Holding on to its rural charm
Founded in 1965, Brier was established by a group of residents who resisted the annexation into its western neighbor, Mountlake Terrace, as it would have resulted in smaller home lot sizes. “Brier is a unique community characterized by its residential nature and large plots of land,” says Paula Swisher, City of Brier Clerk/Treasurer and lifelong Washingtonian. “Residents would like to preserve its rural character despite urbanization and the changing landscape with the construction of large homes, some reaching prices of $2.2 million.”
Midcentury homes mixed with newly built ones
A drive through Brier, reveals a mix of these newly constructed homes as well as established split-level and ranch styles on winding, wooded streets lined with towering evergreens. Contemporary home developments are seen widely throughout the community, with stone finishes and Craftsman-inspired porches. According to Swisher, the minimum lot size is 12,500 square feet, equivalent to about 0.25 of an acre, and no multi-family properties exist. Because of the size of the new homes, the area and lots feel more densely populated. Well-maintained established homes cost anywhere from $650,000 up to $1 million.
Programs with environmental and STEM initiatives
Students attend both Edmonds and North Shore School Districts. Education begins at Lockwood Elementary, continues at Brier Terrace Middle and concludes at Mountlake Terrace High, where students can participate in the STEM magnet program. Mountlake High houses a career center that assists with financial aid, college applications, armed forces enlistment and internships. Lockwood earns an A grade from Niche, while both secondary schools earn an overall Niche grade of B. Fifth-grade students attend Cedar Springs Camp, an environmental education camp where students get lessons on wildlife and nature conservation, forestry, hiking, archery and more.
Nearby parks and beach days at Lake Washington
“We have nine parks, with many of them being passive parks to walk through, but our main green space is Brier Park located next to City Hall,” says Swisher. The park features a play area, skate park and paved walking paths. Locust Creek Park is ideal for hiking and Lake Washington is the go-to for a relaxing beach day. Throughout the year, various community events take place in the parks including the Easter Egg Hunt, Music in the Park in July and Dog-a-ween in October.
Sea creatures, parades and community fun
“The SeaScare Porch Light Parade in August is our biggest event,” says Swisher. “It has a nautical theme and is a tribute to the Seafair Hydroplane Races that take place on Lake Washington. The parade spans four blocks and residents line their chairs to enjoy horses trotting down the street, scary sea creatures and children riding bikes wearing costumes.” Captain Ken, who has been the MC for the event for decades, dresses in a large pirate hat and red coat. Another beloved figure in the parade is Carmichael the Sea Cucumber, who visits elementary schools to teach children the Carmichael Song.
A few local favorites
Local businesses are located at the intersection of Brier Road and 236th Street Southwest. “We only have five storefronts here,” says Swisher. One of which is Brier Pizza Kitchen, which serves cheesy pies and comforting Italian American favorites. It’s located directly beside Nellie’s Thistle Salon. For a quick snack and food essentials, Brier Grocery is a few steps from Nellie’s. Nearby, Brier Library offers regular events such as game nights, story time, craft nights and author readings.
Commuting within Brier and beyond
“Brier is the epitome of a bedroom community. We’re surrounded by Bothell to the east, Mountlake Terrace to the west and Lake Forest Park to the south, which all have major shopping and grocery stores," says Swisher. "And to the north is Alderwood Mall in Lynwood.” Because of the rural nature of the community, residents commute to Downtown Seattle and major employers such as Google Bothell GOVO. Commuting is convenient via Interstates 5 and 405.
Appreciating the community despite evolution and change
Despite the changing dynamics of the community, Swisher says there are aspects appreciated by residents that have remained constant. “I firmly believe that there is no other state quite like Washington. It is renowned for its natural beauty, with the Cascade and Olympic Mountains just a few hours away. The proximity to Puget Sound allows residents to enjoy coastal living, while Eastern Washington offers a contrasting desert landscape with warmer temperatures and abundant lakes and rivers. We’ve really got it all.”
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
