Shoreline, WA Area Guide

Like many of its neighbors, Shoreline saw a growth boom when the railroad arrived. With access provided to other parts of the country and easy transport into Seattle, the neighborhood steadily expanded. Shoreline was perceived as attractive due to its proximity to the city, with the added potential of residing in a rural area while commuting to work or school.

Shoreline houses the Shoreline Historical Museum, which documents the city’s history from founding to present day. Additionally, the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts council provides regular arts education, visual and performance art performances and offers support to community arts projects. Some of this work can be seen in public art exhibits throughout the parks in Shoreline.

The neighborhood hosts community events for arts and education throughout the year, such as the North West Solar Fest, which educates visitors in the uses of solar power.

Less urbanized than its big-city neighbor, the primary means of transportation in Shoreline remain personal automobile or public transit. Metro Transit services the King County area, while Community Transit serves Snohomish County. Sound Transit provides regional bus service to Seattle, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood and Everett via Interstate 15.

Hit up the nearest commercial airport Sea-Tac International, 25 miles away from Shoreline, for all of your travel needs. Expect to depend heavily on your automobile, with walking really only viable in the denser, commercial section of town. Route 99 passes directly through the center of the neighborhood, from north to south.

Biking also requires long travel times and distances, but locals still favor it as an exercise and entertainment option. One taxi service has offices in the area of Shoreline, with several others servicing the neighborhood; or if you prefer the convenience of Uber, it is available at the push of a button. If you don’t own your own vehicle and plan to rely on public transit, expect considerable travel time when heading into the city.

Shoreline features a variety of public park spaces, ranging in location from the coastal area abutting the Puget Sound to the grassy interior of the city limits. These spaces provide residents with hiking trails through wildlife-filled wilderness areas, plenty of playgrounds for the kids, athletic fields, community gardens and two off-leash dog parks.

Park facilities, fields and related venues are also available for rent. All parks and green spaces are open free of charge to the public, barring specially advertised events. The cost for these varies depending on the event and location.

Cromwell Park offers numerous amenities to park-goers, including a multi-purpose play field dedicated primarily to youth sports, a basketball court, baseball and soccer fields, public restrooms, a playground and a wilderness area with clearly marked trails. The inclusion of a public art piece and a covered amphitheatre for events accentuates this green space.

The cost of living in Shoreline sits slightly higher than in other Washington locations, but the higher home values, greater median income and lower crime rate combine with its proximity to Seattle to make Shoreline a highly attractive living option.

Pay a median rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment of $1,067, only slightly higher than the state average. The cost of gasoline per gallon hovers around 10 percent higher than the national average. Travel into the city center costs you only a few dollars, and a pint of beer sets you back just under $9, which is marginally higher than the average.

The shopping options in Shoreline range from chain stores, such as Marshall’s and Costco, to basic needs, such as telephone services and eye care. Shoreline’s border abuts Seattle, making it easy to access specialty shopping options in the city.

Visit Sole Perfection Shoes, located on Ballinger Way NE, to find a specialty shoe shop that goes above and beyond to find just the right shoe or shoe accessory for you. If you’re looking for greenery to liven up your back yard or a smaller plant to brighten up your desk, Sky Nursery employs talented staff to help you make a selection. Head to Deseret Industries to pick up thrift store items and enjoy a large collection of ladies’ wear and shoes, men’s and children’s clothing, as well toys, furniture, dishware and a selection of odds and ends.

Grocery options remain limited, but the neighborhood houses a Safeway. For wholesale and fresh meats, fish, cheeses and poultry, try Sea Bend Meat Co. for ingredients and a wide variety of cuts. Shoreline hosts one or two farmer’s markets that are largely seasonal, but do offer an assortment of foods from local producers. There are additional, year-round Farmer’s Markets located in Seattle, only a short drive away.