With a population of nearly four million for its metropolitan area, the seaport city of Seattle is the largest in Washington. Seattle is peppered with sightseeing opportunities — from Pike Place Market and ferry rides to nearby Snoqualmie Falls and Mount Rainier National Park — that beckon residents — and its many tourists — to venture outdoors. Retirees are also drawn here to live amid the immense green forests and proximity to water. For those who like a slower pace than the city has to offer, check out the top 10 suburbs surrounding Seattle.
10. Mukilteo
- Population: 21,545
- Median Home Value: $544,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 433
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 37
Mukilteo is located on Puget Sound about 25 miles north of Seattle. It’s a prosperous community, with a strong school system, and it’s served by multiple transportation options — commuter trains, ferries, buses and state highways. Given its proximity to water, you’ll find plenty of aquatic and other outdoor recreational activities. Check out the new home communities awaiting your in Mukilteo!
9. Bainbridge Island
- Population: 24,846
- Median Home Value: $653,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 42.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 242
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 25
Bainbridge Island is only a 35-minute ferry ride from the heart of Seattle, making it a perfect bedroom community. With only around 24,000 residents, it’s a tranquil community with quality schools and plenty of shopping and dining options. Come find your new construction home here.
8. Kenmore
- Population: 23,093
- Median Home Value: $526,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 34.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 259
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11
Twenty miles northeast of Seattle is Kenmore. It sits on the northern shore of Lake Washington — so no ferry required. Locals enjoy watercraft and boat rentals, as well as hiking the area’s rambling trails. It’s an affluent city with a stellar school system. Why wait? Come and explore Kenmore’s new homes today!
7. Issaquah
- Population: 39,378
- Median Home Value: $564,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,357
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 30
Issaquah, located about 20 miles east of Seattle, is a friendly, quiet and welcoming place to call home. Weekend fun includes zoos, parks and trails. Finish your day at one of the local restaurants and watch the sunset. Discover your new home in Issaquah today!
6. Sammamish
- Population: 65,733
- Median Home Value: $749,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 33.2 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 371
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 14
One of the larger cities on our list, Sammamish is bordered on the west by Lake Sammamish and on the east by the Snoqualmie Valley. The city was incorporated in 1999 and has quickly grown to become a popular suburb for those who enjoy lake life and outdoor adventures. Take a look at the new construction homes available in Sammamish.
5. Bothell
- Population: 46,657
- Median Home Value: $473,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,017
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 65
A little over 46,000 residents call Bothell home. It’s about 20 miles northeast of Seattle and sits on the banks of the Sammamish River. This is an outdoor community known for its many water activities, hike and bike trails and sports. The town offers both peaceful and friendly neighborhoods and a vibrant night life. Choose your new home in Bothell today!
4. Woodinville
- Population: 12,815
- Median Home Value: $577,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 308
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 10
Located about 20 miles northeast of Seattle, Woodinville sits near the Sammamish River and offers ample water recreation opportunities. Downtown, you’ll enjoy visiting the many antique shops and boutiques and stopping by the farmer’s market for the freshest fruits and veggies. If you enjoy wine, Woodinville is home to the well-known wineries, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery, among others. With low crime rates and top-rated schools, you will enjoy a peaceful place to call home. Find your new home in Woodinville!
3. Bellevue
- Population: 148,164
- Median Home Value: $737,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 4,294
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 194
Bellevue has a prime location between Lakes Washington and Sammamish and is only 15 minutes east of Seattle across Lake Washington. Bellevue offers diverse cuisine, unique arts and inspiring fashion. The botanical garden, skate parks and other outdoor activities are a bonus. Find out why this affluent community is a great place to relocate to and also discover the enormous benefits of living in the suburbs. You are bound to land your dream home in Bellevue.
2. Redmond
- Population: 67,678
- Median Home Value: $631,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23.5 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,854
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 89
Redmond, 20 miles northeast of Seattle, is known as the home of Microsoft, among other major companies headquartered there. Self-styled the “bicycle capital of the Northwest,” Redmond has more than 59 miles of public trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. And its excellent schools make it a perfect location to raise family. You’ll want to come home to Redmond.
1. Mercer Island
- Population: 25,976
- Median Home Value: $1,135,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25.2 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 452
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 10
The No. 1 suburb on our list is a quick 10 minutes east of Seattle. Mercer Island, located on Lake Washington, is perfect for commuters; you can be in the bustling metropolis by morning and unplug on the quiet island at night. It’s a family friendly area with an abundance of amenities. The schools strive for excellence and are some of the best in the state with a 98 percent high school graduation rate. You don’t want to miss out on a new home here!.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland | 89,557 | $607,800 | 28.1 minutes | A | 2,004 | 101 |
| Newcastle | 11,823 | $691,400 | 30.3 minutes | A | 243 | 7 |
| Mill Creek | 20,986 | $486,600 | 31.8 minutes | A | 333 | 19 |
| Shoreline | 56,752 | $452,100 | 31.5 minutes | A | 1,100 | 77 |
| Lake Forest Park | 13,569 | $559,000 | 32.1 minutes | A | 262 | 14 |
| Maple Valley | 27,114 | $377,100 | 39.4 minutes | A | 354 | 17 |
| Silverdale | 19,204 | $303,200 | 25.5 minutes | A- | 225 | 24 |
| Woodway | 1,387 | N/A | 28.5 minutes | A- | 8 | 0 |
| Poulsbo | 10,927 | $335,600 | 27.6 minutes | A- | 227 | 19 |
| Brier | 6,978 | $454,700 | 31.3 minutes | A- | 47 | 3 |
| Duvall | 8,061 | $452,200 | 33.2 minutes | A- | 39 | 5 |
| Mountlake Terrace | 21,420 | $352,700 | 30.5 minutes | A- | 538 | 39 |
| Edmonds | 42,767 | $480,000 | 32.7 minutes | A- | 842 | 65 |
| Lake Stevens | 33,378 | $330,200 | 34.4 minutes | A- | 356 | 63 |
| Lynnwood | 38,511 | $360,300 | 31.6 minutes | A- | 1,646 | 101 |
| Gig Harbor | 10,422 | $417,100 | 24.2 minutes | B+ | 511 | 22 |
| Snohomish | 10,185 | $342,600 | 29.9 minutes | B+ | 265 | 25 |
| Covington | 21,202 | $337,500 | 35.6 minutes | B+ | 584 | 26 |
| Puyallup | 41,886 | $296,500 | 32.2 minutes | B+ | 2,337 | 108 |
| Bonney Lake | 21,092 | $310,500 | 38.9 minutes | B+ | 451 | 33 |
| Arlington | 19,803 | $294,800 | 29.4 minutes | B | 662 | 60 |
| Monroe | 19,363 | $317,100 | 31.1 minutes | B | 458 | 69 |
| Enumclaw | 11,878 | $272,800 | 32.9 minutes | B | 229 | 9 |
| Des Moines | 32,364 | $329,500 | 30.5 minutes | B | 1,092 | 111 |
| Everett | 111,262 | $293,200 | 29.2 minutes | B | 4,683 | 373 |
| Tacoma | 216,279 | $250,400 | 29.4 minutes | B | 11,362 | 1,869 |
| Auburn | 81,905 | $294,200 | 32.1 minutes | B | 3,334 | 360 |
| Renton | 102,153 | $369,300 | 31.9 minutes | B | 4,915 | 331 |
| Kent | 129,618 | $316,400 | 32.3 minutes | B | 5,953 | 452 |
| Normandy Park | 6,660 | $584,000 | 28.9 minutes | B | 958 | 101 |
| Tukwila | 20,294 | $287,300 | 26.7 minutes | B | 3,401 | 148 |
| Bremerton | 41,235 | $210,300 | 25.7 minutes | B- | 946 | 149 |
| Stanwood | 7,204 | $310,200 | 26.9 minutes | B- | 132 | 13 |
| Marysville | 69,779 | $293,900 | 30.6 minutes | B- | 1,549 | 170 |
| Burien | 51,908 | $351,100 | 28.9 minutes | B- | 1,900 | 204 |
| SeaTac | 29,239 | $288,600 | 28.3 minutes | B- | 1,402 | 143 |
| Federal Way | 97,044 | $307,100 | 34.7 minutes | B- | 4,480 | 458 |
| Mount Vernon | 35,741 | $243,600 | 25.5 minutes | C+ | 1,308 | 99 |
| Granite Falls | 3,803 | $327,889 | 34 minutes | C | 73 | 3 |
| Sultan | 5,194 | $257,100 | 35.1 minutes | C- | 60 | 7 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Washington Resources
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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