History

The community that became the City of Edmonds grew out of a homestead and logging operation started by George Brackett in 1876. Incorporated in 1890, the original town-site is now occupied primarily by the downtown and adjacent residential areas. The Great Northern Railroad reached the town in 1891 and for many years provided access for goods and passenger travel. Although fires destroyed many of the waterfront mills, shingle production continued to be the primary industry in Edmonds into the 1940s. Ferry service to Kingston began in 1923 when a ferry terminal was built near the location of the existing ferry dock. The present ferry terminal was built in the early 1950s after acquisition of the ferry system by the State.

Edmonds continued to grow during the 1940s and 50s by undertaking the more active role of the municipality in providing water, sewer and streets for residential and commercial expansion. The Port district was formed in 1948 and began waterfront improvements. Completion of Interstate 5 and increased growth in the Puget Sound region led to a gradual change in the character of Edmonds with more emphasis on residential development and a decline in the retail importance of the downtown. Edmonds is now primarily a residential community that also provides many amenities for residents and visitors. An active arts and cultural community contributes to the strong sense of civic pride widely shared in the community. There are numerous well-kept residential neighborhoods, a viable economic base, and an active, involved citizenry.

Demographics

The City of Edmonds, population of over 40,700, is located in south Snohomish County on the shores of Puget Sound approximately 14 miles north of Seattle. This is another of the up-scale communities served by Help-U-Sell Puget Sound brokers. There are 100’s of Edmonds real estate properties and Edmonds homes and for sale in the city. Edmonds was a well-established town by the turn of the century and the present urban form preserves many characteristics of its historic origins. The community's location on the west-facing slopes of Puget Sound provides many amenities, including extensive views of the water and Olympic Mountains, access to beaches and waterfront parks, and compact downtown area.

The Burlington Northern Railroad runs adjacent to the Edmonds's shoreline; the rail line is currently used for freight and AMTRAK passenger rail service. Bus service is provided by Community Transit with three regular bus routes and four peak period commuter bus routes. Metro transit provides direct services to the University of Washington and downtown Seattle. The Edmonds-Kingston Ferry connects south Snohomish County and north King County with the northern Kitsap Peninsula and points west on the Olympic Peninsula via the Hood Canal Bridge.