What Should I Know Before Moving to Burien?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in Burien. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for Burien climate and weather.

How Much Do Movers Charge in Burien?

Moving within Burien usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to Burien?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in Burien. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Companies in Burien Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in Burien offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from Burien, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from Burien at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

Moving to Burien, WA | Find Trusted Movers & Services

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Burien, WA

Thinking about moving to Burien, WA? With a population of around 52,000, Burien offers a suburban feel just south of Seattle, blending diverse communities and easy access to city amenities. Median home prices are about $585,000 and average rents are $1,750, reflecting the Seattle metro’s higher cost of living. Commutes average 32 minutes, crime rates are above national averages, and the area enjoys mild, rainy winters with 48% sunny days. Notable features include proximity to major healthcare, a variety of public and private schools, and a strong transit network.

Demographics - Burien, WA

Burien is home to about 52,000 residents, featuring a diverse population with nearly half identifying as White and significant Asian and Black communities. The median age is 38.1, and roughly one in four residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the city's multicultural atmosphere.

Population:

52,000

Density:

4,900 per sq mi

Median Age:

38.1

Gender Ratio:

98 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

23.7%

Ethnic Composition

White:

48.6%

Black:

8.3%

Asian:

13.5%

Others:

29.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Burien, WA?

Living in Burien comes with higher-than-average expenses, as reflected in a cost of living index of 138.6. Median home values are around $585,000 and typical rents are $1,750, making housing the largest contributor to overall costs.

Median House Value:

$585,000

Gross Rent:

$1,750

Monthly Electricity Charges:

$110

Auto Insurance:

$1,350

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

$2,400

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

$700

State Taxes:

Low:

High:

9.0%

Cost Of Living Index:

138.6

Grocery:

117.1

Housing:

168.4

Utilities:

97.2

Transportation:

124.5

Health Care:

109.8

Miscellaneous:

110.3

Crime

Is Burien, WA a safe place to live?

Burien experiences crime rates above the national average, with a property crime risk of 1 in 32 and violent crime risk of 1 in 335. While most incidents involve property offenses, it's important for newcomers to stay vigilant and informed about local safety measures.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

298

Property Crimes Per 100k:

3,120

Crime Index:

3,418

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 335

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 32

Weather

What is the weather like in Burien, WA year-round?

Residents in Burien enjoy mild weather, with summer highs averaging 77°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 37°F. The area gets about 38.6 inches of rain annually and sees sunshine nearly half the year, making for a temperate Pacific Northwest climate.

Winter

Min:

37°F

Max:

48°F

Spring

Min:

44°F

Max:

63°F

Summer

Min:

56°F

Max:

77°F

Fall

Min:

45°F

Max:

63°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

38.6 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

48%

Neighbors

Burien neighborhoods have a median household income of $78,500, and about 12% of residents live below the poverty line. The area enjoys a well-educated population, with over 87% holding at least a high school diploma and 30% having a bachelor's degree or higher.

Median Income:

$39,200

Household Income:

$78,500

Family Income:

$88,200

Per Capita Income:

$37,800

Income Male:

$48,000

Income Female:

$41,000

Poverty Rate:

12.1%

Non English Speakers:

23.7%

Rent:

$1,750

Unemployment Rate:

4.9%

Public Transport Usage:

9.6%

Commute Time:

32.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

87.4%

Bachelors or More:

30.2%

Education

How are the schools in Burien, WA?

Burien provides a range of educational options, including well-regarded public schools like Highline High School and access to nearby colleges such as Highline College just 4 miles away. Families also benefit from private school choices and a supportive learning environment.

Public Schools

Name:

Highline High School

Street:

225 S 152nd St

Phone:

206-631-6700

Students:

1,300

Student Teacher Ratio:

18.1

Name:

Sylvester Middle School

Street:

16222 Sylvester Rd SW

Phone:

206-631-6000

Students:

920

Student Teacher Ratio:

17.2

Private Schools

Name:

St. Francis of Assisi School

Street:

15216 21st Ave SW

Phone:

206-243-5690

Students:

520

Colleges

Name:

Highline College

City:

Des Moines

State:

Distance:

4 miles

Students:

16,000

Name:

South Seattle College

City:

Seattle

State:

Distance:

8 miles

Students:

6,000

Healthcare

Burien offers convenient access to major medical facilities like St. Anne Hospital, with 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage. The city's healthcare services are robust, supporting both emergency and routine medical needs.

Major Hospitals

Name:

St. Anne Hospital

Address:

16251 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien, WA 98166

Phone:

(206) 244-9970

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Name:

Highline Medical Center

Address:

16251 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien, WA 98166

Phone:

(206) 244-9970

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

2.6

Health Insurance Coverage:

91.5%

Health Care Index:

77.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Burien, WA?

With a median home price of $585,000 and rents averaging $1,750 for a two-bedroom, Burien's housing market is competitive but stable, featuring a 4.7% annual appreciation rate. About 53% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancies remain low.

Median Home Price:

$585,000

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$1,750

Owner Occupied Rate:

52.8%

Rental Vacancy Rate:

4.6%

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

4.7%

New Construction Rate:

2.3%

Foreclosure Rate:

0.4%

DMV Information

Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in nearby Tukwila. Information and online services are also available at the state DMV website.

State:

Washington

Department:

Washington State Department of Licensing

Address:

331 Andover Park E, Tukwila, WA 98188

Phone:

1-360-902-3900

Website:

https://www.dol.wa.gov

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.