$675,174Average Value$438Average Price per Sq Ft57Homes For Sale
The nickname 'Rat City' does not refer to rodents
White Center is a community tucked between West Seattle and Burien. It was historically a streetcar-era suburb and became the site of a U.S. Army Relocation and Training Center during World War II. The area's nickname, "Rat City," includes an acronym for the relocation and training center rather than a reference to rodents. White Center has a developing business district, new construction and is known for being somewhat gritty, with a creative, indie and international vibe.
The name White Center came from a literal coin toss-up between the early 1900s developers in the area: Mr. White won over Mr. Green. "The mailing address is still Seattle, and people would say they live in Seattle," says Geoff Hill, managing broker and a top-producing agent with Keller Williams Greater Seattle. "It's more of a neighborhood than a town or city, and it's small enough that anyone outside of the greater Seattle area probably wouldn't know of it."
Cultural diversity and a growing arts scene in White Center
White Center has an international feel, as it has a significant number of immigrants and refugees. The Latino and Vietnamese communities have been joined by neighbors from Somalia, Cambodia and other countries. The diverse population leads to a mix of cultural activities, educational opportunities and specialty businesses. Well-attended cultural events in White Center include Fiesta Mexicana, which the Holy Family Catholic Church puts on. The fundraiser includes food vendors, live music and equestrian performances.
In addition to its global appeal, White Center has drawn creatives seeking an alternative to areas they've been priced out of. "It's becoming a hip place for artists and musicians who used to be able to afford Columbia City," Hill says, referring to a neighborhood about 6 miles to the northeast, which was altered by an influx of new residents and the addition of a light-rail station. "As always happens, the artists and musicians had to flee to a more affordable area." Debuting in August of 2024, the Rat City Art and Food Walk is planned on the third Thursday of each month. Highlights include gallery shows, live art demonstrations and restaurant and bar promotions. The White Center Block Party, in August, is an event launched by small business owners seeking to promote local and regional businesses, artists and musicians.
Eclectic retail and dining around 16th Avenue
The hub of White Center's retail, dining and social activity is along 16th Avenue and the surrounding streets. Most are locally operated and/or family owned shops. "You could walk from one side of the White Center commercial district in 10 minutes: it's pretty small," Hill says. "But you can tell it's up-and-coming based on the number of bars and restaurants. There's a good number of awesome pho and bahn mi places, a Salvadorian baker and a ton of Mexican." Proletariat Pizza, which claims to have made White Center famous, is known for its extensive menu, including ham-and-egg and potato pizzas. Crawfish House's chef and owner is a Vietnamese-American who moved here from Louisiana, bringing his po' boys and seafood boil techniques along. Tomo, a high-end restaurant with chef-driven, Japanese-influenced cuisine, has been nominated by the James Beard Foundation for its wine program. It opened in 2021 at the former location of an adult video store, between another adult video store and a beer hall. Beer Star has a rotating tap list with dozens of craft brews.
Castillos Supermarkets has a restaurant in the back that is popular for its daily Mexican buffet. Shorewood Grocery and Safeway are other options. The Taste of White Center, a summer street fair, has dozens of restaurants serving popular menu items to benefit the White Center Food Bank. A variety of cuisines reflects the global community.
Crawfish House serves seafood boils and other seafood dishes in White Center.
Proletariat Pizza serves artisan pizza in White Center.
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Fun at Southgate Roller Rinks and Roxbury Lanes
The Southgate Roller Rink has a snack bar, a karaoke room and hosts a weekly drag cabaret. The Make it Loud! music series, affiliated with the White Center music festival Rat City Recon, brings bands to play live during designated 21-and-up skate sessions. Southgate was the launching spot for the Rat City Roller Girls, a league founded in 2004, which grew in popularity to the point they had to move their bouts to accommodate audiences in the thousands. In 2017, the league was renamed Rat City Roller Derby.
"One of Seattle's few remaining bowling alleys, Roxbury Lanes, is here as well," Hill says. Roxbury has a casino, over 40 arcade games and a bar and grill. Burger Planet, on 14th Avenue, hosts the monthly Rat City Bazaar, which features a rotating selection of creative goods and entertainment, plus gaming tournaments.
White Center's ramblers, contemporary and modern homes
Single-family homes make up about half of the property mix in White Center. The oldest homes date to the 1910s, but a larger number are from the 1940s through the 1960s. Styles include bungalows, ramblers and daylight ramblers, which may be set into a hill, with basement windows that let in light from ground level. Twentieth-century homes can sell for $230,000 to $950,000, with the prices based on the house size, age and extent of upgrades.
Contemporary and modern-styled single-family homes and attached townhouses were built from the 2010s through the 2020s. Single-family homes cost $700,000 to $1.3 million. Townhouses are $550,000 to $760,000. Some homes come with monthly homeowners association fees of about $80 to $300. "It's still pretty affordable compared to other neighborhoods in the southwestern and southeastern parts of the city," Hill says.
Cox Memorial Park, disc golf and a bicycle playground
Steve Cox Memorial Park has a stadium, sports fields and courts, a playground and a foot reflexology walking path. Disc golf fans may travel to White Center just to play at the Ralph Williamson Memorial Disc Golf Course, previously known as the Lakewood King County Disc Golf Club. Nearby, in Dick Thurnau Memorial Park, formerly Lakewood Park, is the White Center Bicycle Playground, created as a safe place to learn to ride.
There's more to do in the areas surrounding White Center. "Just south, you have some really huge and very popular Puget Sound-adjacent parks," Hill says. "They all have hiking trails; at some, you can walk down to the beach and see views of the mountains. Salmon Creek Ravine and Seahurst Park are enormous areas with lots of trails."
RapidRide H bus to Seattle, state Routes 509 and 99
Downtown Seattle is about an 8-mile drive north and it's roughly the same distance south to Sea-Tac, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Bus routes for White Center stop along streets like 16th and 26th avenues: the RapidRide H Line runs from Burien to Downtown Seattle. There's also a Park and Ride on Olson-Myers Way. Major roads include state Routes 509 and 99 to the east.
Highline School District has dual language programs
Public schools in the Highline School District include White Center Heights Elementary and Cascade Middle School, which earn C-minus grades from Niche. The schools also offer dual language programs in Spanish and Vietnamese. In 2023, the elementary school added Somali language enrichment and also has a Somali heritage club. Evergreen High School receives a B-minus and has dual immersion in Spanish. The district also has various application-based choice schools, mainly at the secondary levels.
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
Amanda Mannila,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Steve Cox Memorial Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
White Center Heights Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Puget Sound Park
Trails
Hiking
Salmon Creek Park
River
Hiking
North Shorewood Park
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Hazel Valley Park
Dick Thurnau Memorial Park
White Center Neighborhood Pond
Transit
Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International
16 min drive
Bus
26th Ave SW & SW 100th St
Bus
16th Ave SW & SW 116th St
Bus
26th Ave SW & SW Roxbury St
Bus
Ambaum Blvd SW & SW 122nd St
Bus
SW 112th St & 2nd Ln SW
Bus
26th Ave SW & SW 116th St
Bus
Olson-Myers Way Park And Ride
White Center Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in White Center, Seattle sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in White Center, Seattle over the last 12 months is $644,900, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A front-row seat to Puget Sound from the comfort of your living room at this residence in the Shorewood neighborhood of Burien. This split-level home offers endless opportunities, featuring two kitchenettes that can be utilized for supplemental income or multi-generational living. Spacious paved patio, perfect for entertaining. Close to shops, restaurants, parks, and freeway access!
Fully remodeled and ready to impress! This stunning 1400sf 4-bedroom, 3-bath rambler offers modern living with a designer kitchen, top-tier appliances, and three sleek bathrooms. Entertain with ease using the private wet bar with separate entry—perfect for guests, rental income, or multigenerational living. Step outside to a 32’ x 16’ deck and beautifully landscaped yard. Enjoy the expansive
PRICE IMPROVED TO THAT OF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE! Architecturally sleek & purposefully designed, this West Seattle modern blends smart luxury w/ minimalist elegance. Towering ceilings & stacked windows flood the great room w/ natural light, while a sculptural fireplace & custom floating stairs enhance the visual drama. Anchored by a stunning waterfall island, the gourmet kitchen features
DubSea,built in 2015, offering 42 thoughtfully designed units.Open floor plans, tall ceilings, Wood laminate floors in the main living areas. This property boasts a current in-place cap rate of 5.5%, with a market cap rate of 6.2%, making it an attractive investment opportunity. variety of unit types, studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedrooms, 54 off-street parking spaces.Picnic
Timeless home meets modern world in this updated Shorewood residence. With new interior and exterior paint, new bathrooms, charming passage stairways, a newer roof, newer kitchen and fully finished basement is a perfect combination. This 4BD/2.75BA home offers elegant curb appeal, functionality, and low maintenance yard. The spacious lower-level floor invites ADU possibilities, while the attached
Light-filled & perfectly located! Minutes to Downtown, Alki & the airport, this home features open concept living w/ sleek kitchen, dining, fireplace & deck. Upstairs: 3 beds w/ walk-ins, luxe primary & rooftop deck. Lower level w/ full kitchen, bed, bath, private entry & patio, ideal for guests or rental. 2-car garage + extra parking. Buy this home outright with a down payment that is up to 90%
Available now! This spacious and secluded Mid-Century home offers fantastic living space with two fireplaces, a gas heat pump with A/C, and a dedicated laundry room. Recent updates include new carpet and beautifully refinished hardwood floors. The large kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a cozy eating area, while the formal dining room includes built-in cabinets
Are you searching for a great apartment home in Seattle, Washington? Well, look no further than Garden Pointe apartments. Situated in a prime location close to great restaurants, schools, and shopping, our friendly community has it all! Enjoy easy access to scenic parks and golfing venues, and we are only minutes away from Sea-Tac Airport. If a great location and a welcoming atmosphere are high
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Mannila,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
22,793
Median Age
39
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$76,076
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$103,354
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
28%
Advanced Degrees
6.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
34/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
32/ 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.
