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Monroe

Monroe

Located in Snohomish County

$798,647 Average Value
$374 Average Price per Sq Ft
65 Homes For Sale

A secluded small town within commuting distance of Seattle

With a population of over 19,000 residents, Monroe offers a vibrant place to call home. Its location in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and its proximity to the Skykomish and Snoqualmie Rivers create beautiful views and many activities in nature. Monroe also has an artistic streak. All around the city, the hyper-realistic murals done by local David Hose demonstrate its colorful and rich identity. Its diversity can also be seen in its string of local businesses and several houses of worship, including Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Seattle and Kriga Yoga Institute Monastery. Historically, the city has been home to the Carnation condensed milk plant as well as a timber hub and local manufacturer. Today, it has become more metropolitan and in more recent years, it has refocused on improving resident well-being. In 2021, the city rolled out a new vision called Imagine Monroe, based on collected feedback. This emphasized a need for affordability, sustainability and inclusivity, among many others. As the city continues to thrive, these clear-cut objectives optimistically point Monroe to a busy future.

Monroe living - where dreams become reality.
Monroe living - where dreams become reality.
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce building features a mural in Monroe.
The Monroe Chamber of Commerce building features a mural in Monroe.
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Monroe's hot housing market

Homebuyers can find properties as old as the early 1900s, mostly concentrated around Old Town. Some of these homes are walkable to the shops and businesses along Main Street. The Fryelands neighborhood is a popular one on the west side of town. Most construction here took place in the 1990s, and the neighborhood is distinctly more suburban, with winding streets that are walkable to parks instead of businesses. New construction is concentrated on the north side of town, in similarly suburban communities but with higher prices. Properties on the city's outskirts have generous acreage and these tend to be the most suitable for equestrians.

Condos may cost anywhere from $428,000 to $600,000. Single-family Craftsman and ranch-style homes can cost around $700,000 to $2 million. Values have been steadily appreciating since 2020. According to Marlene Rouleau, a Realtor with Windermere Real Estate who worked in the Monroe office for 20 years, the market is competitive, with multiple-offer situations occurring frequently because inventory is so low. “The only people selling are selling because of death, relocation or divorce,” Rouleau says. “It’s hard to take your 3% interest rate and trade it in for 7%. There are not many people doing that unless they have to.”

Single-family Craftsman and ranch-style homes range from $700,000 to $2 million in Monroe.
Single-family Craftsman and ranch-style homes range from $700,000 to $2 million in Monroe.
Newly built modern traditional homes are concentrated on the north side of Monroe.
Newly built modern traditional homes are concentrated on the north side of Monroe.
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The gateway to recreation around the Cascade Mountains

Monroe is referred to as the “Gateway to Recreation,” Rouleau says. This is because it's just north of where the Skykomish and Snoqualmie Rivers converge to form the Snohomish River. Al Borlin Park has graveled forest paths and access to the Skykomish, which is popular for swimming and kayaking. With its abundant salmon, steelhead and trout population, it's also a popular fishing spot. The man-made Lake Tye provides more opportunities to swim and fish, while the Blue Boy West Golf Course's 18 holes are open for play every day from dusk to dawn. Venturing just outside the city, the Cascade Mountains offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, and nearby Stevens Pass has skiing.

Monroe residents enjoy fishing in the peaceful waters of Skykomish River.
Monroe residents enjoy fishing in the peaceful waters of Skykomish River.
Stevens Pass near Monroe features a popular skiing and snowboarding resort.
Stevens Pass near Monroe features a popular skiing and snowboarding resort.
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The Evergreen State Fair and other Monroe events

For the 12 days leading up to Labor Day, hundreds of thousands of visitors head into town for the Evergreen State Fair, the second-largest event of its kind in the state. Events range from monster truck shows to live music performances. The event is held at Evergreen State Fairgrounds, which hosts other events throughout the year like NASCAR and autocross races at its 7,000-seat racetrack and horse shows at its equestrian center. The Monroe Chamber of Commerce organizes events throughout the year, including a farmers market from May to September, a Music in the Park series in July and a tree-lighting ceremony in December.

Enjoy watching sport events like the Monroe Auto X race.
Enjoy watching sport events like the Monroe Auto X race.
Residents shop at the Monroe Farmers Market every Wednesday during spring and summer time.
Residents shop at the Monroe Farmers Market every Wednesday during spring and summer time.
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Spots for shopping and dining in Old Town

Chains and big-box stores are primarily located along Route 2 in Monroe. Nearby is the city’s downtown, or “Old Town,” which encompasses a few blocks along Main Street. Several mom-and-pop businesses and restaurants are concentrated around this part of Monroe, including cozy spot Lewis and Main which serves upscale comfort food by a fireplace.

Shop 'till you drop at Black Barrel Vintage Co. in Monroe.
Shop 'till you drop at Black Barrel Vintage Co. in Monroe.
The City of Monroe downtown area offers shopping and dinning.
The City of Monroe downtown area offers shopping and dinning.
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Getting in and out of Monroe

Route 522, Route 2 and Route 203 are the biggest thoroughfares around the region. Route 2, which leads into the mountains toward hot spots like Stevens Pass and Leavenworth, brings travelers through town on the weekends. Community Transit operates three commuter bus lines in Monroe with options heading toward Everett and Seattle. The nearest major airport is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is about 45 miles of Monroe. The airport offers flights to 91 nonstop domestic destinations and 28 international destinations, serviced by 31 airlines; however, Rouleau says lots of people use the smaller Paine Field airport in Everett for shorter flights to destinations on the West Coast, like Las Vegas.

Monroe's public education system

Students attend schools in the Monroe School District, which Niche gives an overall grade of C-plus. The district serves more than 84,000 students and operates five elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and two alternative schools.

Park Place Middle School delivers top-notch education and after school activities.
Park Place Middle School delivers top-notch education and after school activities.
Monroe High School helps students plan for graduation and beyond.
Monroe High School helps students plan for graduation and beyond.
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Crime and climate trends for Monroe

According to data provided to the FBI by the Monroe Police Department, there was an 18% decrease in property crime in 2023. While the number of violent crimes varied up and down throughout the months, it both began and ended the year at 15 cases reported. First Street data reports that Monroe has a major air quality risk and moderate heat and wildfire risks.

Julia Concepcion
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Jake Chaplin
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
TJ Wengert
Video By
TJ Wengert

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
7,090
Number of Homes for Sale
65
Median Year Built
1997
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,072
Above the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,706
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
885
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
584
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Monday, May 4
    Open Tue 1PM - 5PM

    20035 135th Place SE, Monroe, WA 98272

    $1,049,950

    • 5 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 4,090 Sq Ft
    • 20035 135th Place SE

    Welcome to the move-in ready Roslyn on homesite 14 at Garibaldi, a beautiful community by Lennar. The main floor offers a bedroom and full bath—plus an open-concept kitchen, dining room, great room, and access to a covered patio for relaxing or entertaining. An additional flex space can be found on this level making an ideal home office. Upstairs hosts a loft, three bedrooms, and a luxurious

    Arie DeQuilettes Lennar Sales Corp.

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  • Monday, May 4
    Open Tue 1PM - 5PM

    20153 135th Place SE, Monroe, WA 98272

    $898,950

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,134 Sq Ft
    • 20153 135th Place SE

    Welcome to the move-in ready Meridian II on homesite 3 at Garibaldi, a beautiful community by Lennar. Discover an open-concept design among the kitchen, dining room, and great room with sliding glass doors leading you to a covered patio. A convenient first-floor bedroom and bath reside on this main level. Upstairs a loft provides more living space surrounded by four bedrooms, including the lavish

    Arie DeQuilettes Lennar Sales Corp.

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  • Monday, May 4
    Open Tue 11AM - 5PM

    20129 135th Place SE, Monroe, WA 98272

    $949,950

    • 5 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,134 Sq Ft
    • 20129 135th Place SE

    Welcome to the Meridian II on homesite 5 at Garibaldi, a beautiful community by Lennar. This homesite is ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac bulb, offering added privacy while being just a short distance from community amenities including the pickleball court, picnic tables, and scenic open space. Discover an open-concept design among the kitchen, dining room, and great room with sliding glass

    Tyrone Kolsky Lennar Sales Corp.

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Monroe

Property Mix - Square Feet

Monroe Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
6
Median Rent
$3,245
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,570
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,570
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,200
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,200
Median Condo Rent
$2,000
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,000

Demographics

Total Population
20,162
Median Age
38
Population under 18
24.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$99,656
Above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$118,554

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.5%
College Graduates
22.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
72°F
Annual Snowfall
3''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

40 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Monroe