Top Reasons to Move to Edmonds, WA
By Alex Mikoulianitch on June 02, 2023
If you’re a homebuyer saying, "I want the best of everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer, without the suffocating city pace," then plan a trip to Edmonds.
When you get there, head to the Bowl of Edmonds, the city’s bustling center, and take a moment to look around for your first taste of the "best of everything."
Edmonds’s residential and business districts bring views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound together, offering some of the most stunning scenery available among Seattle’s top suburbs.
You’ll get access to beaches, outdoor recreation, a thriving community and cultural scene, and enjoy proximity to Seattle and Eastside. Below, the team at Prevu Real Estate breaks down the top reasons to live in Edmonds, Washington.
Top reasons to move to Edmonds
- Waterfront living at its finest
- All-encompassing outdoor recreation
- Tight-knit community
- Renowned arts scene
- Easy access to Seattle
Waterfront living at its finest
In essence, Edmonds is somewhat of a beach town.
Though the concept may clash with the typically-cold waters of Puget Sound (and the general lack of sand), Edmonds found a way to incorporate everything else that makes a beach town desirable: access to a breathtaking waterfront, laid-back vibes, and a Pacific Northwest version of a beachfront getaway for its residents.
Edmonds’s western coast enjoys access to Puget Sound, providing jaw-dropping views and a wealth of waterfront real estate that is some of the most desirable in Snohomish County.
Naturally, Edmonds caters to boat owners and anyone who prioritizes water access. The Port of Edmonds alone offers 650 covered and uncovered boat slips at its marina, including various services like maintenance and fueling.
But even without a vessel, residents gain access to the Edmonds Fishing Pier, a wealth of mouthwatering seafood restaurants, and a ton of outdoor space to enjoy waterfront sunsets.
All-encompassing outdoor recreation
Edmonds’s lifestyle is deeply tied to its outdoor offerings. But, of course, some of the city’s best recreation is found on the coastline.
Marina Beach Park, nestled on the southern part of the shoreline, offers a rare stretch of sand for picnics, beach volleyball, and even an off-leash space for your furry friends. We can’t guarantee that the waters will have the best temperatures for a dip, but the nearby attractions are well worth the visit.
Head to the pier to take in unobstructed views of Puget Sound or to see if anyone reeled in a huge catch. Explore the marina and the hundreds of boats bobbing on the water. Before you know it, Edmonds’s signature sunset sets in, and you can get a front-row seat.
If Marina Beach Park gets too crowded, you can head toward Brackett’s Landing North and the nearby Sunset Beach. You’ll discover access to the underwater diving park and another canvas of breathtaking water views there.
Tired of the sand? Head further inland and discover some of Edmonds’s local parks. Yost Park and Pine Ridge Park should be at the top of your list; these offer pockets of idyllic hiking trails, hidden ponds, and a bubble-like escape from the busier pockets of town.
Tight-knit community
When Edmonds touts its community as a massive part of its identity, it isn’t flaunting an old cliche.
Just check the events calendar, and you’ll see how involved the city’s residents are in the cultural life of Edmonds. From wine walks to art festivals to jazz concerts and Mother’s Day celebrations, the events that pack the city’s itinerary encompass everything that makes Edmonds stand out.
Summers draw crowds to local farmers' markets and "Sea Jazz" concerts. Summer Wine Walks gather locals to sample some of the best Northwest and local wineries.
"Taste Edmonds," the third-largest festival in Washington, attracts not only Edmonds locals but close to 80,000 visitors. The event jam-packs a beer and wine garden, live music performances, and plenty of food vendors into a three-day community-focused celebration.
Holidays like Halloween and July Fourth all showcase a collective splendor that is unique to Edmonds, bringing together neighbors and friends for large-scale, activity-packed moments that serve as a reminder of how dynamic the city is with its community.
But crowded events aside, the Edmonds community also shines through homegrown locales.
Renowned arts scene
The word "art" is omnipotent in Edmonds, and its reach stretches to almost every facet of the city’s creative life. The title of Washington State’s first designated Creative District should be enough to paint a picture of what you can expect.
Live performances, concerts, music events, culinary innovation, and artisanal cocktails all benefit from the creative spirit prevalent in Edmonds.
The Edmonds Art Walk will be the best way to get acquainted with how seriously the city treats its connection to the arts. The popular wine walks we mentioned earlier are actually a part of the Art Walk, serving as one of the festival’s top charity events.
The Edmonds Center for the Arts offers a 700-seat performance space home to local and out-of-town artists, performance groups, and eclectic acts throughout the year. It’s also where you’ll catch the Olympic Ballet Theatre, Edmonds’s home-grown ballet troupe, and school.
But outside of the concert halls and outdoor events, Edmonds is packed with local art installations, galleries, and murals; seemingly every corner has some kind of arts-and-crafts to offer its residents.
Easy access to Seattle
Edmonds offers the rare benefit of small-town living within a short distance of a bustling metropolis.
Driving will be the easiest way to get to the heart of Seattle itself. The commute to Downtown Seattle can sometimes take 20 minutes on less congested days, while the 130 bus and the E Line of the King County Metro can get you there within an hour and a half.
The ferry service can also get you to Bainbridge Island, one of the most coveted places to live and explore in the Greater Puget Sound area. The same E Line and I-5 highway that gets you to Downtown Seattle will also unlock access to Seattle’s Eastside, where you can explore its wine country and stunning terrain whenever you want to plan a weekend getaway.
