Three Tree Point

A beach oasis awaits at the secluded Three Tree Point, a Burien neighborhood along the Puget Sound with views of the soaring Olympic Mountains. “It’s some of the best views you will find in the area,” says Angie Hall, Realtor at Windermere Real Estate and Belle Residence team member. “I’ve even seen whales at different properties we’ve shown, along with eagles and other wildlife. It’s breathtaking.”

Originally, the triangle-shaped spit was a vacation spot from 1890 to the early 1920s. Three Tree Point has since become a thriving, close community where residents live, work and play. “Right when you come in, you get a feel of community,” Hall says. “What’s funny is many people don’t know it’s there, but once you’re in there, you're in. People aren’t leaving.” Filled with single-family, modern Mid-Century ramblers, high-end cottages and waterfront homes, Three Tree Point houses range from $750,000 to $945,000, but properties on the water go for up to $4 million. “That’s what's nice, there’s a range of home styles,” Hall says. “We just sold a 1920s cabin, one of the originals still here. There are other modern cabins and Mid-Century homes, and then you have the high-end luxury ones if you want a cottage or second home getaway.” These homes are just steps from Three Tree Point Beach, offer up to two acres, boast large decks and fire pits for entertaining, and several even have boat launches and boat decks. An enclave of Douglas firs blankets houses, giving residents the feel of a private beach town with the luxury of a resort.

Students attend Gregory Heights Elementary, Sylvester Middle and Highline High School. Niche ranked Highline with an A for diversity and a B- for sports. Highline has championships in baseball and football and offers a marine biology club, Pacific Islanders Club and Skills USA, a program for students preparing for trade or technical occupations.

The neighborhood is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Besides beachcombing and boating, the miles of shoreline are a popular spot for fishers and scuba drivers, and there’s an easily accessible dive site on the beach. The 1.5-mile Three Tree Point Indian Trail weaves between residents’ backyards and offers excellent views of the Puget Sound, where you can spot orcas and seals. Just two miles away sits Lake Burien School Park, offering four acres of open green space, trails, a playground and a place to catch summertime concerts.

Pick up a hot sandwich at the local Pigfish Café, or dine at Marlaina’s Mediterranean Kitchen for kebabs, gyros and Mesopotamian stews. For cocktails, head to 913 Spirits, the bar side of 909 Coffee & Wine. Five Corners Shopping Center, which is anchored by Trader Joe’s, is the go-to for regular shopping, along with food cooperative PCC Community Markets. Local favorite Three Tree Point Store has been a historic staple since 1903. The store operated as a variety of businesses but is now a market offering specialty food, craft beers and wine. Or head to Burien Town Square, part of a historic shopping area that boasts quaint boutiques, a movie theater and weekly farmers markets. “We all love this little stretch called Olde Burien,” Hall says. “The majority of the businesses are owned by people that live in the neighborhood. We support each other, and it's amazing.”

A tight-knit community, Three Tree Point hosts a variety of events, including fishing tournaments, a summer art market and elaborate Fourth of July celebrations. “Fourth of July is the biggest event, but during Halloween along the waterfront, there’s a little trunk or treat. Adults and kids dress up, and people are passing out candy. Each holiday has something happening.”

With Three Tree Point’s panoramic views of the water, small beach town vibe and close community, you can live in a little slice of paradise.

Written By

Amy David

Photography Contributed By

Perry Cucinotta

Video By

Anne Sheridan