Why Are Some Seattle Area Buyers Looking Eastside in 2026?

Introduction

When a Seattle business considers an Eastside location, it's easy to assume homebuyers are about to follow. A news headline may make that sound inevitable. The more useful question is this: if you are buying a home in 2026, what would actually change about your daily life if you chose Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, or Bothell instead of Seattle? That's where this comparison gets interesting.

I am Cheryl Dillon, a residential realtor in Greater Seattle, the East Side, and Snohomish County, helping people make confident housing and lifestyle decisions. Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, I would love to help you decide what makes sense for your next move.

I help people explore Greater Seattle, the Eastside, and Snohomish County, and I believe the best relocation decisions begin with verified facts and a clear understanding of your routine.

Quick Answer

Some buyers are weighing Eastside communities for access to employment centers, parks, schools by specific address, housing preferences, and commuting options. FOX 13 Seattle reported in October 2026 that Seattle business leaders were concerned about taxes and companies considering or choosing Eastside moves. However, that reporting does not establish a measurable new migration of homebuyers out of Seattle. Northwest MLS data shows more homes for sale and more choices for buyers across King and Snohomish counties. Your best location depends on real housing costs and the trips you make each week.

I am Cheryl Dillon, a residential realtor in Greater Seattle, the East Side, and Snohomish County, helping people make confident housing and lifestyle decisions.

What is actually changing in the housing market?

Northwest MLS reported that active inventory across its service area rose 24.5 percent from September 2025 to September 2026, reaching 24,965 listings. King County active inventory increased 31.1 percent year over year, and Snohomish County increased 44.2 percent. The region had 4.44 months of inventory at the September pace of sales, compared with 3.25 months a year earlier. Pending sales declined 15.1 percent year over year.

That indicates an expanding selection and softer buyer activity across the wider market, not proof that buyers have abandoned Seattle for the Eastside. We should not confuse the number of people discussing a neighborhood with a measured population flow. It is more accurate to say buyers have additional options and should take time to compare them.

Are taxes really pushing Seattle businesses toward the Eastside?

FOX 13 Seattle reported on October 5, 2026 that Seattle's Downtown Business Association and Chamber of Commerce were raising concerns about Seattle's tax base and that some companies were switching to the Eastside. It is a meaningful business story, although the reporting does not tell us how many residential buyers subsequently moved or whether their primary reason was tax policy.

It is also important to separate business taxes from a homeowner's property tax bill. Business and occupation taxes, payroll taxes, municipal tax policy, property taxes, and transfer or transaction taxes are different systems. A business changing offices does not mean every employee relocates, and a household choosing Bothell or Bellevue is not necessarily making a tax driven decision.

If you are buying a home, compare the actual property tax statement for the parcel rather than assuming an Eastside address saves money. Taxing districts and voter approved levies vary, and Bothell crosses both King and Snohomish counties. The same purchase price does not ensure the same property tax bill.

Why might Bellevue appeal to someone relocating?

Bellevue combines employment centers, shopping districts, varied housing, and direct Link light rail access. The Crosslake Connection opened March 28, 2026, allowing 2 Line service across Lake Washington. That creates new travel possibilities between Bellevue, Seattle, and Redmond, although station access still depends on the specific address.

For an employee whose job is near downtown Bellevue, living in Bellevue or a connected corridor can make a practical difference. The tradeoff may be price, home type, size, or neighborhood choice. A buyer should compare actual closed sales and active properties instead of assuming every Eastside suburb is less expensive than Seattle.

What is different about Kirkland?

Kirkland has a Lake Washington waterfront downtown, multiple neighborhood commercial centers, and the Cross Kirkland Corridor, a regional walking and cycling route. Juanita, Totem Lake, and downtown Kirkland each offer different daily routines. Kirkland does not have a Link light rail station within city limits; the NE 85th Street and I 405 project includes a future Stride bus rapid transit station. Planning and construction timelines matter when evaluating homes close to the corridor.

If your ideal weekend is a shoreline walk followed by a local restaurant, Kirkland could be appealing. If your job is on the other side of the metropolitan area, the commute may outweigh the weekend benefit. Test the real route during the hours you travel.

Why are buyers interested in Redmond?

Redmond's business and technology employers are part of its identity. The city also calls itself the Bicycle Capital of the Northwest, and it has trails and cycling destinations that make that nickname relevant to residents. Downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village gained Link stations in May 2025, and the Crosslake Connection expanded rail travel opportunities in March 2026.

Redmond may especially appeal to a buyer whose work and regular activities are along the 2 Line or who values proximity to regional trails. There are meaningful differences between a home near downtown, a residential street, and a property farther from the rail corridor. Look at the specific neighborhood rather than assuming the whole city is transit oriented.

Why might Bothell be worth considering?

Bothell is another distinct option at the Eastside's northern edge. It spans King and Snohomish counties, with residential neighborhoods, a compact historic downtown, and access to regional trails near the Sammamish River. It can offer housing configurations that differ from central Bellevue or Kirkland, depending on current listings and the part of Bothell you choose.

The city has road connections via Interstate 405 and State Route 522, and it is within the region served by the expanding transit network. However, there is no Link light rail station in Bothell. The commute must include getting to a station or taking another route. For buyers who work remotely or commute north, Bothell may deserve a closer look.

What about schools, lot size, and the cost of owning?

The cities have different housing stock and neighborhood forms. Some properties have smaller yards and easier access to shops, while others offer more outdoor space and additional maintenance. A more spacious home may require a larger roof replacement budget, more landscaping work, or attention to drainage on sloped lots.

School attendance assignments need to be checked by exact address using the school district's current tools. School district boundaries do not always match city limits. For a fair comparison, use each home's real monthly costs: principal and interest if financing, insurance, property taxes, association dues, utilities, and an appropriate maintenance reserve.

How do you decide whether Seattle or the Eastside is right for you?

I like to start with three practical questions. First, where do you work or travel regularly, and how often? Second, which home features are essential, such as bedroom count, accessibility, outdoor space, or low maintenance? Third, what activities should be nearby, whether that's a city neighborhood, a waterfront park, a trail, or a favorite café?

Next, tour actual homes in two or three neighborhoods that meet your budget. Include the route to work and the locations you would use each week. Compare a normal Tuesday as carefully as an ideal Saturday. That is how you avoid making a major purchase based on a viral headline.

What mistakes should buyers avoid?

Avoid taking a business relocation story as statistical evidence of a residential migration wave. Avoid comparing broad city medians to determine what an individual detached home costs. Avoid assuming the Eastside always means a shorter commute, better school assignment, or lower taxes. Finally, check the status of rail stations and road projects before relying on them in a housing decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are buyers leaving Seattle for the Eastside?

Some households consider Eastside cities, and others consider Seattle. Current inventory statistics and a business relocation news story do not by themselves establish a new net residential migration trend. That would require origin and destination buyer data over time.

Is the Eastside cheaper than Seattle?

Not necessarily. Prices vary sharply by city, neighborhood, housing type, condition, and lot. Compare recent matching sales and real ownership costs.

Does Kirkland or Bothell have light rail?

Neither city has a Link station inside its city limits as of October 2026. Bellevue and Redmond do have Link service. Check bus connections and station access for any property.

Can moving to the Eastside lower my property taxes?

It cannot be assumed. Property tax bills depend on assessed values and the specific taxing districts that apply to an address. Request the actual bill and confirm parcel details.

Which Eastside city should I choose?

That depends on where you work, your housing budget, preferred neighborhood setting, outdoor activities, and home type. A property by property comparison is more useful than declaring one city the winner.

Ready to compare Seattle and Eastside neighborhoods?

Whether you are moving to the region, moving across town, or thinking about selling, I'd be happy to help you look at the market and decide what makes sense for your next chapter. Good decisions start with reliable information and a clear plan.

Wherever you are in your home journey, you do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out. I also help people connect with trusted, carefully vetted real estate agents across the country when their plans take them beyond my local area. If you have questions, would like to talk through your options, or need an introduction to an agent in another area, I would be glad to connect. We can take it one step at a time. You do not have to do this alone. I am here to help.

I am Cheryl Dillon, a residential realtor in Greater Seattle, the East Side, and Snohomish County, helping people make confident housing and lifestyle decisions.

Call or text: 425.954.5622

Email: Cheryl@CherylDillonRealEstate.com

Website: CherylDillonRealEstate.com

Cheryl Dillon is a licensed REALTOR® in the state of Washington with eXp Realty.