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University District

University District

3.4
$1,007,865 Average Value
$532 Average Price per Sq Ft
35 Homes For Sale

University District has the waterside UW campus and a lively vibe

University District, commonly called U District, is home to the University of Washington, also known as UW or U-Dub. The leafy campus is beside Portage Bay and Union Bay, and about 5 miles north of Downtown Seattle. Much of U District’s historic character, landscape design and architecture dates to the early 1900s. An array of funky shops, international eateries and entertainment options add to the district’s youthful vibe.

University of Washington walkways link Portage Bay and Union Bay across a leafy campus.
University of Washington walkways link Portage Bay and Union Bay across a leafy campus.
University of Washington grounds feature landscaped paths near Portage Bay.
University of Washington grounds feature landscaped paths near Portage Bay.
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Many early 1900s homes, in pockets like University Park

There are a lot of early 20th-century Craftsman and Arts and Crafts homes. University Park, a suburban-style pocket of single-family homes, is one place to find these. Its residents share resources through the University Park Community Club (UPCC).

There are also some 21st-century homes with either vintage-inspired or modern styling. Single-family homes range from the $600,000s to $2 million; the median is over $1 million. Condos range from the $200,000s to the $700,000s.

Foursquare homes are found in pockets of the University District with early 1900s roots.
Foursquare homes are found in pockets of the University District with early 1900s roots.
Colorful bungalows add variety to housing styles throughout the University District.
Colorful bungalows add variety to housing styles throughout the University District.
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There are more renters than owners, expect parties on Greek Row

Renters far outnumber owner-occupants. "For me personally, I got tired of living in dorms for two years, so we rented a house," says Celine Williams, who graduated from UW and is now a managing broker with Realty ONE Group Orca. Greek Row is adjacent to University Park. "Essentially, it's 4 or 5 blocks of mansions with sororities and fraternities," Williams says. The UPCC advises open communication with neighbors as the first step in dealing with what it calls "chronic party homes." Violations of the Seattle Noise Ordinance may be reported.

Shop or go out to eat in University Village or on The Ave

The area offers an eclectic mix of shopping and dining options. Grocery stores include Safeway, Trader Joe's and H Mart. Distinct retail areas include University Village, an open-air shopping center with an upscale vibe. It has a mix of name-brand stores, such as the Apple Store and Crate & Barrel, and some small businesses. Restaurants include Din Tai Fung and Piatti Ristorante & Bar.

University Way Northeast, known as The Ave, is packed with indie shops, many catering to student tastes. There are several bookstores: University Book Store, Magus Books and The Globe Bookstore. Long-time favorites include Al's Music & Video Games and Red Light Vintage & Costumes. On Saturdays, shoppers stroll The Ave during the University District Farmers Market.

Safeway on Roosevelt Way offers central grocery access in the University District.
Safeway on Roosevelt Way offers central grocery access in the University District.
University District Farmers Market hosts regional vendors with produce and handmade goods.
University District Farmers Market hosts regional vendors with produce and handmade goods.
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There’s a lot to do outside, check out The Quad in the spring

Outdoor amenities in or adjacent to University District include:

  • Fritz Hedges Waterway Park: beach pier and access for small watercraft on Portage Bay
  • University Playground Park: play areas, athletics courts and field
  • Ravenna Park: forested park with trails and a ravine, connects to Cowen Park
Though some university facilities, such as the fitness center, are not open to the public, the campus grounds are accessible. "UW overall is huge, and a lot of things are walkable. If you want to enjoy a nice spring day, there are tons of trees with cherry blossoms at The Quad. Everybody goes there, not just students …. It's like an Instagram spot," Williams says.

Cherry blossoms at the UW Quad create a seasonal draw for visitors each spring.
Cherry blossoms at the UW Quad create a seasonal draw for visitors each spring.
Ravenna Park features wooded trails and a ravine connecting to Cowen Park.
Ravenna Park features wooded trails and a ravine connecting to Cowen Park.
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You can walk, bike or take the bus or light rail

In addition to being highly walkable, the area is very bike-friendly, with protected lanes, calm streets and trails. There's access to the Burke-Gilman Trail, which passes through campus. The multi-use rail-trail is 20 miles long and connects to Ballard, Wallingford, Fremont and the north side of Lake Union.

"Buses are constantly running, and they go to downtown and all the way up to North Seattle. There's a bus stop everywhere," Williams says. Getting downtown by bus takes 25 to 45 minutes; you'll get there even quicker when the Metro's RapidRide J line launches in 2027. The U District Station offers Link light rail, with a trip downtown taking about 10 minutes. Driving typically takes 10 to 35 minutes.

Parking and zoning rules to know about if you live in U District

Much of U District is within a Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ). Residents can buy a permit if they live at an eligible address; this extends to students whose cars are not registered locally.

U District, considered a high-growth area, has seen density and building heights increase in the past decade due to some of Seattle's zoning changes, including Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) requirements. There's been development in areas like the district core and blocks closest to station because of this.

There's a lot to do with shows, art, sports and events

There are a variety of attractions and events, both off and on campus:

  • Husky Stadium: home to UW's Huskies football team, about 70,000-person capacity
  • The Neptune Theatre: seats about 1,000 for concerts, comedy shows and special events
  • The Burke Museum: collection of more than 16 million objects related to natural history and culture
  • Henry Art Gallery: contemporary art and photography, large permanent collection
Events include the springtime U District Cherry Blossom Festival, the U District Street Fair in May, the Seattle Boba Fest in the summer and U District Chow Down & Street Party in the fall.

Husky Stadium hosts UW Huskies games with capacity near 70,000 along Lake Washington.
Husky Stadium hosts UW Huskies games with capacity near 70,000 along Lake Washington.
Neptune Theatre in Seattle seats about 1,000 for concerts, comedy shows, and events.
Neptune Theatre in Seattle seats about 1,000 for concerts, comedy shows, and events.
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Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Noah Lubin
Photography Contributed By
Noah Lubin
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

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

30 min drive

Bus

NE 42nd St & 8th Ave NE

Bus

U District Station - Bay 1

Bus

20th Ave NE & NE 50th St

Bus

Roosevelt Way NE & NE 45th St

Bus

15th Ave NE & NE 40th St

Bus

20th Ave NE & NE 52nd St

Bus

15th Ave NE & NE Campus Pkwy

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 113 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
6/12/2014 Niche Review
It's mostly just rainy and grey. Never extreme weather.
3.0 Current Resident
4/10/2024 Niche Review
I have lived here for many years as a woman living alone. This place looks scary but has cheap rent and if you get an apartment 4th floor or higher, it is safe.
4.0 Niche User
7/15/2014 Niche Review
The bus system is great
4.0 Niche User
6/12/2014 Niche Review
There is diversity in the option of food in this area of Seattle. Most are locally-owned.
Are you familiar with the University District neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,722
Number of Homes for Sale
35
Median Year Built
1924
Months of Supply
6.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,043
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,827
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,091
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
736
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
343
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

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

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
64
Median Rent
$2,122
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,600
Median Townhouse Rent
$5,248
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,848
Median Condo Rent
$1,750
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,700

Demographics

Total Population
32,331
Median Age
27
Population Density
28 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
3.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$40,944
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$75,940

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.4%
College Graduates
66.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.2%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Exceptionally bikeable

Bikeability®

90 / 100

Exceptionally walkable

Walkability®

90 / 100

Strong public transit

Transit®

80 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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
University District
Tiffany Huang
Columbia Partners Real Estate
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