What if your commute to Seattle did not depend on traffic, parking, or a perfect on-ramp? If you live in or are moving to Mountlake Terrace, the new Link light rail station just changed your options in a big way. You want a simpler daily routine, easy access to the region, and a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. In this guide, you will learn how transit-oriented living works here, what you can expect within walking distance, and how to buy or sell smart near the station. Let’s dive in.
What light rail changes
Mountlake Terrace gained Link light rail service as part of the Lynnwood Link extension that opened on August 30, 2024. The station sits at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center and is designed as a true hub that links rail, bus, and a large park-and-ride. You get more choices in how you move every day, not just a single train line. Sound Transit’s opening announcement highlights how the extension reshapes commutes across North Seattle and Snohomish County.
The station integrates directly with existing bus bays and a freeway flyer stop to keep transfers simple. It also includes roughly 890 parking stalls, so you can drive and ride when that is the easiest option. Station details, schedules, and updates are available on the Mountlake Terrace Station page.
Commute times and links
Trains run frequently, typically every 8 to 15 minutes depending on time of day. Riders see reliable trips to downtown Seattle and the University District, with published sources citing travel times that range from roughly 11 to 28 minutes depending on the exact destination and schedule. For the latest timetable and specific trip times, check the station page before you go.
If you work on the Eastside, service is improving. Regional plans show 2 Line expansions in 2026 that will make Lake Washington crossings to Bellevue and beyond more seamless. Keep an eye on regional updates, including coverage of the East Link timeline reported by Axios.
Bus service has been reworked to meet the train. Community Transit adjusted routes and added connections to feed the station from nearby neighborhoods and Lynnwood-area destinations. You can review route changes and local connections in Community Transit’s update.
Walkable lifestyle nearby
Mountlake Terrace has been planning for a more walkable core for years. The city’s Town Center plan allows taller, mixed-use buildings near the station and along key streets to support a true pedestrian environment. You will see more storefronts, services, and mid-rise homes in the core as this plan continues to build out. Read the city’s Town Center Plan Update for the framework and vision.
Everyday movement without a car is getting easier. The Lakeview Trail links the Transit Center to the Interurban Trail and Ballinger Park, so you can walk or bike to the lake and beyond. Inside a short walk, you will also find the civic campus, City Hall, the police department, the Recreation Pavilion and Pool, and the Mountlake Terrace Library. Local guides and Sound Transit materials cite roughly a 5 to 10 minute walk to the library from the station plaza.
For outdoor time, Ballinger Park offers lake access, fields, and trails just west of the station via the trail network. The city continues to invest in features like a boardwalk and viewing platform that add both recreation and improved access.
On the east side of I-5 around Van Ry Boulevard, a new mixed-use district is taking shape with apartments, neighborhood retail, and entertainment. Expect convenient spots like a movie theater, indoor recreation, and cafes within a short walk as this area fills in. The Terrace Station area is a good snapshot of this active corridor.
Housing near the station
What you will find within walking distance varies by side of I-5. East of I-5 and in Town Center, new medium and mid-rise apartments are the primary housing type, often with ground-floor retail. West of I-5 you will see mostly established single-family streets, plus significant park space. The city’s Town Center plan sets clear expectations for denser, pedestrian-oriented development closest to the station.
If you are renting, newer apartments in the Gateway and Town Center area often list one-bedroom homes in the mid 1,700 to mid 1,900 dollar range depending on unit size and features. For a current reference point, review pricing on communities like Traxx Apartments. Rents vary by building and date, so confirm exact numbers with the leasing office.
If you are buying, you have options both close-in and a few minutes away. Condos and townhomes appear inside the walkshed, while single-family homes become more common as you move into surrounding neighborhoods. Pricing differs by housing type and block, so plan on a detailed, live comp review when you are ready to shop.
Buyer checklist near the station
Before you write an offer, visit at the times you will live your life. Check train frequency, bus transfers, and your actual door-to-door time to work or school activities. Walk the route to groceries, coffee, and parks to confirm it fits your routine.
Also consider:
- Freeway proximity: parcels closest to I-5 can experience more noise and air quality tradeoffs. Urban sources note this as a key on-site check, so visit during peak traffic and in different weather. See context in The Urbanist’s overview of Lynnwood Link.
- Construction phase: Town Center is still building out. Short-term construction and traffic detours are possible on select blocks.
- Parking dynamics: the large park-and-ride is convenient, yet it also draws drive-and-park commuters. If you want a car-light routine, map your daily needs carefully. Station details are listed on the Mountlake Terrace Station page.
Is this lifestyle a fit
Transit-oriented living works best if you want reliable travel times and a simpler routine. You will likely enjoy it if you plan to commute by train a few days a week, value walking to parks and services, and prefer a smaller home footprint in exchange for location and convenience. If you need more space or a larger yard, you can still keep the train close by living just outside the walkshed.
Selling strategy near the station
If you own a home near the station, you can capture growing buyer interest with the right prep and presentation. A refreshed exterior, updated lighting, and clean, bright interiors help your listing compete with new construction nearby. Clear messaging that highlights walkability, transit access, and everyday convenience is essential.
The Six Degrees Team brings design leadership and a proven, project-managed approach to pre-sale improvements. Our interest-free concierge program fronts approved renovation and staging costs and manages contractors, so you do not have to pre-fund upgrades. That means less stress and a polished, market-ready result that helps you net more when demand is high for close-in locations.
How we help buyers
If you are buying, we streamline discovery with video previews, data-backed pricing, and a clear offer plan. We will map your likely commute, identify the blocks that match your lifestyle, and surface tradeoffs before you tour. Our goal is simple: help you secure the right home at the right number while staying focused on the daily life you want.
Take your next step
Whether you are weighing a move for transit access or planning a sale to capture station-area demand, you do not have to figure it out alone. Reach out to the Six Degrees Team for a free consultation and a tailored plan for your next move.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Mountlake Terrace Station to Seattle or UW
- Daytime trains typically run every 8 to 15 minutes, with published sources citing roughly 11 to 28 minute trips depending on destination and schedule; check Sound Transit’s station page for current times.
Is there parking at Mountlake Terrace Station for drive-and-ride commutes
- Yes, the transit center includes roughly 890 parking stalls in garage and surface lots, and it also connects directly to multiple bus bays for transfers.
What parks and trails are walkable from the station
- Ballinger Park is reachable via the Lakeview and Interurban trails, and the civic campus area offers additional green spaces and everyday amenities within a short walk.
What types of homes are closest to the station
- Expect mid-rise apartments and some townhomes in Town Center east of I-5, with established single-family neighborhoods more common on nearby blocks outside the core, per the city’s Town Center plan.
Will light rail make it easier to reach Bellevue and the Eastside soon
- Yes, regional plans show 2 Line service expansions in 2026 that will improve connections across Lake Washington; confirm exact opening dates and transfer patterns as schedules update.
