Snoqualmie
Pop. ~14,000
North Bend
Pop. ~8,000
Snoqualmie vs North Bend:
Mountain Neighbors Guide
Two adjacent Cascade foothills communities with distinct personalities. Modern developments vs. quirky charm. Snoqualmie Falls vs. Mt. Si. Same great schools. Which mountain home is right for you?
Snoqualmie Falls
270-foot iconic waterfall
Mount Si
North Bend's iconic peak
Downtown Charm
North Bend's quirky vibe
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Snoqualmie If...
Choose North Bend If...
Snoqualmie Falls vs. Mt. Si
Both towns claim world-famous natural landmarks that define their character
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie's Crown Jewel
270 feet tall - 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls
1.5 million visitors annually make this one of Washington's top attractions
Sacred site to the Snoqualmie Tribe with deep cultural significance
Free viewing platform, hiking trails, and the upscale Salish Lodge
Pro tip: Visit early morning to beat crowds and catch the mist rainbows
Mount Si
North Bend's Iconic Peak
4,167 feet elevation with 3,150 feet of elevation gain
Most climbed peak in Washington State - over 100,000 hikers annually
8-mile round trip hike, challenging but achievable for families
Featured in Twin Peaks opening credits (the mountain silhouette)
Pro tip: Arrive before 7am on weekends or the trailhead parking fills up
Data-Driven Comparison
Cost of Living Comparison
Quality of Life Factors
Community Features
Housing Availability
Complete Comparison Table
| Category | Snoqualmie | North Bend | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | ~14,000 | ~8,000 | Preference |
| Median Home Price | $850K - $1.1M | $750K - $950K | North Bend (Value) |
| School District | Snoqualmie Valley SD | Snoqualmie Valley SD | Tie - Same District! |
| Commute to Seattle | 30-45 min (I-90) | 30-45 min (I-90) | Tie - Adjacent |
| New Construction | Abundant (The Ridge) | Limited, mostly older | Snoqualmie |
| Hiking Access | Good (Falls trails) | Excellent (Mt. Si, Rattlesnake) | North Bend |
| Downtown/Walkability | Limited (suburban) | Charming downtown | North Bend |
| Community Amenities | Golf, pool, trails | Local shops, cafes | Snoqualmie |
| Character/Vibe | Modern, planned | Quirky, historic | Preference |
| Rural Properties | Few available | Many options | North Bend |
| Pop Culture Fame | Snoqualmie Falls | Twin Peaks filming | Tie - Both Famous! |
| Family Rating | Excellent | Excellent | Tie - Both Great |
Final Score: Snoqualmie wins 2 categories | North Bend wins 3 categories | 5 ties.
Both are wonderful mountain communities - your choice depends on lifestyle priorities!
Neighborhood Personalities
These adjacent towns have remarkably different personalities
Snoqualmie
Modern Mountain Living
Snoqualmie Ridge
Master-planned community with TPC golf course, community pool, miles of trails, and modern amenities.
Newer Construction
Most homes built after 2000. Modern floor plans, energy efficient, HOA-maintained neighborhoods.
Young Families
Strong sense of community among young professionals and families. Active neighborhood events.
Ridge Shopping
Snoqualmie Ridge has grocery stores, restaurants, and retail within the community.
North Bend
Quirky Mountain Town
Twin Peaks Fame
Twede's Cafe (the Double R Diner!) still serves famous cherry pie. The town embraces its quirky TV history.
Historic Character
Mix of historic homes, farmhouses, and newer construction. Each property has unique character.
Outdoor Culture
Hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts form the community backbone. Less suburban, more outdoorsy.
Rural Options
Properties with acreage, horse properties, and rural lifestyle options not available in Snoqualmie.
Snoqualmie Valley Mornings
Misty mountain views daily
Mountain Nights
Dark skies, bright stars
Forest Living
Surrounded by nature
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Snoqualmie
Pros
- Modern, well-maintained homes with warranties
- World-class golf at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge
- Community amenities (pool, trails, parks)
- Newer schools built for the community
- Walking distance to iconic Snoqualmie Falls
Cons
- Higher home prices than North Bend
- HOA fees (typically $150-300/month)
- Less historic character, more "cookie-cutter"
- Limited rural/acreage property options
- No walkable downtown with local shops
North Bend
Pros
- More affordable housing options
- Charming, walkable downtown with local character
- Best hiking access in the region (Mt. Si!)
- Rural properties and acreage available
- Unique Twin Peaks quirky charm and history
Cons
- Older housing stock may need updates
- Limited new construction options
- Fewer planned community amenities
- Mt. Si trailhead parking chaos on weekends
- Smaller population means less retail variety
Commute Comparison
Minutes to Seattle
From either town via I-90
Minutes to Bellevue
Tech corridor access
Minutes Apart
Adjacent communities
Key Commute Factors:
Snoqualmie Valley School District
Both communities share the same highly-rated school district - a major advantage!
Mount Si High School
Serves both communities - strong academics and athletics
Twin Falls Middle
Excellent middle school serving the valley
Multiple Elementaries
Snoqualmie, North Bend, and Cascade View
Key Insight: School quality is NOT a deciding factor between these towns - both have identical access to the same excellent Snoqualmie Valley schools!
Frequently Asked Questions
Snoqualmie features newer master-planned developments like The Ridge with modern amenities and a suburban feel. North Bend has a more historic, quirky downtown (famous as the Twin Peaks filming location) with a mix of older homes and rural properties. Both share the same excellent school district and offer easy access to mountain recreation.
Yes! Both Snoqualmie and North Bend are served by the Snoqualmie Valley School District, which is highly rated. This means families in either town have access to the same excellent schools, including Snoqualmie Elementary, Twin Falls Middle School, and Mount Si High School.
North Bend generally has slightly lower median home prices ($750K-$950K) compared to Snoqualmie ($850K-$1.1M), especially in The Ridge developments. However, North Bend offers more variety including rural acreage and older homes at various price points. Snoqualmie Ridge tends to have higher HOA fees due to community amenities.
Yes! North Bend and nearby Snoqualmie were primary filming locations for David Lynch's iconic TV series Twin Peaks. The famous Double R Diner (Twede's Cafe) is still operating in North Bend, and Mt. Si provides the backdrop seen in the show's opening credits. The quirky, small-town character remains a major part of North Bend's identity.
Both offer excellent outdoor access, but with different strengths. Snoqualmie is home to the famous 270-foot Snoqualmie Falls and has great trail networks. North Bend is the gateway to Mt. Si (the most-climbed peak in Washington) and Rattlesnake Ridge. North Bend has a slight edge for serious hikers due to Mt. Si access.
Both towns are about 30-45 minutes to Seattle via I-90, depending on traffic. The commute is nearly identical since they're adjacent communities. Many residents work remotely or commute to Eastside tech companies in Bellevue/Redmond (20-35 minutes). The Snoqualmie Pass closure during winter storms can occasionally affect travel.
Choose Snoqualmie Ridge if you want newer construction, planned community amenities (golf course, community pool, trails), modern schools, and a suburban neighborhood feel. Choose North Bend if you prefer historic character, a walkable quirky downtown, more affordable options, rural property opportunities, and authentic small-town community vibes.
Ready to Move to the Snoqualmie Valley?
Whether you choose Snoqualmie's modern amenities or North Bend's quirky mountain charm, Next Phase Moving provides premium, stress-free moving services throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Licensed & Insured | USDOT: 4454165 | MC: 1529384