Everett vs Lynnwood
Two Snohomish County cities, two distinct personalities. Industrial waterfront charm meets modern suburban transit hub.
Everett
Largest city in Snohomish County with Boeing, waterfront, and character
Lynnwood
Growing suburb with new City Center and light rail to Seattle
The Complete Snohomish County Guide
Both cities are in Snohomish County, but they offer very different lifestyles. This guide helps you decide which North Sound community fits your needs.
By The Numbers
Quick Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Everett If You...
- Work at Boeing or in aerospace
- Want more affordable housing
- Love waterfront access and marinas
- Prefer a city with character and history
- Enjoy downtown urban amenities
Choose Lynnwood If You...
- Commute to Seattle or Bellevue
- Want light rail access NOW
- Prioritize safer neighborhoods
- Value better school ratings
- Love the new City Center development
Experience Both Cities
Explore the unique character of each North Sound community
Lynnwood Link Changed Everything
The Lynnwood Link Extension opened in 2024, making Lynnwood a major transit hub. Everett's extension is still under construction.
Light Rail: NOW
Light Rail: ~2037
Lynnwood to Seattle: 30 min | Lynnwood to UW: 22 min
Minutes to Seattle
From Lynnwood City Center station direct to downtown Seattle
Parking Spaces
Park-and-ride facilities at Lynnwood stations
Gas & Parking Savings
Skip the I-5 traffic and Seattle parking costs
Cost of Living Comparison
How does your budget stretch in each city? See the real numbers.
Everett Median Home
$595K
More affordable, more space
Lynnwood Median Home
$695K
Light rail premium
You Save in Everett
$100K
On average home purchase
Schools Comparison
Different school districts with different strengths
School District Ratings
Everett School District
- Larger, more diverse student body
- Career & Technical Education programs
- Improving graduation rates
- Lower test scores overall
Edmonds School District
- Higher overall ratings
- Strong college prep programs
- Excellent STEM offerings
- Higher test scores
Jobs & Economy
Where will you work? Each city has different employment opportunities.
Everett Jobs
- Boeing Everett - World's largest building, thousands of jobs
- Providence Regional - Major medical center
- Aerospace Cluster - Suppliers and contractors
- Naval Station Everett - Military & defense
Lynnwood Jobs
- Alderwood Mall - Retail & service hub
- Seattle Commute - 30 min to downtown jobs
- City Center - Growing commercial district
- Tech Commuters - Easy access to Seattle/Bellevue tech
Safety Comparison
An honest look at crime rates and neighborhood safety
Everett Safety
Downtown and south Everett have higher crime. North Everett, Silver Lake, and Boulevard Bluffs are much safer.
Lynnwood Safety
Generally safer suburban community. Some property crime near shopping areas, but violent crime is low throughout.
Winner: Lynnwood - Generally safer with lower crime rates across most categories
Top Neighborhoods
Everett Neighborhoods
Silver Lake
Peaceful lakeside living, great schools, established homes. $600K-$800K.
Boulevard Bluffs
Newer development, views, family-friendly. $650K-$850K.
North Everett / Bayside
Historic charm, waterfront access, walkable. $500K-$700K.
Lowell
Most affordable, working class, near Boeing. $400K-$550K.
Lynnwood Neighborhoods
City Center
New development, light rail access, urban living. $500K-$800K condos.
Alderwood Manor
Established, near mall, great schools. $700K-$900K.
Martha Lake
Quiet, wooded lots, family homes. $650K-$850K.
Meadowdale
Beach access, great schools, established. $750K-$1M+.
Downtown & Entertainment
Where to eat, drink, and have fun
Downtown Everett
- Historic downtown with character
- Angel of the Winds Arena (concerts, hockey)
- Waterfront restaurants & breweries
- Growing arts & music scene
- Village Theatre
Lynnwood Center
- Brand new City Center development
- Alderwood Mall shopping
- Convention Center & rec facilities
- Chain restaurants & retail
- Quick light rail to Seattle nightlife
Best For Your Lifestyle
Young Families
LynnwoodBetter schools, safer neighborhoods, family-oriented community
Boeing Workers
EverettShort commute, affordable housing, aerospace community
Seattle Commuters
LynnwoodLight rail access NOW, 30 min to downtown Seattle
Budget-Conscious
Everett$100K+ savings on home purchase, lower cost of living
Young Professionals
EverettWalkable downtown, nightlife, breweries, arts scene
Retirees
TieBoth offer good healthcare and quieter neighborhoods
Boaters & Water Lovers
EverettMarina access, waterfront, Port Gardner Bay
Safety-Focused
LynnwoodLower crime rates, safer suburban environment
Pros & Cons Summary
Everett
Pros
- More affordable housing ($100K+ savings)
- Boeing & aerospace jobs nearby
- Waterfront access & marina
- Historic downtown character
- Better nightlife & entertainment
- Larger city with more amenities
Cons
- Higher crime rates (especially downtown)
- No light rail yet (coming ~2037)
- Lower school ratings
- Longer Seattle commute
- Some areas feel industrial
Lynnwood
Pros
- Light rail to Seattle NOW (30 min)
- Better school ratings (Edmonds SD)
- Lower crime, safer neighborhoods
- New City Center development
- Great shopping (Alderwood Mall)
- Strong home value appreciation
Cons
- More expensive housing
- Less character, more suburban
- Limited nightlife & entertainment
- No waterfront access
- Smaller city, fewer local jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Everett is generally more affordable with median home prices around $550K-$650K compared to Lynnwood's $650K-$750K. Everett offers more space for your money, especially in neighborhoods north of downtown. However, Lynnwood's prices have risen due to the new light rail access, making it a strong investment.
Yes! The Lynnwood Link Extension opened in 2024, connecting Lynnwood City Center to Seattle in about 30 minutes. This has transformed Lynnwood into a major transit hub. Everett's light rail extension is still under construction and expected to open in phases through 2037.
Lynnwood edges ahead with Edmonds School District, which has higher overall ratings. Everett School District is improving but faces more challenges with a larger, more diverse student population. Both districts have good schools, but Lynnwood's tend to score higher on standardized tests.
Everett has historically had higher crime rates than Lynnwood, particularly in downtown and south Everett. However, neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Boulevard Bluffs, and north Everett are quite safe. Lynnwood generally has lower crime rates and is considered a safer suburban option overall.
Everett has Boeing's massive assembly plant (the world's largest building by volume) employing thousands. It also has a growing aerospace cluster and Providence Regional Medical Center. Lynnwood has more retail and service jobs, plus easy light rail commutes to Seattle and Bellevue tech jobs.
Lynnwood is significantly better for Seattle commuters thanks to the light rail. You can reach downtown Seattle in about 30 minutes without dealing with I-5 traffic or parking costs. From Everett, you're looking at 45-90 minutes by car depending on traffic, and light rail won't reach Everett until around 2037.
The Final Verdict
Both Everett and Lynnwood are solid Snohomish County choices, but they serve different needs:
Everett is for you if...
You work at Boeing, want affordable housing, love waterfront access, and appreciate a city with character and nightlife. Perfect for those who prioritize value and local employment.
Lynnwood is for you if...
You commute to Seattle, prioritize safety and schools, and want the convenience of light rail and modern suburban amenities. Ideal for families and Seattle-bound professionals.
Ready to Make Your North Sound Move?
Whether you choose Everett's waterfront character or Lynnwood's modern connectivity, Next Phase Moving knows these Snohomish County communities inside and out. We've helped hundreds of families find their perfect home.
Get Your Free Moving QuoteOr call: (253) 365-4846