$1,565,616Average Value$181Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Lake Union peninsula with aquatic adventures
Situated at the western tip of Lake Union's peninsula, Portage Bay offers residents a vibrant waterfront lifestyle. Whether enjoying kayaking adventures or waterfront relaxation, residents can witness stunning sunsets over the bay from their living spaces or houseboat decks. The community features amenities such as the Pocock Rowing Center and Queen City Yacht Club, enhancing the lakefront experience. Despite sharing its name with a popular local brunch spot, Portage Bay is a distinct micro-neighborhood with approximately 1,900 residents.
Accessibility is facilitated by Interstate 5 Expressway (I-5) running along the community's western side and Washington State Route 520 bordering its southern edge. Adjacent to the west lies Eastlake, separated by I-5. Portage Bay earns an overall A-plus rating from Niche, with particular praise for its outdoor activities, public schools, commuting options and nightlife, reflecting its appeal among locals. Courtney Cooper Neese, resident and Realtor at Keller Williams North echoes this sentiment, "We're all oriented toward the water and mountain views."
Aerial view of Portage Bay, with Downtown Seattle in the background.
University Bridget connects Portage Bay and the University District.
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Eye-catching architecture and floating homes
The homes are eye-catching here, with historic Tudors, European country-style homes with old-world features, storybook cottages and Craftsman-style homes, many with gardens and flowering shrubs. Portage Bay buyers can invest in these homes with original details and an ultra-spacious floorplan for $1 million on the low end and up to $2.5 million on the higher end.
Floating homes and houseboats add a touch of uniqueness to Portage Bay’s buying options. These homes overlook the Lake, some with rooftop decks, serving as outdoor rooms where residents can take in the sounds, sights and smells of the water, and view Seattle’s skyline. They sell for the high $800,000s and can reach up to almost $3 million.
"Architectural styles are all across the board," says Cooper Neese. "Well-priced properties sell within 30 to 60 days." To be exact, on average homes sell after 40 days compared to the national average of 42 days. And the average home sale price is nearly $1.8 million. Condos are another viable buying option and cost on the low end of the pricing spectrum, around the mid $500,000s and up.
Portage Bay offers large, single-family homes with large front yards, and surrounded by trees.
Tudor-style homes are ubiquitous along the Portage Bay neighborhood streets.
A majestic Colonial home near Roanoake Park in Portage Bay, with a beautifully lush front yard.
A group of floating homes on Portage Bay, during an early summer morning.
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Top-rated schools, garening and robotics programs and post-secondary education
Students attend Montlake Elementary before ascending to Edmonds S. Meany Middle and Garfield High. These consistently well-performing schools earn an A-minus rating or higher from Niche. Student life at Garfield overflows with extracurriculars covering various subjects, from gardening to trivia clubs and robotics. The high school also has a full roster of athletic programs. There are several nearby charter and private educational opportunities. The Seattle Preparatory School, a high-performing Jesuit high school that regularly sends students to Ivy League universities, is only a few blocks from Portage Bay.
Students can begin their post-secondary education at the University of Washington, located less than a mile away. Established in 1861, UW is a public research university spread across over 700 acres, offering students a choice of over 180 majors. Entrepreneur Magazine recognized it as the No. 1 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program in the West.
An overview of Montlake Elementary School's campus.
Meany Middle School
Garfield High School
Portage Bay high schoolers graduate and attend the University of Washington nearby.
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Community green spaces with lake views
Roanoke Park anchors the community where azaleas and hydrangeas decorate its sweeping hills. The green space is ideal for dog walkers and as a space to unwind with the kids on mild evenings. The community's outdoor gathering place is also a turnaround spot for hikers and cyclists using the looping trail through Interlaken Park, a nearby green space in neighboring Montlake. In the Montlake neighborhood, Montlake Playfield Park features a community center, a spacious playground and a turf field. Residents who own kayaks have convenient access to the water from multiple locations, allowing them to paddle to Lake Union for a view of Downtown Seattle or venture out to Lake Washington for a day on the water. In addition to the parks within and near the community, Portage Bay includes three street ends, known as Seattle Street Ends. These are part of the Shoreline Street Ends program, which aims to enhance access to and enjoyment of Seattle's shorelines by providing access points where streets meet the water.
Local eateries and shops and nearby amenities
Fuhrman Avenue is a local hotspot for dining, featuring several popular eateries. At Le Fournil French Bakery and Catering, locals often queue up for their famous cinnamon rolls before they sell out. Johnny Mo’s Pizzeria has New York and Chicago-style pies, pasta and sandwiches. Another favorite spot is Little Market on Portage Bay, affectionately known as Little Lago, which serves Italian cuisine, coffee, beer and wine. It's a popular choice for breakfast, offering bagels, pastries and hot food items. Little Lago is the smaller sibling of Cafe Lago, a larger restaurant located in Montlake. Additionally, residents can find the Montlake Market just a short drive away.
Before settling in for the day, residents can shop for groceries at University Village or on Capitol Hill. These are both a short drive away, have parking and offer a variety of options. Portage Bay residents can also head south into the city to browse the shelves at chain stores like Whole Foods Market or QFC.
On game days at the UW, Portage Bay residents have the advantage of being close to Husky Stadium. Just a quick trip over the University Bridge, they can join thousands of fans cheering on the college football team. The nearby university area offers a vibrant student culture with trendy restaurants, bars and nightlife, all within a short distance of less than 4 miles.
Community fellowship and indigenous heritage
The Portage Bay Community Council honors the area's indigenous heritage by remembering the land's early residents – the Duwamish people and Chief Cheshiahud, through environmental stewardship. The neighborhood leaders meet regularly for council meetings to discuss infrastructure concerns and other civil subjects to maintain the town's historical integrity and overall well-being. The council sponsors an annual picnic/potluck in August where residents gather for food and fellowship.
A bus stop near the University of Washington in Portage Bay.
Commuting through Portage Bay
Residents have various transportation options available, including the Rapid Ride bus, which travels downtown or to the U-District. Additionally, residents can choose to walk or use electric bikes for shorter trips. The Link Light Rail offers another convenient way to navigate the city without having to deal with traffic congestion. Downtown Seattle is just a 4-mile commute, typically taking around 10 minutes by car, depending on the time of day. Residents can easily access downtown by hopping on I-5 or taking the RapidRide bus. This area is also known for being bike-friendly, with many Portage Bay professionals opting to bike to the office.
Portage Bay provides a vibrant waterfront community with diverse housing, top-ranked schools and convenient amenities. Its natural beauty, sense of community, and accessible transportation options make it an attractive place to consider planting roots.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michele Schuler,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Interlaken Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Rogers Playground
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Tennis
West Montlake Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Beach
Bagley Viewpoint
Parking Lot
Fairview Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Trails
Roanoke Park
Playground
Fritz Hedges Waterway Park
Boating
Picnic Area
Trails
Transit
Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International
28 min drive
Bus
E Roanoke St & Broadway E
Bus
Eastlake Ave E & Harvard Ave E
Bus
E Roanoke St & 10th Ave E
Bus
Harvard Ave E & E Shelby St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Portage Bay
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Portage Bay Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Portage Bay, Seattle sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Portage Bay, Seattle over the last 12 months is $441,420.
Portage Bay Beach Club // Discover this exceptional property nestled on the serene shores of Portage Bay, offering views of the iconic University Bridge and Seattle Yacht Club. At its heart lies a charming floating home with a thoughtfully designed 2BR, 2BA layout on a single level. The great room is framed by panoramic windows showcasing views of Portage Bay and the University of Washington.
Tucked among the Willow tree and an active wildlife sanctuary is a home so special you'll never want to leave. Designed with storage and comfort in mind, this beautiful floating home cascades light from all directions with skylights, vaulted ceilings, and large picturesque windows. Park steps aways in your dedicated space w/ EV and immediately enjoy coming home. 2 bd / 2 bth and 1,000 square
Old world meets new! Nestled in the heart of Eastlake and Portage Bay, this charming condo offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Large living area features large windows offering views of Lake Union and tons of natural light. Vintage leaded glass doors lead to the classic kitchen featuring a sweet dining space, sleek appliances, and ample counter space, ideal for both cooking and
Odessa on Lake Union is ideal for those who want to live in Seattle with a smaller footprint. Each unit has been thoughtfully designed with custom built-ins and other space-saving amenities. Sleek community spaces like Odessas common area expand your living space and are great places to relax, engage and entertain. To simplify your day-to-day, Odessa On Lake Union includes secure building access,
Make Robins Nest Your next home. In this state-of-the-art building, apartments come standard with beautiful new luxury vinyl flooring, alabaster marble counter tops, stainless steel appliances and full-size washer/dryer. The neutral tones and stylish finishes will make you feel right at home. The neighborhood is the best!Watch the sail boats on the Ship Canal, dine at one of the many fine
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michele Schuler,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,599
Median Age
38
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$168,877
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$191,889
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.7%
College Graduates
83.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
47.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.7%
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®
73/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
62/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
71/ 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.
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.
