Burien

A private, peaceful haven on the lake awaits inside the coveted Lake Burien neighborhood. The Lake Burien neighborhood surrounds the pristine waters of the same name. The public doesn’t have access to this 44-acre paradise that sits just blocks from the Puget Sound shoreline. “That makes it super appealing for those who live on the lake,” says Angie Hall, Realtor at Windermere Real Estate and Belle Residence team member. “You buy and stay. People love it. It's very peaceful and calm.” Lake Burien is filled with a splendid mix of single-family, modern rambler-style houses, bungalows and luxurious waterfront homes. Most were built in the 1950s and range from $530,000 to $800,000. Lakefront homes go for up to $3 million and boast outdoor kitchens and firepits, spacious patios and large docks. Some even come with sports courts, English gardens and yards with apple and pear orchards and kiwi and grape arbors. Most homes come equipped with spacious garages and driveways – perfect for parking boats or campers. Lot sizes are mostly around 7,200 square feet, but higher-end homes offer 15,000 square-foot sprawling, lush lawns, ideal for entertaining. “You get a nice combination of grass and yard area leading out onto the waterfront, so you have the best of both worlds,” Hall says. While residents are immersed in nature with majestic views of the glimmering lake and towering evergreens, city amenities are just minutes away. Students attend Seahurst Elementary, Sylvester Middle School and Highline High School. Seahurst hosts an annual mathematics student competition and offers after-school art, soccer and Spanish clubs. Niche ranked Highline with a B- for college prep and sports. The diverse high school has baseball and football titles and offers clubs for drama, digital media and an Asian Student Union. With Lake Burien only open to its residents, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor fun in your own backyard, from taking your small boat or canoe out, hiking with your furry friend or taking a dip. “You can go in and swim. There are a ton of swim docks out there,” Hall says. “Kayaking is big on that lake, too.” Or venture outside your oasis to Lake Burien School Memorial Park, a four-acre green space in the neighborhood with a recently renovated playground. Walk the trails, catch a show at the summer concert series or a Shakespeare play. Residents can also access the public beach along the Puget Sound, just two miles away. In the morning, you can walk to The Bean for your favorite hot or iced beverage. PCC Community Markets is the closest grocer, less than two miles away, but for mom-and-pop shops and restaurants, head to the historic town center, Olde Burien. “It’s less than a five-minute walk,” says Hall. “It's so convenient.” Enjoy a movie and a pint at the beloved Tin Room Bar & Theater, a locally owned institution for nearly 20 years. Get your comfort food fix at Classic Eats, grab sweets at the bright pink bakery, Treat Cookies and peruse quaint boutiques selling jewelry, home goods and clothing. For fresh produce and flowers, visit the year-round Burien Farmers Market in the Town Square. The Lake Burien Shore Club holds the annual fireworks display over the lake, and much of this close community gets together to organize a winter festival and other events. “They do celebrate and have their own little private things,” Hall says. “You see many of the schoolchildren and families have school parties on the lake as well. It’s a really festive vibe.” And despite the private lake and secluded location, Hall says it’s still very much friendly and inviting. “It’s super welcoming and warm,” she says. “It’s very tight knit. Even though it’s a smaller pocket and secluded, it’s not exclusive. There’s a vibrant energy, and it’s fun.” For a placid oasis away from busy city life, choose Lake Burien.

Cedarhurst is just a few miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. "The neighborhood is nice, but virtually on top of SeaTac," says Jim Pullin, managing broker at Skyline Properties. This small community is in the northeast part of the suburban city of Burien. It's about a 9-mile trip north, straight to Downtown Seattle. "Parts of the neighborhood have very nice views of the Sound to the west," Pullin says. Burien draws people in part for its proximity perks. "People live here for affordability and the commute," Pullin says. State Route 509 passes through Cedarhurst, and bus stops are found along First Avenue, which runs on the neighborhood's west side. Those seeking a new vehicle are in luck, as the area has a lot of car dealerships and automotive businesses. It's a few miles' drive to reach Tukwila Park & Ride, located on Interurban Avenue, right by the area where state Route 599 and Interstate 5 overlap. Close to home, there are some businesses, including Burien Bark for landscaping, Tsehay Beauty Supply and Salon and St. Vincent de Paul Society thrift store. Eateries along First Avenue include Wah Kue Cafe for chop suey and Cantonese dishes and long-standing Smokey's Char-Broiled for burgers, shakes and more. Casa Italiana Italian Cultural Center hosts language classes and events, and its Casa Caffé is open mornings and afternoons on Wednesday through Saturday, with pastries, beer and wine and import items for sale. The walkable blocks of Olde Burien are a couple of miles away. Visitors enjoy their pick of locally owned boutiques and restaurants. For everyday grocery shopping, there are stores less than a half-mile from most Cedarhurst homes. Fred Meyer is located just south of the neighborhood, and Safeway is to the north. Housing types in Cedarhurst include bungalows, cottages and Cape Cods from the 1940s-1970s, ranging from $377,000 to $690,000. New construction includes condos and houses with modern, sleek profiles or contemporary designs, sized from 800 to 3,000 square feet and selling for $500,000 to $925,000. Kids may attend public schools like Cedarhurst Elementary, which has a C-minus grade from Niche. Students can enroll in a Vietnamese dual language program at partner school White Center Heights Elementary, with transportation provided. Cedarhurst students can join the B.E.A.R. Club, the city of Burien's education, arts and recreation after-school program, consisting of various creative, physical and team-building activities. After Cedarhurst, many students go to Glacier Middle, which opened in 2019 with a capacity for 950 students and has the option of dual language instruction in Spanish. Highline High School has a C-plus rating and offers a Spanish dual language program. There are nearly 20 clubs, including ones focusing on marine biology, gardening and the environment. East of Cedarhurst, North SeaTac Park is a roomy outdoor space with various trails, a playground and athletic facilities like a 27-hole disc golf course. There's also the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, a Japanese-themed landscape garden. For indoor activities, the Sea-Tac Community Center serves as a gathering place for recreation, socializing and sporting events. Just to the west, set beside Puget Sound, there's Seahurst Park, with stretches of sandy shores and nature trails.

Located just north of downtown Burien, the community of Linde Hill Park is named after its 1940s land developer, O.R. Linde. A quiet neighborhood to the east of Seahurst Park, this purely residential area features cozy homes nestled among mature trees and hedges. Housing in Linde Hill Park consists primarily of single-family homes in a wide range of sizes and price ranges. Here you’ll find minimalist designs like cottages, ramblers and bungalows, as well as the more expansive new construction builds. The average sales price here is $700,000, but price points vary from the low $500,000s to over $1.5 million depending on the age, size and condition of the property. For a cottage style home featuring three bedrooms, one bath, and 2300 square feet of space, expect to pay in the high $600,000s; while a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with 4000 square feet, a three-car garage and luxury amenities will run you upwards of $1.5 million. Students here attend public schools within the Highline School District, like Seahurst Elementary, Cascade Middle and Highline High School, all of which received a ranking of ‘C’ from Niche.com. Serving over 18,000 students from prekindergarten through twelfth grades, the Highline School District includes 41 distinct locations, boasts a student-teacher ratio of 21-to-1 and was ranked the twelfth most diverse district in the state. For all your everyday amenities head towards downtown Burien via Route 509. Offering plenty of casual eateries, grocery stores and retail options, you’ll find everything you need and more in Burien. Pick up some fresh produce at the year-round farmers market, grab a coffee from Burien Press to fuel your day, then stop by the Burien Library to pick up the latest good read. For an afternoon treat, plan to grab brunch at one of the area's many bakeries, cafes or restaurants, like “Classic Eats” which offers mimosas and comfort food entrees like French toast; country fried steak and shrimp and grits. A stroll around the Burien Town Square and Park offers open green spaces perfect for gathering, and a lovely fountain for a relaxing ambiance. Or for those who want a little more action in their day, check out the local Burien Skatepark to practice your moves. For some time outdoors, local Linde Hill Park, may be small but it provides quaint walking paths, a small bridge and plenty of green trees. For a more expansive outing in nature, residents love visiting popular Seahurst Park. Only three miles from the Linde Hill Park neighborhood, Seahurst Park is considered one of the area’s finest recreational destinations. Offering visitors more than 178 acres of shoreline, dense forests and plenty of wildlife, you can take in views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, or simply explore the area by hiking around the wetlands For a unique afternoon visit Seahurst’s Environmental Science Center to learn more about the land’s history and continued conservation. And when you need a change of pace, remember you’re just minutes from Route 509 and public transit options like the Sounder Train, to get you where you need to be, fast. Whether you opt to head into downtown Seattle or stay the course in Linde Hill Park, this conveniently located suburb offers residents the best of both worlds.

Imagine dense forests of western red cedars and douglas firs, scenic views of the Puget Sound and the white tops of the Olympic Mountain range winking at you in the distance. No, this isn’t a dream. Just Salmon Creek—a residential neighborhood within Burien, Washington. Centered around the expansive 88-acre Salmon Creek Park, homes here surround the forest perimeter and are designed to integrate the natural with the structural. Housing in Salmon Creek includes single-family homes in a variety of styles. Prospective buyers can choose from mid-century designs like single-story bungalows, ramblers and cottages, as well as two-storied contemporary builds and expansive waterfront estates. Popular architectural choices include low-pitched hipped roofs adorned with earthtone-colored shingles which blend seamlessly into the surroundings. The community’s layout follows the contours of the land and homes are staggered at even intervals along steep hills. Yards are well-manicured and framed by a mix of mature trees and hedges. The average sales price in Salmon Creek is $1.3 million dollars, with price points ranging from $550,000 to upwards of $3.5 million depending on the age, size and condition of the property. As is expected, shoreline properties offering pristine views of the Puget Sound will have the highest price tags. Students here attend public schools within the Highline School District, like Shorewood Elementary, Cascade Middle and Highline High School, all of which received a ranking of ‘C’ or higher from Niche.com. Serving over 18,000 students from prekindergarten through twelfth grades, the Highline School District includes 41 distinct locations, boasts a student teacher ratio of 21-to-1, and was ranked the twelfth most diverse district in the state. Embracing diversity, schools like Highline High School boast dual language Spanish/English programs in addition to their standard curriculum. For all your everyday essentials, residents can head down Ambaum Boulevard Southwest for a wide array of casual eateries, gas stations and convenience stores. For groceries, head inland where you’ll find a Safeway supermarket sandwiched between Hazel Valley Park and Puget Sound Park. Or for an even larger selection of retailers, head south towards downtown Burien. Known for its growing foodie scene, you can plan to pick up some fresh produce from the farmer’s market, or dine out on anything and everything from Mexican to Ethiopian cuisines. For some time outdoors, there’s no shortage of options here. Local Salmon Creek Park features a lush riverbank ravine for exploring; while neighboring Seahurst Ed Munro Park—located just three miles south—offers visitors 178 acres of shoreline, dense forests and plenty of wildlife. Take in views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, or simply explore the local wetlands while on a hike. For a unique afternoon visit Seahurst’s Environmental Science Center to learn more about the land’s history and continued conservation. When you’re in need of a change of pace, or simply for weekly commutes, plan to head into Downtown Seattle via Route 509, or catch one of the Sounder Trains for an easy ride. This is Salmon Creek, a beautiful suburb along the Puget Sound.

On the scenic coast of the Puget Sound lies the suburban residential neighborhood of Seahurst. Offering a mix of residential seclusion and a diverse, vibrant community, Seahurst is great for homebuyers seeking either. This quiet neighborhood has winding roads and hilly ridges with views of the water and the Olympic Mountains. In this highly sought-after home market, prices are higher than in nearby neighborhoods, with houses going for as much as $1.2 Million. Most homes in the area draw from the northwest contemporary style, with geometric angles and expansive windows to let in light during Washington's rainy season. Homes near Puget Sound offer expansive views of the Puget Sound, America’s second largest estuary. Mature conifers and west coast oak trees line the streets of Seahurst. Unimpeded views of the Puget sound increase the value of properties here. Most homes are built in the Craftsman or Midcentury Modern Style, typical of the greater Seattle market. Housing supply is currently limited, with only three properties listed as of February 2024. Most homes are sold in a price range from $400,000 to over $1 million, with a median price of $800,000. A recently sold single-story, three-bedroom Modern Craftsman house closed for $575,000, and represents a more affordable option in the area. Public schools in the area include Seahurst Elementary School, which has an active PTA offering community events like family movie nights. The school scores a C-minus on Niche and partners with nearby Hazel View Elementary School to send interested students to Hazel View's dual language Spanish immersion program. There are also application-based options for early schooling, like Three Tree Montessori School, which offers Pre-K, Primary and Elementary programs. Cascade Middle School is less than 4 miles from Seahurst and also earns a C-minus on Niche. For upper school, Highline High School teaches over 1,100 students and earns a C-plus rating from Niche. A hidden gem of the local area, Seahurst Park encompasses over 200 acres of forested trails, driftwood-pebble beaches and a large playground. Spend a morning hiking through the park paths or take an evening stroll on the beach, watching the sun dip behind the mountains. Nearby, Eagle Landing Park offers a secluded, tree-shaded trail with a lookout offering views of the water. It's perfect for a quick jog or dog walking. One of the neighborhood's perks is its proximity to downtown Burien. On and around Southwest 152nd Street is a diverse, lively community with an international food scene. Try a French pastry or baguette sandwich at Bakery Nouveau's pastry counter or a cheesy pupusa at colorful Berta's Salvadoran Kitchen. Royal Everest is a local go-to spot for Indian curries and Nepalese dumplings, while nearby Dukem Ethiopian Market offers traditional stews in its casual, counter-serve cafe. Pacific Northwest specialties are available at Huckleberry Square; a family-owned diner renowned for its huckleberry pie. Southwest 152nd Street also offers various clothing stores and hobby shops. Page 2 Books is an independently owned and operated bookstore that partners with and supports the Seahurst Elementary PTA. Electric Train Shop is a store specializing in all the necessities for model train enthusiasts. Citlali Creative is a vibrant, women-owned stationery store offering supplies and hand-made invitations for events like weddings and quinceaneras.

In Downtown Burien, it’s all about diversity, destination and down-home charm. Just minutes from the Puget Sound shoreline with a bustling shopping district and a lively community within walking distance, this neighborhood blends convenience, captivating views and character. “We’re a small community 10 minutes from Seattle, but a hidden jewel in the region,” says Debra George, Executive Director of Discover Burien and longtime resident. “We have that small-town neighborhood flair, and most people know everyone.” The alluring, dynamic neighborhood is filled with single-family, Mid-Century rambler-style houses, newly built townhomes, Cape Cods and bungalows. “We border the water, so a lot of them have beautiful views,” George says. “Many of the people have grown up there and raised their kids and passed on their house to their kids. It's cool to see the multi-generations coming up.” Most homes were built in the 1970s and range from $350,000 to $650,000, but there are a few homes that go for $1 million sprinkled in. Most homes have multi-car garages or detached spaces for workshops, expansive decks for entertaining and large windows letting in natural light. Some even have built-in outdoor stone fireplaces, BBQs and landscaped patios, perfect for hosting a neighborhood get-together. Adding to its storybook-like setting, yards are filled with raised garden beds brimming with plants and flowers and fig and cherry trees towering above. While it’s a quiet and calm neighborhood, residents are only a short walk from shopping, restaurants, a transit center and just five minutes from the Sea-Tac Airport. “We’re so close to Seattle, but we have kept more of a quaint downtown feel,” says George. Local students attend Seahurst Elementary, Sylvester Middle and Highline High School. Seahurst offers after-school art and soccer classes, hosts an annual Oktoberfest 5k run and partners with Page 2 Books to raise funds for the school. Niche ranked Highline with a B- for college prep and sports. The diverse high school has baseball and football titles and offers clubs for drama, digital media and an Asian Student Union. Inside Downtown Burien, enjoy the four-acre Dottie Harper Park. A canopy of Red Cedars, native Hardwood, firs and hemlocks shades this wooded space. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, hike the trails or let the kids play. At Lakeview Park, you can shoot hoops or bring your furry friend to play in the dog park. And Annex Park is a favorite for locals who can shred payment with its 7,400 square-foot skate park inside. Within walking distance is Olde Burien, a charming historic shopping center uniquely defined by its whimsical metal crooked clock keeping the movers and shakers on time. Buzzing with entrepreneurs, kids playing, cyclists and creatives, this mom-and-pop district exudes main-street charm. In just four blocks, you can taste flavors from around the world, including Italian fare at Angelo’s of Burien, French pastries and baguettes from Bakery Noveau and late-night tacos at El Antojo. “Our downtown core offers over 36 restaurants, all independently owned,” George says. “Our city advertises it as a foodie paradise.” There are also several specialty food markets selling Micronesian and Ethiopian cuisine, along with two chocolatiers. This quaint historic district caters to your shopping needs with a convenience store, clothing and home goods boutiques, bookstore and pet groomer. For cultural attractions, head to the Highline Heritage Museum, Moshier Art Center or Burien Actor’s Theatre. Small-town community initiatives are big here. With Burien Art Walk First Fridays, block parties, festivals and a year-round weekend farmer’s market in the Town Square, this is a community that's welcoming and united. George says she felt that as soon as she moved here 22 years ago, and even more so, once she joined Discover Burien and met the 21-person board. "I found my family and sense of place, and that's the feeling you get when you’re here," she says. "You’re part of a family.” A vibrant community, thriving business district and flourishing food and culture scene await in Downtown Burien.