Moving to Everett, WA:
Your 2026 Guide

Let's be honest: Everett isn't trying to be Seattle's charming little sibling. This is a working city with a working waterfront, a city where enormous aircraft take shape in the world's largest building, where container ships dock alongside pleasure boats, and where the cost of living hasn't completely disconnected from reality. For the right person, that authenticity is exactly the point.

Everett has spent decades in Seattle's shadow, often dismissed as "too industrial" or "too rough around the edges." But here's what the critics miss: Everett is actively transforming. The waterfront that was once purely industrial now features a bustling marina, waterfront restaurants, a public market, and miles of walking trails. Downtown, once struggling, now hosts craft breweries, local restaurants, and a growing arts scene. This isn't a city resting on its laurels—it's a city investing in its future while keeping prices accessible.

The population of roughly 112,000 makes Everett the largest city in Snohomish County and the seventh-largest in Washington State. It's big enough to have real urban amenities—a minor league baseball team, multiple museums, a performing arts center—but small enough that you won't spend your life stuck in traffic (well, unless you're commuting to Seattle during rush hour, which is its own adventure).

The vibe varies dramatically by neighborhood. Bayside near the waterfront feels almost resort-like with its marina views and newer development. Downtown is undergoing urban renewal with loft apartments and street-level retail. North Everett offers historic character and hilltop views. South Everett provides affordable suburban living close to Boeing. And yes, some areas still face challenges with crime and poverty—Everett doesn't pretend those issues don't exist.

What makes Everett work for many families is simple math: you can buy a legitimate house here for $550K or less. Try that in Seattle, Bellevue, or even Kirkland. For first-time homebuyers, Boeing employees, or anyone who values square footage over prestige addresses, Everett offers something increasingly rare in the Puget Sound: attainability.

The Port of Everett's waterfront transformation represents one of the most significant urban renewal projects in the Pacific Northwest. What was once purely industrial waterfront—container operations, boatyards, and limited public access—has evolved into a genuine destination featuring one of the largest public marinas on the West Coast.

The numbers tell the story: over 2,300 marina slips, 13 miles of waterfront, and continuous investment in public amenities. Waterfront Place, the mixed-use development anchoring the revival, combines waterfront restaurants, retail shops, residential units, and public spaces. The result feels almost Mediterranean—outdoor dining overlooking bobbing sailboats, families strolling waterfront paths, kayakers launching into Puget Sound.

Key waterfront attractions include Anthony's HomePort (classic Pacific Northwest seafood dining), the Everett Public Market (local vendors and artisans), Jetty Island (a seasonal ferry-accessed beach park), and miles of trails connecting to the regional network. The annual Sail-In Cinema, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals have transformed the waterfront into Everett's social hub.

For prospective residents, the waterfront represents both current amenity and future potential. The Port continues investing in development, with plans for additional residential, commercial, and recreational facilities. Buying into Everett now means participating in a waterfront community that's still taking shape—with corresponding opportunity for appreciation as development continues.

Everett Public Schools serves most of the city with approximately 20,000 students across 30+ schools. Performance varies considerably by school, reflecting the city's economic diversity. Some schools achieve strong ratings while others face challenges common to urban districts serving high-poverty populations.

Key considerations for families:

• Mukilteo School District: Parts of South Everett fall within Mukilteo School District boundaries, which consistently ranks among Washington's top districts. This quirk of geography allows families to access excellent schools at Everett prices—significant for education-focused buyers.
• Everett Public Schools Magnet Programs: The district offers several magnet and choice programs including Sequoia High School (alternative) and various specialized academies.
• Higher Education: Everett Community College serves the area with transfer and vocational programs. Washington State University Everett offers four-year degrees locally.

Private school options include Evergreen Lutheran, Providence Classical Christian, and several Catholic schools. Families prioritizing education should research specific school boundaries carefully—quality varies significantly within city limits.