Everett area move from san diego (Seattle, Edmonds: real estate, rental, how much)

[mom2khh]

We are moving in the summer of 09 to the everett area. Our most important issue is schools (we have an elem, middle and high schooler). What would be the best location as far as schools but without too much of a commute to the base in Everett. We would need a 4 bedroom home in a good town too.
Thank you

[Phoebe123]

Oh gawd, why would you want to move to Everett?? It's very crappy. Consider going a little further south to Bothell, Mill Creek or Edmonds. Nicer towns. Everett is like the opposite of San Diego.

[DawnR]

Hi Mom,

I live in south Everett on the border of Mill Creek and I will tell you Everett has an undesirable stigma even though it has cleaned up quite a bit. Parts of Everett are decent and some are rough. If all you're concerned with is the commute to the base and good schools, then I would look at Lake Stevens. Their schools are very good and the commute to the base will be easy. One thing to note, not all homes in Lake Stevens are in the Lake Stevens school district so make sure you find out before making your final decision. Another excellent school district is Northshore which is located in the city of Bothell. Bothell will be a further commute to the base and housing will be much more expensive than Lake Stevens. Parts of the Everett School District are good it just depends on where you are. Lastly, there is Marysville. Housing is cheaper up there and the commute to the base will still be easy but I haven't heard great things about the school district.

The Commissary and Exchange are in Marysville (my husband is retired Navy) and would be an easy drive from Lake Stevens, as well.

I hope that helps. If you have more questions, I'd be happy to help, I'm familiar with base services and I work in real estate so I should be able to point you in the right direction.

[mom2khh]

we are thinking Marysville, would need a 4 bedroom, wondering about how much that runs?? We will only be there for 1 1/2 - 2 years so dont want to commit to owning...just renting.
ANY info about the area would be great. We have heard its a lot like germany (we just came from there) and gorgeous.
As far as schools go, Im READY for a change. I have to drive my kids to and from school here in traffic that is STUPID, I get no sense of "community feel" at all. Im happy to be moving to WASHINGTON! I will however, miss the weather here! LOL
Thank you
Stephanie Littlefield

[DawnR]

Hi Stephanie,

I agree, renting would be best. I don't specialize in rental property BUT I do know that the best place to locate a rental is on Craig's List. Most Landlords (including properties managed by agents) use that site heavily and most of my Navy relo's have had great luck with it. Most of the landlords up here like renting to military families too. When you go to Craig's List, click on WA, then Seattle. Go into Housing/Apts. and then at the top type in the city you're interested in. That's going to be your best bet.

Well up in Marysville, you won't really have to worry about traffic too much. Sometimes on weekends the Seattle Premium Outlet Mall is packed but that's about the extent of it. They also have a new shopping mall (near the commissary & exchange) with Petsmart, Kohls, some fast food, etc.

You'll like the summers up here, they're really nice. Winter's are cooler but they are still very mild, just not as great as SD :-). Here are a few links about the area:

Snohomish County Tourism Bureau - great for getting a flavor for each city.

Marysville Chamber of Commerce - To order a relocation package

Seattle Premium Outlets - A huge outlet mall is located in Marysville on the Tulalip Indian Reservation.

Tulalip Casino - The county's largest resort casino.

The Outback Petting Zoo - Arlington is a few miles north but they have a neat petting zoo for the younger kids.

Smokey Point Commissary - The commissary is located in Smokey Point Support Complex. It includes a gas station, NEX, NFCU, Navy Lodge, Housing, Thrift Store, etc. It is located off-base but ID is required to shop.

I have a friend that lives in Lake Stevens that belongs to a Mom's group and it's been a great support group for her. If that's something you think you may be interested in, I can get their information and pass it along.

[MunchiesMommie]

I would advise against Marysville, for the schooling issues alone.

I'm in Lake Stevens, we moved here from Snohomish about 6 years ago. I like it alright, I definitely think it's the best option in the county, but it has it's own undesirables too IMO.