Looking for info on Everett, Mukilteo, Mill Valley, Clinton, Langley (Seattle: real estate, apartment complex)

[Art Vandelay]

I have accepted a job in South Everett, and could use help in deciding where to live. I have only been to Seattle and Bellingham once (if being a tourist counts!) and I absolutely love the nature there. I have been reading through the related threads and have found a good deal of information. Unfortunately, I have not yet found much positive about Everett so far. As a result, I am considering surrounding areas to rent (for a few months) and then to buy a home (<$350K).

I am looking for information about housing, traffic, crime, politics, and public transportation in the surrounding communities, namely Mukilteo, Mill Valley, or any other place within 10 miles of South Everett that you might recommend. I am single, don't particularly care for bars etc., enjoy nature, would like to be near bike/hike trails, kayaking, etc.

I do not mind taking the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry to work. In fact, I rather like the idea (call me crazy!). Is it practical though? What is Clinton and Langley like?

Sorry to be all over the place with my questions. I will appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks a lot.

[the dufferz]

Art,

While there are a few places in Everett that are OK, all in all, what you hear is about right. If you are in a squeeze and need to find something close to work, there are some nice apts in south everett off of 128th.

Mukilteo is a very nice place. If you find someplace to rent there you will probably like it. Buying for less than $350K in Mukilteo... not likely.

Clinton - the ferry ride is nice, but I guarantee that it will get old, time consuming and expensive (not to mention setting your lifestyle based on the ferry schedule). I am not sure about rental capabilities, but you should be able to find housing in that range.

Mill Creek (Mill valley?) is nice, good mix of rental and homes. You can get a 1000-1500 sq. ft. home there for around $350K.

Lynnwood (directly south of south everett). Not a ton better than everett, a little better reputation, rentals and houses available in your price range.

Crime - higher in Everett and Lynnwood, lower in Mill Creek and Mukilteo, probably very low in Clinton but I am not sure. Property crime in Washington is higher than most areas, violent crimes are in the middle of the pack (of the other 49 states).

Clinton/Langley

Whidbey Island is the largest Island on the lower 48 states. The Clinton Langley end of the Island is typically quiet with sparse homes and a lot of open land.

[niguel2000]

Everett real estate is about to explode more so than the surrounding areas in my opinion. Finding a home for 350 is not unlikely and you would be buying in a rapidly appreciating area. I just bought my home in S Everett for 330,000 one month ago and it has since been appraised for 370,000. From a financial stand point, I would definitely look towards everett.

[Art Vandelay]

"niguel2000" and "the dufferz": Thank you very much to both of you for your advice!

I was considering the Island county so I wouldn't have to drive: ferry ride to Mukilteo and a bus to Boeing Everett. The more I think about it though, the more I don't like the idea of "setting my lifestyle based on the ferry schedule".

At the risk of asking the wrong question: how is the public transportation if I were to live in Seattle and work in Everett? Train and Ferry are my thing, Bus is not!

I am probably going to look for a rental in Mukilteo for a few months... it seems there are a couple of apartment complex not too far from Boeing. Any other recommendation?

[niguel2000]

Hi Art. I know of a private duplex being rented in Lynnwood on 164th street. I think he told me it was like 2 bed 1 bath and kind of private for 1200/month. Its about 10 min driving distance from boeing. I actually basically live 10 min walking distance from boeing in everett and the property will be annexed into mukilteo soon. I was toying with the idea of offering a rent to own on my own property but it's a brand new house built last month and im starting to really get attached to the place as my home. I have not abbandoned the idea yet though. I can give you info on that rental if you want though.

[Art Vandelay]

Thanks. I am not planning to buy a place for a few more months, not until I become familiar with the area.

[niguel2000]

I was actually implying my buddies rental unit. I think I am pretty solid on keeping my house but the appartments around mukilteo are good. You will find an appartment for about 950 per month in a good area. Good luck