Moving to Lynnwood, WA:
Your 2026 Guide
Discover Lynnwood's remarkable transformation with the new City Center development, Light Rail to Seattle, Alderwood Mall shopping, and housing that's more affordable than Seattle or Bellevue. A transit hub for the future.
Transit Hub Quick Facts
Discover Lynnwood
Modern development, suburban charm, and world-class transit access
Light Rail Connection
Direct access to Seattle in under 35 minutes
City Center Development
New urban core transforming the skyline
Family Neighborhoods
Alderwood, Martha Lake, Meadowdale & more
Growing Restaurant Scene
Diverse cuisines and local favorites
Alderwood Mall
200+ stores, Pacific Northwest's premier shopping
Parks & Recreation
Lynndale Park, Meadowdale Beach & trails
Light Rail Arrival:
Everything is Changing
The Lynnwood Link Extension has fundamentally transformed what it means to live in Lynnwood. For the first time in the city's history, residents can step onto a train and arrive in downtown Seattle in under 35 minutes - no traffic, no tolls, no parking headaches.
This single infrastructure change has repositioned Lynnwood from a distant suburban outpost to one of the most strategically located communities in the Puget Sound. Young professionals, tech workers, and families are discovering what longtime residents always knew: Lynnwood offers the best of both worlds.
Light Rail Connections
New City Center Development
The Lynnwood City Center isn't just a transit stop - it's the anchor of a completely reimagined urban core. The city has approved over $500 million in new development within walking distance of the station, including mixed-use buildings, apartments, restaurants, and public spaces.
What was once a car-centric suburban landscape is rapidly transforming into a walkable, transit-oriented community. Developers and businesses have taken notice - new apartment complexes are rising near the station, many specifically marketed to Seattle commuters. Coffee shops, restaurants, and services are following.
Within the next five years, the area around Lynnwood City Center Station will be unrecognizable compared to its 2020 version - and those who move now will benefit from both current affordability and future appreciation.
Lynnwood Neighborhoods
From suburban family-friendly to urban convenience, find your perfect fit
Alderwood
Near the famous mall with excellent shopping, dining, and suburban convenience. Perfect for those who love retail therapy.
Martha Lake
Peaceful and family-friendly with easy access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. A nature lover's paradise.
Lakeview
Quiet residential area with excellent schools in the Edmonds School District. Established community feel.
Meadowdale
Coastal access near Meadowdale Beach Park. Established community with a mix of original homes and updates.
More Affordable Than Seattle & Bellevue
Get more space for your money with Light Rail access to the city
| Metric | Lynnwood | Seattle | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $685,000 | $850,000+ | $1,400,000+ |
| Average 2BR Rent | $2,100/mo | $2,800/mo | $3,200/mo |
| Commute to Seattle | 28-35 min (Light Rail) | N/A | 30-60 min (depends) |
| Major Shopping | Alderwood Mall | Various | Bellevue Square |
| Light Rail Access | Direct | Extensive | Coming 2025 |
| Highway Access | I-5 & I-405 | I-5, I-90, 99 | I-405, I-90 |
Bottom Line
A family choosing Lynnwood over Seattle could save $165,000+ on a home purchase or $700+/month on rent - while still having a 30-minute Light Rail ride to downtown Seattle for work. That's real money for education, savings, or quality of life.
Edmonds School District
Lynnwood families benefit from the well-regarded Edmonds School District, serving approximately 20,000 students across multiple schools. The district is known for academic excellence, strong extracurricular programs, and dedicated teachers.
Some areas of Lynnwood are also served by the Mukilteo School District, offering additional options. Both districts provide solid foundations for student success.
Alderwood Mall & Growing Restaurant Scene
Alderwood Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the Pacific Northwest, featuring over 200 stores including major anchors like Nordstrom, Macy's, and JCPenney. Beyond retail, the mall area has become a dining destination.
Lynnwood's growing restaurant scene reflects its increasingly diverse population. From authentic Korean BBQ and Vietnamese pho to upscale American fare, the city's culinary options have expanded dramatically in recent years.
Easy Access to I-5 and I-405
Beyond Light Rail, Lynnwood sits at the crossroads of the region's major highways. Whether you're driving to Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, or beyond, you're never far from a freeway on-ramp.
I-5 North/South
Direct access to Seattle (south) and Everett (north). The region's primary north-south corridor.
I-405 Access
Easy connection to the Eastside - Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Microsoft/Amazon campuses.
Airport Access
Paine Field (PAE) nearby for regional flights. SeaTac via Light Rail in ~60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about moving to Lynnwood
Yes! Lynnwood offers one of the best value propositions in the Seattle metro area. With the new Light Rail connection, City Center development, Alderwood Mall shopping, quality schools through Edmonds School District, and significantly lower housing costs than Seattle or Bellevue, it's become an attractive option for families and professionals alike.
The Light Rail has been transformative. It now takes 28-35 minutes to reach downtown Seattle without traffic concerns. This has sparked $500M+ in new City Center development, attracted new residents, and positioned Lynnwood as a viable commuter city. Property values have appreciated, new restaurants and businesses have opened, and the city is experiencing a renaissance.
The best neighborhoods depend on your priorities: Alderwood for shopping convenience and suburban living, Martha Lake for family-friendly parks and recreation, Lakeview for excellent schools and quiet residential streets, and Meadowdale for coastal access and established community character.
Significantly! The median home price in Lynnwood is around $685,000 compared to Seattle's $850,000+. Average rent for a 2-bedroom is approximately $2,100 in Lynnwood versus $2,800+ in Seattle. You can save $165,000+ on a home purchase or $700+/month on rent while maintaining Light Rail access to the city.
Lynnwood is primarily served by the Edmonds School District, which is well-regarded in the region and operates Lynnwood High School along with multiple elementary and middle schools. Some areas are also served by the Mukilteo School District. Edmonds College provides community college options nearby.
The City Center development is Lynnwood's ambitious urban transformation project centered around the Light Rail station. It includes $500M+ in approved development: mixed-use buildings, new apartments, retail spaces, restaurants, and public plazas. This is creating a walkable downtown core where none existed before.
Via Light Rail, the commute from Lynnwood City Center station to downtown Seattle (Westlake) takes approximately 28-35 minutes with trains running every 8 minutes during peak hours. By car, expect 30-45 minutes in light traffic or 60-90 minutes during rush hour on I-5.
Alderwood Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the Pacific Northwest with 200+ stores including Nordstrom, Macy's, and JCPenney. Beyond the mall, Highway 99 offers extensive retail including grocery stores, home improvement, and diverse dining options reflecting the area's multicultural population.
Ready to Make Lynnwood Your Home?
Next Phase Moving specializes in Lynnwood relocations. Our experienced team knows every neighborhood and can make your move stress-free.