The community of Lynnwood is represented by an entrepreneurial spirit, which forged its past and guides its future. At the beginning of the 20th century, Lynnwood was part of the vast forest holdings of the Puget Mill Company. Homesteaders had loosely formed a scattered community tied together by logging roads. By 1917, the forestland had been cleared. To help market the logged-off land, the Puget Mill company developed a master planned demonstration farm designed to show how small parcels could be farmed profitably. Gentlemen farmers came to the area via the Seattle to Everett Interurban Railway and soon Lynnwood became the second largest area for poultry and egg production in the United States. This was the start of a commercial boom, which continues to this day.
The popularity of the automobile in the early 1920’s presented another entrepreneurial opportunity. State Route 99 expanded through South Snohomish County in 1927. Businesses catering to motorists from Seattle and elsewhere began to appear and thrive. By the 1950’s, Lynnwood was a flourishing business community. It was a perfect environment for the residential development that soon followed. Population growth dictated the need for expanded community and civic services leading to the incorporation of Lynnwood in 1959. Lynnwood has since grown to more than 36,432 residents and is now more than 7.7 square miles.
Today, Lynnwood’s location at the intersection of Interstates 5 and 405 makes it a highly desirable location for businesses and residents. The city center and Alderwood mall are within easy reach of the area’s major thoroughfares. People from surrounding areas come to shop and work in Lynnwood and the daytime population easily reaches to as many as 150,000. Situated equidistant from Seattle, Bellevue and Everett, Lynnwood serves a large, growing trade area and workforce confidently claiming its place in the regional economy. Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood is the region’s premier shopping destination drawing shoppers from as far away as Canada and Eastern Washington. Alderwood recently underwent a major renovation and is now 1.4 million square feet with more than 200 upscale stores and restaurants, including an outdoor lifestyle village.
In addition to being a retail and dining hub, Lynnwood is the financial capitol of south Snohomish County. A core of bio-science, information technology and professional service businesses have emerged. Lynnwood offers a favorable tax structure, class A office space and an educated work force—all of which contribute to the city’s desirability as a thriving and welcoming business environment.
The City Center Plan will transform downtown Lynnwood into a mixed-use community featuring retail, office and residential uses interspersed with open air plazas and promenades.
Lynnwood is much more than a commercial center, however. Residential areas, which make up the majority of the city, are quietly hidden from the major traffic flow. Single-family neighborhoods, interspersed with well-maintained neighborhood parks boast moderate prices. At its western edge, Lynnwood offers stunning elevated views of Puget Sound and neighboring Whidbey Island, with the Olympic Mountains beyond. Throughout the city, established and newly developed neighborhoods are sprinkled among heavily wooded surroundings.
Additionally, residents enjoy a local recreation program that is enviable. The newly renovated Recreation and Aquatic Center is equipped with a water park, lap pool, wellenss pool and adult and family saunas and spas. Racquetball courts, and a state of the art weight room and offers year-round activities. The city has a municipal golf course, 22 city parks, public tennis and basketball courts, and softball and soccer fields that regularly host league and intercity play. With shopping, dining, hotels, businesses and recreation all within easy reach, Lynnwood residents enjoy a unique quality of life.
The public school district is exceptional and Edmonds Community College and the Central Washington State University Lynnwood Center provide advanced educational opportunities.
Lynnwood is also a gateway to recreational activities throughout the region, including the north Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula, Cascade Mountains and Seattle.
Lynnwood has a rich history of steady growth and looks forward to a bright future. Geography, hard work, a unique quality of life have made Lynnwood a great place to live, work and play.