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Downtown Seattle

Downtown Seattle

$1,134,351 Average Value
$986 Average Price per Sq Ft
38 Homes For Sale

Dense, walkable Downtown Seattle is in the thick of things

Downtown Seattle offers a dense, urban setting with a mix of office and condo buildings, waterfront attractions, shopping and restaurants and bars. It’s highly walkable and very transit-friendly, with buses and light-rail access. To the south is Pioneer Square, a historic district with brick buildings, cobblestone streets and pocket parks. To the north, Denny Triangle has a mix of high-rise residential and is home to offices including the Spheres, part of Amazon’s campus. Belltown, a trendy, artsy neighborhood that’s the most densely populated in the city, is also adjacent to downtown.

The Irish Heritage Club of Seattle hosts the Laying of the Green Stripe in Downtown Seattle.
The Irish Heritage Club of Seattle hosts the Laying of the Green Stripe in Downtown Seattle.
Pier 62 is a community space where people gather to enjoy the weekend.
Pier 62 is a community space where people gather to enjoy the weekend.
Downtown condos close to Puget Sound's Elliott Bay.
Downtown condos close to Puget Sound's Elliott Bay.
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Choose between condo types if you want to buy a place downtown

Renters are far more common downtown than owner occupants. “If you live downtown, you live in a condo, we don't have any single-family and we don't have any townhouses,” says Sarah Rudinoff, a broker at Windermere Real Estate. The median sales price is about $1 million. There are one-bedroom condos under 1,000 square feet starting in the high $400,000s; others are over $1 million. Condos 2,000 square feet and up are often over $2 million dollars; penthouses and luxury condos with over 4,000 square feet can be in the $5 million to $8 million range.

High-rise condos in Downtown Seattle can be seen from the Seattle Ferry Terminal.
High-rise condos in Downtown Seattle can be seen from the Seattle Ferry Terminal.
Mixed-use buildings on 1st Avenue have condos and storefronts.
Mixed-use buildings on 1st Avenue have condos and storefronts.
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Style and age, midrise or high-rise, possible amenities and HOA fees

Pricing is often connected to a building’s age, design and amenities. There are midrises and high-rises, vintage and new options. Amenities include private balconies, rooftop decks, clubhouses, fitness centers and pools. Elevators are standard. Homeowners association monthly fees vary: $200 to $400 is an average cost, though luxury buildings may charge more.

Car-free living may be easier and cheaper than having to park

You don’t have to have a car here, as so much close by. If you opt to drive, keep in mind that deeded parking spaces are rare downtown. Many rely on parking facilities like garages, which usually cost $100 to $400 a month. Some will include electric vehicle charging stations. Hourly rates may be $6 to $20.
Downtown Seattle offers multiple transportation options for easy access:

  • Buses: King County Metro and Sound Transit routes
  • Light rail: Sound Transit Link from Westlake Station and University Street Station
  • Ferries & water taxis: Connect to Bainbridge, Bremerton and Vashon Island
  • King Street Station: less than 2 miles away, with Amtrak, Sounder commuter trains and First Hill Streetcars.

Buses are among the transit offerings at Westlake Center.
Buses are among the transit offerings at Westlake Center.
Downtown Seattle features a remodeled ferry terminal, with amazing views of Puget Sound.
Downtown Seattle features a remodeled ferry terminal, with amazing views of Puget Sound.
A transit stop on 4th Avenue serves daily riders in Downtown Seattle's core.
A transit stop on 4th Avenue serves daily riders in Downtown Seattle's core.
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Shops and food at Pike Place Market, the piers and Westlake Center

The area is rich in attractions, including the iconic Pike Place Market, founded in 1907 and one of the oldest operating farmers markets in the country. The market has over 200 businesses, including full-time vendor stalls, shops and restaurants, farm stands and artisan day stalls. At the waterfront, you’ll find the Seattle Great Wheel Ferris wheel, the Seattle Aquarium and restaurants like Elliott's Oyster House on Pier 56 and Ivar's on Pier 54.

Downtown’s commercial sector is still recovering after the pandemic. “Some restaurants survived, and life is definitely coming back to downtown, you can feel it when you are down there. The city has really tried to bring in more grocery stores and things to make downtown a little more friendly,” Rudinoff says. She mentions PCC Community Markets, a locally based grocery co-op, has reopened. The small-format store, PCC Corner Market, is open on weekdays. Small specialty markets and an H Mart are other options for groceries. Westlake Center, a multistory mall, has shops, a food court and the Seattle Center Monorail station.

Ivar's seafood restaurant is a well-known downtown fixture.
Ivar's seafood restaurant is a well-known downtown fixture.
The iconic Pike Place Market has outdoor seating.
The iconic Pike Place Market has outdoor seating.
Downtown Seattle features an impressive waterfront area, with retail and dining options aplenty.
Downtown Seattle features an impressive waterfront area, with retail and dining options aplenty.
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You’ll be spending more time outside, at the improved waterfront

Recent downtown improvements include extensive waterfront redevelopment and park upgrades. “The waterfront is a big part of downtown coming back. It does feel like life is happening down there,” Rudinoff says.

  • The 20-acre Waterfront Park had its grand opening in September 2025.
  • Pier 58 added 50,000 square feet, including a sea-life-themed playground.
  • Pedestrians, cyclists and ferry-bound vehicles have more space with the road near Colman Dock widened to nine lanes.
  • The Overlook Wall now connects Pike Place Market to the waterfront without requiring a street crossing.
  • The Elliott Bay Connections pedestrian/bike greenway trail will form a continuous path along the waterfront.
Portions of the greenway trail are open; the northern extension is expected to be complete in 2026. “How wonderful to be able to live down there and walk to places like the Seattle Art Museum. If you go down to the north tip of the waterfront, there are beaches and an incredible sculpture park and a new cruise terminal,” Rudinoff says.

Waterfront Park hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Waterfront Park hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy the scenery at Olympic Sculpture Park.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy the scenery at Olympic Sculpture Park.
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Music venues, historic theatres and a huge pride parade

Among the events held downtown is the annual Seattle Pride Parade, the largest parade in the state, and drawing as many as 300,000 people. But there’s no need to wait for a special occasion for entertainment downtown. “We have a lot of great music venues,” Rudinoff says, mentioning Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley and The Triple Door. There are two historical theaters: the Paramount Theatre features musicals, plays and concerts, and the Moore Theatre hosts national performers, including comedians and dance troupes.

Noise and traffic are downsides, some good news is a drop in crime

While nightlife brings energy to downtown, related noise can be an annoyance at times. Inconvenience and noise from traffic and construction are other issues. Though safety is a concern, violent crime has dropped significantly, according to the Downtown Seattle Association.

Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Howard Snyder
Photography Contributed By
Howard Snyder
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

23 min drive

Subway

Westlake

Subway

University Street

Subway

Pioneer Square

Subway

Westlake Center

Subway

University St Sta Acrd & Tunnel Sta.-Bay A

Subway

Westlake Sta Acrd & Tunnel Station-Bay A

Bus

Virginia St & 4th Ave

Bus

6th Ave & Union St

Bus

James St & 5th Ave

Bus

Pike St & 6th Ave

Bus

3rd Ave & Virginia St

Bus

3rd Ave & Pike St

Bus

Stewart St & 3rd Ave

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Downtown Seattle neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Seattle US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 10 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 10 4
Larceny 8 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown Seattle Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,080,000
Median Sale Price
$1,061,371
Median Single Family Sale Price
$3,504,944
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$4,225,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,699,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
38
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
35%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$986

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
763
Number of Homes for Sale
38
Median Year Built
2007
Months of Supply
12.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,391
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,116
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,654
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
957
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 7
    11am - 1pm

    300 Virginia St Unit 1501, Seattle, WA 98101

    $749,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 548 Sq Ft
    • 300 Virginia St
    • Unit 1501

    WHY RENT when you could OWN THIS LUXURY END unit for only $2800/ month? AMAZING VIEWS from a never lived in BRAND NEW 1 bedroom end unit. LOW interest rate to cashflow for investors. This refined residence offers water views from all angles. This residence unmatched proximity to the Pike Place, the new Seattle waterfront pier and one of the building’s most versatile layouts with the option to

    Amy Thompson Realogics Sotheby's Int'l Rlty

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  • Friday, Mar 6
    4 - 6pm

    909 5th Ave Unit PH3, Seattle, WA 98164

    $1,798,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,043 Sq Ft
    • 909 5th Ave
    • Unit PH3
    • New 7 days ago

    PENTHOUSE PERFECTION Rare 3Bedroom, 2.5Bath Corner Residence. A stunning jewel box in the sky, this oversized corner penthouse showcases soaring 12foot walls of glass & panoramic views of Seattle's iconic skyline. Designed for exceptional entertaining, the grand open floor plan blends spaciousness with refined elegance, offering breathtaking views from every angle. Arrive home in style, luxurious

    Olga Dyckman Windermere Real Estate Midtown

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  • Saturday, Mar 7
    10:30am - 12:30pm

    909 5th Ave Unit 2002, Seattle, WA 98164

    $617,500

    • 1 Bed
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 978 Sq Ft
    • 909 5th Ave
    • Unit 2002
    • New 4 days ago

    Luxury living with northwest city, mountain and Sound views at 5th & Madison in the heart of the city. High 10.5’ ceilings and walls of windows showcase the 20th floor views and invite the light throughout this spacious one bedroom plus den. Open living layout with hardwood floors shows off the gorgeous kitchen with premium appliances, gas cooktop, slab counters, and a large island to gather and

    Javila Creer Windermere Real Estate Midtown

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,987
Median Age
41
Population Density
26 ppl/acre
Population under 18
8.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$124,930
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$150,573

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.1%
College Graduates
66.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
8''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

75 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

99 / 100

Rider's Paradise

Transit Score®

100 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Seattle
Emily Niles
PropertiesNW of Gig Harbor Ltd
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