Living In Snohomish, Washington
Living In Snohomish, Washington
Have you thought about living in Snohomish, WA? Snohomish, Washington is a beautiful small town located North East of the Seattle area, about an hour from downtown Seattle. If you relish the idea of small town life, fueled by local small businesses – but still big enough for a wonderful public library, chain grocery stores and banks – then Snohomish, WA might be a great place for you to consider calling home.
Although Snohomish, WA does not provide an easy commute into Seattle itself, it is relatively convenient to other cities like Everett, Marysville and Monroe, and being situated to the East, it’s an easier drive in to Redmond or Bellevue than it would be to Seattle.’
Obviously, the name Snohomish comes from a native American name for the region, and we have a Snohomish County and a Snohomish River, in addition to the town of Snohomish, so get your terminology straight when searching online for homes for sale in the city of Snohomish, WA.
An important part of living in Snohomish, WA is supporting the local businesses there owned by friends and neighbors. That being said, Snohomish does pull a certain amount of weekend tourist activity from the Seattle and Bellevue areas as well.
Living in Snohomish, WA: A Charming Blend of History and Modern Life
First, let me clarify: Snohomish, Washington is a CITY. There is also a COUNTY named Snohomish County, in Washington, just north of King County where Seattle and Bellevue are located. So, if you’re tempted to be confused, that’s okay, just know that Snohomish (city) is in Snohomish (county), located East of Everett, and North of Seattle and Bellevue. It’s about a 30-mile drive from downtown Seattle in (haha) no traffic.
Downtown Snohomish is known for its antique shops. The main street, down by the Snohomish river, has excellent antiquing and restaurants, and is a fun “destination shopping” locale close enough to big cities to make it an easy day trip, yet off the beaten path.
When I was last there at Christmas, many of the stores were participating in a Christmas window-decorating display and the city was putting up Christmas wreaths on main street. There seems to be a strong community of local business owners working and living in Snohomish, WA. The downtown area is quaint and historic, but not very big. The business community there has to be aggressive in their marketing to bring in tourists and they are always creating events and activities to bring shoppers in to support the local businesses. “Support the folks living in Snohomish, WA – don’t just shop online,” they say.
Watch My Fun Christmas Tour Of Downtown Snohomish, WA
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Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, why should you care?
Because – Snohomish is super cute, livable, charming and business friendly. There’s a touristy-weekender vibe in the historic downtown along the riverfront and the whole region is pretty business friendly and leans a little more “red” than a lot of areas in Seattle proper.
Although I didn’t grow up hanging out in Snohomish at all (Boonies!) I’ve grown to love it as an adult, and our family has gone there several times. First on furniture shopping adventures after buying our first house (Snohomish, WA is known as the “Antique Capital of the Northwest,”) and later for a little walkable-main street style Christmas cheer around the holidays.
If you’re thinking about living in Snohomish, WA and want to consider making this area your home, I can confidently say that Snohomish offers a unique living experience that appeals to history enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a tight-knit community with a strong sense of identity.
What Are The Vital Stats on Snohomish, WA?
Snohomish, founded in 1859, is one of Washington’s oldest cities. The city has a population of around 10,000 residents, making it a cozy yet vibrant community. It’s far enough from the city that you COULD make it there if you wanted to (24 miles to Bellevue, 30 to Seattle), but I wouldn’t want that to be my DAILY commute due to traffic concerns. To keep commute times reasonable, it would be best to drive in “off hours” and not during rush hour. Otherwise, it’s going to take you 1.5 hours to do the drive every day. (YIKES!)
Fun Things To Do In Snohomish, WA
The city is set along the Snohomish River, which runs right along the downtown area. Last Christmas we went there for a Winter Solstice/Christmas Luminaria walk – the river walk was packed with local tourists (like us) and they had decorated about ½ mile of they trail with glowing paper bags with candles in them. Dogs, Kids, Bikes, People handing out candy, and a few local entertainers were in site. We stopped to listen to more than 1 local band playing Christmas carols, and poked out head into a few shops as well. There were diners in many of the restaurants, pubs and wine rooms along the way.
In Autumn, you can enjoy a number of farms who put on corn mazes, haunted houses, pumpkin patches and bonfire celebrations. Some of these venues have year-round farm stands, and are also well-known wedding venues.
If you like the outdoors, living in Snohomish might be right for you as it offers a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re kayaking on the river, hiking the nearby Centennial Trail, or exploring the beautiful parks like Hill Park and Ferguson Park, there’s always something to do for nature lovers.
What’s It Really Like Living In Snohomish, WA?
This is also somewhat of a rural area. Besides for antique shopping, I have come here for bee-keeper meetings (they have them for adults as well as with a local 4-H Group, and the fruit-grower meetings that I learned about at the County Fair. (The meetings took place in the Snohomish Public Library which was modern and fantastic!) They also have a huge plant nursery here and some horse activities as well for our equestrian readers.
If you love the outdoors, or small business, and people driving through main street waving American flags on a random Saturday afternoon than Snohomish might be the perfect Washington State town for you.
![Living in Snohomish, Washington [Country Living]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sxbQvm2yhMM/maxresdefault.jpg)
Come Live In Snohomish, WA!
Real Estate and Housing Options in Snohomish, WA: The real estate market in Snohomish reflects its historic charm and growing popularity. The city’s housing options range from well-preserved Victorian homes to modern developments. The median home price of a 3-bedroom home in Snohomish is around $800,000 (in 2024) though this can vary depending on the specific neighborhood and type of home. Condos are less plentiful, but can be found for less than half a million. The market has seen fairly flat in recent years, and the area tends to be more expensive (nicer) than the average for the county.
If you’re thinking of moving to Snohomish, WA – whether you want to buy a home in Snohomish, WA or just rent something here, there are a lot of options. If you’re ready to go, or if you’re thinking you need a little more information about your other options, we are happy to discuss them with you.
There’s a lot to love about finally owning a home in Snohomish, WA, but any move is a big decision, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you want more statistics on home prices and days on market, or you want more of a sense of the flavor and culture of the area, drop us a line and we’d be happy to help you out – learning about the pros and cons of living in Snohomish, WA.
Just let us know what you need. We love to EDUCATE and SERVE our clients whether they’re ready to buy next week, or not for another 7 years!
Schools in Snohomish, WA: Snohomish’s school district is highly rated, with many of their schools scoring 7-10. There are two high schools. Snohomish High School scores 6/10 and Glacier Peak High School scores 8/10 on GreatSchools.org, receiving strong marks for academic performance and extracurricular activities. This makes the city particularly appealing to families with children.
Economy and Jobs: While Snohomish has a strong residential community, it also supports a variety of local businesses. The historic downtown area is a hub of activity, filled with antique shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The Snohomish Bakery is a must-visit stop for many day-trip adventurers in the area.
The local economy benefits from tourism, particularly from visitors drawn to the city’s antique stores and annual events like the Snohomish Wine Festival and Kla Ha Ya Days – a summer carnival with parades, car shows, hot air balloons, rides and many local vendors celebrating the town’s 100+ year history.
The city also has a growing job market, with opportunities in retail, education, and healthcare. Additionally, many residents commute to nearby cities like Everett and Seattle for work, enjoying the balance of a peaceful home environment and a bustling professional life.
The town is very business friendly with many small business owners in the community and a strong chamber of commerce that organizes many public events designed to draw tourists to the area. During COVID, they were able to keep businesses open with open-air outdoor eating and rumored secret, speak-easy style “if you know, you know” places to eat indoors.
Community and Culture: Snohomish is a city with a strong sense of community. The residents are known for their friendly, welcoming demeanor, and there’s a palpable pride in the city’s history and traditions. The downtown area, with its historic buildings and charming streets, is often the center of community activities. During the holiday season, the city comes alive with festive decorations, and it’s a delight to walk through the streets, window shopping and soaking in the holiday spirit. There is even a best-decorated window contest for the shops, so come on by, see the sites, shop a little, and cast your vote.
One of the unique aspects of Snohomish is its vibrant car culture. It’s not uncommon to see people driving through town with flags flying, and adding a lively and patriotic vibe to the streets. This is particularly noticeable during events like the annual Snohomish Classic Car Show, which draws enthusiasts from all over the region.
Local Highlights:
- Antique Stores: The downtown area is lined with antique stores that offer everything from vintage furniture to rare collectibles. It’s easy to spend an entire day browsing through these shops, each one offering a unique glimpse into the past. I went with my kids and parents, and it was fun to ask the different generations “Do you know what this was for?” or exclaim, “I remember these!”
- Historic Downtown: The heart of Snohomish is its historic downtown district, where beautifully preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries create a picturesque setting. The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with its charming architecture, flower-filled planters, and friendly shop owners. Check the town website to see what events are coming up in town this month.
- Snohomish Farmers Market: Open on Thursday afternoons from May through September, the Snohomish Farmers Market is a local favorite. It’s a great place to find fresh, locally-grown produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food from local vendors. The market fosters a sense of community and offers a taste of Snohomish’s agricultural roots.
- Public Swimming Pool: The Snohomish Aquatic Center in a modern indoor (…as most are here in the Pacific Northwest) swimming facility with multiple pools and things to do! There’s a competition pool and lazy river to water slides and a FlowRider® surf machine. It’s a great spot for families to enjoy year-round aquatic activities, including swim lessons and fitness programs. My kids have gone to birthday parties here and had a great time!
- Centennial Trail: This popular multi-use trail stretches over 30 miles and is perfect for walking, running, cycling, and even horseback riding. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside and connects Snohomish with neighboring communities, making it a great resource for both recreation and commuting. It is currently being expanded so it will run North-to-South throughout all of Snohomish County (From Skagit to King Counties). Bike your heart out!
- Blackman House Museum: For history buffs, the Blackman House Museum is a must-visit. This historic home, built in 1878, offers a glimpse into the life of the Blackman brothers, early settlers who played a significant role in Snohomish’s development. The museum showcases period furnishings, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of the city’s past.
- Aviation Heritage: Snohomish is home to Harvey Field, a small airport that serves as a hub for aviation enthusiasts. The airfield offers flight training, skydiving experiences, and scenic aerial tours of the region. The annual Snohomish Airshow is a popular event that draws visitors for thrilling displays of aerial acrobatics.
- Snohomish River: The Snohomish River is not just a scenic backdrop but a key part of the community’s lifestyle. Residents and visitors enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife watching along the river, which is home to a variety of bird species and aquatic life.
Living In Snohomish, WA May be Right For You!
Living in Snohomish, WA, offers a unique experience that combines the charm of a historic city with the conveniences of modern life. With its rich history, vibrant community, and beautiful surroundings, Snohomish is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to call home.
Whether you’re exploring the antique stores, enjoying the festive atmosphere during Christmas, or indulging in a slice at the underground pizza joint, Snohomish is a city that invites you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and become a part of its story.
