Linwood Heights

Linwood Heights is a small neighborhood with a big draw. As its name suggests, many of the homes in this quiet residential area of about 500 homes have views of Seattle’s Lake Washington. And if your home doesn’t have a direct view, you will certainly see the water on your daily driving or biking routine. Linwood Heights is in the town of Kenmore, Washington and sits one mile north of Log Boom Park, which is a natural gateway to the lake. As Dennis Sanders, long-time Realtor with Williams Real Estate Brokers explains, “People who live here are buying proximity. Proximity to Lake Washington, to Seattle, to Lake Forest, to Ballard and of course, proximity to all the natural assets of Puget Sound.” You’ll find quiet residential streets and homes built between 1970 and 1990. Split-level homes, ranch-style homes and raised ranch-style homes are common here as are occasional cottages that have been added onto over the years. Buyers will have to be patient to find more recently built contemporary homes, some with views of the water. They don’t come on the market often. The only downsides of living in Linwood Heights, according to realtor Sanders, are lakefront traffic and, sometimes, new neighbors. “It can be difficult when new neighbors buy an older home in the area, then bump it out and enlarge it, unintentionally blocking your view. It happens, but that’s the risk you take with waterfront suburban living.”

You will see a few total renovations but no truly new construction, as all available land has been developed in Linwood Heights. Streets are lined with tall evergreen trees which provides a sense of privacy, but you won’t find sidewalks here. Streets are two-way, but somewhat narrow, making the most of water-view real estate. You can find homes with views of Lake Washington, on private cul-de-sacs, for about $1,3,000,000. Well-updated mid-century modern homes on a secluded street can be found for around $1,400,000. Contemporary homes on half an acre have recently sold for about $1,100,000.

Northshore School District is the #6 best school district out of 15 in the Seattle area. Highly-rated Lockwood Elementary offers pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and has an A-rating from Niche. Kenmore Middle teaches sixth through ninth grade and also has an A-grade from Niche. The Inglemoor High School Vikings is notable for high proficiency scores in math and reading, (89% and 67% respectively), as well as for having an average graduation rate of 97%. Niche gives it an A-rating as well.

Linwood Park is a small but popular pocket park with picnic tables, a playground and green space for chasing the kids or your K9 companion. Log Boom Park faces 22-mile-long Lake Washington. Bikers, beachgoers, kayakers, paddleboarders and sunbathers all enjoy the park, as do hikers, fishers and nature photographers. Inglewood Golf Club has a long history of championship golf. Its waterfront views make it a destination course for serious golfers. When the weather won’t cooperate with your outdoor plans, it’s worth the 5-mile drive to Uplift Climbing. Take a beginner's class, work on your advanced skills or even join a Yoga For Climbing class.

Bothwell Way NE, also known as Highway 522, is the main U-shaped artery that links Linwood Heights to the east and west sides of Lake Washington, and to dining, and shopping options. Interstate 5 takes you to all points north into Canada and south to Portland. When you just want to pick up something fast that’s good, stop by Acapulco Fresh Mexican Grill, on Bothwell Way. Pagliacci Pizza offers gourmet thin pizzas that locals rave about. Uplake Grocery and Deli has more than most convenience stores and popular deli sandwiches. Fred Myer grocery store is just over a mile from Linwood Heights, but worth the drive for its reliability and long-standing reputation in the community.

Realtor Sanders concludes with another powerful asset of Linwood Heights. "Besides being just a 15-minute drive to Seattle, and having the advantages of waterfront living, the other good thing about homes in Linwood Heights is that their resale value is very strong. People who buy here know that whatever they put into their home, they will get back and more."

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Howard Snyder

Video By

Luke Mancari