$1,197,848Average Value$639Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
Madison Valley for vintage homes, shops and the arboretum next door
Madison Valley, a leafy residential pocket in east-central Seattle, has a close-knit feel with close access to an expansive arboretum, Downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill and the shores of Lake Washington. The quiet, gridded streets are lined with homes built from the early 20th century to the present. East Madison Street, the commercial artery, is known for locally owned shops and restaurants. Other highlights include quick bus connections, highly rated schools and outdoor spaces.
Madison Valley sits just south of Montlake and the University of Washington.
Washington Park Playfield is part of the 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum.
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Early 1900s and post-war homes, newer condos and townhomes
The neighborhood has early 20th century bungalows and saltbox- and warbox-style homes. Saltboxes usually have asymmetrical roofs with long slopes, while warboxes have more of a simple design. "The warbox is kind of traditional — between Craftsman and midcentury style. There were so many built after the war in anticipation of the baby boom […] they churned out a lot," says Chris Bierrum, a real estate broker at Real Broker LLC. He explains that the style is fairly plain. "But over the years, people have done various things to make them stand out: changing the colors, building additions or architectural changes like different facades."
Single-family homes range from the high $600,000s to $2.7 million, though the median is under $1 million. Square footage plays a big role in pricing. Other home options include condos and townhomes dating from the 1970s to the 2020s. These are typically in the mid $300,000s to high $800,000s.
Older homes built in the early to mid-20th century are a common sight throughout Madison Valley.
Attached townhomes are among Madison Valley's newer options.
Larger Craftsman homes are among the many homes showing off vintage architectural styles.
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East Madison Street has shops, restaurants and a bit of global flavor
East Madison Street is full of independently owned restaurants and shops, like Fury Consignment for high-end clothing, Selector Records & Apparel for vinyl lovers and Maison Luxe for home décor. Once dubbed Seattle's Little Paris, the area has few French-inspired eateries remaining, though its international vibe is still intact:
Voilà! Bistrot: chef-owned bistro, classic French dishes
Belle Epicurean: French-style patisserie, pastries, sandwiches and casual fare
The Harvest Vine: Basque Spanish-style tapas spot, uses seasonal ingredients
Café Flora: globally inspired vegetarian fare, an atrium and garden feel
Pagliacci Pizza: popular regional chain, focuses on local ingredients
Additionally, Kitchen & Market, which opened in 2024, offers shoppers a curated grocery store experience.
Kitchen & Market features specialty groceries and freshly made meals to go.
Pagliacci Pizza is known for using local ingredients.
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RapidRide downtown commute, bridges on the way to Bellevue
It's a drive of about 10 to 30 minutes to downtown, depending on traffic. The King County Metro RapidRide G Line bus, launched in 2024, added frequent service and shorter travel times. The straight shot downtown via East Madison Street is typically under 16 minutes. Bike-friendly infrastructure includes speed humps and safe crossings.
Travelling to Eastside locations like Bellevue can take between 15 and 50 minutes. State Route 520 has a toll on the Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge, also known as the 520 Bridge or the Floating Bridge. A comparable commute, with no toll and sometimes less congestion, is via Interstate 90, over another bridge and across Mercer Island.
The Washington Park Arboretum is a touchstone of the area
The Arboretum Foundation, the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and Seattle Parks and Recreation manage the Washington Park Arboretum. "It's very distinctive. You basically drive through it to go to some of the other neighborhoods," Bierrum says. There's also connectivity for walkers and cyclists, thanks to the 3-mile-long Arboretum Loop Trail, Azalea Way and assorted footpaths. Other features include:
Seattle Japanese Garden: 3-acre garden, cultural programs, admission fee
Arboretum Waterfront Trail: along Union Bay on the north side of the park
Washington Park Playfield: playground and lighted turf field for multiple sports
Additionally, the arboretum hosts horticulture-themed walks; events specific to the Japanese Garden, like tea ceremonies, as well as a maple festival and free First Thursdays.
The Seattle Japanese Garden is a highlight of the Washington Park Arboretum.
Prentis I. Frazier Park is a fun place to play.
The annual Interlaken Icicle Dash 5K and 10K start in nearby Interlaken Park.
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A community garden, greenbelt, Madison Park Beach and private clubs
The Madison Valley P-Patch, or Mad-P, is an organic community garden with individual plots, though there may be a waitlist. The Harrison Ridge Greenbelt covers about 6 acres of forest, while Julia Lee's Park and William Grose Park are smaller. The public Madison Park Beach on Lake Washington has seasonal lifeguards and is popular for swimming, paddleboarding and boating. King County sends out alerts when water-quality issues require beach closures. The area's members-only establishments include the Seattle Tennis Club and the Broadmoor Golf Club
Highly ranked Seattle public schools and a private school in the area
The Seattle Public Schools district serves Madison Valley, with highly rated schools including McGilvra Elementary School, Edmond S. Meany Middle School and Garfield High School. The district has school choice options during open enrollment. The Bush School, for kindergarten through 12th grade, is a private school on East Harrison Street. It offers a diverse curriculum, low teacher-student ratios and need-based financial aid.
Highly rated McGilvra Elementary is close to home.
Meany Middle School is within the Seattle Public Schools district.
Garfield High is among the area's highly rated schools.
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Things to consider, like ADUs, flooding and community preparedness
Due to state-level zoning law changes in 2025, most residential lots now allow multiple homes, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs). There's a permitting process; criteria pertain to height, setbacks, square footage, spacing and other factors. Because of the potential of severe flooding in the area, Seattle Public Utilities has improved stormwater infrastructure, including water storage and pipeline expansion. The volunteer-run Madison Valley Emergency Communication Hub provides resources, including educational sessions and emergency drills. Neighbors are encouraged to maintain block-level networks.
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
Are you familiar with the Madison Valley neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Madison Valley
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Madison Valley Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Madison Valley, Seattle sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Madison Valley, Seattle over the last 12 months is $1,032,500, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The cottage residences at Madison Valley Terraces deliver a two-bedroom home in a form that feels complete rather than compressed, crafted with care and intention by BriKat Homes. The ground level is built entirely for living — an open kitchen and dining space finished with KitchenAid appliances, Abodian custom cabinetry, and quartz countertops that gives way to a comfortable gathering area, with
A rare blend of historic charm and modern luxury, this beautifully remodeled 1901 home was thoughtfully renovated in 2021 while preserving its most beloved original features. Graceful arched openings, repurposed wood accents, hickory flooring and original cast-iron soaking tub with inscription celebrate the timeless character, while every major system has been comprehensively updated, including
The flagship residence of Madison Valley Terraces delivers four bedrooms across three well-designed levels, the newest offering crafted with care and intention from BriKat Homes. Enter from the street into a ground level built for flexibility — an attached EV-ready garage sits alongside a proper flex space and a fourth bedroom with full bath, a setup that works as easily for a home gym or media
Step onto the top-floor deck and the view opens wide: the tree canopy of Madison Valley stretches below, rooftops give way to open sky, and the mountains sit in the distance on a clear day. This townhome on 26th Ave E puts you there every day — four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and the square footage to back it up. Not your average townhome. The main level earns its character: rich cherry
Tucked into a quiet pocket of Madison Valley, this classic mid-century modern offers exceptional versatility with a thoughtfully designed layout and timeless finishes throughout. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, the main level showcases oak hardwood floors, an open-concept kitchen and dining area, and a light-filled living room anchored by a classic fireplace. French doors open to a private
Tucked in the heart of Madison Valley, this custom-built Victorian blends timeless charm with modern ease. Elevated above the street for added privacy, solid oak hardwoods, tall ceilings, fresh paint, and walls of windows flood the home with natural light creating a warm, refined feel. The chef’s kitchen showcases a Viking range and wine fridge, paired with charming breakfast nook illuminated by
Excellent Madison Park platted LR3 Lot with sweet territorial views! Just walk up steps to Madison street loaded with shops an restaurants and parks. Straight shot to downtown via express bus. Should allow for 3 story with rooftop deck? Ask listing broker or your broker for copies of owners sample architectural drawings that come with the property. Buyer to verify all building and development
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!!! DON'T MISS THIS ONE, IT'S A MUST SEE! Thoughtfully remodeled Northwest Craftsman in sought-after North Capitol Hill, just moments from Volunteer Park and the Washington Park Arboretum. This light-filled home offers sweeping Lake Washington, Cascade Mountain, and Bellevue skyline views, blending timeless architecture with modern design. The open-concept main level features
Build our dream home in the Arboretum neighborhood. Between Aloha and Valley street, you will have territorial and Mount Rainier views. Great opportunity and location for your development plans. This site needs your creativity and skill to shine. Geotech and information on previous permits are available.
610 27th Ave E is ideally situated near one of Seattle’s true gems, the Washington Park Arboretum. This beautifully maintained mid-century home has been immaculately cared for and showcases classic character throughout, ready for Smart updates and comfortable living. The main floor features three bedrooms, one full bathroom, and stunning fir hardwood floors, creating a warm and cohesive living
Tucked privately in the rear of this beautifully condoized property, Unit #1411 offers a cozy and efficient 650 sq ft living space designed for comfort and simplicity in the heart of Seattle’s Central District. This thoughtfully laid-out home features an open-concept living room and kitchen, creating a warm and functional space perfect for everyday living. Natural light enhances the interior,
Every space is designed with intention in this striking, modern Arboretum home. Walls of windows bathe the interior with natural light and soaring 12-foot vaulted ceilings add drama. Open-concept layout highlighted by stylish maple hardwoods and inviting fireplace. Refined design element provided by custom metal/wood staircase. Chef’s kitchen features premier stainless appliances from Fisher +
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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.
