Monroe, Washington, is a town of nearly 20,000 residents. It’s conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 522 in the beautiful foothills of the Cascade Range. The Skyhomish River runs through the town, converging with the Snoqualmie, creating the Snohomish River nearby.
Quick Facts About Monroe, WA:
- The median resident is 34.7 years old.
- The median household income is $99,000+
- The average homeownership rate is 69.4%
- The average commute is 31.3 minutes. Why Move to Monroe, Washington
Monroe, located in Snohomish County, very close to King County, is known for its convergence of rural and city. It’s a small town that is quiet, close knit, easy access to the great outdoors, and yet still close to Eastside Seattle.

Photo by Josh Hild: https://www.pexels.com/photo/volcano-cone-of-mount-rainier-18816012/
Monroe is in a Great Location
Monroe, Washington, is one of the best options for affordable rural living near the Seattle Metropolitan area.
Monroe is a thirty-five to forty-minute drive to Eastside with no traffic or just over an hour if there is congestion. This isn’t the fastest commute on the Eastside, but most residents consider it a great trade-off for the quality of life, Monroe neighborhoods, affordability, and charm of living in Monroe.
Of course, Monroe is also a quick drive to Seattle, which is a draw for some of the residents. This lends better access to preferred employment opportunities, cultural events, and the diversity of city amenities.
You can expect clean air, clean neighborhoods, and great mountain views throughout– whether you choose an apartment, a suburban home, or a farmhouse on acreage.
Because of this, downtown Monroe, Washington, has much to offer for almost every young professional and family.
HWY 2 (Stevens Pass Highway) and HWY 522 intersect in the center of Monroe, making it quick and convenient to commute to work or into the wilderness. It’s less than an hour’s drive to Steven’s Pass, which offers some of the best skiing in the Cascade Mountains. It’s a through-hub for outdoorsmen and women.
Skykomish River runs through Monroe Proper, and its banks are lined with plenty of beautiful green spaces, farms, parks, and hiking trails.
Leavenworth is a quick ninety-minute drive away, putting you close to wonderful day trips and weekend getaways.
This area also offers a nice variety of property sizes. You’ll find several apartments, quiet and quaint neighborhoods, upscale suburbs, rural properties, and even farms.
If you’re moving to Monroe from outside the Pacific Northwest, you’ll notice the weather is different here.
Although the Pacific Northwest has more rain, this is a moot point for some. The summers are warm but not excessively hot, while the winters are cool but not extremely cold. The Pacific Ocean stabilizes the temperatures, giving residents a nice taste of each season without discomfort.
The Pacific Northwest is typically protected from natural catastrophic events like hurricanes or tornadoes and is less prone to the effects of climate change (though it is not perfectly safe). The consistent rainfall in the area prevents forest fires and reduces the chances of a smoky summer. Large-scale flooding is not as common, and while there is considerable snow in the mountains, the valleys typically avoid serious blizzards and windstorms.
The abundant rainfall supports lush landscapes, temperate rainforests, world-renowned waterfalls, and consistent snowfall (and snowpack) in the mountains.

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Monroe is More Affordable
The average Sammamish home value is $1,460,840 at the time of this writing.
The average Bellevue home is $1,300,800.
Kirkland is $1,100,177.
Woodinville is $1,221,530.
Meanwhile, Monroe’s average home value is $664,561.
Not only is it cheaper to purchase a house, but this also translates to lower property taxes.
The average Monroe household earns $99,713 annually, generally translating to a better lifestyle. People searching for affordable homes near Seattle will delight in Monroe’s market and economy.
The cost of living in Monroe, WA, appeals to many, especially those priced out of Seattle and Eastside Seattle region.
Monroe Has That Small Town Charm
Monroe is filled with many mom-and-pop shops and small businesses and feels much more community-oriented than many surrounding cities and suburban towns.
Here, you’re likely to know your neighbors and develop meaningful relationships within the community.
Monroe is a growing town that is gaining popularity while maintaining its integrity and cozy blue-collar and rural roots.
19,000 people call Monroe home. Compared to the 733,919 people in Seattle, 76k people in Redmond, 149,000 people in Bellevue, 219,205 in Tacoma, and 110,000 people in Everett – Monroe is relatively small.
Monroe has a charming historic downtown and a more modern/commercialized section on the immediate north side of Stevens Pass Highway. While the town has a moderately impressive business district, it’s not nearly as diverse as the cities to its west, but this has its own perks, especially the peace and quiet.
Monroe has an old-school downtown that is charming and quaint but not as contemporary as Snohomish.
We’ll cover the specifics of downtown Monroe in the below section.
Monroe Has Everything You Need
Monroe is small, but it has everything you need within city limits. It’s not nearly as robust as Eastside or Seattle– but it’s a wonderful, calm place to call home and put down roots. And when you’re ready for a day in the city, it’s only a quick drive to all the excitement, culture, diversity, entertainment, and attractions.
Something that Monroe does exceptionally well is provide inviting and appealing green spaces for people of all ages. There are dozens of parks, wooded regions, wildlife areas, attractive riversides, and winding trails to enjoy. There are many farm-based businesses, too, which we’ll cover in more detail below (What to Do in Monroe).
A Family-Friendly Town
While Eastside public schools have higher ratings, Monroe is welcoming for young families and has much to offer. You also have the option to enroll your children in private schools in the nearby Eastside.
First, parks and playgrounds in and around nearly every neighborhood in Monroe ensure that families always have fun and safe places to play, explore, and meet one another.
Bricks and Minifigs is a brick-and-mortar toy store in downtown Monroe that draws in families from all over the area.
Let’s Play Cafe is another family-friendly establishment with classic and modern board games, nostalgic 70s and 80s arcade games, cards, collectibles, puzzles, and toys. The Magic the Gathering Monroe community meets here, and the cafe even hosts parties at fair rates.
The public Monroe, WA schools have a moderate rating, and the vibrant homeschool community is alive and well. The Monroe Homeschool Collective is a great resource for homeschoolers and helps parents find the most up-to-date information on laws, local support, services, and school-related resources.

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There are more than a hundred Monroe families who participate in the Monroe Homeschool Field Trip Friday group.
Snohomish and Surrounds Homeschoolers and Unschoolers Field Trips has more than 600 members.
Monroe Homeschooling Friends has 135 members. Hearts Homeschool Group has another 445 members.
Enlightium Academy, a Christian Academy, also offers online private homeschooling for kids K-12.
The Monroe School District also offers home-based instruction, which further simplifies the homeschooling process for parents who want to homeschool their children, but with the input and assistance of the local public schools.
Monroe is Very Dog-Friendly
Most people searching for houses with backyards near Seattle often do so for their beloved pets.
Most of the properties in Monroe are spacious enough for zoomie-worthy fenced-in backyards (and perhaps a garden, too). Better yet, Monroe has positioned itself as an exceptionally dog-friendly place to live.
Monroe boasts forty-two dog-friendly businesses– many of which are restaurants and shops.
The town also has an annual Wiggly Walk Dog Palooza, plus several pet-friendly events throughout the year.
Monroe has almost as many animal care clinics as human medical centers.
- Alpine View Veterinary Hospital
- Dr. Paul DeMaris, Veterinarian
- Murphy Blake, DVM
- Evergreen Holistic Veterinary Care
- Harmony Animal Wellness Center
- Dr. Anna Ball, Veterinarian
- Cascade Animal Clinic
- Kindness Animal Clinic
- Equine Therapeutic Services
- Pro Equine DVM
Excellent Employment Opportunities In and Around Monroe
If you don’t have a job lined up yet, here are a few pointers and places to consider in and around the Monroe area.
Entrepreneurship Support
Since Monroe is a more affordable option in the Puget Sound region, this could be a fantastic opportunity for you to transition into entrepreneurship.
Not only is housing more accessible, which takes the financial pressure off, but Monroe offers Project Pop Up– a low-cost way to launch a business, support new entrepreneurs, and bring more foot traffic to Monroe. This program offers three months of paid rent in a downtown building right on Main Street, business counseling and development, free advertising, assistance with negotiating a lease for your new business after your three months end, and resources for ongoing growth for your business. Apply for Project Pop-Up.
Popular Employment Opportunities in Monroe
Monroe, Washington, employs about 9,000 people, with retail, manufacturing, office & administrative support, and construction being the largest industries.
- City of Monroe
- Damar AeroSystems and AMT Senior Aerospace
- EvergreenHealth Monroe Medical Center
- Snohomish Co-Op Inc
- Big 5 Sporting Goods
- Kroger
- Walmart
- Safeway
- Fred Meyer
- iHop
- Lowes
There are hundreds of employment opportunities with small businesses and restaurants all throughout Monroe as well. So, if you’re new to the area, don’t be afraid to look into those options; the people here are friendly and inviting.
Great Work-From-Home Support
Washington State has the 6th fastest download speed in the United States, meaning you have lightning-fast internet access for remote work. Over 98% of people in Washington State have access to 100Mbps or faster broadband.
If you choose to live in Monroe Proper, you’re within walking distance of the downtown area, good restaurants, and parks. It’s easy to clock out from your work-from-home job, walk outside, and enjoy Monroe. You might even have time to get a massage at Revision Massage, play at Iron Eagle indoor golf, or sit and listen to the river at Lewis Street Park.
If you need a day out of the house to work, check out Sharinabea’s On Main. It has cozy seating and delicious pastries, too. Monroe Coffee Company is another great spot with rustic charm and even more elbow room.

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Popular Employment Opportunities Near Monroe, WA
Monroe is in a fantastic location for commuters to work in Eastside Seattle, Seattle, Everett, or the eastern side of the Puget Sound area. Here are some of the most well-known employers in the region.
- Boeing, located in Everett
- Microsoft, in Redmond and Bellevue
- Warner Bros Discovery in Kirkland
- Robinhood in Seattle
- Duolingo in Seattle
- Snowflake in Bellevue
- SoFi in Seattle
- Wyze Labs in Kirkland
- West Monroe in Seattle
- Expedia Group in Seattle
- Liberty Mutual in Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle
- Nintendo in Redmond
- Snap Inc. in Seattle
- Take-Two Interactive Software in Seattle
- Ookla in Seattle
- Navan Vans in Seattle
- Puget Sound Energy in Bothell, Redmond, Bellevue, Snoqualmie, Renton, Seattle, and Everett
- T-Mobile USA in Bothell, Lynnwood, Issaquah, Bellevue, Renton, Everett, and Seattle
- Verizon in Woodinville, Bothell, Lynnwood, Issaquah, Bellevue, Renton, Everett, and Seattle
- Amazon in Redmond, Bellevue, and Seattle
- Collins Aerospace in Everett
- Aviation Technical Services in Everett
Monroe, Washington’s History
Monroe was a boom town, settled in the late 19th Century and immediately buzzing with logging and agriculture thanks to the rich soil along the river banks. Later, the Great Northern Railway came through the town in 1893, bringing new opportunities to Monroe. The river and the railway made it easy for people, commerce, and goods– especially timber, to be transported in and out of Monroe.
Before the railway, timber logs floated down the river to the mills in and around Puget Sound. After the railway, loggers loaded the timber up to ship all across the US.
In 1897, brothers Elmer and E. Milton Stephans opened the first sawmill in Milton, northeast of Monroe on Woods Creek. They milled logs into usable lumber and shingles. Three years later, they built an even larger mill off Wagner Road. This new mill employed over sixty men and a dozen draft horses– one of the largest in Puget Sound. At the peak of the operation, they could mill 65,000 board feet per day.
The valleys were (and still are) rich with fertile soil thanks to the rivers and creeks running through them. During seasonal floods, the rivers deposit nutrient-dense sediments and soils onto the surrounding banks and fields. While these floods weren’t always beneficial for early agricultural pursuits, they ensured the successful years yielded abundant high-quality crops.
Monroe was named after President James Monroe.
In the mid-20th Century, Monroe began transitioning away from timber and the industries diversified into what we now see today.
If you’re a history buff, the Monroe Historical Society Museum is a fascinating place that should be on your bucket list. The museum showcases hundreds of photographs, documents, artifacts, exhibits, and interesting first-hand accounts of what Monroe was like before and after colonization. Monroe’s Historical Society was formed in 1976 and is an all-volunteer organization.
The Best Neighborhoods in Monroe, Washington
So you like Monroe but aren’t sure which neighborhood suits you best. Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods and what you should know about each of them.
Fryelands Community
The Frylelands community is a dense suburban area close to the center of Monroe. It sits on the south side of HWY 2, the west side of 179th Ave, and north of Old Snohomish Monroe Road. Houses on or east of Fryelands Boulevard are in the most walkable part of the neighborhood.
The Fryelands is among the most popular neighborhoods for young and growing families. There are several parks here, including:
- Fryelands Park
- Cedar Grove Park
- Lake Tye Park / Monroe WA Skatepark
- Park Meadows City Park
- Fairfield County Park
- Community Park
- Lord’s Lake Park
- Lord Hill Park
- Stanton Meadows Rainbow Park
- Stanton Meadows City Park
Fast Facts About the Fryelands
- Median home price: $534,814
- Average rental price: $3,630
- Most homes are 3-5 bedroom single-family homes or townhouses
- 81% of all residential homes were built between 1970 and 1999.
- Fryelands residents have a higher income than 80% of US neighborhoods.
- The vacancy rate is 1.5%, which is exceptionally low. The limited housing supply makes this niche area a consistent seller’s market.
High Rock Neighborhood / Tualco Valley
High Rock and Tualco Valley sits on HWY 203 and High Rock Road, about two miles south of Monroe Proper. It is loosely situated between Highway 203, Snoqualmie River, and Skykomish River.
This more rural neighborhood tends to have slightly larger acreage options, though there are a few smaller parcels available.
Each of these homes tends to have fantastic views of the mountains, with some even having good vantage points of the Snoqualmie and Skykomish Rivers too. Many of these homes are rustic with wood siding, are true cabins, heavy timber frames, or are of a large log home style. Many properties are set up for livestock or equine and have detached garages, barns, and quality fences already built for you.
High Rock was named for the 470-acre quarry (stone and gravel) and castle. There are dozens of farms, event venues, bed and breakfasts, and small blue-collar businesses such as sewer repair, log home builders, mechanics, electricians, janitorial services, and more.
According to a survey on Nextdoor, most neighbors chose this area for its natural beauty, cleanliness, hiking trails, camping spaces, dog-friendliness, and farm/homesteading-based lifestyles.
This neighborhood features Crescent Lake and Crescent Lake Park, access to rivers and lakes, several forested areas, and many open-to-the-public farms.
Fast Facts About High Rock Neighborhood
- Median home price: $1,248,400
- There are a few multi-acre lots for sale here
- Homes range from 1 bedroom and 1 bath, to 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms
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Downtown Monroe
Downtown Monroe is plotted as a four-sided polygon, mostly to the east side of Highway 522 and south of Highway 2, with Main Street being the primary southeastern border. This is an urban neighborhood with small (studio to two-bedroom) single-family homes, apartment complexes, and high-rise apartments.
This area boasts immediate access to the historic downtown and the main shopping center on Highway 2.
Residents have quick access to Evergreen Speedway and the Gary D. Weikel Event Center, plus Highway 522 and Highway 2, which set the borders for the neighborhood. A train runs through the north side of the neighborhood parallel to Highway 2 (Stevens Pass Highway).
Fast Facts About the Downtown Monroe Neighborhood
- Median home price: $542,200
- Average rental price: $3,026
- This area has a fair blend of new construction (after 2000) and older homes (before 2000).
- According to Neighborhood Scout, the current vacancy rate is 0%, making this a competitive market.
- About 30% of the working population works in the manufacturing/laborer industry. Another 27% work in retail, sales, or service-based occupations.
- This area has a 49/100 walkability score
Woods Creek
Woods Creek extends from the north side of the Skykomish River– between Woods Creek on the west (Woods Creek Road runs parallel to the creek) and Sultan River to the east– with the neighborhood’s north side touching the south side of Lake Chaplain.
This community is further from town, closer to the mountains, and many of these properties offer more acreage. Most parcels range from 3,000 square feet to about 15 acres.
Fast Facts About Woods Creek
- Median home price: $669,312
- Average rental price: $2,027
- Most homes are 3-5 bedroom single family homes and mobile homes.
- Most of the homes were built from 1970 to the present; a good blend of older and newer builds is available.
- The vacancy rate is 3.7%, which is lower than 77% of neighborhoods in America.
- Woods Creek is among the 15% highest income neighborhoods in the US.
Sweetbriar Community
D.R. Horton built the Sweetbriar Development north of HWY 2, mostly on 132nd St. It is encompassed by heavily wooded forests, and each of these homes is close together.
These homes are consistently half of the lot size, with most homes having a footprint of almost 3,000 square feet while the lots are about 5-6,000 square feet. All the houses were built as high-tech smart homes featuring smart remote-controlled appliances, thermostats, lights, fireplaces, sound systems, and security.
Almost all of the homes here have good views of the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainier. There is a walking trail on the development’s south side and a park on the west side.
The Islamic Center of Monroe Mosque sits within the development, while Monroe Seventh-day Adventist Church is just southeast of there.
You can find Little Lake Stables boarding facility to the east of Sweetbriar, just off Chain Lake Road. Rainier View City Park is on the southeast corner of the neighborhood.
This community has a homeowners association, and the monthly HOA fee is currently $63.
Fast Facts About The Sweetbriar Development
- Median home price: $539,995
- Average home size: 2,665 square feet
- Most homes are 4-5 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms
- Nearly of the homes are two-story single-family homes that have an attached two-car garage
- Most homes were built in 2019 – it is all new construction.
- New homes are still being added every year. Horton is building homes on 134th PL SE, 136th PL SE, 194th Ave SE, and 133rd St SE.
The Foothills of Monroe
The Foothills is located on the north side of Highway 2 to the east of Roosevelt Road, with many of the homes located directly on Foothills Road. Just under 900 people call The Foothills their home.
According to a survey on the NextDoor app, most people moved to The Foothills for easy freeway access (many of the homes are within a few hundred feet of Highway 2), birdwatching, dog-friendliness, the sense of community, how clean the neighborhood is, its safety, and the easy walkability to downtown Monroe.
Fast Facts About the Foothills
- Median home price: $772,322
- Average home size: 2,100 square feet.
- Most homes have 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with a few 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom homes.
- 97% of all residents are homeowners, and the vacancy rate is 0% to 1.3%, which makes this an exceptionally competitive seller’s market.
What You Should Know About Monroe, Washington
Pros
- Great location– between a large city and wilderness
- Quiet area
- Affordability
- More space and larger lots/acreage
- Close-knit community
- Small town charm
- Dog-friendly town
- Family-friendly
- Everything you need
- Good employment opportunities, especially with a commute
- A variety of neighborhoods to suit most wants and needs
Potential Cons
- There is a prison in Monroe, though this hasn’t caused any issues before
- HWY 2 and 522 bring more traffic through town; it is congested at times
- The public schools have an average rating – about 5-7 out of 10 stars, though homeschooling is more popular here
- A longer commute, about 40 to 60 minutes, to Eastside Seattle
- Does not have all the “wants” that a larger city provides
What You Should Know About the Real Estate Market in Monroe, Washington
The real estate market is hot in Monroe and is expected to continue rising in value and demand. Most neighborhoods have a vacancy rating of 2% or lower. This is a solid seller’s market. Buying a home here is difficult, but once you’ve purchased a property, you’re in a favorable position.
Most of the houses here are single-family units with decent-sized yards suitable for keeping your pets happy or even growing a small garden. On the outskirts of Monroe proper, you can find more acreage to suit your farming or equestrian needs.
To the north of the town, it is hilly with forests and the foothills of the Cascade mountains. The hills here to the south of Monroe are more rolling, with more open space for agriculture, and the two rivers converge in the valley.
There are a few apartments in the downtown region, which are ideal for people who want to be in the center of this small town.
- The Lake Apartments
- Parkview Estates
- Canoe Club
- Terra at Monroe
- River’s Edge Apartments
- The Retreat Condominiums
The average income for this area is $99,000, while the average home value is $664,561, according to Zillow, or $839,900, according to Realtor.
What To Expect When Buying or Selling a Home in Monroe
Monroe is in a strong seller’s market, for sure.
Out of 19,000 residents, there are only about 100 homes for sale in Monroe at any given time.
How To Prepare for a Move to Monroe, Washington
So you’re ready to move to Monroe; what’s next? Here are a few resources to help you get started, find, and settle into your new home.
Most homes are on the market for 48 days before selling, though June of 2023 showed many quick sales with a median of only 25 days.
If you’re a seller, you’ll need to have your ducks in a row before listing because the sale will likely progress quickly. If you’re a buyer, you’ll have to perfect your financing before shopping or making any offers. Both parties should complete all real-estate and financial paperwork before engaging in this fast-paced real-estate market.
As of November 2023, 100% of all homes for approximately the asking price. As a buyer, you should expect to pay about what the home is listed for. As a seller, you need a fantastic realtor on your side to set realistic expectations that will sell your home quickly and without leaving any money on the table.
Find a Realtor
Hello there, this is my expertise! Realtors offer you an insider’s view of the community, extensive market knowledge, and polished negotiation skills that may save you thousands of dollars while ensuring you get the home of your choosing. We any questions you may have, take care of the paperwork, help you find a good match, and get you in the best possible home.
Knowledgeable realtors can access invaluable information, like recent sales data, neighborhood trends, property history, and direct connections to sellers, sometimes before properties are even listed on MLS. This gives buyers and sellers a great advantage.
Realtors also understand the intricacies of contracts and can catch potential issues right away, saving time and headaches. Guidance Real Estate has a fantastic network of lenders, inspectors, and other professionals whom we trust and can recommend for your benefit. We’re large enough to have great contacts and accessible help and small enough to genuinely care about every person we meet. Clients usually turn into friends around here. If you have any questions or want to start your home-buying journey, please call or text me at 206-512-9825 or message me using this convenient contact form.
Moving Company Recommendations
Here are some of the best and most highly recommended moving companies in the Monroe general area.
- Loyalty Moving
- First Due Movers
- Move for Less LLC
- Lake Union Movers
- Puget Sound Moving
- On the Go Moving and Storage Bellevue
- Pure Moving Company Seattle Movers
Finding Utility Providers
Electric Providers
Garbage, Recycling, and Hazardous Waste Services
- O-Crew Hauling
- United Recycling and Container
- Factoria Transfer Station
- Houghton Transfer Station
- King County Recycling Directory
- Republic Services
- Waste Management Northwest
- Busby Junk Removal
- Sasquatch Junk Removal
Internet, TV, Phone Providers
- Xfinity
- Frontier Communications
- CenturyLink
- Astound Broadband
- Ziply Fiber
- HughesNet
- Viasat
- T-Mobile Home Internet
- Verizon Wifi Service
- StarTouch
Propane and Natural Gas Providers
Water and Septic Services
- Monroe Washington Utility
- Highland Water
- Schleg Valley Construction (offers septic system servicing)
- A Wesco Septic Services
- Austin’s Septic Company
- Blackwater Services
- Sultan Pumper Septic
Monroe Local Homeowners Insurance
- Carolina Mendez– State Farm
- Wayne Britton– State Farm
- Randall Obbink: Allstate Insurance
- Eastside Insurance Services
- Bordelon Insurance
- Pheonix Insurance, Inc.
- Pacific Insurance Group

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Settling into Your New Home in Monroe, Washington
Join Community Groups on Facebook
Monroe Washington – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1482044818840295/
Monroe WA Traffic Weather and News – https://www.facebook.com/groups/182747288742710/
Fryelands Neighborhood – https://www.facebook.com/groups/371118343019949/
Monroe Maker’s Market – https://www.facebook.com/groups/867514303757960/
Monroe Parent Connection – https://www.facebook.com/groups/302433576957485/
Monroe Local Business – https://www.facebook.com/groups/choosemonroe/
Monroe WA – https://www.facebook.com/groups/monroewa/
You Had Me at Monroe – https://www.facebook.com/groups/carriebridgette/
Participate in Community Events
The Monroe Farmers Market
The Monroe Farmers Market is a popular event here, and the produce is especially fresh since the south side of Monroe is primarily comprised of family farms. This is a fun way to meet like-minded people and find some delicious and healthy treats for you and your family.
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Yoga on the Lawn (Free Event)
The Infinity Yoga Studio has partnered with Main Street Monroe to host outdoor classes. This is a great way to meet locals with a love for fitness and movement while taking care of your body.
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Summer Kickoff Event / Block Party
This event is hosted by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and aims to connect families, vendors, businesses, musicians, and residents in a fun way. This block party consists of over forty vendors, live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. It is free to attend and usually happens near the end of June. You can learn more about this on the Monroe Washington Event Calendar.
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Wiggly Walk Dog Palooza
The Wiggly Walk is a charity event that happens near the end of September at the Sky River Park in Monroe. This is hosted by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Beck’s Place.
The Dog Palooza consists of pet-friendly vendors, a food truck for the humans, doggy kissing booth, games, demonstrations for pet owners, and a group walk. All well-behaved dogs are welcome.
All proceeds from the Wiggly Walk are used to support Beck’s Place, which offers meaningful animal and human support services to low-income families. This organization is not an animal rescue, but instead a resource that partners with animal welfare, social services, and law enforcement. It aims to help impoverished people feed and house themselves and their pets.
What To Do in and Near Monroe, Washington
Monroe has a lot to offer guests and residents. Here are some of the most popular things to do in and around Monroe, WA.
Walk and Shop the Downtown
Downtown Monroe is south of Highway 2, just a few blocks away. Here, you’ll find a mix of bookstores, coffee shops, antiques, boutiques, and a few delicious dining options.
As you stroll downtown, you’ll find several murals by David Hose, Kathy King, and Lauren Burkey..
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- We Be Book’n
- Main Street Books Monroe
- Monroe Coffee Co.
- Heavenly Soap Gift Shop
- Main Street Mountain Sports
- Black Barrel Vintage Co.
- Revision Massage
Check Out the Great Restaurants in Monroe
- Bella Balducci’s Mediterranean Cuisine
- Keg-N-Cue
- Benjarong Thai Restaurant
- Lewis and Main Restaurant
- Jeno’s Restaurant and Lounge
- HWY 2 Fusion Diner
- Tres Marias
Places of Interest in Monroe, WA
Evergreen Speedway
Evergreen Speedway is a versatile racing facility that hosts various motorsports events throughout the year. The speedway features a 5/8-mile paved oval track, a 3/8-mile paved oval track, and an infield figure-eight track. The diverse track configurations allow for a wide range of racing competitions, keeping Monroe residents (and visitors) entertained all year long.
The speedway frequently hosts stock car races, drift competitions, figure-eight races, and high-profile late-model races. Every year it hosts The Summer Showdown, which has gained popularity as one of the best track racing places in the Pacific Northwest.
Evergreen works closely with local vendors, sponsors, Monroe businesses, non-profits, and other organizations.
Evergreen Equestrian Park
The equestrian park includes an impressive 60,000-square-foot indoor arena with a 26,000-square-foot show ring. It has nearly 3,000 permanent bleacher seats, over 400 stalls, a covered outdoor arena, three uncovered outdoor arenas, lunging spaces, wash racks, portable stalls, permanent restrooms, plus RV and trailer parking.
The park offers open riding every Tuesday and allows equestrians to rent the park out for horse shows.
Evergreen State Fair
The Evergreen State Fair is on the same grounds as the Speedway and Equestrian Center, on the north side of the Highway, close to the heart of Monroe. It is 193 acres, and the State Fair happens during the last week of August and the first four days of September. It’s the largest county fair in the entire State of Washington.
You’ll find some of the best carnival rides, rodeos, grandstand concerts, vendor shopping, fair food, Monster trucks, educational events, 4-H events and displays, and plenty of entertainment during the fair.
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Lake Tye Park
This 64-acre community park sits alongside Fryelands Boulevard just west of downtown Monroe. It features a 42-acre lake, barbecues, a baseball field, a basketball court, a beach area, concession stands, lacrosse fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds, a skate park, a soccer field, a tennis court, and a walking trail.
This beautiful green park is a hotspot for community events, including Music in the Park, Movies under the Moon, National Night Out, Monroe’s Community Easter Egg Hunt, and Shakespeare in the Park. It also has wakeboard competitions, triathlons, jogging and walking events, and more.
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High Flight Gymnastics
High Flight Gymnastics is a gymnastics club close to The Foothills, next to Highway 2. This large facility hosts gymnastics classes for all ages, cheerleading, extreme ninja, parties, events, and private lessons.
This is a family-friendly business that is especially popular during the colder months.
The Reptile Zoo
The Reptile Zoo sits in the Woods Creek area and offers hands-on encounters with snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, an albino alligator, plus other creatures.
This zoo runs a reptile-based adoption program, too.
Monroe Historical Museum
The Monroe Historical Museum is a heritage museum open two days a week to the public and operated entirely by volunteers and the Historical Society. This museum operates the Shannahan Cabin and puts on several exhibits and events for the community all year long.
The museum also offers a self-guided tour of downtown Monroe via their walking tour booklet, which is available at the museum or on their website. The self-guided tour is a great option for new residents to scope out the area and learn more about your new home.
Rainier View City Park
This dog-friendly park sits north of downtown Monroe and just southwest of Sweetbriar. As the name suggests, this park is on a hillside and has a great view of Mt. Rainier on clear days.
The park offers a modern playground, a well-maintained lawn, plenty of birdwatching opportunities, forested trails, and scenic views of Monroe and the mountains. It’s a great place for families to spend their days outside.
Visit Eastside Seattle
Here is a quick glimpse at a few of the many activities and attractions in the Eastside Seattle Metropolitan Area.
- Bellevue Downtown Park
- Bellevue Arts Museum
- Kirkland’s Waterfront
- Woodinville Wine Country
- Hike or Bike the Sammamish Trail
- Tour the Microsoft Visitor Center
- Marymoor Park
- Snoqualmie Falls
- Bellevue Botanical Gardens
- Luther Burbank Park
- Kelsey Creek Community Farm Park
- Cougar Mountain Zoo
- Camlann Medieval Village
- Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum
Tall Firs Disc Golf Course
Tall Firs is in Woods Creek northeast of Monroe, on Old Owen Road. It is wheelchair accessible, has an open lawn for playing disc golf, plus beautiful wetland marshes on the outskirts. It has long open shot holes, variety, beautiful views, and offers long and short variations for all skill levels.
This is a popular spot for disc golf lovers, with many of the visitors traveling from out of town– sometimes two or more hours.
Visit Family-Friendly Farms in Monroe
- Woods Creek Blueberry Farm
- Legacy Farm
- Red Dragon Farm
- Tualco Valley Farm
- Rosecrest Equestrian Estate
Stevens Pass Ski Resort
Stevens Pass Ski Resort is situated in the Cascade Mountains, about 50 miles east of Seattle, Washington. The resort is accessible via U.S. Route 2, which runs through Monroe and is known for its convenient location from Monroe and Eastside Seattle.
The ski area offers diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all ski levels. You’ll find powder-filled bowls, glades, challenging alpine terrain, and groomed slopes. It also offers Nordic (cross-country) skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snow tubing.
The resort is well-designed and offers cozy dining options, a few rental shops, a ski school, and lodging isn’t on-site, but is still close by.
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Leavenworth Day Trip
Leavenworth is nestled in the Cascade Mountains, about 85 miles east of Monroe—this perfectly charming town known for its delightful Bavarian-style cafes, shops, and architecture.
It hosts beautifully vibrant festivals, outdoor activities, jaw-dropping views, and great shopping. This is a popular spot all year round with a wide variety of activities regardless of season. The largest festival of the year is their famous Oktoberfest.
Leavenworth is popular for their alpine lakes, museum of nutcrackers, wine-tasting rooms, tours, and stunning surrounding wilderness.
Snohomish Golf Course
This family-friendly golf course is an 18-hole championship course that plays up to 6,813 yards from the back tees. It has enough variety to appeal to golfers of most ages and all abilities.
The Snohomish Golf Course is surrounded by tall trees, rolling hills, and several beautiful water features. This natural mountainous backdrop really adds to the overall appeal of the course.
The Skykomish River Park
The Skykomish River is a popular hangout spot for Monroe residents thanks to its lovely waterfront views with clean accommodations. Many families visit this park to picnic, sit by the water, fish, wade into the water, and use the athletic field.
It’s 32 acres with four baseball fields, three soccer fields, well-maintained bathrooms, two gazebos, a large playground, outdoor picnic areas, and a concession building. It is walkable from many of the Monroe homes, but still offers ample parking so finding a spot is never an issue.
The park and playground are ADA-compliant and even offers a large glide swing.
On the south side of the park, you’ll find the Wiggly Field Dog Park. The East County Senior Center, Sky Valley Food Bank, Monroe Library, the Julia V. Morris Community Garden, and the Monroe Boys and Girls Club are on the north side. Finally, on the southeast corner of the park near the S. Lewis Street bridge, you’ll find the Monroe Skykomish Boat Ramp.
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Moving to Monroe, Washington: Final Thoughts
Moving to Monroe is an exciting adventure that still feels like home. The small-town charm is undeniable, and the peace is palpable. It’s in a great location for wilderness and city lovers and is close to many great employment opportunities. Residents enjoy the smaller town’s sense of belonging and community engagement. It’s close-knit, and a place where neighbors become friends.
This is a stunning region at the confluence of two lush rivers in a large valley at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, fishing, and exploration opportunities.
When you’re ready to move into Monroe and find your dream place, please contact me. I am happy to answer your questions, help you find your perfect location in the community, walk you through selling or buying a home, and get you settled in.
You can reach me at 206-512-9825 or send me a quick message through my handy contact form.