Living in Burien Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Burien Washington Like?
Burien is a city located in King County, Washington. With a population of around 50,000 people, Burien is conveniently located just south of Seattle, making it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy all that the Emerald City has to offer without the high cost of living. The city is easily accessible from major highways and has a public transportation system that connects it to the surrounding areas. Living in Burien, Washington, you'll find it is a quiet and peaceful city that offers a high quality of life with easy access to the attractions of the greater Seattle area.
One of the most popular attractions in Burien is the Seahurst Park. This park boasts breathtaking views of Puget Sound, miles of hiking trails, a beach, picnic areas, and a playground. It is a great place to spend time with family and friends while enjoying nature. Another popular attraction is the Burien Farmers Market, which runs from May to October every year. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts from local vendors. Burien is also home to several other parks and outdoor spaces, including Lake Burien Park, which is a popular destination for families with young children. It features a playground, a picnic area, and a beach.
The major employer within the city of Burien is Highline Public Schools, which employs over 2,000 people. Other major employers in the area include the City of Burien, Group Health Cooperative, and the Boeing Company. With close proximity to Seattle, Redmond, Bellevue, and other Seattle Metro cities, many living in Burien, Washington, commute to surrounding cities for work as there are many large employers in the region.
The cost of living in Burien is slightly higher than the national average but still relatively affordable compared to other cities in the Seattle metropolitan area. Housing prices in Burien are more affordable than in Seattle, and there are a variety of options available, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. Overall, Burien offers a high quality of life at a relatively affordable cost.
If you're seeking a small-town vibe with convenient access to larger cities, a delightful downtown, top-notch schools, and plentiful recreational options, look no further than Burien, Washington! Read on to discover more about what it's like to live in Burien, including info on its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros and cons of living in Burien, Washington. Some great information to help you determine if moving to this charming city would be a good choice for you.
The Moving to Burien Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Burien, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Burien, Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Burien Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Burien, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Burien, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Burien, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $44,000 a year. To live in Burien, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $77,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Burien Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
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Top Neighborhoods in Burien Washington
Richland, Washington, has a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique characteristics and attributes. Here are five of the neighborhoods in Richland, along with some information about each one:
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Boulevard Park: This neighborhood is located in the southern part of Burien and offers a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes. It's known for its parks, including Lake Burien Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and a swimming beach.
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Chelsea Park: Situated in the eastern part of Burien, Chelsea Park is a quiet and family-friendly neighborhood with excellent schools and parks. It's home to many single-family homes and townhomes, making it a great choice for families.
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Gregory Heights: This neighborhood is located on the western side of Burien and offers a mix of single-family homes and apartments. It's known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes, making it a popular choice for those who value peaceful living.
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Seahurst: Located on the southern edge of Burien, Seahurst is a waterfront neighborhood with stunning views of Puget Sound. It offers a mix of single-family homes and apartments, making it a great choice for those who enjoy waterfront living.
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Three Tree Point: This neighborhood is located on the western edge of Burien and offers some of the most stunning views in the city. It's a highly sought-after neighborhood with a tight-knit community and a mix of single-family homes and apartments.
If moving to Burien, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Burien, Washington.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in Burien Washington
Living in Burien Washington Pros
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Convenient Location: Living in Burien, Washington, you're conveniently located between Seattle and Tacoma, offering easy access to both cities' amenities and job opportunities.
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Affordable Cost of Living: Burien has a lower cost of living compared to Seattle, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable housing and a lower cost of living.
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Strong Sense of Community: Living in Burien, Washington, you'll find it has a strong sense of community, with many local events, festivals, and activities that unite residents.
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Beautiful Parks: Burien is home to many beautiful parks, including Seahurst Park, which offers stunning views of Puget Sound.
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Diverse Population: Living in Burien, Washington, you'll find it is a diverse city, with residents from many different cultures and backgrounds.
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Excellent Schools: If you are living in Burien, Washington, and you have school-aged kids. You'll find the city has excellent schools, with many educational and extracurricular options available for students of all ages.
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Charming Downtown: Downtown Burien is lovely, with many local businesses, restaurants, and shops.
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Outdoor Recreation: Living in Burien, Washington, you'll find abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and water sports.
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Transit Options: Burien has several transit options, including bus and light rail, making it easy to get around the city and beyond.
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Strong Local Economy: Burien has a robust local economy, with many local businesses and job opportunities.
Living in Burien Washington Cons
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Traffic: Burien is located in a busy metropolitan area, so traffic can be heavy, especially during peak commuting hours.
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Noise: The proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport means that Burien residents may experience aircraft noise.
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Limited Shopping Options: While downtown Burien has a variety of local shops and restaurants, there are fewer options for shopping available to those living in Burien than what is found in larger cities.
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Higher Crime Rates: Compared to some neighboring cities, Burien has higher crime rates in certain areas, so it's important to research specific neighborhoods before moving.
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Rainy Weather: Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Burien can have rainy weather for much of the year. If you're moving to Burien from a wamer/drier climate this might be tough to get used to.
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High Housing Prices: While Burien is generally more affordable than nearby Seattle, housing prices have been on the rise in recent years.
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Homeless Population: Like many cities in the area, Burien has a homeless population, which can be a concern for some residents.
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Limited Nightlife: Burien's nightlife options are more limited compared to larger cities like Seattle, which may be a downside for some.
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Limited Job Opportunities: While Burien has a strong local economy, job opportunities may be more limited compared to larger cities in the area.
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Limited Cultural Offerings: While Burien has some local events and festivals, it may have fewer cultural offerings compared to larger cities.
FAQs About Living in Burien Washington
What is Burien known for?
Burien, Washington is known for its vibrant community and cultural diversity. Its downtown area features a variety of restaurants, shops, and local businesses, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Burien also boasts several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Seahurst Park, which offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
What cities are nearby Burien?
Burien, Washington, sits approximately 11 miles south of Washington's biggest city, Seattle. What other cities are close by? There are several worth mentioning: SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Tukwila, Renton, Kent, Federal Way, Bellevue, and Tacoma are all within 25 miles of Burien.
What is the weather like Burien?
Living in Burien, Washington, you can expect cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 45°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 34°F to 38°F. The city occasionally experiences snowfall in the winter, but it is not common and usually does not accumulate heavily. Summers in Burien are warm and dry, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 75°F and little to no rainfall. The city experiences occasional hot streaks in the summer when temperatures briefly rise into the 80s and 90s. Burien receives around 44 inches of rain each year.
Does Burien Washington have good public schools?
Living in Burien, Washington, your kids attend public school in the Highline School District. For the 2022-23 school year, Niche.com ranks the Highline School District #149 out of the 252 school districts it ranked in Washington, giving it a B- rating. With a focus on equity, social justice, and personalized learning, Highline School District provides a diverse range of academic and extracurricular programs for students. Students in Burien can expect a average education attending school in the Highline School District.
Is Burien Washington safe?
Living in Burien, Washington, you'll find it's a relatively safe place to live. Property crime rates are lower than the national average, but violent crime rates are slightly higher than the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Burien has a crime rate that is lower than 51% of all US cities. If you're living in Burien, Washington, you should feel relatively safe.
What is there to do living in Burien, Washington?
Living in Burien, Washington, you'll always have things to do. The area has plenty of parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces for nature lovers to enjoy. You can visit Seahurst Park for a beach day, take a hike in the nearby Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, or explore the trails at Lake Burien Park. Burien also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Burien Arts Annual Art Walk and the Olde Burien Block Party. In addition, Burien is just a short drive from Seattle, where you can enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. And if you're looking for a weekend getaway, you can head to the nearby Olympic Peninsula or visit the picturesque town of Leavenworth. Living in Burien, Washington, there's always something to do and see!
Who are large employers in Burien, Washington?
Living in Burien, Washington, some of the top employers include the Highline School District, which employs over 3,000 people, Alaska Airlines, which has its headquarters nearby and employs over 2,000 people, and the city government, which provides jobs for over 300 people. Other notable employers in Burien include the King County Library System, the Burien Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Navos Mental Health Solutions.
How is the healthcare in Burien Washington?
Living in Burien, Washington, puts you near the Highline Medical Center, which is a level III trauma center and has 48 beds. This hospital would likely be able to provide you with most of your medical needs. If looking for a specialist and can't find them in the Burien area, you're around 15 miles away from the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, which is the largest hospital in the state and has over 700 beds.
Is Burien Washington a good place to live?
Burien, Washington is a great place to live because of its close proximity to Seattle, offering residents easy access to a vibrant city while still enjoying a quieter suburban lifestyle. Additionally, Burien boasts beautiful parks, a strong sense of community, and a diverse range of dining and shopping options, making it an ideal place to call home.
I want to relocate to Burien. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Burien, Washington. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Burien area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Burien, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.