LOCATION
The Lake Stevens area is located about 8 miles east of Everett, the Snohomish County seat. The City of Lake Stevens is at the northeast corner of the lake, which covers 1,040 acres and is naturally fed from local springs and creeks. Formerly a mill town in a lumber, fishing and agricultural area, it has become primarily a bedroom community for Everett and Seattle commuters; although our business & job base is growing. From Lake Stevens, it is approximately 40 freeway miles to Seattle (a 40 to 60 minute drive) and 50 miles to Seatac Airport.

POPULATION
The population of the City of Lake Stevens is about 10,000, but the Greater Lake Stevens Area is approaching 30,000. Many young families are moving into the area, attracted by the reasonably priced new housing and the quiet, low-crime, small town atmosphere. Volunteer efforts to enhance the community are a Lake Stevens tradition, and newcomers are encouraged to join with their neighbors in activities.

CLIMATE
The climate it moderate with monthly rainfall ranging from an average low of 1.1 inches in August, to an average high of 5.9 inches during November and December. The lake elevation runs between 210 and 211.5. Being close to Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean keeps summer temperatures in the 70s and 80s, while allowing only 2 or 3 light snowfalls in the winter. Temperatures below 32 degrees occur in mid winter, but in most winters there are no temperatures recorded below 20.

UTILITIES
The Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) (425-783-8300) supplies both electric service and water for the Lake Stevens area. Telephone service is provided by Verizon (1-800-483-4000) and sewer service is provided by the Lake Stevens Sewer District (425-334-8588). TV cable service is provided by Comcast (1-877-824-2288).

RECREATION
One of Lake Steven’s biggest attractions is the lake itself. It is quite popular in the summer for water-skiing and other water sports. There are 3 parks that offer swimming beeches, however, there are no camping facilities closer that 10 miles, as the lake is surrounded by private homes. Fishing is popular year-round.
The Lake Stevens Junior Athletic Association (www.lsjaa.com) has a complete schedule of team sport activities for girls and boys, including football, soccer, baseball and basketball. The Boys and Girls Club offers after school activities for youth. The Lake Stevens Family Center offers youth recreation programs, plus parenting classes, homework groups, babysitting classes and many other learning and helpful experiences for the entire family.

EMPLOYMENT
Most residents work in Everett or commute to the Greater Seattle area. One of Boeing’s major aircraft assembly plants is located in South Everett and provides well-paid employment. Most local businesses are small service-type including, but not limited to banking, insurance & financial, real estate, printing & copying, retail stores, restaurants and grocery stores. Residents can satisfy almost every need without leaving the immediate area. Medical, dental, optical, chiropractic and counseling services are also, well-represented.

CULTURAL RESOURCES
Lake Stevens High School has a Performing Arts Center for local theatrical and musical groups, Everett has a beautiful Everett Events Center, presenting first-class, year-round entertainment, and the Historical Marysville Opera House, built in 1911, has been restored for use. Of course, Seattle offers all the plays, concerts, museums, and galleries common to a major city.

HOUSING
Most residents live in single family homes, with several new ones in reasonable price ranges added every year. New and resale homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and garage sell from $175,000 in the 1000 to 1500 square foot size, with 3 & 4 bedroom houses with 1500-2000 square feet averaging $250,000. There are also apartment buildings with rents from $800 per month for a 2 bedroom unit. It is still possible to purchase a moderate size home on 1 or 2 acres for around $250,000. Rapid growth in the entire Puget Sound area is pushing housing costs up, but in general, living costs compare favorably with most areas on the West Coast.

Revised 11/2006