Edmonds,
Washington
Where charming coastal village meets walkable downtown. Your complete guide to relocating to Snohomish County's beloved waterfront gem.
Edmonds by the Numbers
Waterfront Living at Its Finest
Living in Edmonds
Edmonds is that rare Pacific Northwest treasure: a true coastal village with the amenities of a modern city. While Seattle's suburbs sprawl with strip malls and traffic, Edmonds has carefully preserved its walkable downtown character, independent boutiques, and direct waterfront access that makes residents feel like they're living in a perpetual vacation town.
The city's defining feature is the Edmonds-Kingston ferry, which departs regularly from the downtown waterfront. This scenic 30-minute crossing connects residents to the Olympic Peninsula, making weekend adventures to wineries, hiking trails, and coastal towns remarkably accessible. Many residents cite the ferry as one of their favorite reasons for choosing Edmonds.
Beyond the ferry, Edmonds offers sandy beaches at Brackett's Landing, a nationally-recognized underwater marine park for scuba diving, an award-winning arts festival each summer, and a genuine sense of small-town community that's increasingly rare in the Seattle metro area.
Cost of Living
Edmonds offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking waterfront living without Eastside prices. The median home price of approximately $950,000 is significantly less than comparable waterfront communities like Kirkland or Mercer Island, while offering superior walkability and community character.
Washington's lack of state income tax provides meaningful savings, particularly for tech workers and professionals. Combined with lower housing costs than the Eastside, many families find Edmonds to be a more financially sustainable choice for long-term living.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $2,200 - $2,800 |
| Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water) | $140 - $190 |
| Groceries (2 people) | $500 - $700 |
| Transportation | $150 - $300 |
| Ferry Commute (if applicable) | $100 - $200 |
| Entertainment & Dining | $200 - $400 |
Edmonds Neighborhoods
From walkable downtown to quiet suburban streets, each Edmonds neighborhood offers a distinct lifestyle.
Downtown Edmonds
$800K - $1.5M
The heart of the village. Walkable streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Steps from the ferry terminal, Brackett's Landing beach, and the waterfront. Mix of historic homes, condos, and newer townhomes. Perfect for those who want to leave their car at home.
The Bowl
$1.2M - $3M+
Edmonds' most prestigious neighborhood. The natural amphitheater-shaped terrain provides stunning Sound and Olympic Mountain views from many properties. Larger lots, established trees, and some of the best sunset views in the region. Premium pricing reflects the exceptional location.
Westgate
$650K - $1.1M
Family-friendly neighborhood with excellent schools and more affordable pricing. Westgate Elementary is highly rated. Close to shopping and easy freeway access. Mix of rambler-style homes and updated properties. Great starter neighborhood for families wanting the Edmonds lifestyle.
Perrinville
$750K - $1.3M
Quiet southern neighborhood with larger lots and a more suburban feel. Near beautiful Perrinville Beach and Meadowdale Beach Park. Excellent for those seeking more space and privacy while remaining close to downtown. Borders Lynnwood with easy retail access.
"In Edmonds, you can walk to the beach for breakfast, catch a ferry to the Peninsula for lunch, and watch the sun set over the Olympics from your deck. It's not a lifestyle you find easily."
- Downtown Edmonds Resident, 12 Years
Edmonds Schools
Edmonds is served by Edmonds School District, one of Snohomish County's largest districts serving approximately 20,000 students. The district offers a range of educational programs including International Baccalaureate, STEM focus areas, and strong performing arts programs.
While ratings vary by school, several Edmonds schools consistently perform above state averages. The community is known for strong parent involvement and support for education initiatives.
Notable Schools
Commute Options
Edmonds offers multiple commute options depending on your workplace. I-5 provides direct access to Seattle and points north, while the Sounder commuter train offers a stress-free alternative for downtown Seattle commuters. The Edmonds station is a major stop with frequent service during rush hours.
The Edmonds-Kingston ferry is less of a commute solution and more of a lifestyle feature, providing easy weekend access to the Olympic Peninsula, Bainbridge Island connections, and scenic day trips. Many residents consider the ferry one of Edmonds' greatest amenities.
Things to Do
Beaches & Water
- Brackett's Landing Beach
- Marina Beach Park
- Underwater Dive Park
- Meadowdale Beach Park
- Perrinville Beach
Dining
- Salt & Iron
- Girardi's Osteria
- Chanterelle
- Fire & The Feast
- Waterfront Coffee
Arts & Culture
- Edmonds Arts Festival
- Cascadia Art Museum
- Edmonds Theater
- Gallery North
- Taste of Edmonds
Ferry Adventures
- Kingston Day Trips
- Port Townsend Visits
- Olympic Peninsula Access
- Poulsbo Excursions
- Peninsula Wineries
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Walkable downtown with independent shops
- Ferry access to Olympic Peninsula
- Beautiful beaches and waterfront
- Strong small-town community feel
- Lower prices than Eastside waterfront
- Sounder train to downtown Seattle
- Excellent arts and dining scene
- No state income tax
Considerations
- I-5 traffic can be challenging
- No light rail access
- Limited Sounder train schedule
- Ferry lines can be long on weekends
- School ratings vary by location
- Gray, rainy PNW winters
- Tourist crowds in summer
- Limited nightlife options
FAQs
Planning Your Move to Edmonds?
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