Living in Mountlake Terrace Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

20 Pros and Cons of Living in Mountlake Terrace Washington

Living in Mountlake Terrace Washington Pros​

1. Natural Beauty: Mountlake Terrace is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with picturesque views of the Cascade Mountains and nearby parks like Lake Ballinger Park and Terrace Creek Park.

2. Convenient Location: Situated in Snohomish County, Mountlake Terrace enjoys a central location within the Greater Seattle area. It offers easy access to major highways, making commuting to Seattle or neighboring cities convenient.

3. Strong Community Spirit: Mountlake Terrace has a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride and unity. The residents actively participate in community events, festivals, and volunteer programs, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

4. Excellent Schools: The Mountlake Terrace area is served by the Edmonds School District, known for its high-quality education system. The district has highly-rated schools that provide students with exceptional academic and extracurricular opportunities.

5. Outdoor Recreation: The city is surrounded by numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas. Residents can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and picnicking in the nearby parks and lakes.

6. Family-Friendly: Mountlake Terrace is a great place for families, with safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous community programs and activities for children. The city also hosts family-oriented events and festivals throughout the year.

7. Affordable Housing: Compared to some neighboring cities, Mountlake Terrace offers relatively affordable housing options. Whether you're looking to rent or buy, there is a range of housing choices available, from apartments to single-family homes.

8. Diverse Dining Options: Mountlake Terrace boasts a diverse culinary scene with a variety of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. Whether you're in the mood for Thai, Mexican, Italian, or American fare, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds.

9. Access to Amenities: Despite its smaller size, Mountlake Terrace has all the necessary amenities within reach. The city has shopping centers, grocery stores, fitness centers, medical facilities, and other essential services conveniently located for residents.

10. Community Events and Festivals: Mountlake Terrace hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Tour de Terrace, a summer festival featuring a parade, live music, food vendors, and a carnival. These events bring the community together and provide opportunities for fun and entertainment.

​Living in Mountlake Terrace Washington Cons

1. High Cost of Living: The cost of living in the Greater Seattle area, including Mountlake Terrace, can be relatively high, especially when it comes to housing, transportation, and certain goods and services.

2. Traffic Congestion: Mountlake Terrace is located in a densely populated area, and the proximity to Seattle means that traffic congestion can be a common issue, particularly during peak commuting hours.

3. Limited Job Opportunities: Mountlake Terrace itself may have limited job opportunities, and many residents commute to nearby cities for work. This can result in longer commutes and increased travel time.

4. Weather: Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Mountlake Terrace experiences a mild and rainy climate, which may not be appealing to those who prefer warmer and sunnier weather conditions.

5. Noise Levels: The proximity to major roads and highways can lead to increased noise levels in some areas of Mountlake Terrace, which may be a concern for those seeking a quieter environment.

6. Limited Shopping Options: Although there are some shopping centers in the area, the retail options in Mountlake Terrace may not be as extensive or diverse as those found in larger cities.

7. Potential for Increased Development: Mountlake Terrace has experienced some development in recent years, which may be a concern for those who prefer a more suburban or rural feel. Increased development can lead to changes in the community's character and potentially affect the natural surroundings.

8. Limited Cultural and Arts Scene: While there are some cultural and arts offerings in Mountlake Terrace, the city may have fewer museums, theaters, and cultural institutions compared to larger urban centers.

9. Distance from Major Airports: Mountlake Terrace is not in close proximity to major airports, and residents may need to travel a significant distance to reach Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or other major regional airports. With no traffic, the airport is approximately 45 minutes away. 

10. Limited Healthcare Facilities: While there are healthcare facilities in Mountlake Terrace, more specialized medical services may require traveling to larger neighboring cities.

FAQs About Living in Mount Lake Terrace Washington

What is Mountlake Terrace Washington known for?

Mountlake Terrace, Washington, is most known for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city boasts several parks, including Terrace Creek Park and Ballinger Park, which offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Mountlake Terrace is also home to Lake Ballinger, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The city hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Tour de Terrace, a summer festival featuring a parade, carnival rides, and live music. Mountlake Terrace is a great destination for those who love the outdoors and want to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

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What cities and attractions is Mount Lake Terrace close to?

Mountlake Terrace, Washington, is situated in Snohomish County, which is part of the Puget Sound region in the northwestern part of the state. The city is located approximately 15 miles north of Seattle and 15 miles south of Everett. Mountlake Terrace is also close to other cities in the area, including Lynnwood, about 3 miles to the east, and Edmonds, about 5 miles to the west. The city's location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities, such as the Olympic Peninsula, North Cascades National Park, and the San Juan Islands.

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What is the weather like in Mount Lake Terrace?

Living in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, you can expect mild weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 45°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 35°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, with an average of 7 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in Mountlake Terrace are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 75°F and occasional hot spells in the 80s and 90s. The city receives around 33 inches of rain yearly, with most precipitation occurring in the fall and winter months.

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Does Mount Lake Terrace Washington have good public schools?

Students in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, attend public school in the Edmonds School District, which serves the city of Mountlake Terrace and some surrounding areas. For 2022-23, Niche.com ranks the Edmonds School District #52 out of the 252 school districts in Washington it ranked, giving it an overall B+ rating. The district is committed to providing a well-rounded education, including arts and athletics, and offers a variety of programs for students with different interests and needs. The district has a diverse student body and strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses. Families living in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, can feel confident that their children will have access to a quality education in the public school system.

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Is Mountlake Terrace safe?

Living in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, you'll find it a very safe place. Property crime rates in Mountlake Terrace are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. NeighborhoodScout.com states Mountlake Terrace has a crime rate lower than 68% of all US cities. Mountlake Terrace, Washington, residents should feel very safe in their daily lives.

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What is there to do living in Mountlake Terrace Washington?

Living in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including Lake Ballinger and the Cascade Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. Mountlake Terrace boasts several parks, including Terrace Creek Park and Ballinger Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the Tour de Terrace, which attracts visitors from around the region, and the Mountlake Terrace Farmers Market, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods. If you're looking for a day trip, Mountlake Terrace is located near attractions like the Seattle Premium Outlets and the Woodland Park Zoo. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.

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Who are the large employers in Mountlake Terrace Washington?

If living in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, some of the top employers include the Edmonds School District, which employs over 3,000 workers, Premera Blue Cross, which employs over 1,000 people, and the Swedish Edmonds Hospital, which employs over 900 people. Other notable employers in Mountlake Terrace include the City of Mountlake Terrace and various technology companies. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Mountlake Terrace can find opportunities in education, healthcare, technology, and more.

How is the healthcare in Mountlake Terrace Washington?

Living in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, puts you near the Swedish Edmonds Hospital, which is a level III trauma center and has 217 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 Mountlake Terrace area, you're around 15 miles away from the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, which is the largest hospital in the state and has over 450 beds.

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I want to relocate to Mountlake Terrace.  How do I make it happen?

You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Mountlake Terrace, 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 Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.