The Goldilocks City: 4 Reasons Why Everett Is Just Right
Note: Updated July 24, 2018.
Everett has a lot going for it. On this blog we’ve talked about about the city’s schools, natural beauty, walkability, and classy historic homes.
When I “pitch" the idea of living in Everett to the uninitiated, I’ve begun to describe Milltown as the “goldilocks city.”
A goldilocks city is a place where you can pay a comfortable rent or mortgage, then go balling on the town with craft beers and gourmet tacos.
A goldilocks city is where you can drive, walk, or bike inside the city without struggling against gridlock. A goldilocks city has parking spots.
Yes, Everett’s the sweet spot…for now.
Here’s what I mean.
Dang Everett... tone down that sexy nautical vibe.
1. Not too crowded, not too rural
Everett is a micropolis. It's not too big and and not too small. If you live here for over a year you'll bump into the same people over and over.
This creates a close-knit community that makes it easy to network. There is also less competition in many professional fields, making it easier for people with ideas to express their niche and get the ball rolling on their passion projects.
What are some of the cool things that started here?
What do you want to do? This could be the place for you.
2. Not too ritzy, not too gritty
You know that famous sign “Keep Portland Weird”? Everett doesn’t have to try. It’s weird on its own. In a good way.
People here are down to earth. The city still has a real Boeing/Navy barfly element that will always scoff at a ten dollar martini.
“The city still has a real Boeing/Navy barfly element that will always scoff at a ten dollar martini.”
Balancing this is the new condo scene, which compliments the authentic dive bar grit— a socioeconomic dynamic that appeals to me. I can get a PBR tallboy for cheap or an organic craft beer downtown, whichever one I'm feeling at the time.
Liveable.
3. Not too expensive, desirable
The cost of living is decent and the housing prices are good.
Median home value in Everett: $370,000
Median home value in Seattle: $764,000
As we recently reported, Everett home prices went up over 20% year/year. My advice? Buy now, if possible.
4. Not too close, not too far
We're 30 minutes from Seattle (not factoring in traffic). You can live here and take day trips to Bellingham, Vancouver, Leavenworth, the San Juan Islands and more. We're close to weekend getaways like the Olympic National Rainforest, Portland and Spokane. We're close to skiing.
Urban but rural. Ahh, that's nice.
Good things happen here. It's our slogan because it's true.
Everett, WA— if you ask me it's just right.
What do you love about our city?
Richard Porter writes for Live in Everett. He lives in the Delta Neighborhood with his wife and three daughters.
