[Superman]

That's what I think too. I like the neighborhoods that would be convenient for someone working in Ballard, and I like the prospects for real estate prices in those neighborhoods. Even as high as they already are. But again, mostly, I would prefer to live in those neighborhoods as opposed to Shoreline and especially Everett or Lynnwood. Further, it would increase the buffer zone between you and the inlaws. Whether she knows it or not, your wife would probably be better off with the wider buffer also. And finally.....if your commute is a daily thing, but you wind up living in Lynnwood, then you will pay DEARLY for her convenience. She will be minutes away, but you will pay for that with many hours of additional commute time EACH WEEK. Conservatively, I think we're talking about something like eight additional commute hours per week. Or more. Compared to living in one of the lovely communities listed in Mike's post above. That's a nice list.