Where country living meets suburban convenience
A growing community in the Stillaguamish River Valley where you can still find acreage, but also have a Costco nearby. Best of both worlds? Let's find out.
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Arlington Moves
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Arlington has changed a lot in the last decade. What was once mostly dairy farms and rural properties is now one of north Snohomish County's fastest-growing communities. The Smokey Point area has exploded with retail, new apartment complexes, and a steady stream of people looking for more space than Seattle or Everett can offer.
Here's the thing: Arlington is still figuring out what it wants to be. You have longtime farming families living next to new subdivisions. You have people who moved here specifically for the rural feel, now watching warehouses go up along the highway. It's a community in transition, and whether that's good or bad depends entirely on what you're looking for.
If you want acreage, space for animals, and a slower pace - it's still here, just farther from the main corridor. If you want newer construction, easy access to I-5, and all the big box stores - Smokey Point has you covered. The question is: which Arlington are you moving to?
A Local's Perspective
"I moved here from Everett in 2018 for the space - got a house on an acre for what a townhouse cost closer to the city. The commute to Seattle isn't fun (45-60 min in good traffic), but working from home made that a non-issue. Fair warning: you will become a regular at Fred Meyer and Costco."
From golf course communities to working farms - here's where people actually live
This is where most of Arlington's growth is happening. New apartments, townhomes, and retail developments along Smokey Point Blvd. Very convenient for shopping but can feel more like suburban sprawl than small-town Arlington.
Arlington's upscale planned community built around a golf course. Larger homes, well-maintained common areas, and a more manicured feel. Popular with retirees and families who want a suburban but not urban environment.
The Arlington that longtime residents remember. Properties with 2-10+ acres, room for animals, and real privacy. Farther from conveniences but perfect for those who actually want a rural lifestyle, not just the aesthetic.
The original town center with older homes, a small walkable downtown, and the community events. Quieter and more established than Smokey Point. Character homes mixed with some newer infill development.
If Arlington doesn't quite fit, these nearby communities offer different vibes:
10 min south - Larger city, more urban
Rent: $1,500 - $2,200/mo
15 min SE - Lake access, great schools
Rent: $1,600 - $2,400/mo
15 min west - Quieter, Camano access
Rent: $1,400 - $2,000/mo
Arlington is more affordable than Seattle, but it's not the rural bargain it once was
| Expense | Arlington | Seattle | Everett | US Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment | $1,500 | $2,200 | $1,650 | $1,400 |
| Median Home Price | $550K | $875K | $560K | $420K |
| Groceries | +8% | +18% | +10% | Base |
| Gas (per gallon) | $4.15 | $4.50 | $4.25 | $3.40 |
| Restaurant Meal | $16-22 | $22-30 | $18-25 | $15-20 |
| Commute to Seattle | 45-70 min | N/A | 30-50 min | N/A |
Commute times vary significantly with traffic. I-5 congestion through Everett is the bottleneck.
Budget Warning
Living in Arlington means driving more. A lot more. Budget for higher gas costs than you might expect. Costco in Marysville or Everett is usually the cheapest gas, but you'll still spend $250-400/month on fuel if you're commuting or running kids around.
What makes Arlington special - and what might test your patience
Insider advice to make your move go smoothly
The Arlington Fly-In (July) brings 100,000+ visitors and gridlock traffic. Don't move that weekend. Also avoid the Eagle Festival in February if possible.
Many rural Arlington properties have long gravel driveways. Make sure a 26-foot moving truck can make it in - some can't without shuttle vehicles.
Start between 9-10am. Early enough to get work done, late enough to miss the worst Smokey Point morning traffic at 172nd St.
Properties near the Stillaguamish River may be in flood zones. Know before you commit - flood insurance can be $1,500+/year.
Rural areas may only have satellite or DSL. If you work from home, verify high-speed options before signing a lease. Ziply Fiber expanding but not everywhere.
Rural properties may not have county garbage service. Budget for private hauler or prepare for dump runs. Set up service before move day.
Links to get you settled in Arlington
From Smokey Point apartments to acreage properties, we've helped families navigate moves throughout Arlington. Let us handle the heavy lifting.