Want to cut your commute and still live in a quiet Shoreline block? With the Lynnwood Link now open, two new Shoreline stations put the University District and downtown within easy reach. If you are eyeing a home that makes daily life simpler, knowing which micro-neighborhoods pair best with Link, buses, bikes, or a quick park-and-ride makes all the difference. In this guide, you will learn the strengths of each area, what to expect for first and last mile connections, and how coming projects will improve access even more. Let’s dive in.
Why Link changed Shoreline
Light rail service to Lynnwood launched on August 30, 2024, adding two Shoreline stations at 148th and 185th. Each includes a multi-level garage of roughly 500 stalls and direct bus bays, which makes transfers and park-and-ride simple for many commuters. Sound Transit notes sample travel times like Shoreline South/148th to the University of Washington in about 11 minutes, with systemwide context published at opening. You can confirm current schedules and trip times in Sound Transit’s opening announcement.
Quick station snapshots
Shoreline South/148th
This elevated station sits on the east side of I‑5 near the NE 145th and 148th interchange, with integrated bus bays and a garage of about 500 stalls. The location makes driving and bus transfers easy, though I‑5 splits the immediate walkshed for west-side homes. The new 148th Street pedestrian and bike bridge is designed to fix that by creating a safer, shorter crossing, with full completion planned for mid-2026, according to the City’s project page. Nearby, rezoning under the city’s subarea plans has supported newer townhomes and mid-rise apartments for buyers who want a modern home close to transit.
Who it fits: You want fast access to the University District, flexible commute options, and newer townhome or condo choices. Shoreline Community College is a short bus ride from here, an important note if you study or work on campus. See the campus map and transit context.
Shoreline North/185th
Located east of I‑5 near NE 185th, the North station also includes a multi-level garage and bus bays. Its walkshed ties directly into North City along 15th Ave NE, which means a short walk to a small, mixed-use main street with everyday retail and dining. The City phased upzoning in this subarea to encourage mid-rise, mixed-use development near the station, a pattern local reporting has covered as new connections take shape around 185th. Read more about the emerging urban fabric in this overview.
Who it fits: You want a quick walk or bus to neighborhood shops and prefer newer apartments, condos, or townhomes near a higher-amenity spine.
Best micro-neighborhoods for easy access
North City and 15th Ave NE
If you want the most walkable mix next to a Shoreline station, North City is your best bet. A compact main street along 15th Ave NE offers coffee, casual dining, and local services, plus frequent bus links toward the station. Explore the area’s character and amenities in the North City neighborhood profile. Expect a short walk or a quick bus hop to Link, with mid-rise housing options continuing to grow nearby.
Blocks closest to 185th station
Within a 5 to 20 minute walk of Shoreline North/185th, you will find blocks zoned for mixed-use residential where most new condo and apartment projects cluster. Building scales follow the City’s MUR zones, which are intended to concentrate growth near transit. For zoning maps, planned action thresholds, and development capacity, review the City’s subarea plan exhibits. Buyers here enjoy quick station access and the strongest chance of new retail opening as projects fill in.
Meridian Park, Parkwood, and Ridgecrest
These established neighborhoods sit south and southeast of I‑5 near the 148th station. They offer primarily detached homes with more space and yards, plus pockets of townhome infill on arterials or close to the station subarea. Walking to Link is longer from many blocks, though the 148th bridge will improve crossings and shorten trips for west-side homes when fully open. If you value more space but want a reasonable bike or drive to Link, this area works well.
Aurora Avenue N and Echo Lake corridor
One to two miles west of the stations, the SR‑99 corridor delivers big-box retail, daily errands, and rapid bus service like RapidRide and Swift that connect back to Link. This corridor suits buyers who want strong transit choices for local trips, then a short transfer to rail. Expect a quick bike, bus, or drive rather than a consistent walk to either Shoreline station.
Richmond Beach and west Shoreline
If you want proximity to the water and open space, west-side neighborhoods remain a draw. They are farther from Link, so most residents will bus or drive to a station. For some households, that tradeoff is worth it to capture shoreline access and parks while keeping Link within a short trip.
First and last mile tips
Bus connections feed the stations
King County Metro and Community Transit restructured many routes in 2024 to serve the new stations, improving transfers from Shoreline neighborhoods into 148th and 185th. Example routes were adjusted or created to support Lynnwood Link, with final details outlined in local reporting on the restructure. Before you plan your commute, check the latest changes in this summary and review current timetables on Community Transit’s service changes page.
Park-and-ride strategy
Both Shoreline stations offer garages of about 500 stalls, which makes drive-to-rail a practical option in the near term. Early use patterns typically show a healthy park-and-ride share in suburban stations like these. If you expect to drive most days, note garage locations, entry ramps, and posted hours.
Bikes, scooters, and safer crossings
The stations include bike parking and lockers, and the City is rolling out neighborhood greenways alongside a micromobility pilot to make short trips easier. The 148th pedestrian and bike bridge is a signature improvement for the west-side walkshed, with full completion planned for 2026. Track construction updates on the City’s bridge page.
Housing types near the stations
Shoreline’s subarea plans anticipated thousands of homes across the station areas through 2035, and you can already see that pattern forming in both walksheds. Around 185th and North City, you will find more apartments, condos, and new mixed-use buildings that appeal to buyers seeking a lock and leave lifestyle. Closer to 148th, especially west of I‑5, you will see recent townhome clusters and low to mid-rise apartments on assembled parcels, with single-family homes dominant a few blocks out. Across the city, median home values in late 2025 to early 2026 were roughly in the 730 thousand to 800 thousand range according to major aggregators. Neighborhoods vary widely, so use current data for your exact area when you are ready to write an offer.
For zoning maps, growth timelines, and environmental review that guide where more homes will go, start with the City’s subarea plan and FEIS and the City’s ongoing update process at Engage Shoreline.
What to watch next
- 148th Street pedestrian and bike bridge. The east-side connection is already complete, with the full span scheduled to open in 2026. Expect shorter and safer walks from the west side once it is live. See status and timelines on the project page.
- Station-area plan updates. The City is updating subarea plans through 2025 and 2026 to refine connectivity, parks, and planned-action thresholds. These updates will guide where new housing and retail land over time. Follow the process at Engage Shoreline.
- Ongoing bus refinements. Agencies tweaked routes to feed Lynnwood Link in 2024, and more adjustments happen as ridership patterns settle. For a specific commute, use Sound Transit and local agency tools to verify times.
How to choose the right spot
Use this quick filter to match a micro-neighborhood with your day-to-day:
- You want a short walk and daily convenience. Focus on North City and the closest blocks to Shoreline North/185th, where mixed-use zoning and neighborhood retail align.
- You want newer townhomes plus flexible access. Look near the Shoreline South/148th subarea, especially west of I‑5 if the 148th bridge will be part of your route.
- You want a yard and more space. Start with Meridian Park, Parkwood, and Ridgecrest for a bike or short drive to Link.
- You want retail and rapid bus service, with a fast transfer to rail. Consider the Aurora Avenue N and Echo Lake corridor.
- You want shoreline parks and west-side character. Richmond Beach and nearby hillsides fit, paired with a bus or drive to Link.
Ready to narrow it to specific streets and buildings? We pair hyper-local knowledge with data so you can compare actual walk routes, transit options, and resale considerations before you write. The Haines Huff Properties team is here to help you tour smart and buy with confidence.
FAQs
How long is the Link ride from Shoreline to UW?
- Sound Transit’s opening materials show Shoreline South/148th to the University of Washington in about 11 minutes, with exact times depending on schedule and time of day.
Which Shoreline station is best for walkability to shops?
- Shoreline North/185th connects directly to North City’s 15th Ave NE main street, offering the strongest walkable retail and dining near a Shoreline station.
What if I live west of I‑5 near 148th?
- The 148th Street pedestrian and bike bridge will significantly improve access once fully open in 2026, shortening walks and creating a safer crossing to Shoreline South/148th.
Are there park-and-ride garages at both Shoreline stations?
- Yes, both stations include multi-level garages of roughly 500 stalls along with bus bays for easy transfers, according to Sound Transit’s opening announcement.
How are buses connecting Shoreline neighborhoods to the stations?
- King County Metro and Community Transit restructured routes in 2024 to feed the stations; review current details in local reporting and on agency pages before you plan a commute.
Where can I find zoning details near the stations?
- The City’s station subarea plan and FEIS include zoning maps and development capacity that show where mid-rise and mixed-use growth is focused around 148th and 185th.
What housing types are most common near 185th?
- You will find more apartments, condos, and newer mixed-use buildings near North City and the blocks closest to Shoreline North/185th, with townhomes in the mix.
What should I watch if I plan to buy near 148th?
- Track the 148th bridge timeline and the City’s subarea plan updates, since both will shape walk routes, safety, and future amenities around Shoreline South/148th.
Where can I review current Link stations for context?
- Sound Transit’s station list provides system context and locations that help you see how Shoreline connects to the broader network.
