Moving to Burien, WA:
Your Diverse Gateway
Welcome to one of Washington's most vibrant and diverse communities. Burien offers beach access at Seahurst Park, world cuisines on Restaurant Row, affordable Seattle living, and a quick commute anywhere you need to go.
Why Burien?
Burien is perfect for: Diverse families, frequent travelers, airport workers, food lovers, and anyone who wants authentic community with beach access. Expect to pay around $1,800/month rent or $500K-$650K for a home, with Sea-Tac at your doorstep and downtown Seattle just 20 minutes away.
Key Facts About Burien
In This Guide
Discover Burien
From stunning Puget Sound beaches to vibrant cultural scenes, explore what makes Burien special.
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Seahurst Beach
185 acres of waterfront paradise
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Sea-Tac Gateway
Minutes from international travel
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Diverse Community
Cultures from around the world
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Restaurant Row
World cuisines on every corner
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Natural Beauty
Pacific Northwest at its finest
One of Washington's Most Diverse Communities
Burien's rich tapestry of cultures creates a uniquely vibrant community where over 100 languages are spoken.
Global Village
Latino, Vietnamese, Somali, Filipino, Korean, Ethiopian communities thrive here, creating an international atmosphere.
Culinary Paradise
Restaurant Row offers authentic pho, tacos, injera, bulgogi, and cuisines from every continent.
Cultural Events
Year-round festivals celebrate Lunar New Year, Dia de los Muertos, African heritage, and more.
Welcoming Spirit
A sanctuary city with strong immigrant-friendly policies and community support networks.
Best Neighborhoods in Burien
From waterfront luxury to walkable urban villages, Burien has a neighborhood for every lifestyle.
Three Tree Point
Exclusive waterfront enclave with stunning Puget Sound views and private beach access. Burien's most prestigious address.
Seahurst
Family-friendly neighborhood adjacent to Seahurst Beach Park. Popular for its beach access, trails, and community feel.
Boulevard Park
Burien's most diverse neighborhood with walkable streets, international markets, and authentic restaurants.
Gregory Heights
Quiet residential area with established homes, tree-lined streets, and excellent value for families.
Your Gateway to the World
Burien literally borders Sea-Tac International Airport, making it the ultimate location for frequent travelers, airline employees, and anyone who values quick airport access. No other Seattle suburb offers this level of convenience.
5-Minute Airport Access
Roll out of bed and catch your flight without the stress of traffic or long commutes.
Airport Employment Hub
Thousands of jobs at Sea-Tac, from airlines to restaurants to cargo operations.
Light Rail Connection
Link Light Rail connects Sea-Tac to downtown Seattle and beyond without driving.
Seahurst Beach Park: Your Backyard Beach
Burien's crown jewel is Seahurst Beach Park—185 acres of pristine Puget Sound waterfront with swimming beaches, hiking trails, tide pools, and stunning sunset views. It's one of the best public beaches in South King County.
Restaurant Row: A World of Flavors
Burien's diverse population creates one of the region's best dining scenes. Authentic cuisines from every corner of the globe, all within a few blocks.
Vietnamese
Pho, Banh Mi
Mexican
Tacos, Pupusas
Somali
Sambusa, Rice
Korean
BBQ, Kimchi
Ethiopian
Injera, Stews
Filipino
Adobo, Lumpia
Highline School District
Burien is served by Highline Public Schools, one of the most diverse school districts in Washington State. The district serves approximately 17,000 students across 33 schools, with over 100 languages spoken by students' families.
District Highlights
While Highline doesn't have the test score rankings of some Eastside districts, it offers unique programs that reflect its diverse community. Aviation High School is particularly notable—a partnership with the Museum of Flight offering specialized aviation and aerospace education.
Quick Commute to Downtown Seattle
Burien's location makes commuting surprisingly easy. You're just 10 miles from downtown Seattle, with multiple transit options and reverse-commute possibilities.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Transit Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Seattle | 10 miles | 20-35 min | RapidRide F, Light Rail |
| Sea-Tac Airport | Adjacent | 5-10 min | RapidRide A, Light Rail |
| Bellevue | 15 miles | 25-40 min | Bus + Light Rail |
| Tacoma | 20 miles | 25-40 min | Sounder Train |
| Federal Way | 8 miles | 15-20 min | RapidRide A |
Affordable Alternative to Seattle
Burien offers significant savings compared to Seattle while maintaining urban amenities and quick access to the city. Here's what you can expect to pay:
Housing Costs
Monthly Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about moving to and living in Burien, WA.
Yes, Burien is an excellent choice for those seeking diversity, affordability, and convenience near Seattle. With one of the most diverse communities in Washington, easy Sea-Tac Airport access, beach access at Seahurst Park, and costs significantly lower than Seattle, Burien offers urban amenities with a small-town feel.
Burien's cost of living is approximately 20-25% lower than Seattle. Average rent runs $1,750-$2,100/month, while home prices range from $500,000-$650,000. Singles typically need $3,200-$4,000/month, while families should budget $7,000+ monthly for comfortable living.
Burien's top neighborhoods include Three Tree Point (waterfront luxury), Seahurst (beach access and family-friendly), Boulevard Park (diverse and walkable), Gregory Heights (quiet residential), and downtown Burien (urban village with restaurants and shops). Each offers distinct advantages depending on your lifestyle.
Burien is perfectly positioned just 10 miles south of downtown Seattle (20-30 minutes by car) and literally borders Sea-Tac International Airport (5-10 minutes). This makes it ideal for frequent travelers, airport workers, or anyone who values quick access to both the city and air travel.
Burien is one of Washington's most diverse cities due to its affordable housing, proximity to Sea-Tac employment, and welcoming community policies. The city has significant Latino, Vietnamese, Somali, Filipino, Korean, and other immigrant communities, creating a rich cultural tapestry reflected in its Restaurant Row and community events.
Yes! Seahurst Beach Park is Burien's crown jewel, offering 185 acres of waterfront with swimming beaches, hiking trails, tide pools, and stunning Puget Sound views. It's one of the best public beaches in South King County and a major draw for residents who want waterfront access without waterfront prices.
Burien is served by Highline Public Schools, which serves approximately 17,000 students across 33 schools. The district offers diverse programs including dual-language immersion, career technical education, Aviation High School, and strong ESL support. Individual school quality varies, so researching specific schools is recommended.
Restaurant Row refers to the diverse dining corridor along Ambaum Boulevard and surrounding streets, featuring authentic cuisine from around the world—Vietnamese pho, Mexican taquerias, Somali restaurants, Korean BBQ, Ethiopian food, and more. It's a reflection of Burien's incredible diversity and a destination for food lovers.
Planning Your Move to Burien?
Next Phase Moving provides premium residential moving services throughout Burien and the Seattle metro area. Our team knows every neighborhood and traffic pattern—let us make your move seamless.
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