Relocating - Everett and Edmonds? (Seattle, Bellingham: crime, home, living in)

[ElphinKnight]

Hello, new here. My soon-to-be-wife and I are considering moving to Puget Sound, and while we would love to live on an island, we also want to start a business soon after we arrive and would like a much larger economic base than the island towns afford. Seattle itself seems too pricey and too congested. Also, we like cities but want something not as large as Seattle; perhaps someplace where a single-family home with a small back yard is affordable. We are in our early 30's, I have a Master's degree and she will soon finish a professional degree in dietetics.

Having said that, we have done a lot of research, and Everett and Edmonds seem like a good fit. It looks from the stats that the areas north of Seattle are a little less rainy, which I prefer. The populations look about right, and they seem to have enough economic base in their own right to support businesses while offering bigger opportunities in Seattle when the time arrives.

What can anyone tell us about the difference between the two? What are the characters of each? I know they're right next to eachother.... but there have to be some differences. What else would anyone suggest?

Thank you!!! - Brandon

[scirocco22]

Hi Brandon. IMO, I'd pick Edmonds. Everett is much bigger and with it comes horrible traffic congestion (look at I-5 going through Everett even at 2:00 PM, it's backed up even that early in the afternoon!), much worse crime stats and a generally dirtier and less attactive place than smaller Edmonds (--sorry folks living in Everett!).

I wouldn't discount places on islands, though. Take a look at Whidbey or Bainbridge. Both have relatively large population bases. Or were you talking about smaller islands such as the San Juans?

--'rocco

[ElphinKnight]

How about Bremerton or Mt Vernon areas? Bremerton seems to get more rain than even Seattle, however....

We're pretty open to some ideas. My fiance' has relatives in Friday Harbor, but that is far too small and too expensive to move to, at this point. Bellingham seems overrun with retirees and home prices appear quite high.

Suggestions? Opinions?
Thank you!

[mayfair]

Both Edmonds and Everett are in the "convergence zone"- which means they often get more extreme weather than Seattle. Also, snow falls in the convergence zone at times when Seattle is bare and dry.

Something to consider. Edmonds is nicer than Everett in general- it has beautiful beaches and a nice waterfront with a ferry dock and long walking trail past a scenic marina. It's not a "working waterfront" like Seattle or Everett so it's peaceful.

[jwb123]

I have to agree with the poster above me, 100%.

[AppleButter]

I agree with everything that has been said. However, Edmonds is quite a bit pricier than Everett. If you do look in Everett, be sure to stay in South Everett, esp SE Everett. The Silver Lake area is pretty nice and you are South enough that you don't have to deal with most of the traffic.

[Aquajox]

Having lived in Snohomish County for 32 years, I agree with everybody's assessment. Mukilteo is also a good place to consider if you like Edmonds. I also like Lynnwood much better than South Everett, but Silver lake better than Lynnwood.

[jwb123]

I would look elsewhere over Lynnwood or SE Everett.

[Aquajox]

Originally Posted by Jenbar

I would look elsewhere over Lynnwood or SE Everett.

Funny, I knew Jenbar would jump all over Lynnwood as soon as I mentioned it, like she has in other threads. She did not live in Snohomish County long enough to know any better, and I don't think she got out of Mill Creek/Bothell much. Lynnwood is fine. Look at the stats, very safe, has everything you need at your fingertips (restaurants, shopping...) and great access to anywhere you want to go. It should definately be on your list along with Edmonds and South Everett. Here's the numbers:

http://www.moving.com/find_a_place/c....asp?Zip=98037

[jwb123]

I lived in Sno County for 3 years (10 yrs total for Western WA, lived in Seattle, Redmond & Issaquah), and yes - we got out of Mill Creek/Bothell as much as we possibly could (mainly INTO Seattle and/or Redmond). Lynnwood and Everett are depressing.