Picnic Point

Pack up your swimsuit and a kayak for easy waterside living on Lake Serene. This coastal locale is within Seattle's larger Picnic Point, known for its natural scenery and convenient accessibility. Short drives branch off the main road, reaching for the community’s namesake water body, lodging properties new and old. Lake Serene has the away-from-it-all quality many seek out when searching for a new home. “It’s in the city, but you feel far away,” says Emily Abaga, Realtor at Care Realty. No matter the age of the residence, buyers will find that most Lake Serene spots are well-maintained. Homeowners here renovate midcentury structures with contemporary layouts and upscale finishes, while new builds spring up around the area’s outer edges, pulling buyers in with a turnkey move-in experience. Homes start around $650,000 and top off around $850,000, but there isn’t much turnover in this sought-after spot. Listings fly off the market within a week in this competitive location. Lake Serene students on the public school track begin learning at the neighborhood’s namesake elementary before continuing to Olympic View Middle and wrapping up their studies at Kamiak High. Each spot scores at a B+ or higher on Niche and is located within a 15-minute drive for Lake Serene residents. “It’s a really well-regarded school district,” Abaga says. Families with kids will also find several private education options nearby to consider. Playgrounds and pocket parks are around almost every corner in this waterside spot. Meadowdale Beach Park is one of the most popular in the area, and it’s a short, 2-mile ride down the road for Lake Serene locals. From the park entrance, visitors funnel through woodsy trails until they reach the scenic beaches sliding into the Puget Sound coastline. Bring the kids or the dogs for a quiet hike ending in mountain views. In town, locals can tow their vessels to the Lake Serene Boat Launch for a relaxing afternoon on the water. With highway proximity comes retail availability, and you’ll find several shopping strips nearby to peruse in your free time. Safeway is your closest grocer, surrounded by a wide selection of restaurants and markets. This part of town represents an intersection of cultures, which is well-reflected in the global cuisines available. If you live in Lake Serene, you can find Korean, Mexican, African and Hawaiian fare, all within a few minutes of home. T. Dumpling House is a new addition to the area and has won the locals over with its namesake dish and potstickers. Lake Serene is in the crook of the highway interchange, facilitating straightforward navigation around the region. Office commuters drive 25 miles south into Downtown Seattle or head in the opposite direction toward Everett’s many employment centers. The airport is less than 5 miles away for long-distance travel, and you can catch a train in nearby Edmonds. “This is a booming area with a lot of potential,” Abaga adds. If you’re a buyer interested in an updated home near the water, Lake Serene could be a good fit for you.

Wind and Tide is a secluded community within the larger census-designated Picnic Point area, approximately 22 miles north of Seattle's northern coast. Living in this coastal community provides sweeping views of the Puget Sound. Most of the well-maintained homes in the area have private access to trails and the water. Mostly built between the 1960s and 1980s, these properties are set back on wooded lots amidst tall trees, ensuring a bit of privacy. Prices start around $500,000 and reach up to $1 million. At the lower end, buyers will find modest midcentury styles, including split-levels and ranch-style homes. In the million-dollar range are newer builds with spacious layouts. At the top of the price point, homeowners enjoy large waterfront estates. Lot sizes are larger across the board in this scenic suburb. "It’s a transition from the Seattle area, with many homes at lower price points and beautiful scenery," says Becky Sommers, Broker at Kelly Right Real Estate. Homes here tend to go under contract within a month. Wind and Tide's seaside geography is its most prominent selling point. Residents can stroll or bike along the main road leading to Picnic Point Park, featuring a sandy beach and mountain vistas. True to its name, the park is a favored destination for outdoor dining, frequented by many locals daily for relaxation and dog walks. On fortunate occasions, visitors may catch glimpses of local marine wildlife such bald eagles. Less than 3 miles away, golf enthusiasts can visit Harbour Pointe Golf Club to experience greens offering breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Prospective buyers looking to engage with their community can participate in the Wind and Tide Community Association. This organization orchestrates local events and civic gatherings and offers neighborhood support. Additionally, the association assists with gardening and advocates for local businesses. Wind and Tide students attend Picnic Point Elementary before continuing to Harbour Pointe Middle and Kamiak High. Both middle and high schools hold an A rating on Niche, while Picnic Point Elementary earns B-plus. Kamiak High offers a selection of extracurriculars, including its Key Club, the largest in its division. The student-led organization teaches leadership through community service. All three public schools are within a 4-mile radius for Wind and Tide residents. To start the day, Grounds Coffee is the neighborhood java shop that opens at 5 a.m. and has a convenient drive-thru for commuters in a hurry. After work, relax with a seasonal craft beer at Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse, an ultra-casual microbrewery taproom located just a few miles north of the community. Grouchy Chef has a reputation for an immersive four-course French-inspired cuisine experience forged by a chef-owner with a very particular taste. Patrons follow a set of rules enforcing specific dining etiquette before enjoying meticulously crafted dishes at relatively low-price points. The family owned Red Cork Bistro & Catering has a reputation for its locally sourced wines and gourmet hearty entrees. Retail hubs are located along Mukilteo Speedway, which serves as the primary route connecting the downtown ferry terminal to Harbour Point. QFC, the nearest grocery store, is surrounded by numerous businesses and restaurants. Wind and Tide residents typically commute about 25 miles to Downtown Seattle, with easy access to city buses along the main roads. Additionally, a light rail station a few miles north provides a car-free option for traveling into the city. Some office commuters work in the businesses of downtown Everett, which is approximately 20 minutes north. Seattle Paine Field International Airport is conveniently located 5 miles away for those needing to catch a quick flight. Experience the soothing sounds of the ocean and outdoor adventures by residing in the secluded Wind and Tide community.

Initially designed for horse riders and hikers, the Wingate neighborhood evolved into a beloved residential area for its privacy and friendly community. The smaller neighborhood still holds the natural feel from the 1970s, offering homes with forest-like backyards. “You have a lot of great homes with very spacious and sizable yards,” says Brian Alfi, Managing Broker at Windermere Shoreline. “They have a lot of walking trails through the HOA.” Additionally, its location is convenient, only a few miles from the Puget Sound shores, downtown Edmonds, Mukilteo and nearby transportation. “It’s a little further away from the freeway, but it’s not that far away,” Alfi says. Wingate has seen an extensive number of newer properties. The neighborhood is mostly single-family homes of varied styles. The newest properties are craftsman styles on the neighborhood’s western side. They typically start at $1 million for a three-bedroom and peak at $1.4 million for five bedrooms. Outside of that are contemporaries, traditional, and rambler-style homes. Ramblers are on the lower end of these styles, costing around $800,000. Meanwhile, contemporaries and traditional ones are on the higher end, costing just over $1 million. Time outdoors may be spent at Picnic Point Park, a few miles west. The park is an attractive spot for its views and beach access. Situated along the Puget Sound shores, many people like to take breezy walks along the trail or take their pups for a run on the sands. “The beach has old pilling that makes for great photography, lots of wildlife views," says Rose Intveld, Communication Specialist for Schomisch County Parks and Recreation. "Kids enjoy having picnics and enjoying the beach.” Others may sit on the sand to watch the sunset and view Whidbey Island and Olympic Mountain. Meadowdale Beach Park just south provides similar amenities plus some. "You can actually do the Washington Water trail and you can kayak up and camp on the beach," Intveld says. Hikers can go for a 1.25-mile stroll within its nature trail that weaves through several old trees. Golfers can tee up to 18 holes with a Harbour Pointe Golf Course membership. Many dining options are outside the neighborhood, but there is a plethora of hometown favorites. Bobby’s Hawaiian Style drew national attention through its feature on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. However, natives love the spot for its homey café and authentic Hawaiian dishes like Kalua Pork. Grounds Coffee is a tiny stand with an extensive menu ranging from simple black coffee to flavored energy drinks. Across the street, A Burger Place keeps things old school with the classic combo of burgers, fries and onion rings. Bits is the neighborhood evening favorite, serving cocktails and beer alongside an upscale menu and live performances. Weekly groceries can be bought at Safeway. The neighborhood homeowner's association often organizes holiday and seasonal events. The largest is the 4th of July Parade and Party. Neighbors decorate their scooters, wagons and cars with red, white and blue and scoot throughout the neighborhood. The celebration follows with a barbeque. Wingate becomes the brightest neighborhood in the area during the holidays as many residents decorate their homes for the Holiday Light Contest. Students can attend school within the Mukilteo School District, a B+ district by Niche. Most students enroll at Serene Lake Elementary, which earns a B from Niche. Afterward, students can attend Olympic View Middle, which earns a B+ grade. Here, students can spend after school competing in nine different sports. Kamiak High finishes up grade school, earning an A from Niche. Students can enroll in over 20 AP courses. Commuters have straightforward routes to Seattle. Downtown Seattle is a 21-mile drive via Interstate 5. Those seeking a commute with less traffic can find the Edmonds and Mukilteo train station. From there, it’s about a half-hour ride. Paine Field helps with air travel, offering flights to several destinations up and down the West Coast.