Lake Forest Park

by Cori Whitaker

Welcome to Lake Forest Park!

For those who love the great outdoors without being too far from premium city amenities, Lake Forest Park is a dream come true! Nestled along the shores of picturesque Lake Washington and north of Seattle and Bellevue, Lake Forest Park offers the opportunity to truly have it all. Whether you need to commute into the city for work or want to spend a day on the beach, it’s all wonderfully within reach.

As Jill L points out, living in Lake Forest Park is “like being in an enchanted forest.” She adds that large lots cater to gardeners, and there’s even an amazing Garden Club you can join. Claudette M shares that “Most homes are on large lots, many along streams or creeks. The many trees that are the city’s namesake provide an immense amount of privacy between neighbors.” Keep exploring our guide to Lake Forest Park to see why people love this city!

Getting Out & About

One of the coveted perks of owning in certain Lake Forest Park neighborhoods (there are quite a few that qualify) is eligibility for membership in the Lake Forest Park Civic Club. Members play on the shores of Lake Washington, enjoying access to the private beach/swim area and boat launch.

The Civic Club is well known with plenty of surrounding homes being deeded in, but lesser known is the adjacent Sheridan Beach Club which provides excellent amenities, shore access, a pool and most importantly, a heightened sense of community. If you’re looking for it all in LFP, the Beach Club is where you should start.

Go for a run, walk or bicycle ride on the Burke-Gilman Trail, along the shore of Lake Washington.

The Lake Forest Park Farmer’s market on Sundays is awesome.

Commuting From Lake Forest Park

Lake Forest Park residents predominantly rely on car & bus for their commutes to Seattle or the Eastside. However, with convenient access to a 2-mile stretch of the Burke-Gilman Trail that passes through the city, there is a robust population of residents that commute into Seattle by bicycle, and particularly work centers such as the University of Washington & Children’s Hospital.

Homes in Lake Forest Park

Lake Forest Park was designed as a bedroom community for Seattle, so much of the housing consists of single family homes built between the 1950s and early 1980s. The city is very hilly, so multi-level, split-entry and one-story with basement homes that accommodate the topography are common. The hilly topography also translates into many homes enjoying Cascade Mountain or verdant territorial views, and some with Lake Washington views too.

Mukilteo • Neighborhood Profiles • July 5, 2017

Mukilteo

by Cori Whitaker

Welcome to Mukilteo!

Known for its supportive, strong community and gorgeous waterfront location, Mukilteo is a destination for work, play, and fun! Brimming with excellent city amenities to take advantage of and several top-notch opportunities for outdoor adventure, Muktileo is ready to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a scenic, relaxing day at the beach, a day of shopping, or hoping to head out for a day of mountain biking, you can find it all in this city by the sea.

Mukilteo is also known for its aviation-focused museums, jobs, and events. Home to some excellent aviation museums, a Boeing manufacturing plant, tens of thousands of jobs in the aviation industry and more, Mukilteo is the ideal place to visit or live in whether you’re trying to inspire an interest in aviation, an aviation enthusiasts, or someone with a career in aviation. Mukilteo draws some of the world’s and regional high tech, aeronautic, medical, and innovative industry. That brings a cornucopia of brilliant minds to this community.

When it comes to real estate in Mukilteo, there’s something for everyone. Home to a diverse range of real estate, you can find everything from smaller starter homes to elaborate residences with impressive views of the Puget Sound.

Getting Out & About

“Who wouldn’t want to be from the MUK! The sticker says it all. Mukilteo is a quaint community that not many people know about and even fewer who know how to pronounce the name. I happen to think one of the best beaches in Snohomish county is right in the MUK. Our beach features built in fire pits, a fantastic beach side playground, a substantial shelter perfect for parties all year round, boat launch, lighthouse, plus ice cream and fish & chips within walking distance to the beach.” – Jenny E

“Love love love Big Gulch trail. One minute you’re in the middle of civilization and the next you’re far far away in a place that could be hundreds of miles away. Just a small sign marks the trail head across from the fire department. I’ve spent many hours breathing, thinking, singing on that trail!!” –Janet B

There is also the garden club, historical society, orchestra and the landmark graveyard. Headstones tell the story of our founder’s lives and untimely deaths including the young from influenza and those that built and called Mukilteo “good camping spot” their permanent home.

Commuting from Mukilteo

Train, ferry, plane, bus, bike, what did I miss… oh, yes cars too. Located at the tip of I-5 & I-405 and also easily accessible to 99, commuters have a variety of routes to choose from to get just about anywhere. Mukilteo offers a myriad of options for commuting, including the ferry that runs between Mukilteo and Clinton on Whidbey Island. You can view the ferry schedule here!

The Sounder Commuter train stops in Mukilteo daily on its way to and from Seattle to Everett. Click here to view the Sounder Train morning and evening schedules for the Seattle to Everett commute.

Homes in Mukilteo

“Mukilteo offers a very wide range of homes. From the most expensive and elaborate that enjoy unique spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains, Islands, and Puget Sound waters with its ever changing nautical and aquatic traffic. Mukilteo also offers many affordable carefree communities of well maintained condominiums. In between the most elaborate homes and lovely condos there is a choice of every price range and neighborhood in between. In other words there is a place for everyone on Mukilteo.” -Greg B

Bothell • Neighborhood Profiles • March 7, 2017

New Construction in Bothell: Developments to Keep Your Eye On

by Cori Whitaker

Bothell’s long list of excellent amenities, city conveniences, and central location ensures that it’s a highly desirable place to live. As a result, Bothell is also currently home to a myriad of new developments and new construction!

“There’s lots of new homes in Bothell ranging from $499,000 to over a million,” shares fellow realtor Tonya T. And in addition to new construction, you can also expect to find a range of entry-level townhomes, split-levels, ramblers, older homes, and homes on lots of land as well.

Here are a couple of new construction developments in Bothell to keep your eye on:

Toscana by Village Life

Homes range from $900,000 to $1M

Located near Country Village, Toscana is brimming with luxury Craftsman-style homes that offer large floor plans (ranging from 2,832 to 3,860 square feet) and quality, modern finishes. The neighborhood includes 23 homes with 7 floorplans to choose from, and residents get to enjoy sidewalk-lined streets, a community park, a picnic shelter, and Northshore Schools.

Normandie Woods by Sundquist Homes

Homes begin in the $600,000s

Conveniently located near Interstate-5 and 405 and the Mill Creek Town Center, Normandie Woods showcases gorgeous homes that blend classic details and modern elements. There are 54 homes in Normandie Woods, and residents live in the Edmonds School District.

Here are several examples of new construction in Bothell:

Mountlake Terrace • Neighborhood Profiles • March 7, 2017

Mountlake Terrace

by Cori Whitaker

Welcome to Mountlake Terrace!

Treasured by locals for its wonderful sense of community and its convenient location, Mountlake Terrace is a top choice for those looking to be part of an affordable, growing city! Located just north of Seattle along Interstate-5, this accessible community is brimming with a wide variety of amenities, from recreation and outdoor activities to great restaurants and entertainment options.

Mountlake Terrace offers its residents opportunities all year long to celebrate their community and meet their neighbors! Events like the Tour de Terrace, parades, carnivals, the tree lighting, and more welcome everyone to participate. Known for being a family- and dog-friendly city, Mountlake Terrace offers a wide range of choice when it comes to getting out and about. Parks (like the Mountlake Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park), restaurants (find a variety of cuisine including American, Mexican, Thai, Italian, barbecue, burgers and more!), shopping plazas, and community centers await exploration!

For those interested in moving to Mountlake Terrace, you can expect to find a variety of ramblers, split-levels and tri-levels, condominiums, and townhomes to choose from. The growing city is also beginning to see some new construction, offering even more opportunity for homebuyers looking for affordable real estate options!

Getting Out & About

Boasting a 100+ acre expanse, Lake Ballinger Park offers fishing, beach access, picnic tables, trails, gorgeous scenery, and protected wetland areas.

The Mountlake Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park, Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavillion, Terrace Creek Park “Candy Cane Park,” and Veterans Memorial Park are just a few of the many scenic outdoor retreats in Mountlake Terrace.

“QFC is convenient and walkable when I need last minute items!” shares Shelly Katzer.

Cedar Plaza (featuring Ace Hardware, QFC, Bartells, Starbucks, a pet store, a dry cleaners, and more) is one of REALTOR® Brian Hayter favorite places to shop in Mountlake Terrace. Las Espuelas Mexican Restaurant is also one of his favorite restaurants in the area, in addition to Time Out Greek, Red Onion Burger, Voulas Good Eats, Ringers Sports Bar, and Gabriels Fire. Additionally, Shelly Katzer recommends Big E’s Ale House, Diamond Knot, and Amorn Thai cuisine.

The Cinebarre Mountlake 8 Movie Theater in Mountlake Terrace offers residents with a convenient entertainment option right in their own neighborhood.

Commuting from Mountlake Terrace

“There is a great transit center used by tons of commuters on 236th St SW that provides easy access to Seattle. Light Rail is eventually going to be coming to Mountlake Terrace,” shares REALTOR® Brian Hayter.

The Mountlake Terrace Transit Center includes capacity for 1,000 cars and is served by Bus 511, Bus 512, and Bus 513. Mountlake Terrace will also open a light rail station 2023.

Homes in Mountlake Terrace

If you’re searching for a home in Mountlake Terrace, REALTOR® Brian Hayter shares that you can expect to find “Lots of ramblers (many cinder block), split levels/tri levels, condos/townhomes. We’re also starting to see a fair amount of new construction. There are lots of options!”