Snohomish County: Opportunity Lives Here

While maintaining its small town atmosphere in a rural setting, Arlington is conveniently located near larger metropolitan interests.   The city welcomes economic development that complements the City’s exceptional quality of life.  The community is exceptional for its public school system and recreation opportunities. Adjacent to I-5 and easy access to the Seattle metropolitan area, Arlington offers industrial, commercial and retail operations close to residential areas.  Arlington boasts an unusually high jobs-to-population ratio and is home to a wide variety of manufacturing, construction and technology businesses. The Arlington Airport, owned by the City, is one of the state’s premier general aviation airports. Smokey Point is a business community located in southwest Arlington that is a rapidly growing commercial and retail area serving Arlington and the City of Marysville. The locale also boasts a growing number of residential neighborhoods and golf courses. Hiking, boating, and fishing with...Learn More »

Designated as the gateway to the research and technology communities that make up Snohomish County’s Technology Corridor, Bothell is a popular business and residential community. Originally a logging town, incorporated in 1909, Bothell remained a small town in King County until the early 1980s when pastoral farmlands gave way to business parks and residential developments. In 1992 the city annexed 5.9 square miles of land in Snohomish County, doubling the city’s size and population, and establishing its reputation as the location for some of the state’s most creative technology communities. The Canyon Park Business Park currently hosts some of the most renowned names in the bio-medical and high tech fields. Bothell is also home to Washington State’s Biomedical Innovation Partnership Zone. Current plans call for providing commercial areas which are pedestrian-, bicycle- and transit-oriented, vibrant and inviting by design, and located and sized so as to ensure adequate...Learn More »

Brier is characterized by large, wooded, single-family home sites offering a quiet, small-town quality of life. Parks and picnic areas are priorities, and horses are often given the right-of-way. Although Brier does not have a commercial core, many residents run home-based businesses. The philosophy of the City is to continue to retain and maintain the basic, original, spacious and semi-rural wooded character of the areas and to remain relatively small, simple and intimate with a minimum of regulation and taxation. Distance From Work: Everett: 25 minutes South Everett: 15 minutes Bellevue: 35 minutes Lynnwood/Bothell: 10 minutes Seattle: 35 minutes Skiing: 70 minutes Boating: 20 minutes K-12 School District Edmonds School District ...Learn More »

If you’re considering a visit to Darrington, try to bring some binoculars and a camera because this is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. The Mountain Loop Magic trail and hiking guide is a great way to become familiar with the trails and other recreation opportunities in this area. A good place to start is the Darrington Ranger Station or the Sauk River Trading Post – both can provide lots of information about the incredible nature activities in the area. Other nearby activities include mountaineering and climbing, fishing, and rafting. Each summer the town hosts the world-renowned Darrington Bluegrass Festival, the Classic Rock Festival, an annual archery competition, a Wildflower Festival, and many other family-oriented activities and events. In addition to the town sports, Darrington boasts an archery range, several rafting guides and a whole bunch of really great people. Distance...Learn More »

The City of Edmonds is an 8.9-square mile urban community with 41,260 people. The third largest city in Snohomish County, Edmonds has many characteristics: a growing economic base, diverse marketplace, excellent school system, and outstanding quality of life that make it an excellent location to locate, start or grow a business. A charming waterfront town, celebrated as an arts community, Edmonds offers a vibrant downtown, sandy beaches, stunning views, and a full calendar of exciting events. Fanning out from the central fountain, the walkable downtown boasts art galleries and day spas, as well as shops and boutiques offering clothing, garden supplies, house wares, jewelry, books and travel accessories, specialty wine and food stuffs. Restaurants, cafes and bistros, offer a delicious dining experience and beachfront eateries with outdoor tables provide scenic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and magnificent sunsets. Shopping and dining opportunities are also found along...Learn More »

In Everett, opportunities are a natural resource. Economic. Educational. Cultural. Recreational. Propelled by our industrial-strength commitment to innovative businesses, and inspired by a mountain-to-sea natural beauty that defies description. Our community works hard and plays hard. Everett boasts a rising creative class – the thinkers, innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs. Everett is proud to be home to The Boeing Co.’s massive manufacturing complex, a magnet that draws numerous aerospace and technology companies to the area. Everett is also home to the Port of Everett. This deep-water Port is the second largest in Washington state by economic output and the 5th largest on the West Coast by export value. The Port specializes in construction and manufacturing cargoes, and transships aircraft assemblies for all Boeing Everett jetliners. The Port is also home to Naval Station Everett and the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Nimitz, along with other destroyers and frigates. Whether at...Learn More »

Further up Highway 2, and surrounded on all four sides by the Cascade Mountains, is the riverside community of Gold Bar. As its name implies, Gold Bar was named after prospectors searching for gold along the Skykomish River and its tributaries in 1869. Gold Bar is situated in the center of the Skykomish River valley and is rich in recreational opportunities such as camping, fishing, tours of the State Fish Hatchery, and hiking. Nearby Wallace Falls State Park, located two miles north of Gold Bar, has a 7-mile loop trail leading to the spectacular 265-foot waterfall and panoramic views of the Skykomish River Valley. Distance From Work: Everett:40 minutes Bellevue: 50 minutes Seattle: 60 minutes Skiing: 10 minutes Boating: 10 minutes K-12 School District Sultan School District ...Learn More »

Nestled in the shadow of Mr. Pilchuck, bounded by the Stillaguamish and Pilchuck rivers, Granite Falls is that perfect stop-over before or after a mountain excursion. This “Gateway to the Mountain Loop” is enhanced by turn-of-the-century architecture, unique businesses and eateries, and a distinct western foothills atmosphere. Big Four Ice Caves, the ghost town of Monte Cristo, and over a dozen hiking trails are popular destinations, and only minutes from downtown Granite Falls along scenic Mountain Loop Highway. You can tour the town or tour “the Loop” on your cell phone or PC, enjoying narrated slide shows including “then and now” pictures of the sights along the way. Oldest car show in the state, pre-Thanksgiving and pre-Easter Turkey Shoots, Easter egg hunts, Railroad (and school) Reunion Days, Christmas Tree lighting, active Senior Center, outstanding Boys and Girls Club, award-winning Historical Museum, downtown skate park and lake waterfront...Learn More »

Since settling in 1886, Lake Stevens has been home to families who set their sights on pioneering a better way of life for western Washington and beyond. Surrounding one of the region’s most coveted recreational lakes, the City of Lake Stevens has emerged as one of the most desirable places in the state to call home. Just 10 minutes east of Everett, and 34 minutes from downtown Seattle, Lake Stevens is home to hardworking families and retirees. Our growth is outpacing the rest of Snohomish County. In 2016 we had more than 31,000 citizens and forecast that by 2035 Lake Stevens will experience 40% growth to exceed a population of 40,000. Here are some of the reasons people like to call Lake Stevens home: NerdWallet ranked Lake Stevens fourth in the Best Small Cities for Families in the Western Region Washington State Board of Education...Learn More »

Lynnwood has a rich history of steady growth and strong entrepreneurial spirit. Lynnwood is located where Interstates 5 and 405 intersect, equidistant from Seattle (16 miles), Bellevue (19 miles) and Everett (13 miles) and serves a large, growing trade area and workforce. With a competitive tax structure, quality office space and educated work force, the Lynnwood area is a desirable business location. A diverse core of businesses includes, professional services, F.I.R.E., aerospace, bioscience and information technology. Lynnwood is a Regional Growth Center designated to accommodate projected employment and residential development in South Snohomish County. Alderwood Mall draws shoppers from far and wide with 175 upscale stores, restaurants, and a state of the art 16-screen cinema. The lodging and hospitality sector is strong providing a convenient location within the Central Puget Sound area. The Lynnwood City Center is becoming a vibrant commercial center and an appealing place to live,...Learn More »

Marysville is Snohomish County’s second-largest city, a diverse, hard working and progressive community committed to establishing a viable future by fostering an economic climate conducive to business. Prospective companies and investors need only to look at the economic and political environment built on successful partnerships with the Tulalip Tribes and other neighboring communities, along with Marysville’s strategic location and well-trained workforce, to know that opportunities are evident. From our downtown district along Ebey Waterfront within the pristine Snohomish River Estuary and our eastside foothills neighborhoods, to the panoramic mountain and clear water views of the Puget Sound and the former strawberry fields in the north now ripe for new manufacturing and industry, Marysville is a place where family matters. Great neighborhoods. Year-round recreational opportunities and events. Active, engaged community members who enjoy the great outdoors that epitomizes the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Marysville families and our skilled workers enjoy...Learn More »

Incorporated in 1983, the City of Mill Creek is located in Snohomish County, Washington, and is home to more than 20,000 people. Mill Creek is a physically active community with 10 attractive neighborhood and community parks, more than 23 miles of nature trails, and recreational facilities that support diverse recreational opportunities. A vibrant, safe and friendly community, Mill Creek is a great destination for shopping and gathering. The award-winning Mill Creek Town Center and other business developments feature many fine retail shops and restaurants. Mill Creek offers an exceptional community experience, where natural beauty is preserved, neighborhoods flourish, businesses thrive and recreational opportunities abound. Distance From Work: Lynnwood: 20 minutes Bellevue: 35 minutes Seattle: 40 minutes Skiing: 40 minutes Boating: 5 minutes K-12 School District Everett School District Major Employers ...Learn More »

The largest city in East Snohomish County, Monroe offers the wonderful feel of a much smaller, close-knit home town. Situated in the beautiful Skykomish valley, Monroe is an excellent blend of rural life with urban amenities. Outdoor activities abound in the area. Winter pleasure includes cross-country and downhill skiing at nearby Stevens Pass and trails for snowmobiles in the Cascade foothills. In the summertime, enjoy fishing, white-water rafting on the Skykomish River, and swimming. On the way to Stevens Pass are trails and campsites with a panorama of waterfalls, streams and mountain lakes. Golfers need not fret with the nine-hole Blue Boy West Golf Course, and the 18 hole Flowing Lake Golf Course nearby. Evergreen State Fairgrounds including an equestrian center, and Evergreen Speedway. Monroe is just minutes from winter skiing at Stevens Pass Ski Resort, is close to many golf courses, Wallace Falls, Galaxy Theaters and...Learn More »

Mountlake Terrace’s location provides easy access to many regional attractions as well as local employment centers. Three transit lines serve Mountlake Terrace providing faster and easier commutes to Seattle and other neighboring cities, as well as the University of Washington, Washington State University and Edmonds Community College. As the southern gateway to Snohomish County, the fastest growing county in Washington State, Mountlake Terrace will be the first northbound light rail stop in Snohomish County. The city is in the process of implementing a Town Center Plan intended to invigorate and revitalize the city center and encourage development. In 2009, the plan won the Governor’s Smart Community Award for Livable and Vibrant Communities. The city is investing in new infrastructure such as roads, park improvements, utilities, new and widened sidewalks, bike lanes, street trees, new City Hall and Police Station addition to ensure that it is well-positioned to facilitate...Learn More »

Mukilteo is a scenic waterfront community with stunning views of Possession Sound and the Olympic Mountain range.  The scenery and other quality of life factors led to Mukilteo being highlighted as the 9th best place to live in America by Money Magazine.   Mukilteo offers convenient access to two State highways – SR 525 and SR 526 – which connect directly to I-5, I-405 and Highway 99. The City is also a regional transportation hub for the State Ferry System, featuring the Mukilteo-Clinton route that has the highest vehicle traffic volume and second highest total ridership (4.1 million annual passengers) in the entire ferry system.  A Sound Transit commuter rail station with trips to Seattle is also in Mukilteo. In December 2020, the Washington State Ferries opened a new modern Mukilteo Mulitmodal ferry terminal facility a few thousand feet from the previous terminal.    Capitalizing on the State’s...Learn More »

As the oldest and best preserved city in Snohomish County, Snohomish is listed on both the Washington State and National Register of Historic Places. Today, you can stroll along riverfront trails or walk through historic tree-lined neighborhoods that still provide identical views seen by the First People of Snohomish (The Sdoh-doh-hohbsh) or the early pioneer settlers who expanded commerce on First Street. The next cool startup will probably begin in Snohomish, kind of like Funko, which started its humble beginnings as a home occupancy in a Snohomish garage. With access to talent, capital and our low overhead, innovators can afford to, well innovate. And when you need a break from all that innovating, you can hit the refresh button with other makers who just happen to create the region’s most exquisite small-batch craft beer, wine and spirits. Business and employment climates are robust in SnoTown, mirroring the...Learn More »

The cities and towns of Snohomish County offer the perfect balance of opportunities: urban/rural, manufacturing/research and maritime/alpine. Snohomish County’s duality illustrates its success as a hub for a diverse set of industries and multinational companies. Thriving aerospace, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology industries power our communities, resulting in the highest concentration of advanced manufacturing jobs west of the Rocky Mountains and the highest concentration of engineers in Washington. The resultant robust and diverse regional economy includes “anchor tenants” such as Boeing, Philips and Fortive/Fluke, combined with the County’s proximity to global brands like Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks and T-Mobile.  As a collaborative community where the private and public sectors partner to maximize economic vitality, this diversity of industries lays a foundation for business success. Economic Indicators...Learn More »

Stanwood is the town center serving a diverse rural, suburban and urban population of 33,000 people spread across two counties in what is generally identified as “Greater Stanwood Camano” and the home of the single high school that serves the entire population. Many residents outside the City come into Stanwood for business, community events and park and recreation services. The City is focusing on retaining its role as the center of the Greater Stanwood area by pursuing new endeavors that support the downtown and employment diversification. These efforts include the following initiatives. A successful year around farmers’ market and support of local food distribution Special events, festivals, and sports tournaments to attract additional foot traffic into the downtown Pursuing more effective means to address the flooding issues inherent in its location along the Stillaguamish River Promoting businesses that fit into the downtown plan and allow residents to...Learn More »

This quiet but growing community with a population fast approaching 5000, cherishes its rich heritage as a logging, mining and agriculture hamlet. The city is on the brink of a great transformation. Already, several hundred new residential homes, commercial and retail projects are in development process. Realizing that growth is inevitable as Greater Seattle spreads east and north, Sultan vows to take whatever steps are necessary to protect the wonderful way of life its resident have treasured for over one hundred years. Plus, it is just minutes from winter sports / activities at Stevens Pass. Distance From Work: Everett:40 minutes Bellevue: 65 minutes Seattle: 75 minutes Skiing: 30 minutes Boating: 30 minutes K-12 School District Sultan School District ...Learn More »