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Seattle Real Estate For Sale In WA
Situated in the Northwest corner of the United States, Seattle is so enigmatic and unique in its character that it’s hard to compare it to any other place. What started as a logging town has transformed into a major port city and technological capital of the world. For the last thirty years, Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs of every walk of life have come to make a home in Seattle real estate. For those looking to plant roots by investing in Washington Real Estate, look no further than real estate in Seattle to start your search!
Seattle WA History
Seattle has gone through a rollercoaster ride of booms and busts, the city expanding and contracting and reinventing itself as a timber town, a gold rush city, a port city, and now a technology and information capital. Seattle has become a cultural icon in the American imagination. In the 1940s and 50s, its jazz scene nurtured the early career of none other than Ray Charles. In the 60s, it helped give rise to Jimi Hendrix, and in the 1990s, Seattle suddenly took the helm of the American music scene with bands like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains. It's hard to really pin down real estate in Seattle’s character because it’s always shifting with the times. This Seattle real estate rests on its own pulse; its culture is tied to its economy, its unique climate, and its pioneering people.
Seattle WA Real Estate
As one of the country’s most well-known cities, the demand for Seattle real estate is very high. The Seattle real estate market is one of the most competitive housing markets in the country, and prices show it. Most Seattle properties for sale range from $700,000 to up to $1,000,000. The median listing price for a single family home for sale in Seattle is $800,000, and a condo for sale in Seattle is around $500,000.
A majority of the styles you’ll find throughout Seattle are Victorian, Tudor style, Seattle Box style, and Mid-Century Modern. If you want to live closer to downtown Seattle, you’ll find many condominiums and single family, multi-story homes lining the streets. To find a bit more space, peace, and quiet, head to the outer neighborhoods such as Laurelhurst or Magnolia.
Distance to other popular cities from Seattle
- Olympia, WA 60 miles
- Vancouver, BC 143 miles
- Portland, OR 174 miles
- Spokane, WA 274 miles
Top Neighborhoods in Seattle
There is a neighborhood in Seattle for everyone, whether you are just beginning your career, growing your family, or settling down for retirement. You just have to know where to look. Here are some of Seattle’s best neighborhoods to help you out in your search:
West Seattle
With unmatched views of the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Ranges, West Seattle real estate for sale is some of the most desired in the entire state of Washington. The West Seattle High Bridge allows residents to commute to Downtown Seattle in less than 20 minutes, and the neighborhood itself boasts some fantastic outdoor activities. West Seattle homes provide plenty of space, plenty of things to do, and plenty of overall convenience.
Ballard
When you step into Ballard, it feels like an entire world of its own. Any service or amenity you may need is accessible and less than a few miles away. The tree-lined streets and rural parks make Ballard feel like a peaceful suburb, and the active town center transports you into a vibrant city hub. Ballard truly contains the best of everything. A majority of what you’ll find here are Tudor and rambler-style homes which are found north of 65th street.
Capitol Hill
This culturally rich neighborhood is one of the most luxury neighborhoods in Seattle real estate. Here, you’ll find quaint, charming, historic homes sprinkled around local cafes and restaurants. Capitol Hill offers a 48-acre park with a conservatory, an art museum, and a reservoir, and outside of Volunteer Park you’ll find rooftop bars, brunch spots, and a weekly farmers market. Capitol Hill is as packed to the brim as Downtown Seattle is, but if you still want to find more, the city center is a quick light rail hop away!
Queen Anne
Another luxurious neighborhood with lots of room for mature families, Queen Anne is complete with some of the most stunning natural beauty in Seattle. As the name implies, you’ll find loads of Queen Anne style homes in the northern part of the neighborhood (Upper Queen Anne). The southern end of Queen Anne holds the neighborhood’s urban center, which houses the space needle, a plethora of shops and services, and some one-of-a-kind eateries. What keeps bringing families of all sizes to Queen Anne is the warm community aspect of the neighborhood, where neighbors are there for you and you’re always likely to run into someone you know.
Ravenna
Situated right next to the University District, Ravenna has become a vibrant college community with quaint single-family homes and manicured lawns. Ravenna offers plenty of access to bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, and other day-to-day needs, so you’ll never be far from necessary services. In addition, Ravenna Park provides college students and young families alike with a calming outdoor getaway, with 50-acres of land and a 1.7-mile hiking trail.
Schools in Seattle WA
Seattle has the largest school district in Washington, with a healthy pool of public and private schools to choose from. Education is a top priority for many in Seattle, and when nearly half of your 737,000-person population has a college degree, it should come as no surprise that this is a city that values education. Seattle Public Schools oversees the city’s public education, while the rest are established by various independent school boards and Archdiocese of Seattle Catholic Schools.
Higher education thrives on the Puget sound, with world-renowned colleges like the University of Washington recently ranking as the 11th best college in the world. Other options for higher education in Seattle include:
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
- North Seattle College
FAQs About Seattle, Washington
What is the zip code for Seattle, Washington?
There are 28 zip codes throughout Seattle, Washington. Here are some of the more populated ones:
Where is the nearest commercial airport to Seattle, Washington?
The Sea-Tac Airport is 27 miles or 38 minutes from the heart of Seattle. You can travel between the two via bus, light rail, personal vehicle, or cab.
What county is Seattle in?
Seattle is the county seat of King County.
How far is Vancouver from Seattle, Washington?
Vancouver is 142 miles (2 hours and 37 mins) from Seattle.
How far is Tacoma from Seattle, Washington?
Tacoma is 33 miles (36 mins) from Seattle.
Things to Do in Seattle WA
We said Seattle is unique, and we mean it. It’ll take you years to fully explore this city and soak up all the fun things there are to do and experience here. We’ll give you a good start, though! Be sure to pack a raincoat or an umbrella when you go out, because you’ll have a good chance of running into some misting rain just about every other day of the year. We trust you to make your way to the Space Needle on your own; it’s pretty hard to miss!
1. Go to the Pike Place Market
1. Go to the Pike Place Market
Distinguished by its charismatic red neon sign, the Pike Place Market is the central gem of downtown Seattle. This open-air market excites a sense of community in the heart of every Seattleite. Head here for fresh fish on ice, delicious street food, and a bustling atmosphere overflowing with languages from every corner of the Pacific ocean.
2. Go to a Seattle Seahawks game
2. Go to a Seattle Seahawks game
Painful memories of the 2015 Super Bowl aside, Seattlites have every reason to be proud of their resident NFL team. The Seahawks know how to play and are a source of major pride for their city. Their stadium is enormous too, and with its enigmatic north end zone opening on Seattle’s skyline, every game is a special experience for the audience and the team.
3. Walk through the Olympic Sculpture Park
3. Walk through the Olympic Sculpture Park
This is a great attraction to check out either before or after you go to the Pike Place Market as they’re both within walking distance of each other. The Olympic Sculpture Park is a wonderful exhibition of local talent. Walk around twisting steel sculptures that will really hammer in just how dedicated this city is to its art culture.
4. Check out the Museum of Flight
4. Check out the Museum of Flight
Located just south of the city along a massive runway, the Museum of Flight is a must-see for historic aircraft aficionados. From Cold War stealth bombers to the actual command module for the Apollo 11 moon-landing, this museum will leave you speechless.
5. Catch a show at the Fifth Avenue Theater
5. Catch a show at the Fifth Avenue Theater
Now nearing its 100th anniversary, this theater has lost none of its luster. The walls are beautifully carved wood panels, and the seats are plush with red cushions, ensuring that an audience experience in this theater will live up to decades of reputation. Come here to see off-Broadway productions like Beauty and the Beast as well as contemporary musicals performed on one of the finest stages on the West Coast.
6. Take the Seattle Underground Tour
6. Take the Seattle Underground Tour
It seems like every city has an underground, and Seattle is no exception. After a bad fire in 1889, Seattlites took the opportunity to build over the old city. Now you can take a tour through 19th-century subterranean streets, past old storefronts and alleyways, all while hearing some of the more embarrassing tales of Seattlites long gone. We’re sure they won’t mind!
7. See the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra
7. See the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra
Talent comes early in the lives of many Seattlites. The Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra is the largest such orchestra in the United States and puts on regular concerts throughout the year and allows hundreds of local children the opportunity to play some of the greatest music of all time at the highest level. Go to a concert and close your eyes; you would not be able to tell that most of the musicians on stage don’t even have a driver’s license yet.
8. Attend the Seattle International Film Festival
8. Attend the Seattle International Film Festival
If you haven’t guessed yet, Seattle offers some of the best entertainment available in the country. With a history dating back to 1976, this festival offers locals the chance to see some of the best films of today and yesteryear. SIFF also offers classes on film appreciation, showcases of Indigenous Cinema, and documentaries on poignant, modern-day issues.
9. Visit the first Starbucks
9. Visit the first Starbucks
Indulge us in a bit of tourist cheekiness as we include this famous attraction. After all, Starbucks did get its start in Seattle, and you can still go order a coffee in their original store. It’s a small place with a long line, so be prepared to wait. Lucky for you, this Starbucks on Pike Place is located right in the middle of the Pike Place Market, so once you have your coffee, you can walk around the best part of the city.
10. Go to the Seattle Aquarium
10. Go to the Seattle Aquarium
Located on the waterfront and just a short walk down from the Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium is a great place for families and folks of all ages. Come see the sea otters and relax under the dark blue lights as you wander past drifting sharks and octopi.
Living in Seattle WA
Economy
Seattle evenly relies on international shipping, resident tech companies, aircraft construction, and medical research to bolster its economy. Top companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Microsoft keep their headquarters in-or-around Seattle, providing a number of job opportunities for residents. With a mix of foreign trade and domestic innovation, Seattle’s economy is probably as healthy as it has ever been in the past.
Medical Access
As one of the world’s largest cities, residents of Seattle have a plethora of care options to choose from. UW Medicine is the number one healthcare provider in Washington and has multiple facilities within Seattle alone. From urgent care to emergency services or labor and delivery, UW Medicine can help you with it all! Other facility options include Overlake Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center Seattle, and Virginia Mason Hospital and Seattle Medical Center.
Transportation in Seattle WA
In most cities in the United States, a car is a luxury you can’t afford to lack. Not so in Seattle; with several bus systems, streetcars, trolleys, ferries, and even a light rail system to choose from, it's well within the realms of possibility to get around Seattle without a car. In fact, the city encourages it, as the citizens of Seattle have passed measures to promote a transit-only system for their city.
If you do own a car, you can still take advantage of the two interstates running through Seattle. I-5 will take you north to Vancouver or south to Portland, and I-90 will take you east through some breathtaking country all the way through Idaho and into Montana. For air travel, you can take international flights out of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. If you’re looking for more relaxing travel options, you can take an Alaskan cruise out of Seattle's port or hop on an Amtrak train.