Pros and Cons of Living in Edmonds

Edmonds's core trade-off pairs a genuine waterfront small-town identity and clear retirement-relocation fit against genuinely expensive citywide housing and a high combined sales tax.

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Pro: a real, distinct waterfront small-town identity

The Edmonds-Kingston ferry, "the Bowl" walkable downtown, and genuine Puget Sound/Olympic Mountain views give Edmonds an identity unlike any other market in this Washington Tier B batch.

Pro: a clear, data-driven retirement-relocation fit

Edmonds's median age (46.9) and senior share (23.6%) -- the highest in this batch -- combine with senior-favorable ferry fares and a favorable overall crime profile for a genuine retirement-relocation fit.

Con: genuinely expensive citywide housing

Edmonds's citywide housing runs $855,381-$940,000 across sources -- a real affordability barrier, even with downtown Edmonds's more accessible $685,000 median.

Con: a high combined sales tax rate and a real property-crime nuance

A 10.7% combined sales tax rate (tied for the highest in this batch) and a property-crime rate running slightly above the national average represent real, disclosed cost and safety considerations.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-25. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.