The Mountlake Terrace East Neighborhood
Mountlake Terrace East is a popular and rapidly growing neighborhood in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. As of the 2020 Census, it’s home to roughly 3,500 people.
Known for quiet streets and a secluded feel, this enclave of generally spacious homes is only half an hour’s drive north of Seattle, and within 15 minutes of picturesque downtown Edmonds and the bustling Alderwood Mall. It’s also a stone’s throw from Mountlake Terrace’s own burgeoning city center.
Homes
The roomy homes around Mountlake Terrace East fetch a moderate to high price per square foot, in keeping with other desirable spots in Snohomish County.
Owner-occupied single-family homes are the norm. Houses aren’t often for rent, although there is a large apartment complex in the neighborhood, and several more just beyond.
As you’ll find throughout Mountlake Terrace, prices are changing quickly as more people seek to settle here.
Education
The well-regarded Edmonds School District serves Mountlake Terrace East and several adjoining areas. Most local families attend Cedar Way or Terrace Park Elementary School, Brier Terrace Middle School, and Mountlake Terrace High School.
Some parents also opt for one of several private schools within about 5–10 miles of the neighborhood.
Transportation
Like most of Mountlake Terrace, Mountlake Terrace East is roughly halfway between Seattle and Everett.
The neighborhood has good freeway access, a couple miles east of I-5 and only slightly farther from SR 99. An upcoming light rail station immediately west (beside I-5) will give locals a great option to leave town—and leave their cars behind.
Recreation
Close to home, residents can enjoy the fresh air and greenery at Terrace Creek and Terrace Ridge Parks. Dozens of other parks, trails, and green spaces are also accessible within a few miles’ drive.
Seattle’s big-city amenities and Everett’s burgeoning cultural scene are both readily accessible, while outdoorsy types enjoy easy access to the Cascades via Highway 2.
Moving to Mountlake Terrace East
It’s easy to see why so many out-of-towners opt for Mountlake Terrace East, and why plenty of Mountlake Terrace locals hope to own their first house here.
If you’d like to call it home, too, then here are three tips for an easy transaction and transition.
1. Don’t be scared!
If the homebuying process seems a bit overwhelming or mystifying, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Even if it’s not your first house, it’s still normal for the whole thing to feel like…a bit much.
Remember that a big part of your agent’s job is to help you stay on top of all those moving pieces!
2. Find a local expert to guide you
Speaking of agents, it’s essential to find someone who knows Mountlake Terrace East and its vicinity like the back of their hand.
Agents who can fill out paperwork are a dime a dozen, but there’s no substitute for the street-by-street knowledge of someone who actually lives and works in the Mountlake Terrace area.
3. Talk to lenders & get pre-approved
Before doing anything else, it’s important to consult a lender and have a mortgage pre-approval in hand.
This will let you move quickly and make a successful offer—fingers crossed!—once you’ve found the ideal Mountlake Terrace East home.
