Orders to Naval Station Everett usually come with a short clock. You have a report date, a household to move and a new city to figure out, often from the other side of the country. The good news is that Everett is an easy place to land. The base sits right on the waterfront at Port Gardner, and some of the most convenient housing is only minutes away. If you’re starting your search now, our Everett one bedroom apartments are a good first look for single sailors and couples. This guide covers commutes, lease timing, BAH budgeting and the protections every service member should know before signing.
Why Live Close to the Base
Plenty of sailors stationed here end up commuting from Marysville, Lake Stevens or even farther. That works, but Interstate 5 traffic through Everett during shift changes can turn a ten minute drive into thirty. Living close means more sleep before early musters, easier duty days and less money spent on gas.
Choosing apartments near Naval Station Everett also helps when duty schedules shift with little notice. Ship schedules, watch rotations and maintenance periods don’t care about rush hour. Being a short drive or bike ride away gives you flexibility your family will notice. That’s why it pays to start your search for apartments near Naval Station Everett early, before the best units close to the waterfront are taken.
Best Areas for a Short Commute
Two parts of town stand out for anyone who wants to stay close to the gate.
Downtown Everett
Downtown puts you within a few minutes of the base and close to restaurants, the Everett Station transit hub, Angel of the Winds Arena and the Everett Public Library. It’s a good fit for junior sailors who want walkability and don’t need a lot of space. Our guide to living in downtown Everett covers the neighborhood in more detail.
North Everett
North Everett has older tree lined streets, historic homes and quick access to the waterfront. It feels quieter than downtown while keeping the commute very short, which makes it popular with families and with officers and chiefs who want a bit more room.
Both areas give you options for apartments near Naval Station Everett without needing to cross the busiest stretches of Interstate 5 every morning.
Timing Your Lease Around PCS Orders
The trickiest part of military renting is timing. A few steps make it much easier:
- Start looking 30 to 60 days before your report date. That’s usually when units for your arrival window hit the market.
- Ask about flexible lease lengths. A lease that ends near your expected rotation date saves headaches later.
- Have a copy of your orders ready. Many property managers will work with your timeline if they can see your report date.
- Plan for temporary lodging. If your household goods arrive late, a few nights in temporary lodging is easier than a rushed lease.
- Schedule a virtual tour if you’re still at your current duty station.
Paperwork matters too. Our post on what you need to apply for an apartment in Washington walks through the documents to gather before you arrive.
Budgeting With BAH
Basic Allowance for Housing is based on your pay grade, whether you have dependents and the ZIP code of your duty station. Rates are published each year by the Defense Travel Management Office, and you can look up your exact number with the official BAH rate calculator before you start touring.
A few budgeting tips for apartments near Naval Station Everett:
- Build your budget around rent plus utilities, not rent alone. Electricity in Snohomish County is often billed separately.
- Leave room for renters insurance, parking and pet rent if they apply.
- Don’t plan to spend every dollar of BAH on housing. A cushion helps with deployments, travel and unexpected costs.
- Ask what’s included. Water, sewer and garbage are bundled at some communities and billed separately at others.
If you have dependents, a two bedroom close to the base often makes more sense than stretching for a bigger place farther out. The shorter commute gives you time back with your family, and that matters more than an extra closet.
Your Lease Protections Under the SCRA
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act gives active duty members important rights when renting. The big one is lease termination. If you receive PCS orders or deployment orders for 90 days or more, you can generally end a residential lease early by giving written notice along with a copy of your orders. For leases paid monthly, termination usually takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date.
The Department of Justice has a helpful overview of servicemember rights and protections, and your base legal office can review a lease before you sign. Knowing these rules up front means you can sign with confidence, even when your next set of orders is still a mystery.
What to Look for When Touring
Whether you tour apartments near Naval Station Everett in person or by video, keep a short checklist handy so you can compare places side by side:
- Distance to the base gate and realistic drive time at 0600
- Secure parking, especially if you’ll be away for weeks at a time
- Package handling for deployments and long duty stretches
- Pet policies, if you’re bringing a dog or cat
- How maintenance requests are handled while you’re gone
- Well lit walkways and parking for dark, rainy winter mornings
Find Your Place in Everett
Williams Investments manages apartment communities across Everett and the rest of Snohomish County, with studios, one bedroom and two bedroom options at several price points. Our leasing team works with military renters regularly and understands report dates, orders and the occasional change of plans.
If you’re already in town, you can find our Everett office on Colby Avenue and stop by. Otherwise, reach out to schedule a virtual tour and start narrowing down apartments near Naval Station Everett before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is downtown Everett from Naval Station Everett?
Downtown Everett is just a few minutes from the base by car. Many residents in downtown and North Everett can also bike to work when the weather cooperates.
Can I break my lease if I get PCS orders?
In most cases, yes. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act lets active duty members end a residential lease after receiving PCS orders or deployment orders of 90 days or more, with written notice and a copy of the orders.
How is BAH calculated for Everett, WA?
BAH depends on your pay grade, your dependency status and the ZIP code of your duty station. The Defense Travel Management Office publishes updated rates every year.
When should I start looking for apartments near Naval Station Everett?
Most military renters start looking 30 to 60 days before their report date. That window usually lines up with available units and gives you time to tour virtually.
Is there military housing at Naval Station Everett?
There is some government and privatized housing in the area, but many sailors choose to rent off base for more space, location choice or flexibility.
Do I need renters insurance as a service member?
Many communities require it, and it’s a smart choice either way. It protects your belongings during deployments and moves at a low monthly cost.
