Best Neighborhoods in Seattle to Buy a Home

Published:
October 7, 2017
Last updated:
May 7, 2024
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Seattle has plenty of desirable neighborhoods to live in, but which ones are the best?

The Seattle Metro Area is a great place to live, but certain neighborhoods may be considered more attractive than others based on home prices, employment opportunities, and lifestyle. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Seattle to buy a home.

1. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is a diverse residential area in Seattle that combines both beautiful scenery with entertainment. Here you will not only find hip bars, eateries, and coffee shops, but also plenty of walking trails, a plant conservatory, and great city views. Plus, there’s Volunteer Park, a historic mansion district perched on top of a hill.

The average home price in Capitol Hill is currently $680,444. Prices have decreased 2.1% over the past year, as of May 2024.

2. Lower Queen Anne

Lower Queen Anne is a Seattle neighborhood located just north-west of the Seattle Center at the base of Queen Anne Hill. The area features shops, employment centers, and residential districts. Home prices in Lower Queen Anne are currently averaging $570,329 according to Zillow. That marks a 4.1% decrease as of May 2024.

3. Fremont

This artsy neighborhood is located on the north bank of the canal and is filled with eclectic indie shops, bars, and unique outdoor sculptures. The community is made up largely of tech workers and creative types who enjoy frequenting the neighborhood’s chic eateries. Every Sunday, the Fremont Sunday Market is open to residents and visitors and boasts art and global food cuisine. The Burke-Gilman Trail located along the canal is a great place to enjoy biking and walking.

The average home price in Fremont is currently $907,662 as of May 2024, marking a 2.1% year-over-year increase.

4. Ballard

Another hip Seattle neighborhood is Ballard, which is characterized by hip eateries, quirky shops, and breweries along Ballard Avenue. The picturesque waterfront neighborhood boasts a popular picnic area at Ballard Locks, and the beach area at Golden Gardens Park is popular among those who enjoy sunbathing, playing volleyball, sunbathers and soaking in the mountain views. Home prices in Ballard increased 1.8% over the past year and now sit at $855,000.

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5. South Lake Union

Those looking to develop a career in the tech industry may look to South Lake Union, a thriving hub for the industry with the likes of Amazon headquartered here. The community is abuzz with eateries, bars, and plenty of food trucks. Art and history buffs can enjoy the waterside Museum of History & Industry in Lake Union Park, and those who prefer being surrounded by water will enjoy the Center for Wooden Boats, which rents boats and operates sailing courses.

In South Lake, homes are averaging $534,177, which is more affordable compared to the average price of $879,412 in Seattle proper.

6. First Hill

Located close to the downtown retail core is First Hill, a neighborhood consisting of a mix of historic mansions and high-rise apartments. The Frye Art Museum is located within the neighborhood of First Hill, featuring 19th- and 20th-century paintings from European and American artists. Residents can enjoy casual restaurants and cafes along Madison Street. Within close proximity to First Hill is the Roman Revival Town Hall Seattle, a cultural hub that features concerts, readings, and lectures.

Home prices in First Hill are currently averaging $448,484, as of May 2024.

7. Green Lake

Located in north central Seattle, Green Lake is a visually appealing neighborhood surrounding Green Lake. Its location is convenient for those who frequent the downtown area. The past couple of decades have seen plenty of development of new condos and townhomes, remodeled homes, and plenty of new businesses.

The average price for a home in Green Lake is $1,024,959, which is 2.1% higher than where prices were in May 2024.

8. Kenmore

Kenmore is a suburban city in King County, in the Seattle metropolitan area. The city is located along the northern shores of Lake Washington, offering a scenic setting with plenty of boating, fishing, and other water-based recreational activities. Kenmore’s local economy is centered predominantly around construction, road infrastructure, and industrial ports.

Like the Seattle Metro area, Kenmore’s housing market is very competitive. The current average home price in Kenmore is $1,024,991.

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Need a Home Loan in Seattle?

Do you have questions about home loans? Are you ready to apply for a mortgage to buy a home? If so, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We are a local mortgage company from Bellevue, Washington, serving the entire state, as well as Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. We offer many mortgage programs to buyers all over the Pacific Northwest and have been doing so since 1992. Contact us today with any questions you have about mortgages.

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