7 Underrated Seattle Suburbs You Should Know Before Moving Here

If you're thinking about moving to the Seattle area, you've probably already heard about places like Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Issaquah.

But some of the best suburbs near Seattle are the ones that don't get nearly as much attention.

After helping people relocate to the Seattle area week after week, I've found that there are several communities that consistently surprise buyers once they actually visit them. Some offer easier access to major employment centers. Others give you more space, waterfront access, mountain views, light rail, or a completely different pace of life.

So if you're trying to figure out where to live near Seattle, here are seven underrated Seattle suburbs I think deserve to be on your radar.

They're not ranked, and they're definitely not all inexpensive. Each one simply offers something unique that many people relocating to Seattle don't realize is available.

1. Newcastle: An Overlooked Eastside Location

Newcastle is one of the first places I'd consider if you work in Bellevue but don't necessarily want to live in the middle of Bellevue.

Its location is one of its biggest advantages. Newcastle sits near both I-405 and I-90, giving you convenient access to Bellevue, Seattle, Renton, and much of the Eastside.

For people relocating here who need to commute around the region, that's a major benefit.

What Makes Newcastle Stand Out

One of my favorite places in Newcastle is Lake Boren Park, which has a walking trail around the lake, playgrounds, sports courts, a fishing dock, and community events throughout the summer.

Then there's The Golf Club at Newcastle.

Even if you don't golf, it's worth visiting just for the views. On a clear day, you can see Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and both the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.

The Calcutta Grill overlooks those same views and is a great place to grab lunch or dinner. Another local restaurant my family enjoys is Tapatio Mexican Grill along Coal Creek Parkway.

For hiking, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is only a few minutes away and gives you miles of trails without having to drive deep into the mountains.

Newcastle Home Prices

Single-family homes in Newcastle have recently had a median sales price around $1.5 million.

That's certainly not inexpensive, but Newcastle gives buyers a combination of central Eastside access, quieter residential neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, and some incredible views.

It's one of those places many relocation buyers don't think about simply because they've never driven through it.

Once they do, Newcastle tends to make a lot more sense.

2. Kenmore: Waterfront Living Without Kirkland Prices

If you love the idea of living near Lake Washington but Kirkland is stretching the budget, take a look at Kenmore.

Kenmore sits at the northern end of Lake Washington, putting you close to Kirkland, Bothell, Woodinville, and Seattle.

Depending on traffic, you're roughly 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, while often getting more house for your money than you would just a few minutes south in Kirkland.

Lake Washington and the Burke-Gilman Trail

One of my favorite places here is Log Boom Park.

It's right on Lake Washington and connects with the Burke-Gilman Trail, making it a great spot for walking, biking, or simply spending some time near the water.

There's also something you don't see in many Seattle suburbs: seaplanes.

Kenmore Air operates right next to the park, so you'll regularly see planes taxiing across Lake Washington before taking off.

My three-year-old son could probably sit there for an hour watching them. To be fair, I usually end up just as entertained.

Kenmore Home Prices

The median single-family home price in Kenmore has recently been around $1.2 million.

That's still a significant investment, but Kenmore can offer better value than some of the more recognizable waterfront communities nearby.

If you want water access, outdoor recreation, and proximity to both Seattle and the Eastside, Kenmore is definitely worth considering.

3. North Bend: Mountain Views and Outdoor Living

North Bend is completely different from Newcastle and Kenmore.

If your ideal weekend involves hiking trails, mountains, and getting outside, this could be one of the best Seattle suburbs for you.

One of the first things you'll notice when you arrive is Mount Si. It dominates the backdrop around town and gives North Bend that classic Pacific Northwest scenery people picture before moving here.

What About the Commute?

North Bend is farther east than many traditional Seattle suburbs, so commute time is something you'll want to consider carefully.

But you're traveling primarily along I-90, which can feel very different from commuting on I-405 or I-5.

Traffic can absolutely build up—especially during holiday weekends or peak ski season—but I-90 can be a more predictable drive than some of the region's other major freeways.

As always, I'd recommend testing your actual commute during the times you'll normally be traveling before choosing a neighborhood.

Newer Homes and New Construction

Another advantage of North Bend is the amount of newer housing.

There's been considerable new construction over the last several years, along with resale homes that may only be 10 to 15 years old.

Single-family home prices have recently had a median around $1.3 million.

For that money, buyers may be able to get newer construction, larger lots, and mountain views that become increasingly difficult to find as you move closer to Bellevue or Seattle.

Builders also periodically offer incentives such as interest-rate buydowns and closing-cost assistance, so it's worth comparing the incentives available if you're considering new construction.

Outdoor Recreation

This is where North Bend really separates itself.

You're close to:

• Mount Si

• Rattlesnake Ledge

• Twin Falls

• Si View Park

• Miles of hiking and outdoor recreation throughout the Snoqualmie Valley

If you want to feel surrounded by the mountains while still having access to the greater Seattle area, North Bend is hard to ignore.

4. Normandy Park: A Quiet Puget Sound Community

If you've imagined living near Puget Sound and watching the sun set over the Olympic Mountains, Normandy Park deserves a look.

Located south of Seattle, Normandy Park doesn't come up nearly as often in relocation conversations as places on the Eastside.

That's also part of its appeal.

The city feels tucked away from some of the busier parts of the Seattle metro area, with established neighborhoods and a noticeably different character from many newer suburban developments.

Mid-Century Homes and Puget Sound Views

You'll find plenty of beautiful mid-century homes here, often sitting on larger lots.

Some properties also have incredible views across Puget Sound toward the Olympic Mountains.

Marine View Park is another highlight. Wooded trails lead toward the Sound, and it can feel surprisingly removed from the city despite being relatively close to Seattle.

Normandy Park Home Prices

The median single-family home price has recently been around $1.2 million.

For buyers looking for established neighborhoods, larger properties, Puget Sound scenery, and a quieter setting south of Seattle, Normandy Park is one community I'd put on the list.

5. Carnation: More Land and Privacy Near the Eastside

Not everybody moving to Seattle wants to live in a neighborhood where the houses are packed together.

If you're looking for acreage, privacy, and more breathing room, Carnation offers something completely different.

Located northeast of Redmond, Carnation feels much more rural than Bellevue, Redmond, or Sammamish, while still putting you within roughly 20 to 30 minutes of Redmond and Sammamish depending on where you're starting and traffic conditions.

Why People Choose Carnation

Space is one of the biggest reasons.

It's much more common to find homes on larger lots here than in many of the Eastside's denser neighborhoods.

That can mean more privacy, room for outbuildings, gardens, animals, or simply having some distance between you and your neighbors.

The median single-family home price has recently been around $1.1 million to $1.2 million, although pricing can vary considerably because properties here range from more traditional homes to larger acreage estates.

Small-Town Living

Carnation also maintains a genuine small-town feel.

You're surrounded by farmland, mountains, rivers, hiking, biking, and opportunities to kayak along the Snoqualmie River.

If you want more land and privacy without moving hours away from the Eastside, Carnation is one of the Seattle-area communities I'd seriously consider.

6. Mountlake Terrace: Light Rail Has Changed Everything

Mountlake Terrace probably wouldn't have made my list several years ago.

Then light rail arrived.

The expansion of Link light rail has dramatically changed the conversation for buyers considering communities north of Seattle.

From Mountlake Terrace, you can use Link to reach destinations including downtown Seattle, the University District, Northgate, Lynnwood, and Sea-Tac Airport without having to drive the entire way on I-5.

For commuters, that's a significant advantage.

More Affordable Than Many Seattle Suburbs

Mountlake Terrace also remains relatively attainable compared with many of the Eastside communities on this list.

Single-family homes have recently had median prices generally in the mid-$700,000s to $800,000 range.

That can make Mountlake Terrace an interesting option for someone who wants to remain close to Seattle while stretching their housing budget further.

One local highlight is Ballinger Park, which offers walking trails, open space, playgrounds, and access to Lake Ballinger.

For buyers prioritizing transit access and proximity to Seattle, Mountlake Terrace has become much more compelling.

7. Mukilteo: Classic Pacific Northwest Living

Mukilteo is one of my personal favorites because it captures so much of what people imagine when they think about living in the Pacific Northwest.

You have Puget Sound views, ferries crossing to Whidbey Island, beaches, sunsets, and the Olympic Mountains sitting across the water.

And you're still connected to major employment centers throughout the region.

Location and Commuting

Mukilteo is particularly convenient for people working around Boeing's Everett facilities.

You also have access to I-5 and I-405 for trips toward Seattle, Bellevue, and other parts of the metro area.

Single-family homes have recently had a median sales price around $1 million, which can make Mukilteo an interesting alternative to some of the higher-priced waterfront communities on the Eastside.

Lighthouse Park and the Mukilteo Ferry

If you're visiting Mukilteo, start at Lighthouse Park.

You have the beach, historic lighthouse, walking areas, ferry terminal, and incredible views across Puget Sound.

The Mukilteo-Clinton ferry also gives you direct access to Whidbey Island, whether you're commuting or just heading over for a weekend trip.

If you're looking for that classic Pacific Northwest combination of water, mountains, ferries, and outdoor access, Mukilteo deserves to be on your list.

Which Seattle Suburb Is Right for You?

The biggest mistake I see people make when relocating to Seattle is focusing only on the handful of cities they've already heard about.

There are dozens of communities surrounding Seattle and the Eastside, and the right choice really depends on what matters most to you.

Do you need to commute to Bellevue every day? Newcastle might make sense.

Want Lake Washington access without paying Kirkland prices? Look at Kenmore.

Want mountains and hiking outside your front door? Consider North Bend.

Looking for Puget Sound views? Explore Normandy Park or Mukilteo.

Want more land and privacy? Carnation deserves a look.

And if access to Seattle and public transportation is a priority, Mountlake Terrace has become increasingly interesting.

Thinking About Moving to Seattle?

If you're planning a move to the Seattle area or the Eastside and you're trying to figure out which suburb makes the most sense for your budget, commute, and what you want in a home, that's exactly what I help people with every week.

Whether you're already here or you're relocating from another state, we can jump on a Zoom call and put together a game plan before you ever get on a plane.

And if you're still researching the area, check out my other Seattle and Eastside relocation guides for more neighborhood tours, housing costs, and what you should know before making the move.