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Fremont

Fremont

4.3
$971,586 Average Value
$652 Average Price per Sq Ft
30 Homes For Sale

A funky, thriving Center of the Universe in north-central Seattle

Fremont in north-central Seattle has been described as "funky," "freaky" and "bohemian." A hippie haven in the 1960s, it still has a thriving arts community, indie shops and unique events. Community pride is evident in the neighborhood's nickname, the Center of the Universe. Highlights include parks, trails, quick commutes and top-rated schools in the Seattle Public Schools district, like Benjamin Franklin Day Elementary, Hamilton International Middle School and Lincoln High School. School choice by application is also an option.

State Route 99, drawbridge waits and restricted parking zones

State Route 99 goes through the neighborhood as Aurora Avenue North. Its Aurora Bridge spans the Washington Ship Canal from North Queen Anne. The Fremont Bridge, to the west, is a drawbridge that can be opened on demand. "When the boats signal, traffic on the bridge stops for everyone: pedestrians, cyclists and cars," Pullin says. "It's not on a schedule. But they do limit it during rush hour." The wait is usually less than 5 minutes. Driveways, garages and street parking are available, though some areas are in Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ); residents can buy permits.

Plenty of public art, walkable, bikeable, and with bus service

"Fremont has a very counterculture culture — that's the whole point of it being the Center of the Universe," says Jim Pullin, managing broker at Skyline Properties. "Time is different here. 'Is it faster? Is it slower?' That's not the point. We're on Fremont time." Whatever the speed, it's easy to get around, with highly walkable streets, bike lanes and bus service. Fremont's tech presence includes Adobe; other companies have relocated. The commute to Downtown Seattle, about 4 miles south, takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Public art includes the Fremont Troll sculpture under the Aurora Bridge, with Troll's Knoll Park and a community garden beside it. The 53-foot Fremont Rocket bears a faux Latin motto, "De libertas quirkas" (Freedom to be peculiar), the J.P. Patches & Gertrude statue honors a famous clown and the Statue of Lenin anchors a corner.

The Fremont Rocket is 53 feet tall.
The Fremont Rocket is 53 feet tall.
Visit the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge.
Visit the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge.
The J.P. Patches & Gertrude statue honors a famous television clown.
The J.P. Patches & Gertrude statue honors a famous television clown.
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It's all about independently owned boutiques, restaurants and clubs

Locally owned businesses are key to Fremont's vibe. The Fremont Vintage Mall, a collective, is the place for all sorts of finds. Paseo infuses their sizable sandwiches with Caribbean and Latin flavors. Dreamland Bar & Diner hosts drag brunches, while The George and Dragon Pub is Seattle's original soccer hangout. PCC Community Markets is a co-op with organic goods. Nightlife picks include Nectar, the city's largest indoor/outdoor music venue, and Baila Bar, a Peruvian restaurant and club known for bachata, salsa and reggaeton.

Independently owned businesses are key to Fremont's vibe.
Independently owned businesses are key to Fremont's vibe.
Nectar is Seattle's largest indoor/outdoor music venue.
Nectar is Seattle's largest indoor/outdoor music venue.
Dreamland Bar & Diner has a colorful, retro look.
Dreamland Bar & Diner has a colorful, retro look.
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Waterfront parks and trails are well-used by residents

Top outdoor amenities in Fremont or within a few miles include:

  • Fremont Cut: used for kayaking, rowing, paddleboarding and includes a ship channel
  • Fremont Canal Park: features topiary dinosaurs, scenic views, benches and trail access
  • Burke Gilman Trail: connects to Gas Works Park and the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
  • Hiram M. Chittenden Locks: AKA the Ballard Locks, lets boats through, includes a fish ladder
  • Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden: by the locks, with over 500 plant species, landscaping and pathways
"The main thing for people actually living here would be the commuting opportunity at the locks," Pullin says. Bike commuters have to walk their bikes across the locks.

Solstice celebration, parades, beer and a year-round Sunday Market

Events held throughout the year showcase liveliness and creative spirit.

  • Fremont Sunday Market: year round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Petit Troll Parade: Mardi Gras celebration in the streets
  • Fremont Fair: summer solstice with art, cars, music, parade with naked cyclists and giant puppets
  • Fremont Fridays: summertime crowds for live music, vendors and late-night silent disco
  • Fremont Oktoberfest: Seattle's largest fall beer festival with more than 50 breweries

Craftsmans, contemporaries, condos and some floating homes

There's a mix of homes, including early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows. Single-family homes and townhomes with contemporary or modern styling date from the 1990s to the 2020s. Prices range from the high $500,000s to nearly $2 million. Condos can start under $300,000 and go over $1 million, depending on square footage and newness. Fremont's median sales price is in the low $900,000s.

Permanently moored floating homes are close to the Aurora Bridge. "There's not much turnover, but it's a great dock with 15 floating homes," says Molly Cartwright, a premier broker and Realtor with Windermere Real Estate Midtown. Eastlake, Westlake and Portage Bay have more docks and floating homes than Fremont.

Fremont has a mix of homes styles.
Fremont has a mix of homes styles.
Early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows show of vintage architecture.
Early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows show of vintage architecture.
Condos and townhomes are among the newer additions.
Condos and townhomes are among the newer additions.
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ADUs are popular, Fremont is a growth area for development

Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, have become popular due to zoning laws. Most single-family lots are allowed to have two ADUs added, though there are rules related to size, setbacks and spacing. ADU permits and construction can be streamlined with preapproved plans designed by the city.

Additionally, Seattle's comprehensive plan has marked core parts of the neighborhood as the Fremont Hub Urban Village, a growth area for mixed-use development and higher-density housing. This may include townhouses, apartments and micro-housing. Transit-related growth is expected to follow housing.

Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Erik Knudsen
Photography Contributed By
Erik Knudsen
Bill Jennings
Video By
Bill Jennings

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

31 min drive

Bus

Phinney Ave N & N 46th St

Bus

NW Market St & NW 48th St

Bus

Phinney Ave N & N 50th St

Bus

N 36th St & 1st Ave NW

Bus

Stone Way N & N 43rd St

Bus

Fremont Ave N & N 41st St

Bus

Fremont Ave N & N 39th St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.3 23 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
7/19/2014 Niche Review
Beautiful old homes but it is a very desirable area that makes it hard for many to afford.
5.0 Current Resident
6/20/2017 Niche Review
I have lived in Fremont for the last 7 years and love it here. It is a really cool place to live because of the art, culture, and natural beauty. I would love to one day be able to buy a flat of my own here so that I can live here forever.
4.0 Niche User
5/24/2016 Niche Review
There are very few vacant lots in this area. It is overall a very well kept place.
5.0 Niche User
4/29/2014 Niche Review
Lots and lots of little stores, but you can get everything you need without having to walk/drive more than a mile.
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Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Fremont Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$939,475
Median Sale Price
$917,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,055,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$905,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$569,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
176
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$652

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
3,272
Number of Homes for Sale
30
Median Year Built
1967
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,664
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,532
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
945
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
628
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
535
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Feb 7
    11am - 2pm

    1203 D N Allen Place, Seattle, WA 98103

    $1,073,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,650 Sq Ft
    • 1203 D N Allen Place
    • New 26 days ago

    Arlo by Greencity Homes, in the heart of Wallingford! Move-in ready 2-3 bed homes await, some w/ garages or carports, large mezzanines & expansive roof decks that boast city, lake & Mt. Rainier views! This home features a spacious and functional floorplan with high ceilings, an entertainment-sized kitchen island, a very rare gas stove and gas hookup on the roof deck, and an oversized garage! Two

    Ray York Windermere RE/Capitol Hill,Inc

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  • Saturday, Feb 7
    11am - 2pm

    4418 Midvale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

    $1,035,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,648 Sq Ft
    • 4418 Midvale Ave N
    • New 6 days ago

    Arlo by Greencity Homes offers you both savings + location in this move-in ready, modern & cool 2-bed+large flex space home w/carport parking. Boasting a double-height ceiling, expansive windows, gas stove that is rare to find in new construction, powder bath for guests, hard floors throughout, and a private primary suite w/ walk-in closet, it’s all finished with a sunny & unique roof deck

    Ray York Windermere RE/Capitol Hill,Inc

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
14,925
Median Age
35
Population Density
24 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$127,721
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$156,778

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.3%
College Graduates
78.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
83.4%

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®

74 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

86 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

63 / 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
Fremont