These Seattle Suburbs Will Make You Feel Right at Home

Whether it’s the mild climate, the great job market, or the coffee and cultural scenes, there are lots of reasons to love living in Seattle — the gem of the Pacific Northwest. Among the perks, residents have unparalleled access to outdoor adventures in all seasons of the year, such as hiking, biking, swimming, rowing, skiing, and camping — just to name a few options. Not to mention those ever-present stunning views of the water and mountains! Don’t want to move to the big city, though? Don’t worry: At least one of these top picks for the best Seattle suburbs is calling your name.

Planning a move to the Seattle area? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

Seattle at a Glance

• The population of Seattle is around 737,015
• Seattle has a highly educated population, with 67.3 percent of residents having bachelor’s degrees or higher.
• The area is popular with retirees, thanks to all the outdoor opportunities, but students and young professionals are attracted to the universities, jobs, and food and beverage culture, as well.
• The average home value in Seattle is $869,600, significantly higher than the Washington state average of $600,800 and the national average of $362,500.
• The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Seattle is $2,225, while the state average is $2,400 and the national average is $1,725.
• Seattle is great for outdoor activities, dining options (including all that coffee!), good jobs, and lots of culture.

12 Best Seattle Suburbs

It’s always important to do your research before deciding what Seattle suburb is best for you — especially if you’re moving from out of town. We understand that not everyone has the opportunity to visit a place before they decide to move there, though. So we’re here to help you get a better idea of what the area has to offer. Here are overviews of our picks for the 12 best Seattle suburbs that you could easily call home.

Redmond is home to major employers like Microsoft and Nintendo, so if you’re looking for a well-paying job, you just may find it here.
(Source: Experience Redmond via Facebook)

1. Redmond

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,475
• Average home value: $1.38M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, public schools
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 20 minutes

Ranked as the best suburb in all of Washington to live, Redmond should be at the top of your list. If you’re looking for a place that offers lots of natural beauty, you can’t go wrong living next to the Sammamish River and enjoying all the trails that go through the lovely Sammamish Valley. Bear Creek and Bear Creek Park are also popular green spots where residents can walk the dogs or play with the kids. And if you’re looking to meet new neighbors, the Redmond community comes together for lots of festivals, including Derby Days and car shows.

Redmond is also the home to major employers like Microsoft and Nintendo, so if you’re looking for a well-paying job, you may just find the place of your dreams in this suburb. What’s more, the popular Downtown Park is at the heart of the suburb, and it borders all kinds of shopping options and restaurants with diverse cuisines, such as the American cuisine at Woodblock or Mediterranean favorites at Garlic Crush. 

Q: What is the best suburb of Seattle to live in? A: Redmond tops the list of the best Seattle suburbs.

2. Snoqualmie

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,750
• Average home value: $1.08M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, housing, outdoor activities
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 20 minutes

Ranked as one of the top Seattle suburbs to buy a house is the suburb of Snoqualmie. Located just over a half hour outside of Seattle, this area is full of fantastic opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. You’re surrounded by beautiful places, such as the Tiger Mountain State Forest and the Kings Lake Bog Natural Area Preserve, that offer hiking, horseback riding, and camping options. 

In the winter, you can enjoy an easy drive to ski resorts, and in the warmer months, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of boating on the Snoqualmie River, playing golf at the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, or shooting at the Snoqualmie Valley Rifle Club. And you definitely won’t want to miss out on local brews at Snoqualmie Falls Brewery or the tasty BBQ at Buckshot Honey.

Fun fact: If Snoqualmie looks familiar, it could be because the popular TV show “Twin Peaks” was filmed in the area.

3. Newcastle

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,750
• Average home value: $1.08M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, housing, outdoor activities
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 20 minutes

Ranked as one of the top Seattle suburbs to buy a house is the suburb of Snoqualmie. Located just over a half hour outside of Seattle, this area is full of fantastic opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. You’re surrounded by beautiful places, such as the Tiger Mountain State Forest and the Kings Lake Bog Natural Area Preserve, that offer hiking, horseback riding, and camping options. 

In the winter, you can enjoy an easy drive to ski resorts, and in the warmer months, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of boating on the Snoqualmie River, playing golf at the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, or shooting at the Snoqualmie Valley Rifle Club. And you definitely won’t want to miss out on local brews at Snoqualmie Falls Brewery or the tasty BBQ at Buckshot Honey.

Bellevue is located right across Lake Washington from the heart of Seattle.

4. Bellevue

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,475
• Average home value: $1.45M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, good commute, outdoor access
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 20 minutes

Sometimes described as a “city with a lot of suburb” — it’s technically its own city, it’s also considered a suburb of the Emerald City — Bellevue is located right across Lake Washington from the heart of Seattle. Families love the top-ranked schools in this area, which include Bellevue Big Picture School and the International School. You’ll also have easy access to one of the top things to do with kids in Seattle, the KidsQuest Children’s Museum, which offers hands-on exhibits and interactive science features. Residents also love that they’re close to both water and lots of forested parks. Enjoy a day at Newcastle Beach Park, for instance, or go fishing or boating on Lake Washington.

Newbies and experienced golfers alike like to get out on the Bellevue Golf Course, and residents love that they can find anything they need at the Bellevue Square. And when you’re ready for some culture, head over to the Bellevue Arts Museum or spend the day among native plants at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.  

Q: What cities are 30 minutes from Seattle? A: Woodinville, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Issaquah are all around 30 minutes from Seattle.

5. Woodinville

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,475
• Average home value: $1.36M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, public schools, nightlife
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 30 minutes

If you’re looking for a Seattle suburb with a real small-town feel, then consider checking out Woodinville. Located north of Redmond and right next to I-405, you’ll find lots of wonderful neighborhoods, parks, and highly ranked schools such as Woodinville High School and Ella Baker Elementary School. Residents can find everything they need in the Towne Center, which features a movie theater and local dining options such as the Woodinville Cafe, Dough Zone Dumpling House, and the Tipsy Cow Burger Bar. The Wilmot Gateway Park is also just a short walk away, where you can enjoy trails and views of the Sammamish River.

Love trying out new wines? Woodinville has you covered there, too. Enjoy tasting wines and seeing concerts at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery and the Novelty Hill-Januik Winery, or grab small bites and a glass at the Purple Cafe and Wine Bar.

6. Bainbridge Island

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,575
• Average home value: $1.21M
• Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, water activities 
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 60 minutes

Ranked as the best place to live in Kitsap County, according to Niche, is the island community of Bainbridge Island. It is located right across Elliott Bay from Seattle, so you will need to take the ferry if you want to go to the mainland. But there are lots of things to do on the island, as well. Enjoy the stunning views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains at Rockaway Beach Park or Pritchard Park, for example. 

Bainbridge Island also has lots of ways to expand your horizons at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the Bainbridge History Museum, and the historic Fort Ward. And when you’re ready to grab a bite, you’ll find fresh seafood at Proper Fish, or you can sip on new wines at Bainbridge Vineyards. Residents also like to grab a coffee at Pegasus Coffee House and then stroll along the waterfront by Winslow Wharf Marina. 

Mercer Island is located in the middle of Lake Washington, between Seattle to the west and picturesque Bellevue to the east.

7. Mercer Island

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,575
• Average home value: $2.27M
• Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, water activities 
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 15 minutes

If you’ve always wanted to live in a suburb with easy access to the water, then moving to Mercer Island could be the right move for you! This island is located in the middle of Lake Washington, which means you’ll have easy access to all the amenities of Seattle to the west and picturesque Bellevue to the east. The Mercer Island School District is ranked the second best in the Seattle area and features stellar institutions such as Mercer Island High School and West Mercer Elementary School. 

Luther Burbank Park is located right on the island, where you can walk the Calkins Point Boardwalk Trail, catch a performance at the Luther Burbank Amphitheater, or see what’s going on at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. And you don’t have to leave the island for dining or shopping either. Residents appreciate that they can find all the fresh food they need at the Mercer Island Farmers Market, and foodies especially love the pizza at Mioposto and the Asian cuisine at Vivienne’s Bistro.

8. Clyde Hill

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,925
• Average home value: $4.12M
• Great for: Retirees, young professionals, jobs, easy commute
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 15 minutes

The pretty Seattle suburb of Clyde Hill is considered to be the No. 1 best place to retire in Washington. But folks of all ages love the tree-lined streets and sense of community this quiet suburb has to offer. You can be in downtown Seattle in about 15 minutes, but lots of residents choose to stay close to home and enjoy the Overlake Golf & Country Club, which includes a pool, tennis courts, and fine dining.

When you live here, you’ll have easy access to Meydenbauer Bay to spend time swimming or relaxing at Clyde Beach Park. And if you need a quick pick-me-up, head over to the locally owned Queen Bee Cafe and indulge in their famous crumpet sandwiches, coffee, and delicious sweet treats!

Q: Is Seattle safe?  A: In the city of Seattle, your chances of being a victim of a crime are one in 15. This is why lots of folks choose to live in a Seattle suburb — it tends to be safer. Some of the safest suburbs of Seattle include Redmond, Bellevue, and Yarrow Point.

9. Yarrow Point

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,925
• Average home value: $4.33M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, outdoor activities, safety
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 15 minutes

Yarrow Point is not only one of the safest Seattle suburbs, but it’s also ranked as the No. 1 best place to raise a family in Washington. This smaller suburb is to the north of Clyde Hill and sits right on Lake Washington. From here, you can expect magnificent views of the water as well as unparalleled access to swimming and other water activities. Residents especially love spending time at Road End Beach, where they can enjoy walking or relaxing right along the coastline. Yarrow Point borders the Yarrow Bay Wetlands as well as the Wetherill Nature Preserve, as well, which offer plenty of opportunities to observe native plants and animals.

When you’re done enjoying the natural beauty of this suburb, head over to the other side of Yarrow Bay and enjoy a French meal with a view at Le Grand Bistro Americain. Just be sure to snap the perfect picture at Carillon Point Dock while you’re there!

Issaquah is situated on the southern shores of Lake Sammamish and nestled within the “Issaquah Alps” (a local name for the surrounding mountains).

10. Issaquah

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,675
• Average home value: $1.13M
• Great for: Families, retirees, schools, access to outdoor activities
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 15 minutes

Located within 30 minutes of Seattle is the suburb of Issaquah. It’s situated on the southern shores of Lake Sammamish, where you’ll also find Lake Sammamish State Park and its Homestead Hiking Trail, playground, and lovely Sunset Beach. And if you like spending time outdoors, you’ll definitely appreciate that Issaquah is also close to both Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Squak Mountain State Park.

But enjoying time in nature isn’t the only thing this Seattle suburb has going for it. Residents can find all they need at Gilman Village, which offers unique shopping options as well as staples such as Target and Trader Joe’s. At the nearby Meadows Shopping Center you can also enjoy breakfast at the Issaquah Cafe or grab Pakistani delights at Naan N Curry.

Q: What is the cheapest city near Seattle? A: Kenmore and Lake Forest Park are affordable cities near Seattle.

11. Kenmore

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $1.04M
• Great for: Families, outdoor activities, good schools
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 15 minutes

Located in the northern part of Lake Washington is Kenmore, one of the best Seattle suburbs and one of the best suburbs in the state. This is a great area for families, but thanks to the easy access to Seattle, you’ll also find lots of young professionals — it’s ranked the No. 8 best suburb for young professionals as well. 

Looking for things to do in Seattle for young adults? Then consider spending some time in St. Edward’s Park. You could spend the whole day there if you want, hiking the trails, checking out the beach, or seeing what’s going on at the nearby Bastyr University Seattle campus. 

Retirees and golf enthusiasts alike will enjoy golfing at the Inglewood Golf Club, and you can easily get out on the lake via the Harbour Village Marina or the North Lake Marina. And Bothell Way is home to all the entertainment options and dining you could want in Kenmore, including Postdoc Brewing and Kenmore Lanes.

Q: What is the most affordable suburb of Seattle? A: Lake Forest Park is one of the cheaper Seattle suburbs.

12. Lake Forest Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $1.03M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, commute time, affordable housing
• Commute to downtown Seattle: 30 minutes

Lake Forest Park is one of the more affordable Seattle suburbs, and it’s only around 30 minutes outside of the city. Located next to Kenmore at the northern end of Lake Washington, this suburb makes it easy to spend time on the water or enjoy a relaxing picnic at Sheridan Beach. Horizon View Park is also a great place to take the family or walk the dog, and residents take full advantage of the adjacent pickleball courts.

The Town Center at Lake Forest Park offers shopping options such as Albertsons and the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, as well as the extensive offerings at King County Library and the Lake Forest Park Library. You can stop by the Lake Forest Bar & Grill for sandwiches, or grab a coffee and a pastry at the Honey Bear Bakery while checking out the other shops!

Using a PODS portable moving and storage container will allow you to pack on your own schedule without being rushed.

PODS Can Get You to One of the Best Seattle Suburbs

If you decide to move to one of these 12 Seattle suburbs, let PODS help you get there with less stress! And if you’re saying goodbye to city living in favor of one of these suburbs, make sure to take advantage of PODS City Service, a service specially tailored to help you easily move out of the big city. 

No matter where you’re coming from, though, using a PODS portable moving and storage container will allow you to pack on your own schedule without being rushed. Once you’re ready to move, PODS will come to pick up the container and drive it to your new Seattle suburb. And from there, they can either deliver it straight to your driveway, or you can choose to store it in a secure PODS Storage Center. 

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.