🔗 Dive Deeper into Bothell
💸 Cost & Budget
- Cost of Living Overview — High-level look at Bothell’s overall monthly expenses
- Local Hidden Fees — Taxes, HOA charges, and surprise costs residents face
- Monthly Budget Examples — Sample budgets for different household sizes
🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle
- Housing Breakdown — Rental prices, home values, and neighborhood cost trends across Bothell
- Housing Type Comparison — Compare costs for apartments, condos, and single-family homes
- Income Needed to Live Comfortably — Salary targets by lifestyle and household type
- What It’s Like to Live Here — Local sentiment, community vibe, and quality of life
- Property Tax & HOA Costs — Annual property taxes and common HOA fees Bothell homeowners pay
- Student Living in Bothell — Cost and lifestyle for college and university students
🚍 Utilities & Transportation
- Grocery Costs — Typical monthly grocery spending for Bothell residents
- Internet & Streaming Costs — What you’ll pay for internet, cable, and streaming services
- Public Transit Costs — Fares, passes, and best-value transportation options
- Utilities Breakdown — Electricity, water, trash, and seasonal bill fluctuations
🏙️ City Comparisons
🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview
🗳️ Politics & Civic Life
Bothell leans moderately progressive, reflecting its position between liberal King County and more moderate Snohomish County. The city council operates under a council-manager form of government, with active citizen participation in local planning decisions. Community engagement is high, with residents particularly invested in education funding and environmental preservation initiatives.
🚓 Crime & Safety
Bothell consistently ranks as one of the safer cities in the Seattle metro area, with crime rates well below national averages. The city maintains its own police department with strong community policing programs. Property crimes are minimal, and violent crime is rare, making it particularly attractive for families seeking a secure environment.
🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
Downtown Bothell has emerged as a dining destination, anchored by the unique McMenamins Anderson School complex featuring multiple restaurants and bars in a converted 1930s schoolhouse. Popular spots include Beardslee Public House for upscale American fare, Alexa’s Café for breakfast, and Pen Thai Restaurant for authentic Thai cuisine. The revitalized Main Street offers wine bars, breweries, and cafes with riverfront views.
🏛️ Local Government
Bothell operates under a council-manager system with seven council members elected at-large. The city is unique in spanning two counties, requiring coordination between King and Snohomish County services. City services are highly rated, with responsive departments and a strong focus on community planning and sustainable development.
🚍 Transportation
Bothell benefits from excellent regional connectivity via I-405 and State Route 522. Community Transit and King County Metro provide bus service, with express routes to Seattle and Bellevue. The Burke-Gilman Trail offers a car-free commute option for cyclists. While most residents rely on personal vehicles, the city is investing in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements.
🏘️ Housing & Real Estate
The median home price in Bothell hovers around $850,000, reflecting strong demand and limited inventory. Housing options range from historic homes near downtown to newer developments and townhomes. The Canyon Park area offers more affordable condominiums and apartments. Rental prices average $2,200 for a two-bedroom apartment, with newer complexes commanding premium rates.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life
Bothell boasts over 400 acres of parks and open space. The Sammamish River Trail and Burke-Gilman Trail converge here, offering miles of paved paths for walking, running, and cycling. Blyth Park provides sports fields and a popular off-leash dog area, while the North Creek Forest preserves 64 acres of native habitat. Saint Edward State Park on Lake Washington offers hiking trails and beach access.
💼 Job Market
Bothell’s economy thrives on biotech and medical device companies, with major employers including Seattle Genetics, Philips Healthcare, and AGC Biologics. The median household income exceeds $107,000, well above state averages. The University of Washington Bothell campus adds education jobs and stimulates the local economy. Many residents also commute to Seattle, Bellevue, or Redmond for tech industry positions.
🧑🏫 Education
Bothell is served by the highly-rated Northshore School District, with Bothell High School consistently ranking among the state’s best. The district also includes innovative STEM programs and the acclaimed Northshore Junior High. Private options include Chrysalis School and several Montessori programs. The University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia College share a campus, providing higher education opportunities within city limits.
🌞 Climate & Weather
Bothell experiences the Pacific Northwest’s characteristic mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 40°F in winter to 75°F in summer. Annual rainfall totals about 38 inches, mostly between October and May. The city enjoys long summer days with sunset after 9 PM in June and July, though winter brings overcast skies and early darkness.
💬 Community Sentiment
Residents praise Bothell’s family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and improving downtown. Common complaints include traffic congestion during peak hours and high housing costs. The community takes pride in the city’s transformation while working to preserve its small-town character. Newcomers often mention feeling welcomed and finding it easy to get involved in community activities.
✨ Why People Are Moving to Bothell
Bothell attracts newcomers seeking the perfect balance of suburban comfort and urban convenience. With top-tier schools, safe neighborhoods, and a revitalized downtown offering unique dining and entertainment, it’s no wonder families and young professionals are choosing to call Bothell home. The city’s strategic location provides easy access to Seattle’s job market while offering a more relaxed pace of life, abundant green spaces, and a genuine sense of community that’s increasingly rare in the rapidly growing Puget Sound region.