Living in Bothell, Washington
Straddling King and Snohomish counties, Bothell has transformed a sleepy core into a lively, walkable downtown, anchored by UW Bothell and threaded by riverside trails.
Bothell, WA homes have a median price around $720,000 (about $364/sq ft), with a typical commute of about 22 minutes to Seattle (UW area) and roughly 35 minutes to downtown Seattle.
Bothell hits a sweet spot: a revitalized, walkable downtown and good schools at prices below the marquee Eastside cities, with balanced access to Seattle, Bellevue, and Everett.
Lifestyle & amenities
Brewery-hopping and events in the new downtown, riverside runs on the Sammamish River Trail, and a college-town energy from UW Bothell. Up-and-coming and family-friendly.
The housing market
Mid-tier and improving. A mix of established neighborhoods and newer townhomes downtown; the Snohomish side trends more affordable.
Best for: Buyers wanting a walkable, improving downtown at a relative value.
Popular Bothell neighborhoods
Schools
Served primarily by:
Northshore School District
Commute to work
- Seattle (UW area)~22m
- Bellevue~20m
- Everett~20m
Approximate off-peak drive times.
Parks & outdoors
- Sammamish River Trail
- Burke-Gilman Trail
- Bothell Landing
Bothell home-buying FAQ
How far is Bothell from downtown Seattle?
Bothell is roughly 35 minutes from downtown Seattle by car in typical morning traffic. Closer-in job centers include Seattle (UW area) (about 22 minutes) and Bellevue (about 20 minutes).
Which school district serves Bothell?
Bothell is served primarily by Northshore School District.
What are the most popular neighborhoods in Bothell?
Buyers most often shop Downtown Bothell, Canyon Park, Queensgate.
What is the housing market like in Bothell?
Mid-tier and improving. A mix of established neighborhoods and newer townhomes downtown; the Snohomish side trends more affordable.
What are property taxes like in Bothell?
Bothell is in King County, where the effective property-tax rate is about 0.92% of assessed value — roughly $6,900 a year on a $750,000 home.
What is there to do outdoors in Bothell?
Local favorites include Sammamish River Trail, Burke-Gilman Trail, Bothell Landing.
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