Martha Lake in Snohomish County is a community that developed around a lake with the same name. It may have been named after an 1870s homesteader, Martha Loughridge. After state Route 99 was constructed in 1927, a summer resort at the lake drew vacationers from Seattle, which is about 20 miles to the south. Martha Lake is close to the small cities of Mill Creek and Lynnwood. Everett is about 12 miles to the north. "It has a lot to offer, like well-rated schools, light rail to Seattle and local favorite Alderwood Mall," says Emily Cressey, a Realtor with HomePro Associates and an expert in the Seattle region.
Discover the joys of waterfront living in the city of Martha Lake.
Martha Lake residents head to Alderwood Mall for all their shopping needs and more.
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People enjoy the water, parks and other outdoor amenities
Fishing, boating and other outdoor activities are part of life in Martha Lake. Martha Lake Park has a kids' play area and walking trails amid wetlands. Nearby, Martha Lake Airport Park, at a former airport site, has paved walking paths, a skate park and an off-leash dog park. Farther north, McCollum Park includes a large athletic field and a forested loop trail. Adjacent Columbia Super Range is a golf practice facility. Martha Lake has bike lanes on roads such as 164th Street Southeast. On the west side is the multiuse Interurban Trail, a former railroad corridor that runs about 12 miles in Snohomish County before continuing into King County and Seattle.
Spend the day on the water paddling around Martha Lake.
Martha Lake parents take their kids to the playground at Martha Lake Park.
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Homes are from various eras and in a range of styles
Homes from different eras and with various styles are spread throughout Martha Lake, and homeowners associations are prevalent. Some older single-family homes date to the 1950s through 1970s; ramblers and split-levels are the most common. Contemporary homes from recent decades tend to be larger on average, and there's some concentration of 2020s homes to the south. Most of the townhouses and condos date to the 1980s or later. The median home price over 12 months — about $960,000 in March 2025 — was about two and a half times higher than the national median. The CAP Index crime score is 4 out of 10, aligned with the national average.
Modern meets comfort in this contemporary home in Martha Lake.
Find your slice of paradise in a charming rambler home in Martha Lake.
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The public school districts are well-regarded
Students may attend public schools in the Edmonds School District, which covers areas closest to the lake, or the Mukilteo School District for areas to the north. Both have a B-plus grade from Niche. Everett Public Schools, which receives an A-minus, is assigned to areas to the east.
Lynnwood High School in Edmonds School District prepares students for graduation and beyond.
Lake Stickney Elementary School in Mukilteo School District provides excellent education.
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Shops, dining and events in Lynnwood and Mill Creek
Southwest of the lake, a retail area along 164th Street Southwest includes a Walmart and casual eateries with various cuisines. Bowlero Lynnwood has an arcade in addition to 40 bowling lanes. Farther southwest into Lynnwood are grocery stores, national brands and Alderwood, an indoor/outdoor shopping complex. Formerly named Alderwood Mall, it has more than 160 stores and an AMC movie theater. Mall events include Celebrate! in July, which features live music, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. A mile or so east of the lake, Mill Creek Town Center shopping center has over 80 businesses. Events here include a summer concert series, Kids Fest in July and the Beer & Wine Walk in September.
Mill Creek Town Center is a popular destination for shopping and dinning near Martha Lake.
For a day of shopping and dining, head to Alderwood Mall near Martha Lake.
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Industries and commuting for Martha Lake residents
The Naval Station Everett, Boeing and the Seattle Paine Field International Airport are some of the big are employers. Other jobs are in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, tech and government. People commuting from Martha Lake by car might take Interstate 5, either north toward Everett or south toward Seattle. Near Alderwood, two highways meet: Interstate 405 is a route to travel southeast toward Redmond and Bellevue.
The Naval Station Everett employs many Martha Lake residents.
Many Paine Field Airport employees reside in the city of Martha Lake.
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Buses, light rail and flight options around the area
Bus service is available in the area, and one option is Community Transit's Swift Orange Line. The route goes from Edmonds College in Lynnwood to McCollum Park & Ride in Mill Creek, with several stops in Martha Lake along 164th Street The Lynnwood City Center Station is the place to transfer to Sound Transit's Link 1 Line. That light-rail line provides service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, about 32 miles away. Only 6 miles from Martha Lake is Seattle Paine Field International Airport, also called Paine Field and Snohomish County Airport. It's an Alaska Airlines hub for West Coast destinations.
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Based in Kirkland, WA at 3933 Lake Washington Blvd NE - Suite 100, Brandon is ready to put his expertise to work for you. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call 425-998-6436 or visit brandonbarkema.com. See all my certifications, including: • Real Estate License #120463 • Home Inspection License #20114301 • General Contractor License: BIGRORH783OO • Mold & Radon Cert. #IAC2-23-4717 • FAA Drone License #C1693632
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