47. Mukilteo, Wash.
| AT A GLANCE | |
| Population | 21,211 |
| Median Income | $93,134 |
| Job Growth | 9.5% |
| Median Home Price | $411,750 |
| Property Tax | $3,522 |
Mukilteo (pronounced muck-ill-tee-oh) is said to have gotten its unusual name from the Snohomish Indians, who dubbed this spot on the Puget Sound a “good camping ground.” Today, it is a great place for folks looking to plug into the booming Seattle-area job market—nearby employers include Boeing, gas, wood and pellet stove maker Travis Industries, and an eclectic mix of aerospace and tech companies—and unplug in a small seaside town.
The historic Lighthouse Park is a popular spot for picnicking on weekends or hopping the ferry to Whidbey Island. Just up the hill, Old Town is home to local restaurants and the 29,000-square-foot Rose Hill Community Center.
Mukilteo schools score high marks for academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. Home prices, meanwhile, are reasonable by Seattle standards; water views are still within reach. What’s not to love? Residents who work in downtown Seattle say the 25-mile commute is a drag during rush hour, but all in all worth the perks of camping out in Mukilteo.—Sarah Max