If you are looking at the north end of Lake Washington, you have likely narrowed your search down to two neighbors that share a border but offer very different lifestyles. On one side, you have Bothell, a bustling suburban hub that has completely reinvented its downtown over the last decade. On the other, you have Kenmore, a quieter, waterfront community known for seaplanes and its "air harbor" history.

While they sit right next to each other, picking between them usually comes down to whether you want a vibrant, walkable center or a relaxed, nature-first retreat. Geographically, Bothell is the larger inland city that actually straddles the line between King and Snohomish counties. Kenmore sits firmly in King County, acting as the gateway to the lake. Despite their differences, they share one massive perk: the highly regarded Northshore School District serves them both.

Deciding between them often isn't about which is "better"—it is about whether you need the quick I-405 access of Bothell or the lake views of Kenmore. Let’s break down the real differences to help you decide which spot feels like home.

Lifestyle & Vibe: Revitalized Hub vs. Lakeside Retreat

When you spend time in these cities, the difference in energy is immediate. Bothell feels like a "suburban city" in the best way. It has successfully mixed historic charm with modern development, centered around a downtown that is actually fun to walk around. You will see people grabbing coffee on Main Street, heading to the McMenamins Anderson School for a movie or a meal, and enjoying a community that feels active and connected.

Kenmore, by contrast, leans heavily into its identity as a lakeside retreat. The vibe here is slower and more focused on the outdoors. It is known as the seaplane capital of the area, and daily life often revolves around the water or the trails. It feels less like a city and more like a collection of neighborhoods tucked into the trees near the lake.

If walkability is high on your list, Bothell is the clear winner. You can park your car on a Friday night and walk to dinner, drinks, and dessert in the downtown core. Kenmore is more car-dependent for errands, though it excels if you prefer "bike-ability." The Burke-Gilman Trail runs right through the heart of Kenmore, making it incredibly easy to get around on two wheels.

Cost of Living & Housing Market

Both cities are premium markets in the Greater Seattle area, so you should expect median home prices to hover near or above the $900K to $1M range as we move through 2026. However, how far that money goes can differ slightly between the two. Kenmore often commands a slight premium—roughly 1% to 2% higher on average—simply because water views and proximity to the lake are expensive commodities.

In terms of inventory, Bothell offers a much wider variety of housing stock. Because it has grown so much, you will find plenty of condos, townhomes, and new construction developments, especially as you move north into the Snohomish County portion. Kenmore tends to have older, established neighborhoods with mid-century homes on larger lots, such as those found on Finn Hill. You won't find as many sprawling new subdivisions there, which keeps the inventory tighter.

There is one crucial financial detail you need to watch out for: the county split. Kenmore is entirely within King County. Bothell, however, is split right down the middle. If you buy a home in the Snohomish County part of Bothell, your property taxes and sales tax rates will differ from the King County side. This can sometimes mean thousands of dollars in difference regarding car tabs and annual property bills, so it is always smart to double-check the parcel map before writing an offer.

For renters, Bothell is generally the easier place to land. It has a higher density of apartment complexes and modern rental communities. Kenmore rentals are more likely to be single-family homes or smaller, older buildings, making the rental market there a bit more competitive.

Commuting & Transportation: I-405 vs. SR 522

Your commute might be the single biggest factor in choosing between these two. If your job is on the Eastside—think Bellevue, Redmond, or Kirkland—Bothell is usually the superior choice. Its direct access to I-405 means you can hop on the freeway and head south immediately. While traffic is a reality everywhere here, having multiple on-ramps to the 405 express lanes is a major advantage.

Kenmore faces a different reality. It relies heavily on SR 522 (Bothell Way) as its main artery. This is a great route if you are heading into Lake City, North Seattle, or the University District, as you can bypass the freeway entirely. However, 522 can bottleneck severely during rush hour. If you live in Kenmore and work in Bellevue, you often have to drive through Bothell to get to the freeway, adding time to your trip.

Public transit is strong in both areas, thanks to Sound Transit and King County Metro. The recent investments in the 522 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line have made getting from Kenmore to the light rail station in Shoreline much faster. If you are a cyclist, Kenmore is a dream. The Burke-Gilman Trail offers a flat, paved, traffic-free superhighway straight into Seattle, which is a legitimate commute option for many residents.

Schools & Education: The Northshore Connection

One reason buyers often toss a coin between these two cities is that they don't have to compromise on schools. Both are primarily served by the Northshore School District, which consistently ranks as one of the top districts in Washington State. Whether you are in a Bothell neighborhood or a Kenmore one, you are likely zoned for highly rated schools that are a major draw for the region.

The high schools are the main point of divergence. Bothell residents generally attend Bothell High School, while Kenmore residents usually track toward Inglemoor High School. Both have strong reputations and dedicated communities.

For higher education, both cities punch above their weight. Bothell is home to the University of Washington Bothell, a major campus that brings a collegiate energy to the area. Kenmore hosts Bastyr University, world-renowned for naturopathic medicine, tucked away beautifully within Saint Edward State Park.

Parks, Recreation, and Dining

When it comes to weekends, the two cities offer distinct flavors of fun. Kenmore is the heavyweight champion of parks. Saint Edward State Park is a regional gem with miles of hiking trails, a massive playground, and the historic Lodge hotel. Down by the water, Log Boom Park provides public access to Lake Washington. Kenmore has also developed a reputation for its "Brewery Row" along the Burke-Gilman Trail, where spots like Stoup Brewing and 192 Brewing allow you to grab a pint right off the bike path.

Bothell’s recreation is more focused on the Sammamish River and its urban amenities. The Park at Bothell Landing is a beautiful spot to walk across the bridge or launch a kayak into the river. But the real draw here is the dining scene. Main Street is packed with restaurants ranging from Italian staples like Amaro to cozy spots like The Cottage. It feels like a true "night out" destination.

Shopping is also more convenient in Bothell. You have access to big-box stores in the Canyon Park area, including Fred Meyer and various lifestyle centers. Kenmore has seen improvements with its Town Square and the Hangar (a cool community coffee spot), but for heavy-duty grocery runs or clothes shopping, you will likely find yourself driving over to Bothell or Woodinville.

Safety & Community Feel

If safety is a priority, you can rest easy in either location. Both cities are considered very safe, especially when compared to Seattle proper. They are quiet, residential suburbs where people look out for one another.

Kenmore frequently appears on "Safest Cities in Washington" lists, often landing in the top 10. This is largely due to its lower density and lack of major commercial shopping centers, which tends to keep property crime numbers lower.

Bothell is also safe, but because it has a busy downtown and large retail districts like Canyon Park, it naturally sees a bit more activity. You might see more reports of retail theft or car prowls simply because there are more parking lots and commercial areas, but the residential neighborhoods remain peaceful and secure.

The Verdict: Which City Fits You?

Ultimately, there is no wrong choice here, just a choice that fits your daily rhythm better.

You should choose Bothell if:

• You work in Bellevue, Redmond, or Kirkland and need quick access to I-405.
• You want a walkable downtown with plenty of restaurants and nightlife options.
• You prefer newer construction homes or modern townhomes.
• You want the convenience of major grocery stores and retail within a 5-minute drive.

You should choose Kenmore if:

• You prioritize water access, lake views, or proximity to a boat launch.
• You are an avid cyclist who wants direct access to the Burke-Gilman Trail.
• You work in North Seattle or Lake City and want to avoid the main freeways.
• You prefer a quiet, "hometown" vibe over a bustling city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to live in Bothell or Kenmore?

Generally, the costs are very similar, but Kenmore can be slightly more expensive due to the premium on water views and limited inventory. Bothell offers a wider range of price points because it has more condos and townhomes, making it easier to find entry-level options.

Which city has a better commute to Seattle?

It depends on where in Seattle you are going. Kenmore is physically closer to North Seattle and offers a straight shot via SR 522/Lake City Way, but traffic can be heavy. Bothell is further away by mileage but offers better freeway access to I-5 via I-405, which can sometimes be faster for getting to downtown Seattle depending on traffic conditions.

Are Bothell and Kenmore in the same school district?

Yes, the vast majority of both cities are served by the Northshore School District. This is a huge benefit for movers, as you can shop for homes in both towns without worrying about a drop-off in school quality.

Does Bothell or Kenmore have a better downtown?

Bothell has a much more developed, traditional downtown with hotels, numerous restaurants, and walkable streets. Kenmore has a newer, smaller "Town Square" with a community gathering space called the Hangar, but it is more of a local meetup spot than a commercial destination.