If you are looking to move north of Seattle in 2026, you have almost certainly narrowed your list down to Bothell and Mill Creek. On a map, they look like neighbors that blend right into each other. But if you spend a Saturday afternoon in each, you will realize they have distinct personalities.

Bothell feels like a city in the middle of a massive "historic revitalization." It has a gritty, authentic energy mixed with modern tech expansion. Mill Creek, on the other hand, is the quintessential "master-planned community." It is polished, green, and incredibly consistent.

Geography plays a huge role here. Bothell actually straddles the line between King and Snohomish counties, which complicates things like taxes and transit. Mill Creek sits firmly in Snohomish County. The quick verdict? If your life revolves around Eastside commuting or nightlife, Bothell usually wins. If you want a cohesive community feel and a slightly lower price point, Mill Creek is often the smarter pick.

Cost of Living & Housing Market (2026 Update)

Let’s talk numbers. As we settle into early 2026, we are seeing a housing market that has cooled slightly from the frenzy of a few years ago. Inventory is up just enough to give buyers some breathing room, but these are still competitive areas.

Generally speaking, you pay a premium for a Bothell address. Because part of Bothell is in King County and it is physically closer to the Bellevue tech hub, median home prices hover around $1.1M. It is a significant investment, but you are paying for that commute efficiency. Mill Creek offers a bit more house for your money, with median prices sitting closer to $945,000. That 10–15% price difference can mean an extra bedroom or a nicer renovation budget if you choose Mill Creek.

Taxes are where things get tricky in Bothell. Depending on which neighborhood you buy in, you might be paying King County taxes or Snohomish County taxes. It is vital to check the specific parcel data before you make an offer. In Mill Creek, it is straightforward—you are in Snohomish County, where property taxes generally feel a little lighter on the wallet.

If you aren't ready to buy yet, the rental markets are different too. Bothell has seen a boom in modern, mid-rise apartment buildings near its downtown core. Mill Creek’s rentals tend to be garden-style complexes tucked into the trees, offering a quieter, suburban rental experience.

Neighborhood Vibe & Character

This is usually where buyers make their emotional decision. Bothell is a fascinating mix of old and new. The revitalized Downtown Bothell, centered around Main Street and the McMenamins Anderson School, gives it a genuine urban heartbeat. You can walk from a historic brick storefront to a brand-new condo building in two minutes. It feels energetic and a little less predictable.

Mill Creek is defined by its golf course roots and the "Town Center." The vibe here is manicured. You will see consistent landscaping, wide sidewalks, and a lot of planned developments. A high prevalence of HOAs ensures that neighborhoods maintain a uniform aesthetic. If you love the look of clean streets and matched fencing, Mill Creek is perfect.

Community events reflect these personalities. Bothell hosts larger, city-wide draws like the Riverfest, which feels like a big block party. Mill Creek’s events are more intimate, often centered around the Town Center or local runs, fostering a tight-knit community atmosphere for those living in Snohomish County.

Commute & Transportation: Access to the Job Centers

For many of our clients, the commute is the tie-breaker. Traffic in North King and South Snohomish counties is a reality of life, but your starting point matters.

If you work in Bellevue or Redmond, Bothell is the clear winner. Direct access to I-405 allows you to hop on the highway and get south relatively quickly. In off-peak hours, you might make it to Bellevue in 25–35 minutes, though rush hour will obviously push that higher. Living in Mill Creek adds about 15–20 minutes to that drive each way, which adds up over a week.

Commuting to Seattle is tough from either location, but Bothell is closer. If you are heading north to Everett or the Boeing plant, however, Mill Creek is far superior. You are practically neighbors with the aerospace hub, making for a very easy drive.

Public transit options differ by county lines as well. Bothell benefits from Sound Transit Express routes, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) improvements along I-405. Mill Creek relies on Community Transit. Their Swift Green and Blue lines are excellent for getting you to the light rail stations at Lynnwood or Mountlake Terrace, but it is a two-step process rather than a direct shot.

Schools & Education

Education is a top priority for many looking at homes for sale in Bothell or Mill Creek. It is important to look at the specific districts rather than just the city names.

Bothell is primarily served by the Northshore School District, which it shares with Woodinville and Kenmore. This district is widely recognized for high participation rates and robust AP and IB programs. It has a reputation for being very comprehensive in its course offerings.

Mill Creek is served by Everett Public Schools. While the name says "Everett," the schools serving Mill Creek—particularly Jackson High School—are highly acclaimed and have a very strong local reputation. They are distinct from the Northshore system but offer rigorous academics and strong athletics.

Bothell also has a unique collegiate energy thanks to the shared campus of UW Bothell and Cascadia College right near downtown. It adds a layer of educational activity and student life that you don't find in Mill Creek.

Lifestyle: Dining, Shopping, and Parks

What does a Saturday look like in these towns?

In Bothell, you are likely heading to Downtown Bothell. It’s walkable and filled with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The "Main Street" feel is authentic, not manufactured. For outdoor lovers, Bothell is a paradise for cyclists and kayakers. The Burke-Gilman Trail runs right through the city, connecting you all the way to Seattle, and the Sammamish River offers great water recreation.

Mill Creek centers its lifestyle around the Mill Creek Town Center. It is an open-air lifestyle center that mixes national brands with local spots. It is very walkable and pleasant, designed for strolling with a coffee in hand. Nature here feels more like a retreat; the North Creek Trail and the Mill Creek Nature Reserve are beautiful, quiet spots to escape the noise.

If you enjoy club sports, the Mill Creek Country Club offers tennis and golf right in the heart of town. Bothell focuses more on public access recreation like the Park at Bothell Landing.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sometimes it helps to see it laid out simply.

Bothell Pros:

• Better commute to Bellevue and the Eastside.
• Historic downtown charm with a walkable urban core.
• Direct access to the Sammamish River and Burke-Gilman Trail.

Bothell Cons:

• Higher price point for homes.
• The "split county" situation can be confusing for permits and taxes.
• Heavier pass-through traffic on major arterials.

Mill Creek Pros:

• Cohesive, manicured master-planned aesthetic.
• Slightly more affordable housing costs (approx. 10% less).
• Great local amenities concentrated in the Town Center.

Mill Creek Cons:

• Further commute from Seattle and Bellevue job centers.
• Strict HOAs are common, which isn't for everyone.
• Heavy traffic on the Bothell-Everett Highway (SR 527).

Which City is Right for You in 2026?

Choosing between these two really comes down to your daily logistics and your aesthetic preference.

You should probably choose Bothell if you work in Bellevue or Kirkland and value cutting down your time in the car. It’s also the right move if you love the idea of a historic, slightly urban downtown where you can walk to dinner or jump on a bike trail for a long ride.

On the other hand, you should choose Mill Creek if you work in Everett or have a hybrid remote schedule that makes the longer commute manageable. It is ideal if you prefer a neighborhood that looks pristine and manicured, and you want to save that roughly 10% on your purchase price to get a little more home for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to live in Bothell or Mill Creek?

Generally, Mill Creek is cheaper. As of early 2026, median home prices in Mill Creek are roughly $945,000, compared to about $1.1M in Bothell. You also avoid the potentially higher King County taxes that affect parts of Bothell.

Which city has a better commute to Seattle?

Bothell has the better commute to Seattle simply due to geography; it is physically closer to the city and offers more direct access to I-405 and SR-522. Mill Creek residents typically have to drive through Bothell or Lynnwood to get south, adding 15–20 minutes to the trip.

Are Bothell and Mill Creek in the same county?

Not exactly. Mill Creek is entirely within Snohomish County. Bothell is unique because it sits in both King County and Snohomish County, meaning your school district, utility provider, and property taxes can change depending on which side of the county line your neighborhood falls on.

Does Mill Creek have a downtown?

Mill Creek does not have a historic downtown like Bothell does. Instead, it has the "Mill Creek Town Center," which is a modern, master-planned lifestyle center with shops, restaurants, and walking paths that serves as the community's gathering hub.