Is Lynnwood a Good Place to Live?
Discover how the 2024 light rail opening has transformed Lynnwood into a premier transit hub with 28-minute Seattle commutes, diverse neighborhoods, and exceptional value at $725K median.
Direct Link Light Rail to downtown Seattle, UW, SeaTac Airport, and beyond.
The Light Rail Transformation
The August 2024 opening of Link Light Rail to Lynnwood has fundamentally changed the city's value proposition. What was once a suburban mall town is now a major transit hub connecting residents to the entire Puget Sound region.
28 Minutes to Seattle
Direct light rail service to downtown Seattle, University District, Capitol Hill, and SeaTac Airport. No traffic, no parking hassles.
Massive Cost Savings
Save $300-500/month on gas, parking, and car wear. Monthly pass is just $99 for unlimited travel throughout the system.
Rising Property Values
Transit-oriented development is booming. Homes near the station have seen 12-15% appreciation since light rail announcement.
Link Light Rail Network
Trains run every 8-10 minutes during peak hours, 10-15 minutes off-peak
Lynnwood by the Numbers
Median Home Price Comparison
Lynnwood offers significant savings vs. nearby cities
Quality of Life Metrics (1-10 Scale)
Overall score: 8.2/10 - Excellent for families
Commute Time to Seattle (Minutes)
Light rail eliminates traffic variability
Best Neighborhoods in Lynnwood
From upscale Alderwood to lakeside Martha Lake, find your perfect community.
Alderwood
Near Light RailUpscale neighborhood adjacent to Alderwood Mall and the new light rail station. Features newer homes, excellent walkability, and premium amenities.
Seattle commuters, shopping enthusiasts, car-free lifestyle
Martha Lake
LakefrontFamily-friendly community with private lake access for residents. Parks, trails, and a strong neighborhood association create tight-knit community feel.
Families with kids, outdoor lovers, community events
Meadowdale
NatureHighly desirable area with access to Meadowdale Beach Park (Puget Sound beach!), top-rated schools, and beautiful tree-lined streets with larger lots.
Top schools priority, beach access, quiet suburban life
North Lynnwood
DiverseMost culturally diverse area with international restaurants, markets, and community centers. More affordable entry point with good bones and appreciation potential.
Affordability seekers, cultural diversity, investment opportunity
Scriber Lake
UrbanWalkable neighborhood near downtown Lynnwood with new mixed-use developments, condos, townhomes, and easy access to transit and shopping.
Low-maintenance living, walkability, urban amenities
City Center
DevelopingRapidly transforming downtown core with new city hall, convention center, apartments, and mixed-use buildings. The future heart of Lynnwood.
Early adopters, city lifestyle, investment growth
Lynnwood's Transformation
From suburban mall town to modern transit hub
Link Light Rail Station
State-of-the-art transit center opened August 2024
Direct Seattle Access
28-minute ride to downtown with trains every 8-10 minutes
Alderwood Mall
Regional shopping destination with 200+ stores
Quality Neighborhoods
Modern homes in family-friendly communities
Meadowdale Beach Park
Puget Sound beach access with hiking trails
City Center Transformation
New city hall, convention center, and mixed-use development
Edmonds School District
Strong academics, diverse programs, and community investment
District Overview
- Above-average performance: Edmonds SD ranks in top 30% of WA districts
- Diversity: 60+ languages spoken, culturally responsive curriculum
- Programs: AP courses, STEM focus, dual language immersion
- Graduation rate: 88% (above state average)
Top Schools
Pro Tip: Schools in the Meadowdale area (south Lynnwood) tend to have higher ratings and test scores. Consider this when choosing neighborhoods.
What Makes Lynnwood Special
Shopping Paradise
Alderwood Mall is one of the region's premier shopping destinations with 200+ stores, restaurants, and entertainment options including AMC theater.
Diverse Community
Lynnwood is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Washington with vibrant Asian, Latino, and international communities creating rich cultural experiences.
Food Scene
Authentic international cuisine including Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican, and Ethiopian restaurants. H Mart and 99 Ranch Asian supermarkets.
Parks & Recreation
40+ parks including Meadowdale Beach Park (Puget Sound access), Scriber Lake Park, and Lynnwood Recreation Center with pool and fitness facilities.
Local Jobs
Growing job market with retail, healthcare, and business services. Plus easy light rail commute to Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond tech jobs.
Community Events
Lynnwood Farmers Market (May-October), Summer Concert Series, Lynnwood Art Walk, and diverse cultural festivals throughout the year.
The Real Story
Every city has trade-offs. Here's the unvarnished truth about Lynnwood.
Pros
Light Rail Game-Changer
28-minute Seattle commute eliminates traffic stress and saves thousands annually on parking and gas.
Exceptional Value
$725K median is $125K less than Seattle, $675K less than Bellevue - same schools and transit access.
Shopping & Dining
Alderwood Mall, Costco, international markets, and 200+ restaurants mean you never need to leave town.
Cultural Diversity
Welcoming, multicultural community with international cuisine, markets, and cultural events.
Good Schools
Edmonds SD above state average, with Meadowdale High rated 8/10 and strong elementary options.
Growth Potential
Downtown redevelopment and light rail should drive continued appreciation and urban amenities.
Central Location
Easy access to Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, mountains, and water - perfect regional hub.
Cons
Highway 99 Strip
Parts of Hwy 99 corridor are dated and strip-mall heavy. Not charming or walkable outside downtown core.
Still Car-Dependent
Unless you live near the transit center, you'll need a car for groceries, errands, and getting around town.
Limited Urban Feel
No walkable downtown like Edmonds or Kirkland. Still developing urban core - mostly suburban sprawl.
Some Crime Concerns
Property crime higher than neighboring Edmonds/Mountlake Terrace. Varies greatly by neighborhood.
Pacific Northwest Weather
Gray and rainy Oct-May like all of Seattle area. Not unique to Lynnwood but worth mentioning.
Less Natural Beauty
Fewer trees/parks than neighboring cities. Meadowdale has beach but most areas are commercial/residential.
Limited Nightlife
Family-oriented suburb with few bars/music venues. You'll go to Seattle or Edmonds for nightlife.
The Bottom Line
Lynnwood is not the most charming or walkable city in the Seattle area. But if you value affordability, diversity, shopping convenience, and easy Seattle commutes, the light rail opening makes it a compelling choice. Best for families and pragmatic professionals who want suburban space without giving up urban access.
Who Should Move to Lynnwood?
Great Fit For
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Seattle Commuters
Light rail makes this ideal for anyone working downtown or at UW
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Growing Families
Good schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable homes with yards
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Value Seekers
Best bang-for-buck in the Seattle metro with transit access
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Diversity Appreciators
Multicultural community with international food and culture
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Shopping Enthusiasts
Alderwood Mall and every big-box store imaginable
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First-Time Buyers
More achievable entry point than Seattle/Bellevue/Kirkland
Consider Elsewhere
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Walkability Seekers
Look at Edmonds, Kirkland, or Seattle neighborhoods instead
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Nature Lovers
Issaquah, Sammamish, or Woodinville have more trees/trails
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Urban Lifestyle Fans
Seattle neighborhoods offer better restaurants, bars, culture
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Top-Tier School Seekers
Lake Washington SD (Bellevue/Redmond) or Northshore SD rate higher
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Waterfront Seekers
Kirkland, Edmonds, or Seattle offer better water access/views
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Luxury Home Buyers
Bellevue, Mercer Island, or Medina have more high-end inventory
Our Recommendation
Yes, Lynnwood is a good place to live - especially if you're a Seattle commuter or family looking for value without sacrificing access. The 2024 light rail opening is a generational opportunity that makes Lynnwood competitive with cities twice as expensive.
Visit on a Saturday: take the light rail to Seattle to test the commute, shop Alderwood Mall, eat at an international restaurant, and tour neighborhoods like Alderwood and Martha Lake. You'll quickly know if Lynnwood's pragmatic suburban lifestyle fits your needs.
Ready to Move to Lynnwood?
Next Phase Moving specializes in relocations throughout the Seattle metro area. Let our expert team make your move to Lynnwood seamless and stress-free.