With a population of more than four million for its metropolitan area, the seaport city of Seattle is the largest in Washington. Seattle is peppered with sightseeing opportunities — from Pike Place Market and ferry rides to nearby Snoqualmie Falls and Mount Rainier National Park — that beckon residents — and its many tourists — to venture outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the state parks.
| FUN FACTS ABOUT SEATTLE |
|---|
| Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks with over 17,000 U.S. locations now. |
| Over Lake Washington, find the world's longest floating bridge measuring over 7,700 feet. |
| Seattle has about 150 days of sunshine and 38 inches of rainfall. |
Retirees are also drawn here to live amid the immense green forests and proximity to water. For those who like a slower pace than the city has to offer, check out the top 10 suburbs surrounding Seattle.
10. Mukilteo
Population: 21,545
Median Home Value: $830,000
Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.5 minutes
School Ranking: A
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 375
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 24
Mukilteo is located on Puget Sound about 25 miles north of Seattle. It’s a prosperous community, with a strong school system, and it’s served by multiple transportation options — commuter trains, ferries, buses and state highways.
Given its proximity to water, you’ll find plenty of aquatic and other outdoor recreational activities. This scenic waterfront community has a historic lighthouse and views of the Olympic Mountains and the Northern Cascade Mountains. From hiking to fishing you will have plenty of fun in this beautiful part of the state.
Check out the new home communities awaiting your in Mukilteo!
9. Bainbridge Island
Population: 24,846
Median Home Value: $1,076,200
Mean Travel Time to Work: 42.3 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 230
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 13
Bainbridge Island is only a 35-minute ferry ride from the heart of Seattle, making it a perfect bedroom community. With only around 25,000 residents, it’s a tranquil community with quality schools and plenty of shopping and dining options.
This Puget Sound gem is full of natural beauty with views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Residents hit the trails at Fort Ward State Park. Enjoy the art galleries, wineries, and farms for a slower pace.
Join the second largest city in Kitsap County. Come find your new construction home here.
8. Kenmore
Population: 23,391
Median Home Value: $869,800
Mean Travel Time to Work: 34.1 minutes
School Ranking: A
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 261
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 18
Another great suburban option is Kenmore sitting twenty miles northeast of Seattle. It sits on the northern shore of Lake Washington — so no ferry required. Locals enjoy watercraft and boat rentals, as well as hiking the area’s rambling trails. It’s an affluent city with a stellar school system.
From Saint Edward State Park to Log Boom Park and Rhododendron Park, it's easy to be out exploring the natural beauty. With an easy commute, excellent schools, and great amenities, Kenmore is a solid choice for those preferring some distance from the big city. Why wait? Come and explore Kenmore’s new homes today!
7. Issaquah
Population: 39,378
Median Home Value: $934,100
Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.3 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,473
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 42
Issaquah, located about 20 miles east of Seattle, is a friendly, quiet and welcoming place to call home. Weekend fun includes zoos, parks and trails. Finish your day at one of the local restaurants and watch the sunset.
Explore this charming town with its vibrant events and activities. The seasonal farmers market is always a hit. In the summer, residents gather for Concerts on the Green. Families create memories at the Cougar Mountain Zoological Park. It goes without saying, salmon is a highly popular dish here with a historic salmon hatchery. Discover your new home in Issaquah today!
6. Sammamish
Population: 65,733
Median Home Value: $1,240,300
Mean Travel Time to Work: 33.2 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 426
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 16
An interesting name, Sammamish, is one of the larger cities on our list. It is bordered on the west by Lake Sammamish and on the east by the Snoqualmie Valley. The city was incorporated in 1999 and has quickly grown to become a popular suburb for those who enjoy lake life and outdoor adventures.
Those outdoor adventures will be found on lakes, forests, and mountains. Spend your time hiking, boating, fishing and skiing. Lake Sammamish is the spot for water skiing and boating. There's more than just the outdoors to lure you to this suburb.
Sammamish has been listed as one of the safest cities in the state. An excellent economy and easy commute can put you on the career path with major employers in Bellevue and Seattle. Take a look at the new construction homes available in Sammamish.
5. Bothell
Population: 48,151
Median Home Value: $871,300
Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.1 minutes
School Ranking: A
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 860
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 52
A little over 46,000 residents call Bothell home. It’s about 20 miles northeast of Seattle and sits on the banks of the Sammamish River. This is an outdoor community known for its many water activities, hike and bike trails and sports. The town offers both peaceful and friendly neighborhoods and a vibrant night life. Choose your new home in Bothell today!
4. Woodinville
Population: 13,718
Median Home Value: $1,032,900
Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 411
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 19
Located about 20 miles northeast of Seattle, Woodinville sits near the Sammamish River and offers ample water recreation opportunities. Downtown, you’ll enjoy visiting the many antique shops and boutiques and stopping by the farmer’s market for the freshest fruits and veggies.
If you enjoy wine, Woodinville is home to the well-known wineries, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery, among others. They lay claim to having more artisan winemakers per square foot than any other wine region. If you aren't a wine lover, don't worry there are plenty of distilleries, craft breweries, and cideries to tempt your taste buds. With low crime rates and top-rated schools, you will enjoy a peaceful place to call home. Find your new home in Woodinville!
3. Bellevue
Population: 151,574
Median Home Value: $1,203,100
Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 5,280
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 231
Bellevue has a prime location between Lakes Washington and Sammamish and is only 15 minutes east of Seattle across Lake Washington. Bellevue offers diverse cuisine, unique arts and inspiring fashion. The botanical garden, skate parks and other outdoor activities are a bonus.
Mercer Slough Nature Park will have you out kayaking or head to Bridle Trails State Park for all things equestrian. From fairs to shopping, and holiday activities, Bellevue is a true Pacific Northwest jewel. Find out why this affluent community is a great place to relocate to and also discover the enormous benefits of living in the suburbs. You are bound to land your dream home in Bellevue.
2. Redmond
Population: 80,280
Median Home Value: $1,091,700
Mean Travel Time to Work: 23.5 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,371
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 99
Redmond, 20 miles northeast of Seattle, is known as the home of Microsoft, among other major companies headquartered there. Nintendo of America, Meta, and Amazon Kuiper are also adding to the economy with employment opportunities. This diverse community is known for a variety of activities including wine tasting, theater, shopping, and delicious dining.
Self-styled the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest,” Redmond has more than 59 miles of public trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. And its excellent schools make it a perfect location to raise family. You’ll want to come home to Redmond.
1. Mercer Island
Population: 25,976
Median Home Value: $1,884,200
Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.2 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 289
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 17
The No. 1 suburb on our list is a quick 10 minutes east of Seattle. Mercer Island, located on Lake Washington, is perfect for commuters; you can be in the bustling metropolis by morning and unplug on the quiet island at night. It’s a family friendly area with an abundance of amenities.
The schools strive for excellence and are some of the best in the state with a 98 percent high school graduation rate. Discover over 50 miles of hiking trails, three public beaches, and abundant green space to stay active. This affluent area is sure to impress. You don’t want to miss out on a new home here!.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
| Kirkland | 91,194 | $1,022,500 | 28.1 minutes | A | 1,895 | 102 |
| Newcastle | 12,761 | $1,128,200 | 30.3 minutes | A | 332 | 13 |
| Mill Creek | 20,742 | $836,300 | 31.8 minutes | A | 423 | 43 |
| Shoreline | 61,353 | $759,400 | 31.5 minutes | A | 1,649 | 104 |
| Lake Forest Park | 13,569 | $928,700 | 32.1 minutes | A | 273 | 17 |
| Maple Valley | 28,434 | $672,000 | 39.4 minutes | A | 407 | 30 |
| Silverdale | 21,774 | $507,600 | 25.5 minutes | B+ | 225 | 24 |
| Woodway | 1,387 | N/A | 28.5 minutes | B+ | 8 | 0 |
| Poulsbo | 12,171 | $574,900 | 27.6 minutes | B+ | 224 | 28 |
| Brier | 6,978 | $824,500 | 31.3 minutes | B+ | 47 | 3 |
| Duvall | 8,517 | $758,100 | 33.2 minutes | A- | 39 | 5 |
| Mountlake Terrace | 21,516 | $606,100 | 30.5 minutes | B+ | 657 | 32 |
| Edmonds | 42,767 | $840,200 | 32.7 minutes | B+ | 1,042 | 74 |
| Lake Stevens | 40,521 | $593,900 | 34.4 minutes | A- | 311 | 44 |
| Lynnwood | 40,521 | $593,900 | 31.6 minutes | B | 2,671 | 124 |
| Gig Harbor | 12,604 | $686,000 | 24.2 minutes | A- | 455 | 31 |
| Snohomish | 10,243 | $599,600 | 29.9 minutes | B+ | 213 | 17 |
| Covington | 21,202 | $590,100 | 35.6 minutes | B | 753 | 34 |
| Puyallup | 42,179 | $507,000 | 32.2 minutes | B+ | 2,291 | 168 |
| Bonney Lake | 22,835 | $558,900 | 38.9 minutes | B+ | 466 | 37 |
| Arlington | 21,206 | $492,600 | 29.4 minutes | B+ | 515 | 85 |
| Monroe | 19,447 | $594,300 | 31.1 minutes | B- | 497 | 60 |
| Enumclaw | 12,697 | $498,700 | 32.9 minutes | B | 264 | 11 |
| Des Moines | 32,364 | $539,800 | 30.5 minutes | B- | 1,136 | 101 |
| Everett | 111,262 | $532,300 | 29.2 minutes | B | 4,668 | 435 |
| Tacoma | 222,906 | $454,600 | 29.4 minutes | B- | 16,517 | 2,769 |
| Auburn | 83,870 | $510,400 | 32.1 minutes | B | 4,429 | 504 |
| Renton | 104,491 | $631,400 | 31.9 minutes | B | 4,560 | 423 |
| Kent | 133,378 | $537,500 | 32.3 minutes | B- | 6,813 | 742 |
| Normandy Park | 6,660 | $943,500 | 28.9 minutes | B- | 103 | 6 |
| Tukwila | 21,135 | $462,800 | 26.7 minutes | B | 3,807 | 178 |
| Bremerton | 45,450 | $409,500 | 25.7 minutes | B- | 1,244 | 188 |
| Stanwood | 9,016 | $547,400 | 26.9 minutes | B | 113 | 14 |
| Marysville | 72,916 | $521,500 | 30.6 minutes | B- | 1,423 | 167 |
| Burien | 51,908 | $609,300 | 28.9 minutes | C+ | 1,937 | 231 |
| SeaTac | 31,799 | $483,200 | 28.3 minutes | C+ | 1,569 | 126 |
| Federal Way | 97,701 | $499,600 | 34.7 minutes | B- | 5,242 | 619 |
| Mount Vernon | 35,741 | $429,300 | 25.5 minutes | C+ | 742 | 72 |
| Granite Falls | 4,829 | $650,000 | 34 minutes | C- | 47 | 4 |
| Sultan | 6,766 | $455,500 | 35.1 minutes | C+ | 35 | 9 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Washington Resources
Top 10 State Parks in Washington
The Healthiest States to Live In
Best Tiny Home Builders in Washington
The 10 Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Allergies
Top 5 Best Places to Live in Washington
How to Build a House in Washington
The Most Affordable Cities in Washington
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Washington State
Best Suburbs Near Seattle, Washington
Heather Allen
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.