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New Light Rail 2024

Moving to
Mountlake Terrace

Discover affordable lakeside living with new light rail access, Lake Ballinger recreation, and family-friendly neighborhoods just north of Seattle.

Mountlake Terrace at a Glance

Mountlake Terrace is a vibrant Snohomish County city offering affordable housing, new light rail connectivity, and Lake Ballinger access. With a population of 21,000+, it's a growing community that balances suburban comfort with urban convenience.

Key Facts

Population 21,000+
Median Home Price $625,000
Distance to Seattle 13 miles (35 min light rail)
School District Edmonds SD
Transit Light Rail (2024)
Lake Access Lake Ballinger

Explore Mountlake Terrace

From lakefront parks to suburban trails, see what makes Mountlake Terrace a beautiful place to call home.

Lake scenery with mountains
Suburban neighborhood with trees
Modern suburban home
Family-friendly neighborhood
Light rail train
Sunset over lake

Best Neighborhoods in Mountlake Terrace

From waterfront living to quiet residential streets, find the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle.

Lake Ballinger waterfront

Lake Ballinger

Waterfront living with lake access, parks, and outdoor recreation. Perfect for nature lovers and active families.

  • Direct lake access
  • Kayaking & fishing
  • Interurban Trail nearby
  • Premium waterfront homes
Town center urban area

Town Center

Walkable urban core near Recreation Center and light rail station. Ideal for commuters and those seeking convenience.

  • Light rail access
  • Recreation Center nearby
  • Walkable amenities
  • Mixed housing options
Quiet residential neighborhood

Cedar Terrace

Quiet residential streets with spacious homes, excellent schools, and family-friendly atmosphere.

  • Family-friendly
  • Edmonds School District
  • Spacious lots
  • Safe, quiet streets

Mountlake Terrace Cost of Living

Compare housing costs across Seattle metro area cities and see why Mountlake Terrace offers exceptional value.

Median Home Price

$625K

40% lower than Bellevue, 25% lower than Seattle - excellent value for metro area living.

Property Tax Rate

0.98%

Competitive tax rate with excellent city services and school quality.

Average Rent

$2,100

More affordable than Seattle ($2,500+) with light rail commute access.

Pros & Cons of Living in Mountlake Terrace

An honest look at the advantages and considerations when moving to Mountlake Terrace.

Advantages

New Light Rail Access

35-minute car-free commute to downtown Seattle, 25 minutes to UW.

Affordable Housing

$625K median home price - significantly lower than Seattle and Eastside.

Lake Ballinger Recreation

Swimming, kayaking, fishing, and scenic trails right in town.

Family-Friendly Community

Excellent schools, Recreation Center, parks, and safe neighborhoods.

Recreation Center

Pool, fitness facilities, classes, and youth programs for all ages.

Edmonds School District

High-quality schools with strong academic programs and community support.

Considerations

I-5 Traffic Congestion

Rush hour commutes can extend to 60+ minutes by car during peak times.

Limited Dining & Nightlife

Fewer restaurant and entertainment options compared to Seattle or Bellevue.

Pacific Northwest Weather

Rainy winters typical of Seattle area - November through March.

Rising Home Prices

Values increasing rapidly due to light rail - buy sooner than later.

Less Urban Amenities

More suburban feel - fewer walkable shops and cultural attractions.

Airport Commute

Sea-Tac Airport is 45-60 minutes away - requires planning for travel.

Commute Times from Mountlake Terrace

With new light rail service, commuting has never been easier. Here are typical travel times to major destinations.

Downtown Seattle

35 min

via Light Rail

University of WA

25 min

via Light Rail

Bellevue

30 min

via Car/Transit

Sea-Tac Airport

50 min

via Car/Transit

Ready to Move to Mountlake Terrace?

Next Phase Moving specializes in Mountlake Terrace relocations. Our local experts know the neighborhoods, the best moving routes, and how to make your transition seamless.