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

Lynnwood • Neighborhood Profiles • June 25, 2017

11 Awesome City Conveniences You Didn’t Know Were in Lynnwood

by Cori Whitaker

Lynnwood’s city conveniences are exceptional, and from top-notch transportation options to recreation opportunities, it’s packed with some excellent spots that can improve your day!

Here are 11 awesome city conveniences you might not have known were in Lynnwood:

TRANSIT

When it comes to getting around, Jen B knows trails and park-and-rides that make commuting a breeze! For example, summer is great for taking advantage of the Interurban Trail:

“Take a bike ride or jog along the Interurban Trail,” says Jen. “Linking North Seattle to South Everett, this is a great regional connector trail!”

Another suggestion? Commuters should definitely be taking advantage of the Lynnwood Transit Center, a convenient park-and-ride that features 1,368 parking spaces, lockers, a ride store, and more. Also, for those living in Lynnwood or those with plans to move to Lynnwood, you’re in luck—the Link Light Rail is coming to Lynnwood! Currently, the light rail runs from Angle Lake (just past the SeaTac Airport) to the University of Washington, but by 2023, the Light Rail will have four new station locations added from Northgate to Lynnwood. New stations include one at Northeast 145th Street, Northeast 185th Street, the Mountlake Transit Center (at 236th Street Southwest), and a station at the Lynnwood Transit Center (at 200th Street Southwest).

With these future extensions, riders are promised more frequent and reliable transportation and less pain from traffic congestion! It is estimated that commuters will be able to get from Lynnwood to Downtown Seattle in 28 minutes or to Sea-Tac Airport in 60 minutes.

SCHOOLS

Whether you’re starting out or starting over, Lynnwood has great opportunities for a college education. Edmonds Community College features 61 associate’s degree programs in disciplines like Pre-Nursing and Business/Accounting. With a newly announced Bachelor’s degree program too, Edmonds provides tools for success!

If you feel like there’s not enough time to go back to school, check out Central Washington University’s Lynnwood Campus too. CWU is dedicated to giving students valuable education through flexible class styles. The ability to complete your Bachelor’s degree on the Lynnwood campus ensures that you can balance your responsibilities and educational commitments.

COMMUNITY SPACES

From special events to family fun, Lynnwood offers amazing community spaces. Looking for a wedding or party venue? The Lynnwood Convention Center is a fantastic option! Convenient parking, a versatile landscape, and professional chefs are some of the services that promise you and your guests a memorable experience.

For something everyone will enjoy, visit the Lynnwood Recreation Center & Pool. “The Lynnwood Rec Center & Pool is one of the most popular places for family fun in Lynnwood,” shares Claudette M.

“There is often a line of people that wraps around the building for Rec & Open Swim sessions in this LEED certified facility featuring 3 pools, 2 hot tubs, 2 giant slides, beach access for toddlers and preschoolers, and a large water-dumping-bucket and play area (a la Great-Wolf-Lodge style, but at a fraction of the price) there’s something for everyone no matter their age.”

PARKS

If you’re out and about, stop by one of Lynnwood’s awesome parks for a picnic and play time! Wilcox Park “offers play structures, open field for volleyball, soccer, frisbee and a wooded area too,” according to Tonya T. “Wilcox City Park, also known by Lynnwoodians as Flag Park, offers a summer Farmers Market on Thursdays,” Stefanie M shares.

Another spot is Scriber Lake Park, which Tonya describes as “…a bridged walkway through natural ponds, streams and woods,” an ideal spot for wildlife lovers. Looking for something expansive that you can get lost in? Lynndale Park is Lynnwood’s largest park. Tonya’s tip? “The amphitheater at Lynndale park has live summer events!”

If you’re a history buff, Tonya recommends Heritage Park, which celebrates the city’s agricultural, transportation, and social heritage. Finally, Jen also recommends North Lynnwood Park for summer fun: “The North Lynnwood park has a dragon-themed splash pad, covered picnic areas, play equipment, and tons of lawn space. Perfect on those sunny summer days that will be coming soon. Right? Summer is coming, isn’t it?”