Region Feature: Snoqualmie Valley
With so many incredible areas making up the greater Seattle region, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to decide where exactly is the right place to call home. As with any new move, getting out to explore the area in-person is the ideal way to find out! However, if you’re just getting started with your research, or visiting in-person is not an option, I hope my new ongoing “region feature” series will help you learn more about some of the most popular areas in Western Washington.
Where exactly is the Snoqualmie Valley?
If you’re interested in moving to the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley, the first thing you may be wondering is what exactly is the “Snoqualmie Valley”? The Snoqualmie Valley region is a collection of small (and growing) cities and towns that surround the Snoqualmie River, located about 30 miles East of Seattle. Duvall, Carnation, Fall City and Preston make up the lower Snoqualmie Valley, with Snoqualmie and North Bend sitting at higher elevation in the upper region. What started as primarily a farming and logging area, the Snoqualmie Valley has evolved and population boomed over the last couple of decades, as more and more people seek out housing outside of the larger cities. The area still has a primarily rural feel, and an active farming community existing amongst the more suburban additions to the area.
What is it like living in Snoqualmie Valley?
With stunning views, an abundance of outdoor recreation, wineries, breweries and some absolute dining gems, anyone inclined towards more rural living would find the historic charm of the Snoqualmie Valley hard to resist. For those that aren’t quite ready to give up their bigger city entertainment, North Bend and Snoqualmie both offer easy access to Bellevue or Seattle with their proximity to Interstate 90.
For the outdoors inclined, particularly those that enjoy mountain recreation, the access to Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains for summer hiking and winter snow sports, as well as plenty of local peaks and trails accessible year round, provide a full calendar year of active outdoor living. Several golf courses can also be found throughout the valley offering spectacular mountain views.
Families looking to move to the area will be impressed with the well-ranked school districts, with Snoqualmie Valley School District serving North Bend, Snoqualmie and Fall City, and Riverview School District serving Carnation and Duvall.
Snoqualmie Valley’s Largest Cities: Fast Facts
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Population: approx. 7,900
Distance from Seattle: 30 miles
Average Home Price: $959,000
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Population: approx. 7,900
Distance from Seattle: 30 miles
Average Home Price: $1,300,000
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Population: approx. 8,400
Distance from Seattle: 25 miles
Average Home Price: $1,006,020
*average population estimates from US Census Bureau 2021, average home price is median selling price from Redfin as of July 2023
Top Attractions
Snoqualmie Falls and The Salish Lodge & Spa: The stunning Snoqualmie Falls waterfall is one of the most popular scenic attractions in the state!
Remlinger Farms: A family-owned farm, fun park, and restaurant/brewery in Carnation, WA.
Snoqualmie Valley Trail: This regional gravel trail spans 31 miles from Duvall to North Bend.
Local Peaks: Some of the most notorious hikes in the greater Seattle region are located right in beautiful North Bend.
Snoqualmie Pass: Come winter skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes of the Summit at Snoqualmie, or near by Alpentol and the new snow-tubing recreation area.
Helpful Resources
Snoqualmie Valley Regional Chamber Guides: https://www.snovalley.org/
Visit Snoqualmie Valley: https://visitsnovalley.com/
City of North Bend: https://northbendwa.gov/
City of Snoqualmie: https://snoqualmiewa.gov/
