The technology hub of Seattle, from Amazon to Google
According to James Stroupe, founding director of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty, South Lake Union is essentially “the technology hub of Seattle.” As someone who has been selling Seattle homes since 1994, he’s seen firsthand the neighborhood’s growth throughout the years. “Ten years ago, you just wouldn’t recognize it,” he says. "It’s had major growth, and it’s full of technology giants now – Apple, Google, Amazon. Everybody that comes in works for Amazon.” With so many job opportunities in the world’s fastest-growing industry and sweeping lakefront views, South Lake Union is drawing in homebuyers in droves.
The Google South Lake Union office is a short walk from Lake Union Park.
South Lake Union is a very walkable and bicycle friendly neighborhood.
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There are lots of modern condos in South Lake Union.
Highrise condos by the waterfront
While the neighborhood is primarily renter-based, homebuyers can find condos for sale here. Condos in the area are typically open-concept with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving them a loft-like feel. Monthly association fees usually cover utilities, private parking and earthquake insurance. One-bedroom, one-bath properties typically list between $360,00 and $525,000, while two-bed, two-bath homes cost up to $750,000.
Garfield High School, welcomes students from South Lake Union in Seattle.
Top-rated Washington schools serve South Lake Union
Schools in the area are a part of the Seattle Public Schools District, and the neighborhood has public and private offerings for students. Students are zoned for Lowell Elementary Schools, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Meany Middle School also serves the area; it has a B-plus rating on Niche and a unique student health program. The Meany Health Center offers comprehensive medical and behavioral health services to students at the school at no cost to parents. High schoolers are zoned for Garfield High School, one of the top 20 best public high schools in Washington. The school earns an A rating from Niche.
Preserving Seattle's oldest park and sharing its maritime history
When locals want a breath of fresh air, Lake Union Park or Denny Park are their go-tos. Lake Union is a 12-acre park where locals can picnic, splash around in the spray park, go on a boat tour, or launch a model sailboat. Lake Union is also home to the Museum of History and Industry and The Center for Wooden Boats, two museums dedicated to preserving and documenting the general and maritime history of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Denny Park is at the base of the neighborhood. “Denny Park is Seattle’s first and oldest park,” says Stroupe. “It almost became part of a larger city park effort called the Seattle Commons, but once the vote was lost on that, the park stayed as it is.” This historic park has 4 acres of green space with large shade trees, a children’s play area and a fenced off-leash dog park. It’s also the site of many of South Lake Union’s outdoor festivals and markets. Waterfront Playground and Cascade Playground are two other spots frequented by families to let kids stretch their legs and get their energy out.
Lake Union Park has great views of the Seattle Tower and Lake Union.
An inspirational wall display at the MOHA in South Lake Union, Seattle, WA.
Denny Park has plenty of green spaces for the locals of South Lake Union to enjoy.
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Come have a drink at The White Swan Pub in South Lake Union.
Rooftop restaurants and serve-serve taps
This tech-focused waterfront neighborhood is also a dining hub. Portage Bay Cafe is a bright and modern diner serving local, organic, and seasonal breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. For dinner and a view, mbar offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates and cocktails on a rooftop patio overlooking Lake Union. The White Swan Public House is a dockside patio-style restaurant that serves fresh-caught seafood, local brews and handcrafted cocktails. Prime meat cuts come with scenic views at Daniel’s Broiler, a bustling waterfront steakhouse a dock down from The White Swan. Inside the Google complex is Tapster, a trendy and eclectic bar where locals only pay for what they drink; beers and ciders dispense from self-serve taps, and prices are by the ounce. Flat Stick Pub is also popular among young professionals and is always buzzing with weekly events, like bingo and trivial night. When locals want to fill their pantries and make a home-cooked meal, Whole Foods Market is just on the other side of Denny Way at 2200 Westlake Retail, the closest shopping mall.
South Lake Union is a very walkable and bicycle friendly neighborhood.
Foot traffic high right by the I-5
Interstate 5 runs along the eastern border of South Lake Union, making accessing the highway a quick process for commuters. However, with so many employers in the area, only a few locals commute. Foot traffic is typically high in the neighborhood but has lessened in the past few years due to many technology jobs becoming remote. For those who take public transportation, King County Metro transportation system serves the area; many light rail stations and bus stops are scattered throughout South Lake Union.
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
Dorothee Graham,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lake Union Park
Boating
Fishing
Kayak/Canoe
Thomas Street Mini Park
Cascade Playground
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Denny Park
Basketball
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Denny Substation Dog Park
Dog Park
Trails
I-5 Bike Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International
25 min drive
Subway
Westlake & Thomas
Subway
Terry & Thomas
Subway
Westlake & Mercer
Subway
Terry & Mercer
Subway
Lake Union Park
Subway
Fairview & Campus Drive
Bus
Dexter Ave N & Harrison St
Bus
Fairview Ave N & Yale Ave N
Bus
Dexter Ave N & Mercer St
Bus
Brazil
Bus
Fairview Ave N & Thomas St
Bus
Denny Way & Fairview Ave N
Bus
7th Ave N & Thomas St
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.36 Reviews
4.0Niche User
6/23/2015Niche Review
The area I love is nice. It's typically quieter than most of the city, but it's farther from restaurants and shopping including grocery stores so it's better if you have a car to get around.
4.0Current Resident
4/28/2024Niche Review
Would be great if it I went for the opportunist who moved in during the covid crisis. Fake landlords of all things. Bedbugs. Abuse of service animals. Tents blocking sidewalks and doorways. I understand you don't run your city like I am used to, but this is filthy nasty stuff. Are you liberal to that?
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AMLI's South Lake Union apartments, located at the intersection of Pontius Avenue North and Republican Street, are perfectly located in an energetic neighborhood where you can walk to work, hop a streetcar, or go kayaking along 12 acres of Lake Union waterfront. Residents will love that eclectic shopping, restaurants, entertainment and recreation are all just steps away. With easy access to
The quest for the perfect home stops at Rivet Apartments. Brimming with attractive amenities, cozy interiors, and dazzling leisure areas, our apartments in Seattle, WA will make you feel right at home. An exciting new chapter begins as soon as you take your pick from our 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. Life’s essential amenities and extra comforts are a given from the get-go, providing a canvas you
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dorothee Graham,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
15,573
Median Age
33
Population Density
37 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$132,383
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$160,190
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
74.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
36.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
78.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
8''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
93/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
94/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
81/ 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.
