighborhoods in Everett if you prioritize current polish over future potential.

Beyond City Limits: Everett Suburbs Worth Considering

If Everett's up-and-coming neighborhoods don't quite fit your needs, nearby communities offer different trade-offs. Mill Creek to the south provides newer construction and highly-rated schools at higher price points, Mukilteo to the west offers waterfront access and excellent schools with premium pricing, Marysville to the north delivers more space and affordability with longer commutes, and Lake Stevens to the east provides a small-town feel with growing amenities. Our Everett Suburbs Guide provides comprehensive coverage of these surrounding communities, helping you understand how they compare to Everett proper for your specific needs.



Finding Walkable Living in Everett

If walkability is your top priority beyond just "up-and-coming" status, Downtown Everett clearly leads, but understanding how all Everett neighborhoods compare on pedestrian access, transit connections, and daily amenity proximity can refine your search. Our detailed guide to Walkable Neighborhoods in Everett breaks down walkability scores, transit access, and pedestrian infrastructure across the entire city, helping you balance emerging area potential with car-free living practicality.

Living in Everett's Established Waterfront Neighborhood

While this guide focuses on emerging areas, understanding what a fully-developed, desirable Everett neighborhood looks like provides context for up-and-coming area potential. Port Gardner represents Everett's most established waterfront neighborhood, with the amenities, property values, and neighborhood character that emerging areas aspire to achieve. Our complete Living in Port Gardner: Complete Guide explores what you get when you pay premium prices, helping you decide whether buying into an established area or betting on an emerging neighborhood makes more sense for your situation.

Moving to Your Up-and-Coming Neighborhood

You've researched Everett's emerging areas, identified your best-fit neighborhood, and are ready to make your move. Whether you're relocating from another city or moving within the Everett area to position yourself in a neighborhood with growth potential, having local moving expertise makes the transition smoother.

Affordable Movers, LLC understands Everett neighborhoods—from navigating Downtown Everett's tight parking situations to accessing Riverside's narrow historic streets to managing moves in developing areas where construction may impact access. We handle the logistics so you can focus on settling into your new neighborhood and being part of its transformation. When you're ready to make your move to Everett's next great neighborhood, we're ready to help you get there.