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Westlake

Westlake

4.0
$604,881 Average Value
$605 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Westlake is a distinct community overlooking Lake Union

The Westlake community, on the western banks of Lake Union, is a few miles north of Downtown Seattle. It's an urban, walkable neighborhood with a peaceful waterside setting and an upscale, energetic atmosphere that attracts a variety of homebuyers, including young professionals. Highlights include sweeping views, easy commutes and outdoor amenities. Westlake is also known for houseboats, as seen in the hit film "Sleepless in Seattle."

Westlake has floating homes in addition to condos.
Westlake has floating homes in addition to condos.
The Small Boat Center at Lake Union Park offers sailing classes.
The Small Boat Center at Lake Union Park offers sailing classes.
Kenmore Air's seaplanes fly from Lake Union to destinations like the San Juan Islands.
Kenmore Air's seaplanes fly from Lake Union to destinations like the San Juan Islands.
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More condos and apartments than single-family homes

Though Westlake is more expensive than many Seattle neighborhoods, adjacent areas like East Queen Anne have higher costs of living. "Westlake is at the lower west slope of Queen Anne and blends right into South Lake Union. There are east-facing views across Lake Union, and you can see floatplanes taking off,” says Marcel Kluetz, a broker at Compass. Westlake is more residential and somewhat more expensive than South Lake Union, which is known for tech companies like Amazon and Google.

Westlake has more apartments than other housing types, though when it comes to buying, condos or townhouses are most common. Prices range from the mid $450,000s to over $1 million, with square footage, age and proximity to the water as key factors. Due to low inventory, comparative pricing data for single-family homes is not available.

Vintage Craftsman homes can occasionally be found tucked between condos.
Vintage Craftsman homes can occasionally be found tucked between condos.
Condos and townhouses perch on Westlake's sloping hills.
Condos and townhouses perch on Westlake's sloping hills.
Floating homes are found under the Aurora Bridge.
Floating homes are found under the Aurora Bridge.
Condos mix with commercial spaces closer to downtown.
Condos mix with commercial spaces closer to downtown.
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Liveaboard boats and floating homes with docks

Westlake, like Eastlake, is a neighborhood known for some of Seattle's more unique housing types: liveaboard boats and floating homes. According to Jim Pullin, managing broker at Skyline Properties, it's common for people to call any home on the water a houseboat, though they actually fall into separate categories. A liveaboard boat has an engine and can be moved, while floating homes are permanently attached to docks and typically connected to city utilities.

Price ranges from under $100,000 for a liveaboard boat, to the $300,000s for floating homes with about 300 to 600 square feet. Newly constructed floating homes and those with higher square footage could cost far more. Floating-home berths are typically maintained by dock associations and co-ops, which charge monthly fees; these vary widely. The nonprofit Seattle Floating Homes Association is a resource for residents on all sides of the lake.

It's a walkable environment with plenty of transportation options

Westlake is very walkable, as it has sidewalks, landscaped greenbelts and lots of pedestrian crossings. There are various transportation options for people heading out of the neighborhood.

  • King County Metro buses: regular service, including the RapidRide C Line
  • South Lake Union Streetcar: ride downtown and to South Lake Union tech hubs
  • Bike lanes: on Dexter Avenue North and Westlake Avenue North
  • Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop: a multiuse trail around the lake
  • Kenmore Seaplanes: fly from Lake Union to destinations like the San Juan Islands

Commuters can catch the Route 62 bus, which runs down Westlake's Dexter Avenue.
Commuters can catch the Route 62 bus, which runs down Westlake's Dexter Avenue.
There's plenty to see within walking distance of Westlake homes.
There's plenty to see within walking distance of Westlake homes.
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Limited parking, with resident permits, reserved spots and garages

If you do have a car, parking in Westlake can be a challenge. There's limited space versus demand close to the waterfront. Street parking is metered, though you don't have to pay if you have a Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) permit from the city. Four resident permits and one guest permit are allowed per address, and the cost is $95 per vehicle for two years. Sometimes, a property includes a reserved space; otherwise, people use parking lots or garages, although these are limited as well and can cost $200 to $300 a month.

People enjoy exercise, relaxation and water sports

There are plenty of options close by for exercising or relaxing.

  • The Westlake Greenbelt draws runners and cyclists to its breezy shoreline path.
  • The hillside Thomas C. Wales Park in Queen Anne is a favorite place for dog walkers.
  • Goose Beach is a launching point for kayaks and paddleboards on the lake.
  • The multiuse Cheshiahud Loop links to Eastlake, South Lake Union and Fremont.
  • To the south, Lake Union Park has green space, walking paths and a seasonal spray park.

Many cyclists use the bike lanes along the greenbelt.
Many cyclists use the bike lanes along the greenbelt.
A highlight of Westlake is its Lake Union views.
A highlight of Westlake is its Lake Union views.
Many area residents enjoy relaxing near the shore.
Many area residents enjoy relaxing near the shore.
Goose Beach is a great place for dogs to go for a walk.
Goose Beach is a great place for dogs to go for a walk.
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Things to do in and around Westlake focus on the water

There are things to do in and around Westlake throughout the year. A Fourth of July fireworks show on the lake inspires private gatherings on the docks. In September, there's the Seattle Floating Homes Tour, and then in December, it's time for the Seattle Holiday Boat Parade. Events at Lake Union Park include a Classic Workboat & Maritime Show in May and the Seattle Dragon Boat Festival. The park is also home to MOHAI (The Museum of History & Industry), the Center for Wooden Boats and the Historic Ships Wharf.

Top-rated Seattle public schools, such as Lincoln High School

The Seattle Public Schools district serves the area, with top-rated schools like John Hay Elementary School, McClure Middle School and Lincoln High School. School choice requests and in- and out-of-district transfers are available by application. The area also has some private options within about a mile, such as Seattle Country Day School and St. Anne School, which serve students through eighth grade.

John Hay Elementary School is one of the area's top-rated schools.
John Hay Elementary School is one of the area's top-rated schools.
Kids may attend McClure Middle School.
Kids may attend McClure Middle School.
Top-rated Lincoln High School is within the Seattle Public Schools district.
Top-rated Lincoln High School is within the Seattle Public Schools district.
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Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Howard Snyder
Photography Contributed By
Howard Snyder
Benjamin Rose
Video By
Benjamin Rose

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

27 min drive

Bus

Westlake Ave N & Highland Dr

Bus

Aurora Ave N & Prospect St

Bus

Westlake Ave N & Crockett St

Bus

Westlake Ave N & Galer St

Bus

Aurora Ave N & Galer St

Bus

Dexter Ave N & Galer St

Bus

Aurora Ave N & Crockett St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.0 2 Reviews
4.0
7/17/2017 Niche Review
This location is great for those who work downtown and don't want a long commute. It is close to everything; restaurants, stores, downtown on Seattle waterfront. Not exactly a family neighborhood, more for career oriented singles or couples. Some street noises but nothing too bad.
Are you familiar with the Westlake neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Westlake Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$422,500
Median Sale Price
$397,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$570,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,149,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$515,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
7%
Last 12 months Home Sales
18
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$605

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
391
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
1991
Months of Supply
9.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,130
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,693
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
958
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
708
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
550
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
871

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Feb 14
    11am - 1pm

    1504 Aurora Ave N Unit 201, Seattle, WA 98109

    $425,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 828 Sq Ft
    • 1504 Aurora Ave N
    • Unit 201
    • New 5 days ago

    Beautifully updated Westlake view condo featuring new appliances, flooring, trim, paint, and hardware throughout. Light-filled living spaces showcase charming details and spacious bedrooms, with views of Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains from the kitchen and city skyline views from the private balcony. The kitchen is designed for comfortable everyday living and easy entertaining, complete with

    Annemarie Willey Windermere Real Estate Co.

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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
3,480
Median Age
33
Population Density
36 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
3.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$158,814
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$178,052

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
89.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
45.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
89.5%

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®

86 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

85 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

69 / 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
Westlake