Shoreline, WA, is a city located between Seattle and Snohomish County. While the closest major city to Shoreline, WA is Seattle, Shoreline is not considered Seattle; It’s a City in Kingston County. Shoreline, initially the land of early settlers, dates back to the 1800s. Shoreline, WA, was incorporated as a Kingston County city in 1995, but before that, it was an unincorporated island of Kingston County. The attributes that drew its original colonizers here are still prominent today.
Shoreline is best known for its exquisite views of the Puget Inlet, its beach access, hiking community, nature trails, and its various skate parks. Shoreline has a great downtown area, with hotels, bed & breakfasts, shops and stores, and plenty of places to eat! While Shoreline looks much different today than 200 years ago, its pristine location and breathtaking ocean views remain its prized gems. Shoreline, Washington, is a good place to live, whether you’re pursuing your career full-time, raising a family, or working towards your degree!
Where Is Shoreline WA?
The city of Shoreline, WA, is in Kingston County and is bordered by Woodway, Esperance, Mountlake Terrace, and Lake Forest Park. To the West of Shoreline is Puget Sound, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean, and to the East are beautiful Washington mountains. Shoreline, WA, is 11.8 miles from Seattle, WA.
Shoreline has excellent public transportation options. The Metro Transit, Community Transit, and Sound Transit all service Shoreline, Washington. Each transit service offers different types of public transportation, varying from bus, train, or ferry.
If you’re looking for regional bus or train services to Seattle, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, and Everett, Sound Transit is your best option. Metro provides bus services within King County and Community services to Snohomish County.
- Metro Transit Bus Schedule, routes, and pricing.
- Community Transit schedule, routes, and pricing.
- Sound Transit schedule, routes, and pricing.
Shoreline WA Population and Demographics
Shoreline, WA, has a population of 58,608 and a population density of 5,003.4 people per square mile, making it the 22nd largest city in Washington. Shoreline has seen a population increase of 5,601 since 2010. The median household income is $95,623, which is the 123rd highest in the state.
Shoreline, WA Demographics:
- 63% White
- 16% Asian
- 7% Hispanic
- 6% Black
- 6% two or more
The median age in Shoreline is 41.7 years old; 51% of the population is female, and 49% is male. 94.3% of shoreline residents have a high school diploma or higher, and 51.6% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
According to the FBI, the crime rate in Shoreline per 100,000 citizens is 2,838, which is 6.2% higher than the state and 21.0% higher than the country. The violent crime rate per 100,000 people is 202, which is 31.2% lower than the state and 47.9% lower than the country. The property crime rate in Shoreline is 2,636 per 100,000 people, which is 3.5% lower than the state but 34.6% higher than the country. Shoreline is one of the safest cities in Washington.
The Shoreline Police Department has 52 trusted police officers working around the clock to keep Shoreline a safe community.
Cost Of Living In Shoreline WA
Shoreline, WA’s cost of living is above average for the U.S. but below average for Washington. Washington is notoriously a more expensive place to live. However, Shoreline is a more affordable option than Seattle. Seattle has a Cost Of Living Index (COLI) of 152.7, and you can expect Shoreline to have a lower COLI than Seattle or close to it. For example, the average sale price per home in Shoreline is $715,000, whereas Seattle’s average sale price is $784,000, making Shoreline more affordable.
While most cities in Washington are more expensive, they’re also often safer and cleaner, with better schools and nicer real estate options.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in the Seattle/Bellevue metro area should earn a household income of $107,916.
Typical Shoreline Living Expenses:
- A gallon of milk: $4.07
- One dozen eggs: $3.72
- One meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $22.78
- One loaf of white bread: $2.99
- One pound of chicken filets: $4.52
- Average Shoreline utilities bill per month: $200
Source: Numbeo
The Shoreline average home price is $715,000, which is $372 per square foot. While that’s still way above average in the U.S., it’s dropped 21% since 2021. Here you’ll find various Shoreline, WA homes for sale.
If you aren’t in the market to buy, there are plenty of rentals available. According to RentCafe, the average rent per month in Shoreline is $1,922 for a 762-square-foot apartment, compared to Seattle’s monthly average of $2,324.
Shoreline WA Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Shoreline WA
There are many safe and family-friendly neighborhoods in Shoreline, WA.
Highland Terrace | Desirable Shoreline Neighborhood
Highland Terrace is located on the West of Shoreline. Highland Terrace has many nearby attractions, including shopping at the Central Market or enjoying a hike on Fremont Trail.
Most homes in Highland Terrance are single-family homes, but there are some apartment complexes and condos. The average home price is $735,000, with a price per square foot of $471, which has increased by 8.4% since 2021. The housing market in Highland Terrace is competitive, and rightfully so! Highland Terrace has many great amenities, like its walkability, proximity to Shoreview Park, and the Town and Country Market (a community favorite). If you’re able to find a home to buy in this great Shoreline, WA neighborhood, we suggest jumping right on it.
Ballinger | Affordable Shoreline Neighborhood
With a median household income of $58,800, Ballinger is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Shoreline. Ballinger is considered an up-incoming neighborhood in Shoreline, which makes any purchase a great investment. The average sale price per home has jumped 136.7% since 2021. Ballinger has proximity to major highways, making it an excellent option for commuters or anyone who isn’t worried about driving a few minutes to nearby attractions. A popular nearby attraction is Love Park.
Richmond Beach | Affluent Shoreline Neighborhood
Richmond Beach is Shoreline’s most historic and nicest neighborhood. Richmond beach has a median income of $86,100 with an average sale price of $1.03 million. Richmond Beach is considered one of the most vibrant, scenic, and eventful neighborhoods in Shoreline. Its tight-knit community and proximity to great schools like King’s Elementary School and beautiful parks like Richmond Beach Saltwater Park make this affluent community a great neighborhood to raise a family.
Shoreline WA Weather & Climate
Shoreline weather is predictable. For most of the year, the weather in Shoreline, WA is cold, wet, and cloudy; however, there are a few months during the summer when the rain subsides, and the sun brightens up the skies. According to the Köppen Classification, the climate in Shoreline, WA, is Csb, which means warm-summer Mediterranean climate. Expect an average low of 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months, but for most months, to average 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual rainfall in Shoreline, WA, is 37 inches per year. The rainiest month is November, with an average of 7.6 inches. The driest month is July, with an average of 0.8 inches. Snowfall in Shoreline is minimal, with an average of 5 inches per year. The month with the most snow is December, with a 1.2-inch average, and the month with the least snow is July, with an average of 0.0 inches.
The temperature averages between 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit is mid-July to August.
Things To Do In Shoreline
There are many things to do in Shoreline. We’ve created a list of fun things to do in Shoreline, including family-friendly options and activities that are possible on rainy days.
When you aren’t enjoying the scenic views or various indoor activities, you can always stop by some of Shoreline’s best shopping centers, like The Town and Country Center (also goes by Central Market, Shoreline), or browse the other downtown shops like Marshalls.
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
Richmond Beach is a park in Shoreline, Washington. It has scenic views of the Puget Inlet, walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Richmond Park is a great place for a romantic date or a place to take the kids. The gates open at dusk and close at dawn. While Richmond Beach is dog-friendly, the dog area is only open seasonally, between November 1st to March 15th.
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park 2021 NW 190th St, Shoreline, WA 98177, (206) 801-2700
Quest Factory Escape Rooms
Question Factor is a great option for a rainy Shoreline Washington day. The Quest Factory features a variety of family-friendly escape room options, including a virtual reality room and a mad scientist theme. Expect your adventure, which can accommodate anywhere from 2-6 people, to last 60 minutes.
Quest Factory Escape Rooms 1207 N 152nd St C, Shoreline, WA 98133, (800) 653-1953
Shoreview Park
Thanks to Shoreline’s numerous trails and parks, it has an avid hiking community. Shoreview park is one of Shoreline’s most scenic and beloved trails and has access to a lake and creek. Enjoy this fun, free outdoor activity with your friends and family.
Shoreview Park 17229 3rd Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98133, (206) 801-2700
Additional Shoreline Attractions
The city of Shoreline, WA has a wonderful Parks and Recreation Department that ensures each park, hiking trail, or skating ramp is clean, safe, and ready for use. Don’t miss any events in Shoreline; take a look at their Special Events Calendar.
Shoreline Restaurants
There are tons of great Shoreline restaurants to choose from. Shoreline, WA is famous for its fresh seafood; whether it be clam chowder, mussels, crabs, or lobster, your Shoreline restaurant will have the best!
Blackbird Cafe & Bar
Blackbird Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Shoreline. It has a homey setting and serves delicious traditional American fare.
Blackbird Cafe & Bar 1843 NW 195th St, Shoreline, WA 98177, (206) 542-6353
Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta
Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta is one of the best Italian restaurants in Shoreline. Sip on a delicious red wine while waiting for one of their house specialties like Spaghetti With Mizithra.
Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta 18411 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133, (206) 546-2900
Thai Bistro Inc
If you want a break from seafood, Thai Bistro is the place to be. Thai Bistro is one of the best places to eat in Shoreline. It has top-notch authentic Thai cuisine, including tasty appetizers, Thai iced tea, and the famous pad Thai. For vegetarians, there’s even a “totally veggies” section, as well as a street food specific menu.
Thai Bistro Inc 18336 Aurora Ave N #116, Shoreline, WA 98133, (206) 533-6200
Jobs In Shoreline
There are plenty of jobs in the Shoreline of your choosing. The main industries are Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Retail Trade. The top employers are Bank of America, Costco, and CHRISTUS Spohn Health System.
If you’re searching for a new job before, during, or after you make your upcoming move, start browsing jobs in Shoreline, WA, or take a look at city jobs in Shoreline.
According to PayScale, the average hourly rate in Seattle is $24.98, with an average income of $87,000.
Shoreline Schools
Shoreline is a part of the Shoreline Public School School District. Shoreline schools are great and offer a wide range of special programs and extracurricular activities.
The best Shoreline public schools:
- Meridian Park Elementary School, which ranks #1 for Shoreline elementary schools and top 50 in Washington
- Albert Einstein Middle School
- Shorewood High School ranks #27 in Washington High School and has an overall score of 90.85/100
Shoreline Community College serves the high school graduates of Shoreline and Edmonds College is located only 4.5 miles north. King County Public Library is Shorelines Local Library.
Shoreline Statistics & Information
- County: Kingston County
- Shoreline Area: 12.44 square miles
- Shoreline Zip Code(s): 98133, 98155, 98160, 98177
- Shoreline Area Code: 206
- Shoreline Elevation: 476′
- Shoreline Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- The closest airport to Shoreline, WA: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is 23.8 miles from Shoreline, WA.
Map of Shoreline
Explore additional attractions and things to do with this map of Shoreline, WA.
If moving to Shoreline has caught your attention, you’ll need reliable Shoreline movers like All Ready Moving to help get you there. As you can see, living in Shoreline, WA, is very good, considering making the transition with your team by your side. Call us today at 360-507-2447.
