Everett (North Everett, Bayside, Port Gardner) (Seattle, Tacoma: to rent, big house, neighborhoods)

[DebbieRay]

I was surprised not to see a lot about Everett here, but maybe I missed it. Apologies if I did, hopefully after giving me a smackdown (which I'd deserve) someone will direct me to the thread.

So - we are trying to decide whether to move from Bothell up to Everett. We're in a nice area of Bothell but we don't need this big house and it's a good time to sell. If we could afford it we'd live someplace like Ballard or Maple Leaf but Everett seemed like a more reasonable and affordable alternative.

We like the older neighborhoods, particularly because we keep our boat at the marina and like to be close. I have been predicting for a few years that Everett's gonna "take off"; it's a city, it's got public transit, services, etc...

But somehow, it's not happening. I drive by places in the city with lovely bistro tables outside, and no people. Sometimes I see people walking dogs. And sometimes families in the parks. But I just don't get that sense of community.

I know they're doing a lot of development on the waterfront, but we don't want to rent, we want buy. And I'm starting to wonder whether all that development is going to help.

Any long timers have any insight? The location is so convenient, but I feel like there's something missing. My brother lives in South Everett and I have no interest in that; I thought the older parts of Everett would have more of a neighborhood feel but after spending time there and looking at houses for months, I'm just not getting that vibe.

Maybe it's me. Would love to hear from someone who's lived there or who lives there now. Thanks!

[wmweeza]

I used to live there...my opinions aren't what you'd want to hear (and come from the 1990's). So ignore what I say if you want, it may not still apply today:
Everett to me was a place where you started over or where you ended...it wasn't a place you lived. It was a cheaper place that always had a slightly depressing feel to it to me ( I lived downtown, out on Casino rd, and a few other places). I can't even put my finger on why it felt soul less and less then appealing, but it did, and my friends felt the same way. As soon as I could I moved out and haven't looked back. It was a place for decent cost of living but not much to do (odd for a town it's size) and as with many towns issues with drug use etc made it look worse. I think of this when I think of Everett, which is sad because I KNOW there ARE great parts to the city https://myeverettnews.com/2017/08/10...erville-label/

Maybe things have changed, maybe there's a better art scene, or schools have improved...or downtown actually has interesting things to do now. When I was there in the 90's none of that was true.

I just looked at images on Google, much has changed physically, there are some nicer areas. Problem areas are now gone ,as in the old bus depot downtown used to have a good 20 benches along it, those attracted interesting people who sometimes caused problems.
I wish I could put my finger on why exactly I don't like it...but I can't. It looks like a good town....but there's something about it that I can't put my finger on that has always kept me away.

[homesinseattle]

Hi Debbie.

I know Historic North Everett and Rucker Hill very well. The reason you don't see much about them here is a that they are a relative secret. I agree with your predictions about the area, price pressure from Seattle will make it inevitable. If you really want to feel the vibe, park at 16th and Grand across from the historic mansions, walk across the park and look out over the waterfront. Then walk a couple blocks to Zippy's organic cafe and coffee shop at 15th and Rucker. Grab a coffee, just sit there and watch the interesting characters who come in. Ask the neighbors the good, bad and ugly, you'll find most of them love it and consider Historic Everett to be their own little secret.

Unknown to many, Historic Everett is one of the intact vintage neighborhoods in Puget Sound, homes available for less than half the price of Seattle ones. These neighborhoods tend to attract lots of musical and artistic people, that's a good thing. I'm there all the time, have a home I used to live in that I still own at 17th and Hoyt. The neighborhood is old fashioned almost, very much a community, mailman knows your name, people walk and talk with each other. The area we call the "golden zone" (North of 19th, Colby and west) is a pretty sweet, highly coveted place to live.

Some other close-by places worth checking out: Sno-Isle Natural Foods Coop, the Historic Everett library (designed by the same person who designed the Seattle Asian Art Museum on Capitol Hill), The Schack Art Center. The Everett Maker's Market and local farmers' markets are cool too. Jetty Island in the summer via the foot ferry is fantastic, Western Washington's only "warm" water beach. If you know any kids, the Imagine Children's Museum is excellent.

There is actually a fair amount of tasty ethnic food in Everett, not on every corner but there are some real gems. I could point you to very authentic Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, Mexican places. Happy to help with suggestions. Really though, just go sit at that Zippy's place at 15th and Rucker. You'll learn so much. By the way, most Historic Everett residents joke that the only time they go to South Everett is to go to Trader Joe's. There's truth to that, the vibe is very different.

[Neerwhal]

We were just there the other day. It is definitely the “old” style Seattle vibe, working class and a little rough, tattoo shops and pawn stores on the main streets. I thought it was nice, old school, cool restaurants and classic miner / logging feel, unless you want a cookie cutter development or hipster haven free of the working class reality.

Sadly OP is probably right about it coming up. Then developers will come in. If we didn’t have Family down here I’d love to save on housing and move north.

[Count David]

I spent my summers growing up in South Everett, which to be honest, isn't all that different from Bothell. And traffic east of I-5 has been literally doubling every 10 years, so IMO it isn't as desirable of a place to live as it was 20+ years ago.

However, you asked about old Everett, and IMO it's ripe for discovery (unfortunately). It isn't nearly as lively as one would expect (more of a place where people "exist" as opposed to "living"), and it kind of feels like it's in the wrong part of the country. One thing that probably holds it back is that the southern 60% of it is decidedly suburban, and of course, old perceptions die hard. I mean, Tacoma is finally hitting the radar.....

As realtors say, buy now, or be priced out forever.