Snohomish is the small-town, more-house-for-the-money option a short drive east of Naval Station Everett. It's a genuine historic river town — antique shops, breweries, and a walkable Main Street — and for a Navy family that wants character and value over waterfront sprawl, it's an easy call.
What it's actually like, day one
The historic downtown along the Snohomish River is the heart of it: 19th-century storefronts, antiques, restaurants, and trail-and-river access. Around it, Snohomish is comfortable family neighborhoods with a bit more room and a bit lower price than the Everett or Mukilteo waterfront. The commute back to Everett is short and simple — generally 15–25 minutes west. It reads as a small town with its own identity, not a bedroom subdivision.
The tradeoff
You're trading walk-to-the-water and big-city amenities for character, value, and a quick commute. Much of the housing is older (charming, but inspect it), and if you want brand-new construction you'll be looking at the edges of town or nearby Lake Stevens.
Verify before you sign
Confirm the Snohomish district feeder school, get a real inspection on an older home, and drive the commute to Naval Station Everett at your report time.