What makes Edmonds a top choice for college students? With its proximity to Seattle campuses, affordable housing options, and vibrant local character, this charming suburb has become a haven for scholars seeking the perfect balance of academic focus and Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Let’s explore what student living in Edmonds is really like and why it earns an impressive 88/100 on our student-friendliness scale.
Housing Options for Students in Edmonds
While on-campus housing is limited, Edmonds offers a diverse rental market well-suited for student budgets and preferences. Shared apartments and houses are popular, with typical rent ranging from $700-1,200 per bedroom. Studio and one-bedroom units start around $1,000-1,500. For those seeking student-specific housing, complexes like Edmonds Lofts and Campus Corner offer fully-furnished units with flexible leases and roommate matching.
Most rentals are within walking or biking distance of local campuses, with Edmonds College just a 10-15 minute ride away. Off-campus students can also find plentiful housing options along major bus routes for an easy commute to the University of Washington or other Seattle schools. Rental listings, roommate boards, and local property managers make it simple to find your ideal student pad in Edmonds.
Getting Around: Transportation and Campus Access
Edmonds’s walkable neighborhoods and robust transit network make it easy to get around without a car. The Swift bus rapid transit system provides frequent service to the UW campus and downtown Seattle, with student discounts available. Biking is also popular, thanks to an extensive network of bike lanes and the Interurban Trail connecting Edmonds to nearby cities.
For those who prefer driving, parking is generally plentiful and affordable compared to Seattle. Many apartment complexes offer free resident parking, and street parking is readily available in most areas. Edmonds College and some local employers also offer discounted transit passes and rideshare programs to help students save on transportation costs.
Student Cost of Living in Edmonds
While the Seattle metro area is known for its high cost of living, Edmonds offers a more affordable alternative for budget-conscious students. Typical monthly expenses range from around $1,500 for a frugal lifestyle in shared housing to $2,500+ for a more comfortable solo apartment.
Food costs are manageable, with grocery stores like QFC and Trader Joe’s offering student-friendly prices and easy access from campus. Dining out is also affordable, with plenty of cheap eats and happy hour specials catering to the college crowd. Textbooks, school supplies, and other academic expenses add around $500-1,000 per year. Many students offset these costs with part-time jobs, which pay an average of $15-20/hour in the Edmonds area.
| Expense Category | Shared Housing | Solo Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent, utilities) | $800-1,200 | $1,200-2,000 |
| Food (groceries, dining out) | $300-500 | $400-700 |
| Transportation | $50-150 | $100-300 |
| Textbooks and Supplies | $50-100 | $50-100 |
| Personal and Misc. | $150-350 | $200-500 |
| TOTAL | $1,350-2,300 | $1,950-3,600 |
Estimates based on average student spending patterns and local costs. See our guide to average monthly expenses in Edmonds for more details.
Student-Friendly Amenities and Services
Edmonds is well-equipped to support the academic and personal needs of its student population. The local library system offers free study spaces, meeting rooms, and Wi-Fi, while coffee shops like The Loft and Walnut Street Coffee provide cozy spots to cram for exams. The Edmonds College campus also has a state-of-the-art library and computer labs open late for night owls.
For fitness and recreation, students can access the Edmonds College gym for free with ID, or join local favorites like Harbor Square Athletic Club at a discount. The nearby waterfront and marina offer opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball in warmer months. Many local businesses, from restaurants to yoga studios, offer student discounts to help scholars save.
Healthcare is easily accessible, with the Community Health Center of Snohomish County providing low-cost medical and dental services to students. The Edmonds College Counseling Center offers free mental health support and referrals. Several urgent care clinics and pharmacies are located just minutes from campus for quick treatment of minor illnesses and injuries.
Social Scene and Nightlife
Edmonds offers a laid-back social scene that balances studying and fun. On-campus events like movie nights, trivia contests, and cultural festivals provide free entertainment and opportunities to make new friends. Student clubs and organizations cater to a wide range of interests, from gaming to social justice. Intramural sports like soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee are also popular.
For those seeking off-campus fun, downtown Edmonds is a hub of student-friendly nightlife. Bars like The Loft and Daphne’s attract a young crowd with trivia nights, karaoke, and live music. Local breweries offer tasting flights and food truck fare. In the summer, the Edmonds Waterfront Center hosts outdoor movies and concerts that are popular with the college set.
The dating scene is relaxed and organic, with most students meeting romantic prospects through classes, clubs, and mutual friends. Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are also widely used. LGBTQ+ students can find community through the Edmonds College Pride Club and local events like the annual Pride Festival.
Safety and Practical Considerations
Edmonds is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Washington, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. The Edmonds College campus is patrolled 24/7 by public safety officers, with emergency blue light phones and a night escort service available. Local police are responsive and engaged with the student population.
For academic support, the Edmonds College Learning Support Center provides free tutoring, writing assistance, and study skills workshops. The Career Action Center offers resume help, job fairs, and internship placement services to help students prepare for life after graduation. Several major employers, including Boeing and Providence Regional Medical Center, offer student internships and entry-level positions.
FAQs About Student Life in Edmonds
- What’s the average cost of student living in Edmonds?
Expect to budget around $1,500-2,500 per month for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Sharing a rental and using student discounts can keep costs on the lower end. - How safe is it for students to live off-campus?
Edmonds has very low crime rates, and most neighborhoods are safe for walking and biking. Common-sense precautions like locking doors and being aware of surroundings are always wise. - Are there good part-time job opportunities?
Yes, many local businesses hire students for flexible part-time roles. Retail, restaurants, and on-campus jobs are most common, paying around $15-20/hour on average. - What’s the social scene like for college students?
Edmonds offers a balance of on-campus events, student organizations, and laid-back nightlife. From trivia nights to outdoor movies, there are plenty of ways to have fun and make friends on a student budget.
Making the Decision: Is Edmonds Right for Your College Years?
For students seeking an affordable, safe, and welcoming community with easy access to Seattle’s academic and professional opportunities, Edmonds is hard to beat. With its diverse housing options, walkable neighborhoods, and engaged student body, this charming suburb offers the perfect balance of focus and fun.
Of course, no college town is without its trade-offs. Edmonds may feel a bit sleepy for those seeking a high-energy urban lifestyle, and its distance from Seattle can mean longer commutes for internships and cultural events. But for most students, the lower living costs, strong sense of community, and Pacific Northwest beauty more than make up for these minor drawbacks.
Ultimately, the decision of where to spend your college years is deeply personal. But if you’re looking for a supportive, affordable, and genuinely livable community to call home during this transformative time, Edmonds is well worth considering. Visit our guides to cost of living and average monthly expenses in Edmonds to start planning your student budget today.