Best suburbs in Seattle
The GI Bill of Rights, Ike’s interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.
Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023. But a good location comes with a cost.
A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.
What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.
Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in Seattle. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.
Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in Seattle.
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#21. Mill Creek, Washington
– Population: 20,797
– Median home value: $777,500
– Median rental price: $2,134
– Top schools nearby: North Creek High School (grade A+), Cedar Wood Elementary School (grade A), Henry M. Jackson High School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), Shoreline Christian School (grade A), Archbishop Murphy High School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A−
— Weather grade: B−
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A
#20. Mirrormont, Washington
– Population: 4,102
– Median home value: $874,800
– Median rental price: $1,310
– Top schools nearby: Issaquah High School (grade A+), Cedar River Elementary (grade A), Liberty Senior High School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Rainier Christian Schools (grade A), St. Joseph Parish School (grade A), Renton Christian School (grade unavailable)
– Overall Niche grade: A−
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A
#19. Duvall, Washington
– Population: 8,128
– Median home value: $689,800
– Median rental price: $2,978
– Top schools nearby: Ella Baker Elementary School (grade A+), Clara Barton Elementary School (grade A), Eagle Rock Multiage School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: The Overlake School (grade A+), The Bear Creek School (grade A+), Brightmont Academy – Redmond (grade B+)
– Overall Niche grade: A−
— Weather grade: B−
— Cost of living grade: C
— Outdoor activities grade: A
#18. Edmonds, Washington
– Population: 42,705
– Median home value: $761,300
– Median rental price: $1,821
– Top schools nearby: North Creek High School (grade A+), Decatur Elementary School (grade A), Robert Eagle Staff Middle School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), UPrep (grade A+), The Northwest School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A−
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A
#17. Shoreline, Washington
– Population: 58,673
– Median home value: $711,500
– Median rental price: $1,853
– Top schools nearby: North Creek High School (grade A+), Decatur Elementary School (grade A), Northwood Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+), UPrep (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
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#16. Mukilteo, Washington
– Population: 21,365
– Median home value: $760,700
– Median rental price: $1,999
– Top schools nearby: North Creek High School (grade A+), Mukilteo Elementary School (grade A−), Endeavour Elementary School (grade A−)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), Bishop Blanchet High School (grade A+), Shoreline Christian School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B−
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A
#15. Cottage Lake, Washington
– Population: 23,233
– Median home value: $1,094,000
– Median rental price: $2,233
– Top schools nearby: International Community School (grade A+), North Creek High School (grade A+), Redmond High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The Overlake School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+), The Bear Creek School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B−
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
#14. Medina, Washington
– Population: 2,923
– Median home value: $2,000,001
– Median rental price: $3,501
– Top schools nearby: International School (grade A+), Bellevue High School (grade A+), Islander Middle School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), The Overlake School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
#13. Woodway, Washington
– Population: 1,118
– Median home value: $1,550,600
– Median rental price: $1,625
– Top schools nearby: Robert Eagle Staff Middle School (grade A), Maplewood Parent Cooperative (grade A−), Edmonds Woodway High School (grade A−)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), Bishop Blanchet High School (grade A+), Shoreline Christian School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A
#12. Bothell, Washington
– Population: 47,917
– Median home value: $796,900
– Median rental price: $2,174
– Top schools nearby: North Creek High School (grade A+), Woodinville High School (grade A), Shelton View Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+), UPrep (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
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#11. Kenmore, Washington
– Population: 23,611
– Median home value: $803,000
– Median rental price: $1,850
– Top schools nearby: International Community School (grade A+), North Creek High School (grade A+), Shelton View Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+), UPrep (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
#10. Bainbridge Island, Washington
– Population: 24,681
– Median home value: $985,400
– Median rental price: $1,965
– Top schools nearby: Ordway Elementary School (grade A), Capt. Johnston Blakely Elementary School (grade A), Capt. Charles Wilkes Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: West Sound Academy (grade A), Montessori Country School (grade unavailable), Gateway Christian Schools – Eagles Campus (grade unavailable)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B−
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A
#9. Lake Forest Park, Washington
– Population: 13,462
– Median home value: $874,200
– Median rental price: $1,992
– Top schools nearby: North Creek High School (grade A+), Lockwood Elementary School (grade A), Decatur Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+), UPrep (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
#8. Woodinville, Washington
– Population: 13,301
– Median home value: $917,700
– Median rental price: $2,263
– Top schools nearby: International Community School (grade A+), North Creek High School (grade A+), Ella Baker Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), The Overlake School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
#7. Kirkland, Washington
– Population: 92,015
– Median home value: $937,700
– Median rental price: $2,250
– Top schools nearby: International Community School (grade A+), International School (grade A+), Bellevue High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), The Overlake School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
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#6. Issaquah, Washington
– Population: 39,400
– Median home value: $891,500
– Median rental price: $2,409
– Top schools nearby: Skyline High School (grade A+), Issaquah High School (grade A+), Cougar Ridge Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+), Seattle Academy (grade A+), The Northwest School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
#5. Newcastle, Washington
– Population: 12,931
– Median home value: $1,036,200
– Median rental price: $2,163
– Top schools nearby: Newport High School (grade A+), International School (grade A+), Bellevue Big Picture School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+), Northwest Yeshiva High School (grade A+), Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
#4. Mercer Island, Washington
– Population: 25,464
– Median home value: $1,683,600
– Median rental price: $2,315
– Top schools nearby: Bellevue High School (grade A+), Mercer Island High School (grade A+), West Mercer Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+), UPrep (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
#3. Sammamish, Washington
– Population: 66,586
– Median home value: $1,139,100
– Median rental price: $2,627
– Top schools nearby: Tesla STEM High School (grade A+), International Community School (grade A+), Redmond High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: The Overlake School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+), The Bear Creek School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: C+
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
#2. Clyde Hill, Washington
– Population: 3,108
– Median home value: $2,000,001
– Median rental price: $3,501
– Top schools nearby: International School (grade A+), Bellevue High School (grade A+), Clara Barton Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), The Overlake School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
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#1. Yarrow Point, Washington
– Population: 1,280
– Median home value: $2,000,001
– Median rental price: $3,501
– Top schools nearby: International School (grade A+), Bellevue High School (grade A+), Renaissance School of Art & Reasoning (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakeside School (grade A+), The Overlake School (grade A+), Eastside Preparatory School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B
— Cost of living grade: C−
— Outdoor activities grade: A+
This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.
By Stacker
Are you also noticing how younger buyers love walkable neighborhoods? It’s so true! Plus, I think it’s great that they’re focusing on eco-friendly homes. With energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials getting more attention, it really shows how much we care about our planet. And isn’t it awesome how Seattle suburbs are improving public transport? It makes commuting to the city so much easier!
I’ve been looking into suburbs around Seattle, and it’s interesting how places like Mill Creek and Duvall each offer unique vibes. Redmond and Bellevue are great for tech jobs, too!
Have you ever thought about how great the suburbs around Seattle are? They really offer a mix of amenities that modern homebuyers love, especially those who want walkability. Plus, the vibrant community events and focus on sustainability make these places even more appealing for families and future generations. What’s your favorite suburb?
I’ve gotta say, Seattle’s suburbs are such hidden gems! Duvall is super cozy with great schools, and Edmonds has that perfect blend of city and nature. Shoreline is fantastic for families, and Mukilteo feels so welcoming. Have you checked out Kirkland? The waterfront parks are stunning! Sammamish is like living in a postcard!
Have you noticed how Seattle’s suburbs are becoming more walkable and eco-friendly lately? It’s great! Many buyers now really value neighborhoods with shops and restaurants nearby. Sure, homes in those areas can be pricier, but it seems worth it for the convenience. Plus, more suburbs are adding green spaces and eco-friendly features, which I love! Also, public transport options can really enhance the appeal and make commuting easier. What do you think?