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Majestic waterfall cascading through misty Pacific Northwest forest - representing Snoqualmie Falls
268 ft Falls | Twin Peaks Country

Moving to
Snoqualmie

Where the legendary falls meet mountain living. Your guide to the iconic Pacific Northwest town.

Gateway to Cascade Mountains
14 min read
Updated January 2026
Scroll to explore
268
Feet Waterfall Height
14K
Population
$950K
Median Home Price
25
Min to Snoqualmie Pass
Chapter 01

The Waterfall Town

Snoqualmie is not just a town - it's a feeling. Nestled at the base of the Cascade Mountains, this remarkable community offers something increasingly rare in the Seattle metro area: the authentic mountain town experience combined with suburban convenience. Made internationally famous by the TV series Twin Peaks, Snoqualmie's 268-foot waterfall serves as both a stunning natural landmark and a symbol of the Pacific Northwest's raw, untamed beauty.

With a population of approximately 14,000, Snoqualmie maintains its small-town character while providing modern amenities. The town sits at approximately 430 feet elevation, with views stretching to the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades. It's the kind of place where neighbors still wave, where you can hear the roar of the falls on quiet mornings, and where world-class skiing is just 25 minutes up the pass.

The Falls
Chapter 02

The Legendary Snoqualmie Falls

Majestic waterfall cascading into misty gorge
268 Feet of Raw Power

Higher than Niagara Falls

Twin Peaks Legacy

When David Lynch chose Snoqualmie Falls as the iconic backdrop for Twin Peaks, he put this town on the global map. The Salish Lodge, perched at the falls' edge, became the show's "Great Northern Hotel." Today, fans from around the world make pilgrimages here, but for residents, the falls are simply part of daily life.

The falls drop 268 feet - nearly 100 feet more than Niagara. In spring, when snowmelt swells the Snoqualmie River, the roar can be heard throughout downtown. The mist creates its own microclimate, supporting unique plant life and creating ethereal morning fog that photographers treasure.

1.5 Million+ Annual Visitors

One of Washington's most photographed sites

"Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it. Don't wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot black coffee."

Agent Dale Cooper

Twin Peaks, filmed at Snoqualmie Falls

Neighborhoods
Chapter 03

Where to Live in Snoqualmie

01

Snoqualmie Ridge

Master-Planned Community

The crown jewel of Snoqualmie's residential development. This master-planned community offers newer construction (mostly 2000s-present), excellent amenities including pools, trails, and community centers, plus stunning views of the Cascade Range. Home to the Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course and TPC Snoqualmie Ridge. Median home prices: $1M-$1.4M.

Golf Course Community Pools Trail System
02

Historic Downtown

Old Town Charm

The original heart of Snoqualmie, featuring Victorian-era buildings, the historic Snoqualmie Depot (now home to the Northwest Railway Museum), and walkable access to local shops and restaurants. Homes here range from charming early 1900s craftsmen to newer infill. More affordable than the Ridge, with median prices around $750K-$900K.

Walkable Historic Character Local Shops
03

Snoqualmie Point

Falls-View Living

Exclusive enclave near the Salish Lodge with premium homes featuring direct views of the falls and Snoqualmie Valley. This is where you'll find some of the most prestigious addresses in the area, with custom homes often exceeding $1.5M. Privacy, views, and proximity to nature define this neighborhood.

Falls Views Custom Homes Private
04

Kimball Creek

Newer Development

A growing area on the eastern edge of town with newer construction and more affordable entry points for the Snoqualmie market. Family-friendly with good access to schools and outdoor recreation. Growing retail and dining options nearby. Median homes: $800K-$1M.

New Construction Family-Oriented Growing
Education
Chapter 04

Snoqualmie Valley Schools

A

District Rating

Top 10% in Washington State

92%

Graduation Rate

Above state average

18:1

Student-Teacher Ratio

Personalized attention

Snoqualmie Valley School District Highlights

Mount Si High School

Award-winning academics, strong athletics, outdoor education programs

Snoqualmie Elementary

Highly rated K-5 with nature-based learning

Cascade View Elementary

STEM focus, excellent test scores

Chief Kanim Middle School

Comprehensive programs, sports, arts

Recreation
Chapter 05

Year-Round Adventure

Skiers on snowy mountain slopes

Skiing at The Summit

Just 25 minutes to world-class slopes

Snoqualmie Pass: Your Backyard Ski Resort

Living in Snoqualmie means ski season is always within reach. The Summit at Snoqualmie features four interconnected ski areas - Summit West, Central, East, and Alpental. Night skiing lets you hit the slopes after work, and many residents hold season passes for spontaneous powder days.

  • 2,000+ acres of skiable terrain
  • Night skiing available
  • Excellent ski school for kids
  • Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails

Hiking & Trails

Mount Si, Rattlesnake Ledge, and dozens of trails accessible within minutes. The Snoqualmie Valley Trail offers 31 miles of paved paths.

Golf

TPC Snoqualmie Ridge hosts the Boeing Classic (PGA Champions Tour). Public and semi-private courses available with stunning mountain backdrops.

Historic Railway

The Northwest Railway Museum operates scenic train rides through the valley, including the famous Santa Train during holidays.

Costs
Chapter 06

Cost of Living

Premium for Mountain Views

Living in Snoqualmie comes with a premium - but what you get in return is unmatched in the Seattle metro. You're paying for pristine air, mountain views, top-rated schools, and a community that feels miles away from urban stress (while being only 30 minutes to tech jobs).

Median Home Price $950,000
Snoqualmie Ridge Homes $1M - $1.4M
2BR Apartment Rent $2,200 - $2,800
Property Tax Rate ~1.0%

Monthly Budget Estimate

Housing (Mortgage/Rent) $3,500 - $5,500
Transportation $500 - $800
Utilities $200 - $350
Groceries $600 - $900

*Estimates for a family of 4. Individual costs vary.

Commute
Chapter 07

Commuting from Snoqualmie

One of Snoqualmie's biggest draws for tech workers is its position along I-90 - giving easy access to Eastside tech hubs while offering a true mountain town lifestyle. Many residents work for Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and other major employers in Bellevue and Redmond.

15-20
Min to Issaquah

Costco, shopping, I-90 access

20-30
Min to Bellevue

Amazon, Meta, downtown

25-35
Min to Redmond

Microsoft campus

35-50
Min to Seattle

Via I-90, traffic dependent

Commute Tips

  • Many tech companies offer flexible hours - leaving before 7am or after 9am significantly reduces commute time
  • Remote/hybrid work is common - Snoqualmie's quality of life shines for those who commute 2-3 days/week
  • Snoqualmie Casino Park & Ride offers carpool and vanpool options
  • The drive to Seattle via I-90 is scenic (through the Snoqualmie Valley) compared to I-405
FAQ
Chapter 08

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Snoqualmie WA a good place to live?

Absolutely. Snoqualmie is excellent for those seeking a mountain town atmosphere with easy access to Seattle-area jobs. It offers stunning natural beauty including the famous Snoqualmie Falls, excellent schools in the Snoqualmie Valley School District, year-round outdoor recreation including skiing at Snoqualmie Pass, and a strong community feel - all while being only 30 minutes from Eastside tech jobs in Bellevue and Redmond.

How expensive is it to live in Snoqualmie WA?

Snoqualmie commands a premium for its mountain views and quality of life. Median home prices range from $850,000 to $1.2M, with Snoqualmie Ridge homes often higher at $1M-$1.4M. Rent for a 2BR averages $2,200-$2,800/month. While expensive, it offers more space, better air quality, and unmatched nature access compared to Seattle or Bellevue. The trade-off for many families is well worth it.

What is Snoqualmie WA known for?

Snoqualmie is famous for Snoqualmie Falls - the stunning 268-foot waterfall featured in the TV series Twin Peaks. It's also known for the Snoqualmie Casino, the historic Snoqualmie Valley Railroad, skiing at Snoqualmie Pass (The Summit at Snoqualmie), the master-planned Snoqualmie Ridge community with its TPC golf course, and being a gateway to Cascade Mountain recreation. The Salish Lodge at the falls is a world-renowned destination.

How far is Snoqualmie from Seattle?

Snoqualmie is approximately 28 miles east of Seattle via I-90. The commute takes 30-45 minutes without traffic, or 50-80 minutes during peak rush hour. Many residents find the commute worthwhile for the mountain lifestyle. Importantly, Eastside tech companies in Bellevue and Redmond are only 15-25 minutes away, making Snoqualmie particularly attractive for tech workers.

Are Snoqualmie schools good?

The Snoqualmie Valley School District is highly rated, with schools consistently ranking among the top 10% in Washington State. Mount Si High School and local elementary schools like Snoqualmie Elementary and Cascade View Elementary receive excellent ratings. The district is known for strong academics, outdoor education programs that take advantage of the natural setting, and high community involvement.

Can you ski near Snoqualmie WA?

Yes! The Summit at Snoqualmie is just 20-25 minutes east on I-90. It features four interconnected ski areas (Summit West, Summit Central, Summit East, and Alpental), night skiing, terrain parks, and excellent ski school programs. Many Snoqualmie residents hold season passes for convenient after-work or weekend skiing. It's one of the closest ski resorts to the Seattle metro area.
Ready to Make the Move?

Let's Get You to Snoqualmie

Next Phase Moving specializes in helping families relocate to Snoqualmie and the Snoqualmie Valley. We know the mountain roads, the neighborhoods, and the unique challenges of moving to this beautiful area.