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I-5 I-90 SR-520 Light Rail

Best Places to Live &
Commute to Seattle

Your comprehensive 2025 guide to finding the perfect Seattle suburb. Compare commute times, housing costs, and lifestyle factors with our interactive map and data visualizations.

10
Top Cities
15-45
Min Commute
$550K-$1.5M
Home Prices
Explore Interactive Map
Interactive Commute Map

Explore Seattle Area Commute Zones

Click on any city marker to see detailed commute information, housing data, and route recommendations.

I-5 Corridor
I-90 Corridor
SR-520 Corridor
Light Rail Access
Commute Time Comparison

Average Commute Times to Downtown Seattle

Compare drive times (peak hours) and transit times across all 10 recommended cities.

Drive Time (Peak)
Transit Time
Seattle Light Rail train

Seattle's Transit Revolution

Link Light Rail now connects more suburbs than ever. With extensions to Lynnwood and Federal Way complete, transit commuting is faster and more reliable.

62 mi
Total Track Length
47
Stations
24/7
Weekend Service
2025 Rankings

Top 10 Best Places for Seattle Commuters

Ranked by overall commute quality, affordability, and lifestyle factors.

Shoreline Washington residential area
1

Shoreline

I-5 Light Rail

Best for: Light Rail commuters seeking affordable housing close to Seattle. The 145th and 185th Street stations provide direct downtown access in just 20-25 minutes.

Drive Time
25-40 min
Transit Time
20-25 min
Median Home
$725K
Walk Score
62
Pro Tip: Park at the 145th Station garage (free for 24 hours) and take Link downtown. Avoid I-5 during 7-9 AM rush.
Kirkland Washington waterfront
2

Kirkland

SR-520

Best for: Waterfront lifestyle lovers who work in Seattle or Bellevue. Downtown Kirkland offers walkable restaurants, shops, and Lake Washington beaches.

Drive Time
20-45 min
Transit Time
35-50 min
Median Home
$1.1M
Walk Score
74
Pro Tip: Use the SR-520 HOV lanes with a carpool or vanpool. The toll is cheaper during off-peak hours (before 7 AM or after 7 PM).
Bellevue Washington downtown skyline
3

Bellevue

I-90 SR-520 Light Rail

Best for: Tech workers and professionals who want urban amenities without Seattle prices. East Link Light Rail now connects Bellevue to Seattle in 25 minutes.

Drive Time
15-35 min
Transit Time
25 min
Median Home
$1.4M
Walk Score
68
Pro Tip: The 2 Line (East Link) is a game-changer. Live near downtown Bellevue Transit Center for the best commute flexibility.
Burien Washington neighborhood
4

Burien

I-5 Light Rail

Best for: Budget-conscious commuters seeking affordable housing with improving transit access. Close to SeaTac for frequent travelers.

Drive Time
20-35 min
Transit Time
30-40 min
Median Home
$575K
Walk Score
58
Pro Tip: Use the RapidRide F Line to connect to Tukwila International Boulevard Station, then Link Light Rail downtown.
Renton Washington family home
5

Renton

I-5 I-405

Best for: Families seeking value with good schools and community amenities. Major employers like Boeing provide local job options too.

Drive Time
25-45 min
Transit Time
40-55 min
Median Home
$650K
Walk Score
55
Pro Tip: The Renton Transit Center has express buses to downtown Seattle. SR-167 HOT lanes offer faster travel for solo drivers willing to pay.
Bothell Washington suburban neighborhood
6

Bothell

I-405 SR-522

Best for: Those wanting a true suburban feel with trails, parks, and top-rated schools in the Northshore School District.

Drive Time
30-50 min
Transit Time
45-60 min
Median Home
$950K
Walk Score
45
Pro Tip: Use the I-405 Express Toll Lanes during rush hour for predictable travel times. UW Bothell park-and-ride has transit connections.
Redmond Washington tech campus area
7

Redmond

SR-520 Light Rail

Best for: Tech workers at Microsoft, Nintendo, or Facebook. The 2 Line extension reaches downtown Redmond, making Seattle commutes easier than ever.

Drive Time
25-50 min
Transit Time
35-40 min
Median Home
$1.2M
Walk Score
52
Pro Tip: Live near a 2 Line station (SE Redmond, Downtown Redmond, Marymoor Village) for car-free commuting to Seattle or Bellevue.
Lynnwood Washington residential area
8

Lynnwood

I-5 Light Rail

Best for: Commuters who want brand-new Light Rail access at a lower price point than Seattle. The Lynnwood City Center station opened in 2024.

Drive Time
30-55 min
Transit Time
28-35 min
Median Home
$680K
Walk Score
56
Pro Tip: The Lynnwood City Center station has a massive parking garage. Arrive before 8 AM for guaranteed parking during weekdays.
Tukwila Washington transit hub
9

Tukwila

I-5 Light Rail

Best for: Transit-dependent commuters and bargain hunters. Tukwila International Boulevard Station is a major hub with Sounder and Link connections.

Drive Time
20-40 min
Transit Time
25-35 min
Median Home
$550K
Walk Score
48
Pro Tip: Consider Sounder commuter rail from Tukwila Station - it's faster than Link during peak hours and offers comfortable seating.
Mercer Island Washington luxury home
10

Mercer Island

I-90 Light Rail

Best for: Luxury seekers who want the shortest commute possible. Located directly between Seattle and Bellevue with Light Rail access.

Drive Time
10-25 min
Transit Time
12-18 min
Median Home
$1.9M
Walk Score
35
Pro Tip: The Mercer Island Light Rail station has free park-and-ride for residents. Non-peak I-90 drives can be as quick as 10 minutes to Seattle.
Route Intelligence

Seattle Commute Route Tips

Master your daily commute with insider knowledge on each major corridor.

I-5

Interstate 5

North-South Backbone

  • Express lanes reverse direction based on peak traffic flow
  • Worst bottlenecks: Ship Canal Bridge, Northgate, downtown exits
  • Leave before 6:30 AM or after 9:30 AM to avoid worst delays
  • Use Waze or Google Maps for real-time accident alerts
I-90

Interstate 90

Eastside Connection

  • No tolls - free alternative to SR-520 for Eastside commuters
  • HOV lanes operate 24/7 with 2+ occupancy requirement
  • Mercer Island Station offers free Light Rail connection
  • Best for South Seattle/SoDo destinations, worse for downtown
520

SR-520

Tolled Eastside Route

  • Tolls vary $1.25-$6.35 based on time of day and Good To Go! pass
  • HOV 3+ travel free during peak hours (6-9 AM, 3-7 PM)
  • Best route for UW, Capitol Hill, and Montlake destinations
  • Floating bridge closes occasionally for extreme weather

Link Light Rail

Growing Network

  • ORCA card offers 2-hour transfer window and monthly passes
  • Trains run every 8-10 minutes during peak hours
  • Bikes allowed on all trains (limited space during rush hour)
  • Free parking at most suburban stations (arrive early)
Common Questions

Seattle Commute FAQ

What is the best Seattle suburb for commuters?
Shoreline offers the best overall commute to Seattle with Link Light Rail access providing 20-25 minute trips downtown, plus relatively affordable housing compared to closer neighborhoods. For Eastside workers, Bellevue is ideal with both Light Rail and multiple highway options.

How long is the commute from Bellevue to Seattle?
The commute from Bellevue to downtown Seattle is 15-25 minutes via SR-520 or I-90 without traffic, but can extend to 45-60 minutes during peak hours. The 2 Line Light Rail offers a consistent 25-minute alternative that avoids traffic entirely.

Is it better to take I-5 or I-90 to Seattle?
I-90 is typically faster from the Eastside with free HOV lanes and fewer bottlenecks, especially for South Seattle destinations. I-5 is best for commuters from the north (Shoreline, Lynnwood) or south (Burien, Renton). Always check real-time traffic apps before choosing your route.

Which Seattle suburbs have light rail access?
Current Link Light Rail serves Shoreline (145th, 185th stations), Lynnwood, Northgate, U District, Capitol Hill, downtown Seattle, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Tukwila, SeaTac, and the Eastside including Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Redmond. Federal Way service is also now operational.

What is the most affordable Seattle suburb with a reasonable commute?
Burien and Tukwila offer the most affordable housing with median prices $150,000-$300,000 below Seattle, while maintaining 20-35 minute commutes via I-5 or Light Rail connections. Renton also offers good value with slightly longer commute times.

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