Ballard
Neighborhood in Seattle, Washington
King County 98107
Living and parking in Ballard
The heart of Ballard is positioned around shopping and nightlife, with townhomes and condominiums that are newly built and tightly packed. Depending on size, condos cost around $500,000, and townhome units can range from $600,000 to over $1 million. "The new buildings are no longer required to have on-site parking," Kaiser explains. "So there are lots of people who forgo cars and instead walk or take public transportation — which gets into downtown pretty quickly." In the more residential side of the neighborhood, there are single-family homes, mainly Craftsman styles from the early 1900s. These are harder to snag as they fly off the market, and prices usually range from $1 million to $1.5 million, though some smaller cottages with around 1,000 sq. ft. can be more like $700,000. Life in this half is quieter, with trees and sidewalks lining the streets and ample parking spaces.Trails leading to Golden Gardens
The Burke-Gilman trail runs along the waterfront edge of Ballard, allowing bikers to navigate around the neighborhood safely. The trail runs up to Golden Gardens Park just northwest of Ballard. With a vast stretch of sandy shoreline and sweeping mountain views, being able to walk, bike or bus easily to Golden Gardens is a big draw. A bit closer to home, the Ballard Locks are a unique attraction where visitors can watch the salmon run or visit the botanical gardens.Career readiness at Ballard High
Ballard is part of the Seattle Public School District. Elementary school zoning varies depending on location, but many students attend Adams Elementary. All kids are zoned for Whitman Middle School, but there are also a few nearby K-8 schooling options for kids looking for an alternative education. Neighborhood kids are also zoned for Ballard High School. All three public schools are given an A-minus rating by Niche, and Ballard High is known for its Academy of Finance and Biotech Pathway program. Kids also enjoy resources at the local library and youth sports at several local community centers.Seafood festivals and farmers markets
With its strong Scandinavian roots, one of the Ballard's most popular events is the 17th of May celebration in honor of Norway's Constitution Day. Thousands gather annually at this festival and community parade to enjoy Scandinavian treats, marching bands, dancing, classic cars and more. Another local favorite is the annual Ballard SeafoodFest, which features live music, restaurant vendors, eating contests and a vast craft beer showcase. The monthly Ballard ArtWalk pays tribute to local artists via a walking tour of art on display at local businesses. And every week, the southwestern portion of Ballard comes to life with the Ballard Farmers Market on Sundays, rain or shine, all year round. It was rated the 8th best farmers market in the country by USA Today, but its popularity means big crowds.Getting into downtown Seattle
Ballard is slightly inconvenient for getting into the heart of Seattle, as it sits across the water, about 6 miles north. The 15-minute drive can double in time during rush-hour traffic, too. But many don't mind the commute, and a D Line rapid ride bus conveniently heads right into downtown. For those headed to the University of Washington, there's also a direct bus line, usually a 25-minute ride. Getting to the SeaTac International Airport can be even more inconvenient, as it is about 20 miles away, through the city.Breweries, bars and bagels, oh my!
Ballard is teeming with unique stores, coffee shops, bars and restaurants, many of which line Ballard Avenue. Among the eateries, locals love Hattie's Hat for everything from brunch to a late-night out, and Rachel's Bagels is a taste of New York along the West Coast. Restaurants have wood-frame patios that spill out on the cobblestone streets, and string lights add a romantic ambiance to the brownstone buildings. And for beer lovers, there's a whole district filled with brewery options. The bars along Ballard Avenue bring trivia, karaoke nights, pinball machines and pool tables. Ballard Locals can shop at a nearby Trader Joe's and Safeway, and there are several artisan boutiques and big chain stores to choose from as well.

Agents Specializing in this Area
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James Shute
COMPASS
(206) 889-6572
59 Total Sales
1 in Ballard
$399,000 Price
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Eryn Joslyn
COMPASS
(206) 207-8727
67 Total Sales
1 in Ballard
$557,000 Price
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Marcel Kluetz
COMPASS
(206) 210-3012
52 Total Sales
2 in Ballard
$475K - $631K Price Range
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Hao Sun
John L. Scott, Inc.
(425) 428-6837
166 Total Sales
1 in Ballard
$710,000 Price
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Rigo Marroquin
Best Choice Realty LLC
(425) 382-7716
33 Total Sales
1 in Ballard
$308,000 Price
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Kevin Zelko
Lake & Company
(206) 496-0895
61 Total Sales
1 in Ballard
$600,000 Price
Schools
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Ballard | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 4 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
Robbery | 5 | 4 |
Burglary | 6 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 4 |
Larceny | 6 | 4 |
Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Ballard Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Ballard, Seattle sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ballard, Seattle over the last 12 months is $769,500, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
Good Transit
Transit Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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