Why Live in Montlake
Montlake, a neighborhood in Seattle, is situated between Portage Bay and Union Bay, surrounded by scenic waterways and lush green spaces. The area features historic storybook Tudors and cottages along old stone streets, with homes often hidden among magnolias and evergreens. Montlake has a population of nearly 4,800 residents and is highly rated for its public schools, outdoor activities, and commuting options. Students typically attend Montlake Elementary, currently under construction with classes held at John Marshall School, followed by Edmonds S. Meany Middle and Garfield High, all of which have high ratings. The University of Washington is less than a mile away, offering a wide range of academic programs.
Montlake boasts several parks, including Volunteer Park, which features the Seattle Asian Art Museum, Water Tower Observation Deck, and the gravesites of Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee. Montlake Playfield Park offers a community center, playground, and turf field, while Marsh Island and Interlaken Park provide scenic trails and woodlands for outdoor activities. The Washington Park Arboretum, a 230-acre natural attraction, includes the Seattle Japanese Garden and hosts free walking tours.
Local amenities include a small retail core with shops, restaurants, and a popular bike shop. Residents frequent Fuel Coffee and Café Lago, known for its Tuscan wood-fired pizzas. Mont's Market on 24th Avenue serves as a convenient stop for groceries. The neighborhood is bike-friendly and offers easy access to Interstate 5, with Downtown Seattle less than 5 miles away. Montlake is noted for its serene environment, diverse amenities, and proximity to major city attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montlake a good place to live?
Montlake is a good place to live, receiving 3.5 stars from its residents. Montlake is considered somewhat walkable and very bikeable with good transit options. Montlake has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 10.1 people per acre and a median age of 42. The average household income is $207,757 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 83.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Montlake are home owners, with 27.1% of residents renting and 72.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Montlake can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Montlake neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Montlake?
The median home price in Montlake is $571,010. If you put a 20% down payment of $114,200 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,960 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $127K a year to afford the median home price in Montlake. The average household income in Montlake is $208K.
What are the best public schools in Montlake?
The best public schools that serve Montlake are:
What are the best private schools in Montlake?
The best private schools that serve Montlake are:
- Epiphany School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 7:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
- St Joseph School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average review score of 4.9.
- Assumption - St. Bridget School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 4.8.
What are the most popular zip codes in Montlake, Seattle, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Montlake, Seattle, WA?
Home Trends in Montlake, WA
On average, homes in Montlake, Seattle sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Montlake, Seattle over the last 12 months is $480,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$480,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$574,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$610,211
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$460,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$230,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$338
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
62
Median List Price
$571,010
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%