Resting on the Puget Sound in Des Moines, Zenith features natural beauty and urban amenities. The community offers sweeping views of Redondo Beach to the south and to the east, Maury Island and the Olympic Mountains. “The views, the waterfront homes and affordability, as opposed to Seattle, are what bring people here,” says Sally Law, Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway Northwest.
The neighborhood is filled with mostly single-family, ranch-style homes built in the 1980s, ranging from $370,000 to $750,000. The median price for a single-family house is $550,500; however, newly built waterfront properties are pricier. “Homes cost in the millions on the waterside. People want the views of the water and mountains. It’s a pretty view.” There is also specialized housing for 55 and older residents within the Huntington Park community. Built in the 1970s, these homes cost around $600,000 and come with a clubhouse, sports courts and nearby walking trails.
Zenith features an array of scenic parks, with Saltwater State Park standing out as the largest and most captivating. Situated on the shores of Puget Sound, this expansive 137-acre forested area offers a plethora of activities, including scuba diving around its submerged artificial reef, whale watching and fishing. Camping, hiking and swimming are also permitted on the park’s grounds.
For those seeking more recreational options, Des Moines Field House and Park provides an outdoor venue for sports. Dating back to the 1930s, the field house was constructed as part of a Depression-era recovery program and still stands today as a testament to history. The park features tennis courts, a skate park and a barbecue picnic shelter. This preserved log cabin is a cherished historic landmark, retaining its architectural integrity over the years.
A leisurely drive north along Marine View Drive leads to the pet-friendly Des Moines Beach. The beach offers opportunities for relaxation along the shoreline, as well as activities such as exercising, witnessing sunsets and observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Students attend Des Moines Elementary School, Pacific Middle School and Mount Rainier High School. Both Des Moines Elementary and Pacific Middle earn a Niche score of C-plus. Mount Rainier has an overall B rating on Niche and is ranked No. 11 by the site as a stand-out high school in Washington. Named for the stratovolcano, you can glimpse the mountain from the school on a bright day. Mount Rainier is also an IB World School, which offers International Baccalaureate courses for its students. The school takes pride in its athletic achievements, including championships in swimming, baseball, drill team and wrestling. For post-secondary education, students can attend Highline College. Established in 1961, this public institution offers over 100 degree and certificate programs, along with seven applied bachelor’s degrees.
The neighborhood is close to abundant amenities with Central Des Moines just 1 mile away, and easy commuting to Seattle or Tacoma via Washington State Routes 509 or 99. However, shopping and entertainment are close by. “Zenith is dog friendly and lots of people walk to restaurants and mom-and-pop shops,” says Law. Dick’s Drive-In is just a few miles away. Dick’s is a ‘50s-style diner with throwback meals and nostalgic decor. Des Moines Marina Pier is the weekend spot for shopping at the farmer’s market or dining on the water, a favored activity for locals according to Law. “By the water, there’s Wally’s Chowder House, which is very popular. Down farther you can walk to Anthony’s HomePort, a locally owned seafood joint overlooking the water, where you can see the sailboats moored on the water,” says Law. Locals also enjoy sipping their morning coffee at Quarterdeck as they overlook the scenic water.
For those seeking picturesque views from their backyard and abundant outdoor activities, Zenith is worth considering planting roots.
Kimberly Harman
Windermere RE North, Inc.
(425) 491-1603
62 Total Sales
1 in Zenith
$630,000 Price
Tanya Franzen-Garrett
Marketplace Sotheby's Intl Rty
(206) 590-3134
106 Total Sales
1 in Zenith
$765,000 Price
Kent Beahler
HomeSmart Real Estate Assoc
(253) 683-7822
58 Total Sales
1 in Zenith
$389,000 Price
Rodolfo Hernandez McIntyre
Keller Williams Realty PS
(206) 350-6081
111 Total Sales
1 in Zenith
$450,000 Price
Jason Ferrando
Windermere Real Estate/East
(360) 572-6929
55 Total Sales
1 in Zenith
$390,000 Price
Lori Norton
eXp Realty
(206) 483-2234
70 Total Sales
3 in Zenith
$325K - $490K Price Range
On average, homes in Zenith, Des Moines sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Zenith, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $564,950, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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New Opportunity! Discover 3,300 SF of stylish mid-century modern living in the heart of Des Moines. Savor sunsets & Sound views from the expansive deck. The sleek, updated kitchen shines with shaker cabinets, new cooktop, and designer finishes. Warm wood flooring flows throughout, tying each space together on the main level. Downstairs, the remodeled daylight basement offers a full bath, family
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Puget Sound coastal oasis w/unobstructed, panoramic views of Sound, Olympics & breathtaking sunsets. Perched on a flat, private, high bluff lot w/150’ of shoreline, shared beach access w/bulkhead. Arbors & gardens welcome you into this stunning 2-story estate w/walls of windows showcasing sweeping views. Chef’s kitchen w/oversized granite island, custom cabinets & professional appls. Main floor
Jan Selvar Windermere Real Estate Co.
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Welcome to Whispering Brook. This cozy 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers 466 sq ft of comfortable living in a peaceful, well-kept community. Inside, you'll find an open layout with a bright living area, a practical kitchen, and a comfortable bedroom with ample closet space. The bathroom features a clean, functional design with everything you need. The layout makes smart use of space and offers a
Eduardo Vargas John L. Scott, Inc.
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Hilly suburb neighborhood close to downtown Kent
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