Edmonds vs Shoreline:
Coastal Charm Meets Urban Access
Two vibrant communities north of Seattle, each with a unique personality. Ferry town character versus light rail convenience. Which North Sound lifestyle calls to you?
Edmonds
Population: ~42,000
"The Gem of Puget Sound" - Historic downtown, Kingston ferry, and small-town charm with waterfront dining.
Shoreline
Population: ~58,000
"Gateway to North Seattle" - Light rail access, diverse neighborhoods, and easy commutes with suburban comfort.
At a Glance
Explore Both Communities
Edmonds Scenes
Shoreline Scenes
The Quick Verdict
Bottom line: Edmonds is for those who crave waterfront living, historic charm, and a tight-knit community feel. Shoreline is for commuters who want light rail access, more affordable homes, and proximity to Seattle. Both offer beach access and north-of-Seattle quality of life.
Choose Edmonds If You...
- Want a walkable, charming downtown with character
- Love the idea of ferry access to Kingston/Olympic Peninsula
- Prefer a small-town, community-oriented vibe
- Value waterfront dining and scenic beauty
- Don't mind paying a premium for location and charm
Choose Shoreline If You...
- Need convenient light rail commute to Seattle/UW
- Want more affordable home options north of Seattle
- Prefer diverse neighborhoods and dining options
- Value proximity to Seattle without Seattle prices
- Like suburban quiet with urban accessibility
By The Numbers
Cost of Living Comparison
Lifestyle Scores
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Cost of Living
Shoreline WinsEdmonds
- Median Home Price: $850K - $1.1M
- Median Rent (2BR): $2,200/month
- Property Tax Rate: ~1.0%
- Cost Premium: Waterfront location adds 10-15%
Edmonds commands higher prices due to its desirable waterfront location, charming downtown, and ferry access. Premium for character.
Shoreline
- Median Home Price: $700K - $950K
- Median Rent (2BR): $1,900/month
- Property Tax Rate: ~1.0%
- Light Rail Bonus: Station-adjacent areas rising
Shoreline offers better value with similar north-end quality of life. Light rail stations are increasing nearby property values.
Transit & Commute
Shoreline WinsEdmonds Transit
- Light Rail: No direct access
- Ferry: Kingston ferry (30-min crossing)
- Sounder Train: Commuter rail to Seattle
- To Seattle: 25-45 min by car (I-5)
- Bus Service: Community Transit routes
Shoreline Transit
- Light Rail: 2 stations (145th, 185th)
- To Seattle: 15-20 min by Link
- To UW: 8-12 min by Link
- To Northgate: 5 min by Link
- Bus Connections: Extensive RapidRide
Downtown Character
Edmonds WinsEdmonds Downtown
- Historic Main Street: Tree-lined, walkable
- Boutique Shopping: Art galleries, antiques, gifts
- Dining: Waterfront restaurants, cafes, wine bars
- Events: Art walks, Edmonds Kind of 4th
- Vibe: Small-town charm, community feel
Shoreline "Downtown"
- Traditional Downtown: None - suburban layout
- Commercial Areas: Aurora Ave, neighborhood centers
- Dining: Strip mall restaurants, diverse cuisine
- Shopping: Aurora Square, local shops
- Vibe: Suburban convenience, car-oriented
Beach & Waterfront Access
Both ExcellentEdmonds Beaches
- Brackett's Landing: Underwater park, diving
- Marina Beach Park: Off-leash dog beach
- Olympic Beach: Quiet neighborhood access
- Waterfront Walkway: Scenic promenade
- Sunset Views: Spectacular Olympic Mountain views
Edmonds' downtown literally touches the water. Walk from shops to beach in minutes.
Shoreline Beaches
- Richmond Beach Saltwater Park: Large, family-friendly
- Carkeek Park: Nearby Seattle park, salmon
- Interurban Trail: Connects to nature areas
- Hidden Lake: Freshwater swimming
- Green Spaces: Multiple neighborhood parks
Richmond Beach is a hidden gem. Requires a short drive but offers excellent beach access.
Schools & Education
Both StrongEdmonds School District
- District: Edmonds School District
- High Schools: Edmonds-Woodway, Meadowdale
- Rating: Above average statewide
- Graduation Rate: 88%+
- Programs: Strong arts, music programs
Shoreline School District
- District: Shoreline School District
- High Schools: Shoreline, Shorecrest
- Rating: Above average statewide
- Graduation Rate: 87%+
- Programs: Strong STEM, college prep
Community Vibe
Edmonds WinsEdmonds Community
- Feel: Small-town, neighbors know each other
- Events: Art walks, farmers market, festivals
- Demographics: Older, established families
- Engagement: Very active civic participation
- Identity: Strong local pride, "Edmonds Way"
Edmonds feels like a community, not just a place to live. Strong local identity and traditions.
Shoreline Community
- Feel: Diverse, suburban, transitional
- Events: Celebrate Shoreline, local fairs
- Demographics: Mixed ages, diverse backgrounds
- Engagement: Growing with light rail development
- Identity: Evolving, becoming more urban
Shoreline is diverse and welcoming, but lacks the tight-knit feel of smaller towns. Changing with transit.
Best For Different Lifestyles
Young Professionals
Commuting to Seattle or UW daily? Need nightlife access?
Shoreline - Light RailRetirees
Want walkable downtown, waterfront views, and community?
Edmonds - CharmFamilies with Kids
Good schools and family-friendly neighborhoods?
Both - Great SchoolsOutdoor Enthusiasts
Beach access, kayaking, and nature walks?
Edmonds - WaterfrontBudget Conscious
Want value without sacrificing quality of life?
Shoreline - ValueRemote Workers
Work from home with great coffee shops nearby?
Edmonds - Downtown CafesFrequently Asked Questions
Edmonds is generally more expensive due to its waterfront location and charming downtown. Median home prices in Edmonds range from $800K-$1.1M, while Shoreline is slightly more affordable at $700K-$950K. However, both cities offer good value compared to Seattle proper.
Shoreline wins for daily commuters with two Link Light Rail stations providing direct service to Seattle, UW, and beyond. Edmonds offers the Kingston ferry for scenic cross-Sound travel and Sounder commuter rail, but lacks light rail access. If you commute daily to Seattle, Shoreline is the better choice.
Both have excellent beach access. Edmonds features Brackett's Landing with scuba diving and the ferry terminal beach. Shoreline has Richmond Beach Saltwater Park and Carkeek Park (nearby). Edmonds edges out for walkable waterfront living - you can stroll from downtown to the beach in minutes.
Edmonds wins decisively for downtown character. Its historic downtown features boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and waterfront dining - a true small-town feel. Shoreline lacks a traditional downtown but has Aurora Avenue commercial areas and neighborhood centers. If walkable downtown matters, choose Edmonds.
Both are excellent for families. Edmonds School District serves Edmonds with strong ratings. Shoreline School District is also well-regarded. Edmonds offers more community events and small-town charm, while Shoreline provides more affordable entry points and better transit access for teen independence.
Edmonds and Shoreline are adjacent communities, approximately 6-8 miles apart. The drive takes 12-20 minutes depending on traffic via I-5 or Highway 99. They share the North Sound region identity but have distinct personalities - you can easily enjoy both!
Ready to Move to the North Sound?
Whether you're drawn to Edmonds' waterfront charm or Shoreline's urban connectivity, Next Phase Moving delivers premium service throughout the North Sound region. Get your free quote today.
Get Your Free Moving QuoteOr call: (253) 365-4846