Move to Woodinville, Bothell or Mukilteo with Kids (Seattle, Everett: houses, neighborhood)

[Socalnow]

We are relocating from Southern California to the Seattle area (Boeing Everett) within the next few months and are trying to settle on an area. We have 3 kids (2 elementary school, 1 Junior High) and are looking for the usual- great schools, friendly community, etc. We've narrowed it down to Woodinville (either Hollywood Hill or Wellington schools), Bothell (Northshore District) and possibly the Harbor Pointe area of Mukilteo. I've searched through "Great Schools" and what I can find on the internet, but wondered if anyone had any "insider" thoughts on the benefits and drawbacks of these areas/schools. Also considering that we will be there for the long haul, we want to include the High Schools in our figuring. Thanks!

[Seacove]

We live in Woodinville and love it but for Boeing Everett I would recommend Mukilteo Harbor Point.

[Socalnow]

Thanks, Seacove. Because of the commute? Do you know of any disadvantages of living at Harbor Pointe?

[angelenogirl]

Mukilteo. It's gorgeous and the commute will be cake. The schools are good, too.

[BellevueNative]

My husband is an engineer at Boeing, so when we moved up here to the north end we were choosing between Mukilteo (we didn't limit ourselves to Harbour Point, though...Goat Trail loop has nice homes with killer views, too) and Mill Creek. Both towns are very popular with Boeing employees, both have access to convenient shopping (though Mill Creek has more in the way of restaurants), both have good schools. I know you didn't ask about Mill Creek, but I would recommend it. It's where we chose.

Bothell and Woodinville are nice, too. Woodinville definitely has more of a country feel, large lots, septic systems. Bothell is going through a bit of a transformation right now in its old downtown, the part that is considered a little more desirable. It is a very spread out city with many parts actually unincorporated. Woodinville will soon begin some major development projects in its downtown and also in the Hollywood wine area, so traffic is going to get a little hairy.

[RVD90277]

I'm in Woodinville (Hollywood Hill) and it's nice. It's pretty different from where I used to live in SoCal but I like it...large lots so neighbors aren't right up against your house, schools are good, etc.

[Garfunkle524]

Woodinville would be great for the age of your family. My wife and I are in Cottage Lake and we've found most families in the area are a bit older than us: young kids rather than young couples just starting out. It's likely because there's pricy houses in some areas here so the concentration of people just starting out in life is relatively small.

We're a good 10 minutes from the town center so can't really help you there, but we love our neighborhood!

[Ira500]

Originally Posted by angelenogirl

Mukilteo. It's gorgeous and the commute will be cake. The schools are good, too.

But what is the OP doesn't like cake? If somebody told me the commute would be "cake" I'd say " eww" and flee.
But of course I agree with you. Mukilteo is pretty. The schools are good. And the commute to Boeing Everett will be easy as pie.

[Garfunkle524]

Originally Posted by Ira500

But what is the OP doesn't like cake? If somebody told me the commute would be "cake" I'd say " eww" and flee.
But of course I agree with you. Mukilteo is pretty. The schools are good. And the commute to Boeing Everett will be easy as pie.

I'd definitely prefer a pie-based commute to a cake-based one. I'm with you Ira.

[BellevueNative]

I think MUK is a no-brainer, but it can be challenging when it comes to inventory. So, OP, I think any of these options are good ones and would give your husband a good commute in addition to other amenities. They are *very* different when it comes to neighborhood styles. Your pull to Harbour Point is what made me suggest Mill Creek, also, as those communities were built by the same builders. Although Mill Creek is in the Everett SD, which can be hit or miss, the Mill Creek schools are very good (including at least one elem. school that is one of the highest performing in the state).