Where To Find The Best Homes In Seattle
- By Rich Jones
- Published 10/29/2011
- Buying
- Unrated
People in all different markets across the country are looking for the best neighborhoods to live in. And Seattle is no different. As the market continues to change, buyers are always trying to find their best opportunity when looking for a new house. As such, I have assembled a quick description of many of Seattle's top communities.
Beacon Hill: This South Side community has great economic diversity in terms of who lives there. The area is quickly drawing more affluent homes buyers, as they see the short commute times and magnificent mountain views as a great perk. Commercial investors are also interested in this area, but residents are trying to keep the local "small community" vibe alive.
Phinney Ridge and Greenwood: These two business districts are flanked by tree-lined streets and homes ranging from "affordable and diverse" Greenwood to "older and more established" Phinney. These areas attract a lot of young transients, according to the newspaper.
Vashon: This quiet island neighborhood has that sustainable, environment-loving crowd that cares more about embracing isolation than being hip.
Magnolia: Magnolia offers stately homes and close proximity to downtown, in addition to wide streets, Discovery Park, and a charming family atmosphere. There's limited "retail action," but great views, big yards and safety - all good attributes for raising a family.
Mount Baker: Everyone knows everyone here and they like to walk around their neighborhoods just to say "hello" to friendly neighbors.
Fremont: Funky, creative, diverse - these are a few of the terms used to describe this nook. This year, a pie shop, a salsa dance studio and an upscale salon were added to the vast repertoire of businesses like Adobe and Google that already exist. Prices of homes may be high here, but residents say it "keeps Fremont weird."
Maple Leaf: This is an off-the-beaten path / hidden gem that will soon be attracting dog walkers with the completion of the Maple Leaf Park off-leash area. It's not quite as built-up as other parts of the city, but people looking for quiet homes
like it.
Laurelhurst: If you want exclusive waterfront homes, then look no further. Prices may be high, but it's also "majestic and beautiful" enough for Bill Gates.
North Admiral: This community has been sponsoring concerts and drawing attention to itself as a youth and family-friendly destination. They're trying to shrug off the "old, stuffy" vibe, which has largely worked.
Ravenna: The homes of Ravenna are nice and close to the University. Not only are there the tree-lined streets that everyone loves, but it's also the type of place that evokes community involvement.
Kirkland: Kirkland has everything from polar bear swims to new shopping developments in this ever-growing and expanding community.
Madison Park: You have both wealthy and working class represented in Madison Park homes offerings. It's a friendly atmosphere with every amenity you can imagine, except a bookstore and a liquor store, residents joke.
Montlake: Montlake is becoming busier by the month, but it's the ideal atmosphere if you're a city person looking for a "slice of nature within a big city."
Ballard: Ballard is the point where a historic Scandinavian-settled fishing village meets hipster. Today the area is gentrified, modern, commercial, and thriving.
Pike/Pine: This dynamic triangle of real estate offers 30+ funky retailers, 10 coffee shops, grocery stores, bars, and all the boisterousness you'd expect in a thriving neighborhood. It's active, urban and full of entertainment options.
Madrona: If you're looking for a community that supports racial diversity, the homes in Madrona are the place to look.
Wallingford: People here are into cat communes, sustainable living, backyard gardens and a homey, progressive vibe that is a little bit funky (but not Fremont funky).
Burien: The heart of the community is a mixed-use city center with its town hall, library and farmer's market space. In other words, they have their own version of Pike Place Market. Residents also brag about their private parks in their homes' backyards.
Issaquah Highlands: The homes here are part of the New Urbanist movement to combine work, play, and residential space. It's a tight-knit community bustling with opportunity.
Beacon Hill: This South Side community has great economic diversity in terms of who lives there. The area is quickly drawing more affluent homes buyers, as they see the short commute times and magnificent mountain views as a great perk. Commercial investors are also interested in this area, but residents are trying to keep the local "small community" vibe alive.
Phinney Ridge and Greenwood: These two business districts are flanked by tree-lined streets and homes ranging from "affordable and diverse" Greenwood to "older and more established" Phinney. These areas attract a lot of young transients, according to the newspaper.
Vashon: This quiet island neighborhood has that sustainable, environment-loving crowd that cares more about embracing isolation than being hip.
Magnolia: Magnolia offers stately homes and close proximity to downtown, in addition to wide streets, Discovery Park, and a charming family atmosphere. There's limited "retail action," but great views, big yards and safety - all good attributes for raising a family.
Mount Baker: Everyone knows everyone here and they like to walk around their neighborhoods just to say "hello" to friendly neighbors.
Fremont: Funky, creative, diverse - these are a few of the terms used to describe this nook. This year, a pie shop, a salsa dance studio and an upscale salon were added to the vast repertoire of businesses like Adobe and Google that already exist. Prices of homes may be high here, but residents say it "keeps Fremont weird."
Maple Leaf: This is an off-the-beaten path / hidden gem that will soon be attracting dog walkers with the completion of the Maple Leaf Park off-leash area. It's not quite as built-up as other parts of the city, but people looking for quiet homes
Laurelhurst: If you want exclusive waterfront homes, then look no further. Prices may be high, but it's also "majestic and beautiful" enough for Bill Gates.
North Admiral: This community has been sponsoring concerts and drawing attention to itself as a youth and family-friendly destination. They're trying to shrug off the "old, stuffy" vibe, which has largely worked.
Ravenna: The homes of Ravenna are nice and close to the University. Not only are there the tree-lined streets that everyone loves, but it's also the type of place that evokes community involvement.
Kirkland: Kirkland has everything from polar bear swims to new shopping developments in this ever-growing and expanding community.
Madison Park: You have both wealthy and working class represented in Madison Park homes offerings. It's a friendly atmosphere with every amenity you can imagine, except a bookstore and a liquor store, residents joke.
Montlake: Montlake is becoming busier by the month, but it's the ideal atmosphere if you're a city person looking for a "slice of nature within a big city."
Ballard: Ballard is the point where a historic Scandinavian-settled fishing village meets hipster. Today the area is gentrified, modern, commercial, and thriving.
Pike/Pine: This dynamic triangle of real estate offers 30+ funky retailers, 10 coffee shops, grocery stores, bars, and all the boisterousness you'd expect in a thriving neighborhood. It's active, urban and full of entertainment options.
Madrona: If you're looking for a community that supports racial diversity, the homes in Madrona are the place to look.
Wallingford: People here are into cat communes, sustainable living, backyard gardens and a homey, progressive vibe that is a little bit funky (but not Fremont funky).
Burien: The heart of the community is a mixed-use city center with its town hall, library and farmer's market space. In other words, they have their own version of Pike Place Market. Residents also brag about their private parks in their homes' backyards.
Issaquah Highlands: The homes here are part of the New Urbanist movement to combine work, play, and residential space. It's a tight-knit community bustling with opportunity.
Rich Jones
To learn more about Bethesda real estate and data analysis of the Bethesda real estate market, visit http://www.dcrealestatemarketplace.com where Richard Jones breaks down weekly sales data for the city as well as many surrounding neighborhoods, such as Potomac, Chevy Chase, Avenel, Silver Spring and Bethesda, to help buyers and sellers prepare themselves for an upcoming real estate transaction.
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