Mountlake Terrace’s City Center Neighborhood
The City Center is a popular and rapidly growing neighborhood in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. As of the 2020 Census, it’s home to roughly 4,200 people.
Known for its mix of quiet streets and an emerging urban vibe, this trendy enclave is about 20 minutes north of Seattle, and within 10 minutes of picturesque downtown Edmonds and the bustling Alderwood Mall. As development progresses, it’s also becoming a livelier and more walkable spot in its own right.
Homes
Homes around the City Center vary considerably in size. Most fetch a fairly high price per square foot, in keeping with other desirable spots in Snohomish County.
Owner-occupied single-family homes are the norm, although townhomes and condominiums are more readily available than most other parts of the city. Houses aren’t often for rent, but there are numerous apartment complexes 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 the City Center and several adjoining areas. Most local families attend Terrace Park and Mountlake Terrace Elementary Schools, 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, the City Center is roughly halfway between Seattle and Everett.
The neighborhood has good freeway access, being adjacent to I-5 and a couple miles from SR 99. In the heart of the City Center, an upcoming light rail station 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 Veterans Memorial Park and Forest Crest Playfield. 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’s City Center
It’s easy to see why so many out-of-towners opt for the City Center, 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 the City Center 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 City Center home.
