Overall City Sentiment Score
What’s the vibe like in Edmonds, WA? Are locals feeling the love for this charming coastal community, or is the honeymoon phase wearing off? To get a pulse on how residents really feel about living here, we dove into the data, scoured social media, and analyzed local news to calculate Edmonds’s 2023 Sentiment Score.
Drumroll please… Edmonds scores a respectable 78 out of 100 on the LiveabilityIndex Sentiment Scale. This above-average rating is influenced by the city’s strong sense of community pride, highly rated schools, picturesque setting on the Puget Sound, and vibrant downtown core. However, rising housing costs and increasing traffic congestion are putting pressure on the city’s feel-good factor.
Social Media Buzz in Edmonds
Over on the r/Edmonds subreddit, locals are abuzz about the revitalized waterfront, raving about new restaurant openings, and hyping up community events like the Edmonds Arts Festival and Summer Market. “I love how walkable downtown is now,” gushes one Redditor. “It’s so nice to stroll along the shore, grab a bite, and pop into cute shops.”
But it’s not all sunshine and sea breezes. Rising rents are a hot topic on local Facebook groups, with long-time residents worrying that Edmonds is becoming unaffordable. “My kids can barely afford to rent here, let alone buy,” laments a member of Edmonds Word of Mouth. Traffic woes along Highway 104 are another common complaint, especially during ferry rush hour.
Local News Tone
A scan of headlines from The Edmonds Beacon and My Edmonds News reveals an upbeat, community-focused tone. Feature stories celebrate local volunteers, spotlight thriving small businesses, and showcase the city’s arts and culture scene. However, concerns over the rising cost of housing and the need for more affordable options are also frequently covered.
Review-Based Public Perception
On review platforms like Niche and Nextdoor, Edmonds consistently earns high marks for its quality public schools, low crime rates, and friendly neighbors. “People here really look out for each other,” notes one reviewer. “It’s the kind of place where folks still borrow a cup of sugar.”
Drilling down to the neighborhood level, Downtown Edmonds and the Bowl area tend to generate the most local praise for their walkability and charm. Further out, the suburban Seaview and Sherwood Forest neighborhoods are popular with families seeking more space but still wanting to be close to amenities.
Comparison to Nearby Cities
| City | Sentiment Score | Strengths | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonds | 78 | Community events, walkability, schools | Rising costs, traffic congestion |
| Lynnwood | 72 | Affordability, diversity, job access | Higher crime rates, sprawl |
| Mukilteo | 81 | Scenery, schools, safety | Expensive housing, airplane noise |
Compared to neighboring Lynnwood and Mukilteo, Edmonds holds its own in the court of public opinion. While Lynnwood offers more affordable housing and Mukilteo boasts stunning Sound views, Edmonds strikes a nice balance with its community vibe and revitalized waterfront district.
What Locals Are Saying
“I’ve lived in Edmonds for over 20 years and have seen it change a lot, mostly for the better. There’s way more to do now, especially downtown. But I do worry about affordability and Edmonds losing some of its quirkiness as it gets more polished.” – Tanya, 48, small business owner
“As a remote worker, Edmonds is perfect. I love walking to coffee shops to work and being able to hop down to the beach on my breaks. You definitely pay for the privilege though. I had to get creative to afford a lifestyle that works for me here.” – Jared, 32, tech worker
“Edmonds has been a wonderful place to retire. We have an active senior center, it’s very walkable, and I feel totally safe even in the evening. But I know a lot of younger families are struggling with the high cost of living. I’m not sure my own grandkids could afford to buy here now.” – Elizabeth, 71, retired teacher
Conclusion: Is Edmonds a Happy City?
So, is Edmonds a city of happy campers or grumpy grumblers? The vibe check reveals that locals are mostly feeling good about life in this picturesque corner of the PNW. With its strong community spirit, top-notch schools, and enviable waterfront setting, Edmonds has a lot going for it in the livability department.
However, an undercurrent of concern over rising costs and growing pains is keeping Edmonds from claiming “happiest city” status. As the city evolves, striking a balance between progress and affordability will be key to safeguarding the small-town charm that locals cherish. For now though, the overall mood in Edmonds is more salt breeze than salty attitude.