Welcome to Edmonds, WA

Nestled along the Puget Sound with breathtaking waterfront views and a charming downtown core, Edmonds offers the perfect blend of small-town warmth and big-city accessibility. Just 15 miles north of Seattle, this picturesque coastal community attracts newcomers with its walkable neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and ferry connections to the Olympic Peninsula, making it an ideal choice for those seeking Pacific Northwest beauty without sacrificing urban conveniences.

📍 Edmonds, WA at a Glance

Population: 42,853
Location: 15 miles north of Seattle on Puget Sound, southern Snohomish County
Incorporated: 1890
Known For: Waterfront dining, ferry terminal to Kingston, vibrant arts community

🔗 Dive Deeper into Edmonds

💸 Cost & Budget

🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle

🚍 Utilities & Transportation

🏙️ City Comparisons

🎯 Special Content

🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Edmonds leans progressive with active civic engagement through numerous community organizations and advisory boards. The city council operates under a mayor-council government structure, with residents participating in regular town halls and community forums. Local politics focus heavily on environmental sustainability, historic preservation, and maintaining the city’s small-town character while managing growth.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Edmonds consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the Puget Sound region, with crime rates well below state and national averages. The Edmonds Police Department maintains strong community relationships through neighborhood watch programs and regular community policing initiatives. Property crimes are minimal, and violent crime is rare, contributing to the family-friendly atmosphere residents value.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

The culinary scene centers around fresh seafood and Pacific Northwest cuisine, with waterfront gems like Anthony’s Beach Cafe and Arnie’s Restaurant offering stunning sunset views. Salt & Iron provides upscale dining, while Chanterelle specializes in farm-to-table fare. The historic Edmonds Theater hosts films and live performances, and the downtown corridor features wine bars, breweries like Salish Sea Brewing, and the popular Edmonds Underwater Park for diving enthusiasts.

🏛️ Local Government

The City of Edmonds operates efficiently with a strong mayor-council system and professional city staff. City services include excellent parks maintenance, responsive public works, and proactive planning departments. Residents praise the accessibility of city officials and the transparency of local government operations, with regular updates through the city website and community newsletters.

🚍 Transportation

The Edmonds-Kingston ferry terminal provides vital connections across Puget Sound, while Community Transit offers bus service to Seattle and throughout Snohomish County. The future Lynnwood Link light rail extension (opening 2024) will connect nearby to Seattle’s transit system. Highway 99 and I-5 provide north-south corridors, though rush hour traffic can be challenging. The walkable downtown and established bike lanes make car-free living possible for many residents.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

The housing market features diverse options from waterfront condos to historic craftsman homes in established neighborhoods like Bowl and Meadowdale. Median home prices hover around $750,000, reflecting the desirable location and quality of life. New developments balance growth with preservation efforts, and the rental market remains competitive with limited inventory driving higher prices for quality units.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

With over 40 parks spanning 250+ acres, outdoor recreation thrives year-round. Marina Beach Park offers beachcombing and picnicking, while Yost Park provides 48 acres of forested trails. The Edmonds Marsh attracts birdwatchers, and Brackett’s Landing features an underwater dive park. The waterfront promenade connects beaches and parks, creating a scenic walking and cycling route beloved by locals.

💼 Job Market

While many residents commute to Seattle or Bellevue, Edmonds maintains a healthy local economy with Swedish Edmonds Hospital as the largest employer. The Port of Edmonds, Edmonds School District, and numerous small businesses provide local employment. The median household income of $88,000 reflects the area’s professional demographic, with growing opportunities in healthcare, education, and marine-related industries.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Edmonds School District serves the area with highly-rated schools including Edmonds-Woodway High School and Meadowdale High School. Elementary options like Westgate and College Place rank among the district’s best. Private alternatives include Holy Rosary School and Soundview School. Edmonds Community College provides higher education and continuing education opportunities, with strong programs in nursing, culinary arts, and marine technology.

🌞 Climate & Weather

The marine climate brings mild, wet winters and comfortable summers with average highs around 75°F. Annual rainfall totals 37 inches, mostly between October and May, creating lush green landscapes. The Olympic Mountains provide a rain shadow effect, resulting in less precipitation than Seattle. Summer months offer spectacular weather for outdoor activities, while winter rarely sees snow at sea level.

💬 Community Sentiment

Residents consistently praise Edmonds for its strong sense of community, walkability, and natural beauty. The active arts scene, including the Edmonds Arts Festival and numerous galleries, fosters creative connections. Neighbors know each other, local businesses thrive on community support, and the pace of life feels refreshingly unhurried compared to nearby Seattle. Long-time residents and newcomers alike appreciate the balance of small-town charm with metropolitan amenities.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Edmonds

Edmonds continues to attract new residents seeking a coastal lifestyle with urban accessibility, excellent schools, and a genuine sense of community. The combination of waterfront living, thriving local businesses, abundant parks, and easy access to Seattle’s job market creates an enviable quality of life that’s increasingly rare in the Puget Sound region. For those ready to trade city stress for sunset walks along the Sound while maintaining career opportunities, Edmonds offers the perfect Pacific Northwest home.