Burien 79 Exceptional
Burien Livability #115 ranked city in Washington#2,330 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Burien

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.

What's it like Living in Burien?

Burien is a medium-sized city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 53,010 residents. With a population density of 5,269 people per square mile, Burien is well above the nation's average density level. Burien is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 50%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Burien, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 28 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Burien, Washington. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Burien and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes commute, health & safety, education, housing and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Burien has received a livability score of 78/100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as Burien ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Burien also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Burien ranks very well for employment (A) and housing (A-). Burien does not fare well for the following: crime (F) and cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Burien, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Burien undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Burien has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that Burien meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Burien. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Burien are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Burien come in at $757,900, which is 54.1% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Burien, the home price to income ratio is 7.1, which is 31.5% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Burien

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Compare Burien, WA Livability

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      Burien transportation information

      Statistic Burien Washington National
      Average one way commute28min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.7%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.4%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit10.0%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home7.5%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Burien, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.