Looking to buy a home north of Seattle? Here's what you need to know

As the Seattle region has grown, so too has the density within the city limits. In the same fashion as other major cities, this has forced people to move further out of the city to find affordable housing and more space.

Let’s face it, a small 1,200-square-foot home with three bedrooms and one bath that sells for over $750,000 is tough for a growing family.

Perhaps no area has experienced more growth in recent years than the suburbs to the north of Seattle.

The most recognized city to the north of Seattle is Everett. It's also the largest. Interestingly, Everett has a long and rich history that is nearly as old as Seattle’s. If not for Seattle’s density and scale, Everett would still measure as one of the major cities nationally.

The most recognized business in Everett is still Boeing. Their massive Everett manufacturing facility has produced every 747 and the new 787 so far, and is home to the world’s largest building under one roof.

Don't be fooled; Everett is more than one business city. Everett is home to U.S. Naval Station Everett, the Snohomish County Courthouse and associated other county offices and a long and diverse business environment. The diversity and size have given way to the growth of many beautiful neighborhoods. While not quite a plentiful as within the Seattle city limits, a few stand out.

Perhaps Bayside is the area that offers the best example of Everett’s diversity. Bayside’s blending of restaurants, coffee shops and parks makes it one of Washington’s top-rated neighborhoods. It also sits immediately between Everett harbor and downtown, adding great convenience.

Boulevard Bluffs tops the list of communities in Everett where one can take advantage of Everett’s highly-rated schools, proximity to downtown Everett and a less than one-hour commute to downtown Seattle. Part of this area includes smaller neighborhoods such as Edgewater and Darlington. These neighborhoods line Puget Sound, where many of the homes feature beautiful views.

Continuing south along the waterline from Everett are two cities of interest. Mukilteo borders Everett and is most known for its ferry terminal to Whidbey Island. Mukilteo has highly regarded schools and a wealth of homes in various price ranges. If you're a golfer, there is Harbour Pointe Golf Course and the associated exclusive neighborhoods surrounding it. Many homes in this area will have both a view of the golf course and Puget Sound.

Continuing along the Puget Sound coast past Mukilteo, you reach Edmonds. Edmonds, also known for its ferry terminal, is far more than that. Home of the Edmonds Center For the Arts, Edmonds has annual jazz festivals and countless art festivals complete with a vibrant downtown area of shops and restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. Edmonds also has great diversity in homes in nearly all price ranges.

While all of the northern areas mentioned so far follow Puget Sound north from Seattle to Everett, many other neighborhoods follow I-5, which offers easier access to Seattle.

Perhaps the top of this list is Mill Creek. Mill Creek is the center of Bothell, which has been enjoying a period of tremendous growth. As with most of the areas to the north of Seattle, Bothell and, more specifically, Mill Creek each offer a diversity of home prices and styles. If you are more interested in an urban feel complete with shopping, restaurants  and pubs, you can find that. If you want a more relaxed suburban feel, you will find that, too.

It is possible to find a blending of each of the mentioned areas within a few of the surrounding neighborhoods that may not have the same business development or nightlife center, but still offer similar home choices that will come in a tier lower in pricing. These beautiful areas include Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood and Martha Lake. Each has excellent access to both Everett and Seattle, plus a diverse selection of homes in various price ranges.