Shoreline 84 Exceptional
Shoreline Livability #38 ranked city in Washington#681 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Pros and Cons of Living in Shoreline

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in Shoreline?

Located in the state of Washington, Shoreline is a mid-sized city with a population of 58,611 inhabitants. Shoreline has a population density of 5,038 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 (68% White). Given that fact, Shoreline could be considered less diverse than other cities. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Shoreline offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 31 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Shoreline, 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. With useful information like crime, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Shoreline and in the areas around Shoreline is a much easier task.

The livability score in Shoreline is 84/100 and the city is ranked in the 97th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the United States average, Shoreline ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Shoreline has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Shoreline scores well for amenities (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+) On a more negative note, Shoreline does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Living in Shoreline offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Shoreline provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Shoreline: White Moustache Urban Adventure Co., Highland Ice Arena, and Spin Alley Bowling Center.

The Shoreline unemployment rate of 2.5% 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 serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Shoreline, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 71%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Shoreline apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

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 Shoreline is real estate affordability. The median home price for Shoreline homes is $1,051,349, which is 113.8% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Shoreline, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.7, which is 42.6% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Shoreline

See all the best places to live around Shoreline

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Compare Shoreline, WA Livability

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      Shoreline transportation information

      Statistic Shoreline Washington National
      Average one way commute31min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work64.9%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.7%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit12.7%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.0%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home11.2%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Shoreline, 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.