$717,999Average Value$357Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Bitter Lake lies in the heart of the neighborhood in this north Seattle neighborhood.
Bitter lakes and logging legacies
Bitter Lake started with Douglas-fir and Western Redcedar trees. Logging companies in the 19th century filled the local 20-acre pond with so much tannic acid that the lake earned its bitter name, which the neighborhood adopted shortly after. However, it was the Seattle-Everett Interurban Railway that truly helped shape the identity and future of Bitter Lake. Bitter Lake sits on the outskirts of city limits, so the railway helped to connect the area to major cities like Seattle and Everett. With time, the Interurban trolley line was replaced with the Interurban Trail and Washington State Route 99.
Established homes by the Interurban Trail
Homes in Bitter Lake tend to be lower priced than in surrounding neighborhoods, with the average home value roughly $200,000 less than in the Seattle Metro Area. However, according to Dawn Rutherford, Northwest regional manager at The Seattle Public Library, “Bitter Lake has had significant growth in the last few years, with many apartments and condos coming in.” Renters make up most of the neighborhood now, and buyers can find condos that cost between $290,000 and $440,000. The neighborhood also has established single-family, single-story ranches and bungalows that cost between $660,000 and $870,000. Some builds from the early 1900s and recent years even list for over $1 million. Many neighborhood streets don’t feature sidewalks, but the nearby paved Interurban Trail promotes walking and cycling among residents.
A row of colorful homes on a sunny spring day in Bitter Lake neighborhood.
Multi-level homes can be found next door to single-story homes in Bitter Lake.
You can find rows of town homes along Greenwood Avenue in Bitter Lake.
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The Bitter Lake Community Center has a lot to offer residents.
Bringing together the Bitter Lake community
Residents can attend family skate nights, enroll in dance classes or head to the gym at the Bitter Lake Community Center. Locals can also participate in summer activities and foodbank initiatives put on by the community center in partnership with the Broadview Branch of The Seattle Public Library, which Rutherford oversees. The library plays its own pivotal role in the community, as well. “The library provides both Homework Help for kids and teens and Adult Tutoring, which is mostly focused on supporting recent immigrants,” says Rutherford. “Both of these programs rely on local volunteers, folks interested in getting involved in the community. And we have Community Conversations monthly at the library so residents can learn how they might benefit from, or contribute to, the community depending on their circumstance.” Connections between the community and personal faith are plentiful, too; there are almost 30 houses of worship within 3 miles of Bitter Lake.
Mekong Village Vietnamese restaurant is well known on Aurora Avenue in Bitter Lake.
Homecooked meals and Vietnamese coffee
Bitter Lake is home to a few highly rated restaurants. Rutherford recommends Lotus Pond Vietnamese Cuisine, saying, “The food is incredible, and I swear they have the best Vietnamese coffee in Seattle…and I’ve tried many.” La Cabaña Restaurant may have an unassuming storefront, but its menu features authentic Central American cuisine that tastes like a homecooked meal. The Living Room Cafe is an industrial chic coffee shop serving specialty drinks and baked goods in seasonal flavors. It’s also a go-to quiet spot for remote workers and a snack shack for on-the-go customers. Aurora Avenue is the central commercial street in Bitter Lake, featuring an Amazon Fresh grocery store, more restaurant options, and brand names like Lowe’s Home Improvement, Ross Dress For Less and Office Depot. For medical services, Bitter Lake residents are within 1 mile of UW Medical Center – Northwest Seattle Hospital.
Homes, condos, and parks line the shores of Bitter Lake in Seattle.
Enjoying the outdoors around Bitter Lake
When locals want to stretch their legs and get fresh air, The Bitter Lake Playfield features a wading pool, athletic courts and a sizeable playground. It’s also adjacent to Bitter Lake, the prominent water feature for which the neighborhood is named. While Bitter Lake may not be known for many lakeside events, it’s stocked with rainbow trout, and fishermen and families alike have open-to-the-public shoreline access. At Bitter Lake Reservoir Park, residents can find outdoor exercise equipment and a community garden space just north of the fenced-in reservoir. There is also an unshaded playground for kids to get their energy out on.
T crosswalk in front of Broadview Thomson K-8 school is a colorful Bitter Lake landmark.
Seattle’s first International Baccalaureate World School
Students from kindergarten through eighth grade can enroll at the Broadview-Thomson K-8 School; however, the school also offers a free federally funded preschool program for qualifying families and their three- and four-year-olds. The school earns a B rating on Niche and is ranked No. 8 on Niche’s list for standout middle schools in the Seattle area. High schoolers can attend Ingraham High School, which has an A on Niche and was the first Seattle-area school to become an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
Bitter Lake has bus transportation throughout.
Bus stops galore
Public transportation is a highly viable option for Bitter Lake residents. King County bus stops run all along the area’s borders and many of its streets, such as North 130th and North 125th streets. Bitter Lake is also right at the intersection of Washington State Routes 99 and 523, making travel by car smooth and accessible. When locals want to go out of state, King County International Airport is 14 miles south.
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
Steven Lieu,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bitter Lake Playfield
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Tennis
Licton Springs Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Mineral Springs Park
Disc Golf
Trails
Bitter Lake Reservoir Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Carkeek Park Eddie McAbee Entrance
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Llandover Woods Greenspace
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
Seattle Paine Field International
27 min drive
Bus
N 130th St & Evanston Ave N
Bus
N 130th St & Linden Ave N
Bus
N 130th St & Dayton Ave N
Bus
N 143rd St & Greenwood Ave N
Bus
Greenwood Ave N & N 134th St
Bus
Greenwood Ave N & N 122nd St
Bus
N 145th St & Evanston Ave N
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.66 Reviews
5.0Current Resident
10/20/2016Niche Review
I enjoy that the area for the most part is quite and is a bit further away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown. There is a bunch of stores and great restaurants in the immediate vicinity.
5.0Niche User
12/23/2015Niche Review
there is a firefighter station around. sometimes, i can hear them going out. its very safe.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bitter Lake
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Bitter Lake Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bitter Lake, Seattle sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Bitter Lake, Seattle over the last 12 months is $439,950, down 74% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom home in Seattle’s Bitter Lake neighborhood blends modern updates with classic charm. The spacious main level features an open-concept living and dining area with new hardwood floors, a gorgeous tiled gas fireplace, and abundant natural light. The new kitchen boasts quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and stylish cabinetry. Four generous bedrooms offer
Serene living on Seattle’s coveted Bitterlake water front community. This lake front condo with private dock is a special setting in NW Seattle. With all the necessary amenities from popular grocery shopping, cafe’s, restaurants, light rail, the Seattle Public library and transit only moments away. Not only is the updated condo a great value for lake front living, you’ll simply enjoy each day
This charming Bitter Lake home has so much to offer! Set on a spacious 7,705 SF fully fenced lot, the backyard is a true oasis- featuring raised vegetable garden, fruit trees, lush lawn, wisteria-draped gazebo with seating, an outdoor bar, & a wood-burning fireplace, perfect for outdoor entertaining. 590 SF Garagemahal: 23’x30’ with 12’ ceilings, oversized doors, storage trolly chain hoist & a
Rare lakefront property with 60' of no bank lake frontage on tranquil, peaceful Bitter Lake. Stunning views, large lot gently sloping down to the lake and quiet dead-end street. Tons of options-Live in as is, remodel, expand on existing home, rent out a unit or build your dream lakefront home. Current structure is a legal duplex, but can live as a single family home. Lake views from each
Charming standalone bungalow in Broadview, situated on a quiet street. This 1,010 sq ft home features two bedrooms, one bathroom, and timeless hickory wood flooring throughout. The open living space boasts vaulted ceilings with skylights filling the home with natural light, and a gas stove for cozy cooking. Enjoy outdoor entertaining on a large deck, complemented by newly installed sod on a
Nestled in the desirable Broadview neighborhood, this beautiful 5-bed, 2.5-bath home on an expansive, level lot offers endless possibilities. Enter the home to a large living room, perfect for entertaining with a wood-burning fireplace. Large, timeless kitchen with brand-new dishwasher and fridge-check out the fabulous pantry w/ hinged shelves. A dining room that opens up to a level deck, great
Available 8/1. Light filled, top level condo featuring a fabulous floor plan & territorial views. This spacious home offers an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances & subway tile backsplash, beautiful knotty pine shiplap wall with cozy fireplace, & a built-in desk and tech center. Controlled access, gated parking (optional $100) exercise room. Easy access to Hwy 99, I-5. On interurban
Sanford Hildebrandt Seattle, a 62+ affordable community, offers 276 beautiful studio senior apartments in Seattle. Each apartment has a beautiful lanai for enjoying a relaxing morning or evening. There are beautiful walking trails around Lake Bitter, a new putting green in our courtyard and new landscaping. Utilities included except phone and cable TV. INCOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY; SUBSIDIZED;
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steven Lieu,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
11,138
Median Age
42
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,288
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$86,800
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
42%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.7%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
72°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
70/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
49/ 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.
