Walkable Neighborhoods in Everett, WA: Where You Can Actually Walk

Downtown/Waterfront District: Everett's Most Walkable Area

Downtown Everett along Hewitt Avenue and the waterfront provides the city's strongest walkability. Restaurants, breweries, Everett Marina, Grand Avenue Park, and the waterfront trail create genuine pedestrian destinations. Residential options include apartments, condos, and lofts ($1,800-$2,800/month rent, $350,000-$650,000 purchase). Sound Transit's Everett Station provides Seattle access without driving.



Downtown Walking Distance (5-10 Minutes)

• Hewitt Avenue dining—15+ restaurants including Lombardi's Italian, Scuttlebutt Brewing, Narrative Coffee
• Everett Marina—largest public marina on West Coast, waterfront access
• Grand Avenue Park—waterfront park, pier, views of Port Gardner Bay
• Waterfront trail—3+ miles connecting downtown to north Everett, Port Gardner
• Sound Transit station—30-40 minute train to Seattle, bus connections throughout county
• Everett Public Library—workspace, events, community programming

✅ Downtown Walkability Advantages

• ✅ True urban walkability—restaurants, waterfront, entertainment within blocks
• ✅ Transit access—Sound Transit enables car-free Seattle commutes
• ✅ Waterfront recreation—marina, parks, trail accessible on foot
• ✅ Events and programming—farmers market, concerts, festivals downtown
• ✅ Young Professional Areas in Everett—apartments, nightlife, urban lifestyle

❌ Downtown Limitations

• ❌ Limited grocery options—Safeway walkable but 10-15 minutes, not daily-convenient
• ❌ Parking challenges—street parking competitive, garage fees for some buildings
• ❌ Urban noise—train horns, traffic, nightlife audible in residential units
• ❌ Homeless services nearby—visible homelessness higher than suburban areas

Port Gardner: Historic Neighborhood Walkability

Living in Port Gardner: Complete Guide explores this waterfront neighborhood in detail. Victorian and Craftsman homes ($500,000-$900,000) sit within 10-15 minute walks of downtown while maintaining residential character. The waterfront trail runs through the neighborhood, providing car-free access to marina and downtown. Sidewalk coverage good, though hills on some streets.

Port Gardner Walkability Features

✅ Port Gardner Benefits

• ✅ Residential character—quieter than downtown, family-friendly streets
• ✅ Trail access—waterfront path for recreation and commuting
• ✅ Historic charm—architectural character while maintaining walkability
• ✅ Home ownership—single-family options versus downtown apartments



❌ Port Gardner Trade-Offs

• ❌ Hills—some streets steep, challenging in rain/ice
• ❌ Distance from groceries—Safeway 15-20 minute walk, most residents drive
• ❌ Limited commercial—walk to downtown for dining, no neighborhood retail
• ❌ Older homes—maintenance more intensive than new construction

Evergreen Way Corridor: Transit-Oriented Walkability

Evergreen Way near Everett Mall offers different walkability—retail density and transit access rather than urban charm. Community Transit and Sound Transit routes converge here, and Everett Mall, Target, restaurants cluster within walking distance. Housing includes apartments ($1,400-$2,200/month) and condos ($250,000-$400,000). Less scenic than waterfront but more affordable with strong transit connections.

Evergreen Way Walkable Features

• Everett Mall—anchor retail, dining, services within 5-15 minute walk
• Grocery options—WinCo, Asian markets, multiple stores accessible
• Transit hub—frequent buses to Seattle, Boeing, regional destinations
• Restaurant density—chain dining, ethnic restaurants, fast food clustered
• Affordable housing—lower rent/purchase prices than downtown or Port Gardner

✅ Evergreen Way Advantages

• ✅ Transit access—frequent buses enable car-free or car-light lifestyle
• ✅ Retail walkability—groceries, Target, mall accessible on foot
• ✅ Affordability—20-30% lower housing costs than downtown
• ✅ Practical errands—walk for shopping versus just recreation

❌ Evergreen Way Limitations

• ❌ Suburban aesthetics—parking lots, strip malls, not charming urban environment
• ❌ Traffic noise—Evergreen Way busy arterial, constant vehicle noise
• ❌ Limited recreation—no waterfront, parks require driving or long walks
• ❌ Less community—commercial corridor feel versus neighborhood identity

What You Can't Walk To in Everett

Even Everett's most walkable neighborhoods require cars for many activities:

Always Requires Driving

• Boeing commute—Everett factory requires driving unless living directly on bus route
• Costco, big-box retail—major shopping centers not walkable from residential areas
• Healthcare—Providence Regional Medical Center, clinics require vehicles
• Children's activities—schools, sports, lessons spread across city
• North/South Everett—city's linear geography means long distances between neighborhoods

Seasonal Walkability: Rain Reality

Pacific Northwest weather dramatically affects walking patterns:

Monthly Walking Patterns

• May-September (dry season): Pleasant walking weather, residents use walkability regularly. Maximum value these 5 months.
• October-April (rainy season): Frequent rain (10-15 days monthly) discourages walking. Residents drive more despite walkable locations.
• November-February (wettest months): Rain plus early darkness (4:30 PM sunset) means minimal walking beyond essential trips.

Walkability delivers benefits 5-6 months intensely, 6-7 months moderately. Rain gear helps but doesn't eliminate the preference to drive during extended wet periods.

Comparing Everett Walkability to Nearby Options

Everett offers moderate walkability at 40-60% lower housing costs than walkable Seattle neighborhoods. Trade-off: less density, fewer destinations, but Sound Transit enables Seattle access without living there.



Walkability for Different Buyer Profiles

Young Professionals

Downtown Everett works well—walk to restaurants, bars, waterfront. Sound Transit enables Seattle commutes without car (30-40 minutes). See Young Professional Areas in Everett for comprehensive details. Rain affects enthusiasm but transit access compensates.

Families

Port Gardner balances walkability with family needs—single-family homes, quieter streets, trail access for kids. However, most family errands (groceries, school, activities) still require driving. Best Family Neighborhoods in Everett typically prioritize schools and safety over walkability.

Empty Nesters and Retirees

Downtown condos or Port Gardner homes appeal—walkable restaurants, waterfront recreation, less maintenance than larger suburban homes. Medical appointments still require driving, but daily life can involve significant walking.

Boeing Employees

Factory shifts and campus locations make walking impractical for work commutes. However, living in walkable neighborhoods provides after-work and weekend walking destinations. Most Boeing employees drive to work regardless of neighborhood walkability.

Decision Framework: Is Walkability Worth It?

Choose Walkable Neighborhoods If You:

• Commute to Seattle via Sound Transit—walkability to station essential
• Value waterfront recreation—Port Gardner trail access, marina walks
• Enjoy urban lifestyle—restaurants, bars, events on foot
• Accept rain limitations—will walk 5-6 months, drive 6-7 months annually
• Prioritize lower car dependence—one car household or car-free possible

Skip Walkability Premiums If You:

• Work at Boeing—driving required regardless of neighborhood
• Have children—school, activities, errands require vehicles anyway
• Rain-averse—won't walk in Pacific Northwest wet season
• Prioritize space over location—see Most Affordable Areas in Everett
• Want newer construction—walkable areas primarily older housing stock

Testing Walkability Before Buying

Visit personally rather than trusting Walk Scores:

• Walk routes in rain—test in December/January, not sunny July
• Count actual destinations—sufficient restaurants/shops for regular use?
• Check sidewalk quality—gaps, steep hills, drainage issues?
• Test transit commute—Sound Transit schedule feasible for your work hours?
• Visit different times—weekday evening, weekend morning, assess comfort levels

Working with Affordable Movers, LLC

Whether relocating to walkable downtown apartments, moving to Port Gardner historic homes, or settling near Evergreen Way transit corridor, Affordable Movers, LLC understands Everett's diverse neighborhoods. We navigate downtown parking restrictions, coordinate with City of Everett for permits in historic districts, and manage moves into buildings with elevator scheduling and loading zone requirements.

Our team knows which walkable areas have access challenges, which streets require special parking coordination, and how to efficiently handle urban moves where limited street parking and pedestrian activity create logistics considerations. We ensure smooth relocations whether you're moving from Seattle, within Everett, or from out of state to join the region's aerospace and tech employers.