Thinking about moving to Bothell and trying to get your bearings fast? You are balancing commute times, housing costs, schools and simple things like who picks up your trash. This guide gives you a clear, on-the-ground orientation to life in Bothell with links to official resources so you can make confident decisions. Let’s dive in.
Bothell at a glance
Bothell is a growing Eastside city of about 51,770 people as of mid‑2024, with steady growth since 2010. The city spans two counties, with roughly 60 percent of residents in King County and about 40 percent in Snohomish County. You will find a strong employment base in the Canyon Park and North Creek areas, plus the shared campus of UW Bothell and Cascadia College, which anchors local culture and jobs. UW Bothell’s enrollment topped 6,000 students in 2024–25, adding year-round energy to the city’s core.
- Population source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
- Campus context: UW Bothell enrollment milestone
Housing and costs you should expect
Home values in Bothell commonly sit in the high six figures to low seven figures, with a typical value around the one‑million‑dollar mark in recent snapshots. Market conditions shift, so check live data on your publication or touring day. About 65 percent of households are owner occupied, and the city continues to add housing over time.
- Ownership and housing overview: City of Bothell Housing Overview
Two counties, one city. Your property taxes, assessments and some services depend on whether your home is in King County or Snohomish County. The city receives a smaller share of a typical bill, and voter‑approved levies can appear on your statement. Use the city and county portals to review breakdowns and programs that may apply to you.
- Tax basics and examples: Property Tax in Bothell
Utilities and monthly services. Bothell updates water, sewer and stormwater rates on a regular schedule, with 2025 adjustments that included about a 6.25 percent increase for water and 4.25 percent for sewer. Garbage, recycling and organics are provided citywide through Recology under a contract that took effect July 1, 2025. Rates are cart size based and published by the city.
- Utility rates and billing: City Utility Rates
- Trash, recycling, organics: Bothell Solid Waste Contract
If you will commute by car on I‑405, budget for variable tolls in the express toll lanes and consider a Good To Go account for discounted, automatic billing.
- Express toll lanes info: WSDOT I‑405 Express Toll Lanes
Neighborhood orientation
Downtown Bothell and Bothell Landing
Downtown centers on the Sammamish River and the Park at Bothell Landing, with restaurants, small businesses and community events. The riverfront trail makes it easy to walk or bike to daily essentials. If you want a compact, connected lifestyle, start your search here.
- Park details: City Parks overview
Canyon Park and North Creek
These are employment hubs with biotech, medical device and professional offices. You will find larger apartment communities and townhome options near workplaces. If you value short commutes to local offices, this area is practical.
- Subarea planning: Canyon Park information
West Hill and classic residential pockets
West Hill and nearby neighborhoods offer traditional residential streets with convenient access to suburban amenities. Homes here often provide yard space and quick links to major routes. Consider this area if you prefer a quieter residential feel with easy shopping access.
Northern Bothell, trails and preserves
Northern areas near Blyth Park and North Creek Forest put you close to larger green spaces. The Sammamish River Trail connects you to regional paths, which is ideal if you enjoy biking or running as part of your routine. This is a strong fit if access to nature is high on your list.
- Trail connection details: Sammamish River Park & Trail
Schools and education
Most of Bothell is served by the Northshore School District, which also covers parts of Kenmore and Woodinville. Attendance boundaries and enrollment procedures can change, so verify your address directly with the district before you make school‑driven decisions. For higher education and community programs, UW Bothell and Cascadia College share a local campus.
- Verify boundaries and enrollment: Northshore School District boundaries
Getting around and commute options
Bothell sits at the junction of I‑405 and SR‑522, which makes it convenient to reach Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond and other Eastside job centers. The I‑405 corridor has express toll lanes with dynamic pricing that can reduce travel times during peak hours. For transit, freeway bus rapid transit along I‑405 and local service improvements are planned to expand options over the next several years.
- Express lanes and passes: WSDOT I‑405 Express Toll Lanes
- Future bus rapid transit: Swift Green Line extension
Practical tips:
- Test your commute at peak hours in both directions.
- Set up a Good To Go account if you plan to use express lanes regularly.
- Keep an eye on construction updates for I‑405 projects that may impact timing.
Everyday logistics for new residents
- Utilities: Start water, sewer and stormwater accounts early, and confirm if a special district serves your address. See the city’s rate and contact pages for details.
- Waste and recycling: Recology provides weekly service for garbage, recycling and organics. Choose cart sizes to match your household.
- Health care: Full‑service hospitals in nearby cities, along with multiple clinics in and around Bothell, are typically within a short drive.
- Permits and remodeling: Contact the City of Bothell’s Community Development department before starting major work. Permits, reviews and inspections add time to project schedules.
- Safety: Review city and police resources for current neighborhood statistics and reports as you compare areas.
New resident checklist
- Confirm your county for the property, King or Snohomish, since taxes and some services differ: City Housing Overview
- Set up a Good To Go account if you will use I‑405 express lanes: WSDOT I‑405 Express Toll Lanes
- Start utility services early and verify your provider: City Utility Rates
- Review trash, recycling and organics service options: Solid Waste Contract
- Verify school boundaries and enrollment windows: Northshore School District boundaries
Ready to move with confidence
Relocating to Bothell can be straightforward when you know where to look for answers and how the two‑county setup affects daily life. If you want expert guidance on neighborhoods, commute tradeoffs and timing your purchase or sale on the Eastside, connect with a local team that manages the details with proven systems. Start a plan that fits your goals with JMREgroup.
FAQs
Is Bothell part of Seattle or its own city?
- Bothell is its own city on the Eastside and spans King and Snohomish counties; it is separate from Seattle.
How many people live in Bothell today?
- The U.S. Census estimates about 51,770 residents as of mid‑2024, reflecting steady growth.
How do property taxes work within Bothell’s two counties?
- Taxes depend on whether your address is in King or Snohomish County; review city explanations and example breakdowns here: Property Tax in Bothell.
What are the main commute routes and how do toll lanes work?
- I‑405 and SR‑522 are primary routes; I‑405 has express toll lanes with dynamic pricing and Good To Go accounts: WSDOT I‑405 Express Toll Lanes.
Who handles trash, recycling and organics in Bothell?
- Recology provides citywide residential service under a contract effective July 1, 2025: Solid Waste Contract.
How do school boundaries work if I am buying in Bothell?
- Most addresses fall within the Northshore School District; always verify your specific address and enrollment steps: NSD boundaries.
What future transit is planned around Bothell?
- Community Transit is advancing the Swift Green Line extension to reach downtown Bothell and the UW Bothell campus over the coming years: Swift Green Line extension.
