Moving to the City of Mountlake Terrace
The small, scenic city of Mountlake Terrace is one of the most sought-after spots in south Snohomish County.
Known for its desirable real estate and overall prosperity, this town of generally spacious homes is less than 20 minutes north of Seattle. The coming light rail connection has sparked a development boom in this previously sleepy suburb, as new residences and restaurants pop up regularly.
Homes in Mountlake Terrace
The roomy homes in Mountlake Terrace fetch a fairly high price per square foot. Recent sale prices generally fall in the upper tier of the market for south Snohomish County, but remain a good value compared to Seattle proper.
The core of the city comprises single-family homes. There are also several apartment communities—generally high-end and often newly built—primarily toward the western and southern edges of town.
As you’ll find throughout greater Seattle, prices are changing quickly as more people seek to call this area home.
Education
The well-regarded Edmonds School District serves Mountlake Terrace and most neighboring areas. Local families generally send their kids to Mountlake Terrace High School, Brier Terrace Middle School, and one of three public elementaries.
Some parents also opt for one of three private schools within city limits, or several others just a few miles outside.
Transportation
Mountlake Terrace is roughly halfway between Seattle and Everett.
The city has good highway access, being adjacent to I-5 and WA-104 (Ballinger Way/NE 205th/Edmonds Way), and a stone’s throw from WA-99. In the southwest corner of the city, the existing transit center will soon host a light rail station, giving locals a great option to leave town—and leave their cars behind.
Recreation
Close to home, residents can enjoy the well-kept Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion, the popular Veterans Memorial Park (and several neighborhood ones), the wooded Lyon Creek path, and even a public golf course. Dozens of other family-friendly recreation opportunities are located within a few minutes’ drive.
Seattle’s big-city amenities and Everett’s burgeoning cultural scene are both readily accessible, and outdoorsy types enjoy easy access to the Cascades via Highway 2.
Tips for Moving to Mountlake Terrace
It’s easy to see why so many out-of-towners opt for Mountlake Terrace, and why plenty of 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 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 south Snohomish County.
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 home.
