Commuting in the area has changed quite a bit since the spring of 2020. Travel times in the area have increased depending on your mode of transportation but the Puget Sound offers a variety of options for traversing the region. From ferry to light rail, I'm breaking down ways to get you where you need to be while highlighting some neighborhoods that are in transition to become the next “it” place to call home.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill Link Light Rail Station, Seattle, WA

Beacon Hill is one of the most central neighborhoods in Seattle if you are using the Link Light Rail as a reference. The Link takes you as far north as Northgate and as far south as Angle Lake, providing direct access to board the light rail and head to the Sea-Tac airport breezing by automotive traffic if you wanted. Soon enough, the Link will offer connections to the Eastside! Not only does Beacon Hill have connections using the light rail to bring you north of Seattle, but in 2024, stations from Judkins Park to Redmond will open up. For all you two-wheeled pedal pushers, access to dedicated bike lanes and trails like the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail will soon be available so when the temperatures warm up, and the rain clears, hop on your bike for a scenic route to Bellevue and beyond.

Tacoma

The Museum of Glass, Tacoma, WA

Tacoma is about 30 minutes south of Seattle (if you are lucky)! We are seeing a return to pre-pandemic traffic levels on the interstate so those that enjoyed a quick commute are likely looking at longer commute times. To avoid the traffic, you will likely have a better experience hopping on the Sounder train if you are headed up North for work. Whether en route to work or on a day trip for leisure, consider hopping on the Sounder.

Bremerton

Bremerton Marina, Bremerton, WA

Now we get to hop aboard the ferry to take a quick ride across the Puget Sound The scenic views of the Olympic Mountains and the majestic beauty of the vastness of the Sound affirm why we live in this region. Bremerton will soon offer an all-electric Fast Foot Ferry as part of Kitsap Transit. It is so exciting that our region is exploring all the opportunities to decrease the impacts of public transportation on our environment.

We covered just about all the public transit opportunities our region provides. Still, one network is the most robust out of all the various modes of transportation: the King County Metro Bus. The Metro has well over 200 routes, over 8,000 stops, 15 Transit Centers, and a fleet of 1,500 plus. It provides connections to all the Seattle metro areas. Leave the driving up to someone else and explore our backyard on public transit.