Mountlake Terrace 85 Exceptional
Mountlake Terrace Livability #28 ranked city in Washington#500 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Mountlake Terrace

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

What's it like Living in Mountlake Terrace?

Mountlake Terrace is a mid-sized city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 21,935 inhabitants. Mountlake Terrace has a population density of 5,382 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (70% White). Given that fact, Mountlake Terrace could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Mountlake Terrace entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 32 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Mountlake Terrace, Washington could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Mountlake Terrace and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Mountlake Terrace to Washington and the national average.

The livability score in Mountlake Terrace is 84/100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Mountlake Terrace could be a great choice! Mountlake Terrace has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Mountlake Terrace has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B+), crime (B-), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Mountlake Terrace. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (F).

If you're considering living in Mountlake Terrace, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Mountlake Terrace provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Mountlake Terrace shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 194 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

The Mountlake Terrace unemployment rate of 2.2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Mountlake Terrace have an average test score of 66%, which is well above the US average.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Mountlake Terrace market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Mountlake Terrace is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Mountlake Terrace come in at $746,290, which is 51.7% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Mountlake Terrace, the home price to income ratio is 6.1, which is 13% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Mountlake Terrace

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Compare Mountlake Terrace, WA Livability

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      Mountlake Terrace transportation information

      Statistic Mountlake Terrace Washington National
      Average one way commute32min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work63.9%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.7%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit11.5%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home10.2%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Mountlake Terrace, 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.