king county vs. snohomish county (Seattle, Everett: real estate market, to rent, house)

[gardengirl87]

My husband is being offered a transfer to Seattle area. Bothell and Woodinville have been suggested as good starting points for househunting. These areas seem close to county lines. From past experience we have chosen present county on the basis of taxes, services, etc. Wondering if there is a big difference between living in King County vs Snohomish County. We will begin our house hunt in the fall. Thanks for any info you can provide.

[Inkpoe]

The traditional dividing line of the counties is the 205th St. Bothell is the more developed area than Woodinville. Some parts of Woodinville is prone to flooding. Woodinville is in the Northshore school district whereas most of Bothell is in the same SD, but have parts that are in the Everett SD.

Services is essentially the same. Snohomish property taxes is a bit cheaper than King. One county may have a burn ban while the other doesn't. Not really a huge set of differences really. Except, you mention your husband works in the "Seattle area" (which is where exactly?)... obviously, the further north you go-- the more traffic you'll have to deal with.

[gardengirl87]

Initially he will be working in Renton, and ultimately will be working in Everett. We understand the traffic issue is a factor (he drove from Everett to Renton daily while there this winter for 2 weeks). We love Mukilteo, but the commute would be unbearable for him--that led to Bothell and Woodinville being suggested. We would like some "elbow room" from our neighbors but don't necessarily need to be in a rural area. We would like to be an easy drive (ie. short) to grocery, retail, etc.

Thanks for the info re: school districts, although we have no school age children, we recognize the importance of the school in the real estate market. I understand Northshore is more desirable (?)

If there are any other suggestions for areas to look at, it would be greatly appreciated!