Everett, WA

Everett, Washington, is a waterfront city located 25 miles north of Seattle on Port Gardner Bay. It is the county seat of Snohomish County, and is known nationally for its Boeing manufacturing facility.

Everett's roots date to 1890, when a group of wealthy investors cleared land with the aim of forming an industrial boomtown. The early economy included a barge works, nail factory, paper mill, and smelter. Lumber and shingle-making were also important industries.

Between 1900 and 1910, Everett's population tripled to approximately 24,000 people, as immigrants from Canada, Germany, and Scandinavia arrived looking for jobs. Eventually, lumbering gave way to papermaking, which gave way to aerospace with the arrival of Boeing in the 1960s. Everett's past is still visible in many historic homes and buildings in the central business district.

GETTING AROUND

Getting to Everett is easy, whether by rail, boat, or car.

• Interstate 5 runs right through the city.
• The Everett Marina is the second-largest marina on the West Coast.
• The Washington State Ferry System provides ferry service to Seattle and other cities.
• Amtrak provides train service.
• Sound Transit provides commuter rail service to Seattle and Edmonds.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Everett has shed its mill-town past and now has a substantial labor force, working primarily in the aerospace, technology, and service industries. Boeing's massive manufacturing complex on the south end of the city is home to several of the company's commercial jetliner programs.

Besides Boeing, other major employers in Everett include:

• Kimberly-Clark Corporation
• Intermec Technologies
• Naval Station Everett
• Providence Everett Medical Center
• Verizon
• City of Everett and County of Snohomish

The Port of Everett is a natural, deep-water port that is composed of three shipping terminals, a marina, and industrial and commercial properties. In recent years, the Port has estimated that its maritime activity generates close to $100 million in annual revenue for local businesses. Forest and aerospace products make up a large portion of the cargo that is shipped through the port. The Port also owns Jetty Island, a man-made island with beaches that are popular with Everett residents.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Water surrounds much of Everett, and many of its residential districts are located near the bay or near one of the area's lakes and rivers. The city is divided into 19 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and history. Some of these neighborhoods include:

• Bayside: One of the oldest districts in the city. A diverse neighborhood, Bayside is known for its rich architectural heritage; notable structures include the Carnegie Library and the historic Hartley Mansion.
• Delta: Another of the city's older neighborhoods, Delta is known for its distinctly multicultural character. The neighborhood also includes some of Everett's most popular parks, including Wiggums Park, which features art exhibitions and a life-sized maze for children, and Senator Henry M. Jackson Park.
• Lowell: Once an incorporated town, this neighborhood boasts the city's oldest structure, the Lowell Community Church, which was built in 1861.
• Evergreen: Named for the abundant evergreen forests that surround the area, the Evergreen district is a popular residential neighborhood for families.

BEST BETS

More than 40 city parks provide opportunities to get outside and hike, bike, fish, play golf, and picnic. Located in the historic downtown area, the 8,000-seat Everett Events Center opened in 2003, and hosts public ice skating, concerts, and performances. Boating and day trips to the Cascade and Olympic Mountains are other popular activities.

SPORTS TEAMS

Everett is home to three professional sports teams. They are:

• Everett AquaSox: a Class-A minor-league baseball team affiliated with the Seattle Mariners
• Everett Hawks: an arena football team that plays at the Everett Events Center
• Everett Silvertips: a Western Hockey League team that also plays at the Everett Events Center.

EDUCATION

• City University: City University offers programs in accounting, business administration, computer systems, education, general studies, mass media, and journalism.
• Everett Community College: This two-year public school grants degrees in fields that include art, business, computers, health care, science, and mathematics.
• ITT Technical Institute: ITT's Everett campus offers year-round classes in fields such as business, criminal justice, and technology.
• Trinity Lutheran College: This private four-year Christian liberal arts college was founded in 1944. In 2008, the school opened a new downtown campus center.
• Western Washington University: The university's Everett branch offers programs in education, human services, and instruction technology.

LOCAL MEDIA

The Herald is Everett's daily newspaper. The city is part of the Seattle-Tacoma television market.

Major Seattle television stations are:

• KOMO, Channel 4 (ABC)
• KING, Channel 5 (NBC)
• KIRO, Channel 7 (CBS)
• KCTS, Channel 9 (PBS)
• KSTW, Channel 11 (CW)
• KCPQ, Channel 13 (FOX