$861,323Average Value$548Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
Columbia City, a lively neighborhood
Columbia City is ideal for Seattle residents who desire a convenient commute to the downtown but also appreciate walkable access to a wide variety of parks, restaurants and boutique stores. “The best word to describe the area is ‘neighborly.’ There are so many opportunities to socialize and meet people,” says Real Estate Broker Julia Freilinger, who sells homes in Columbia City with Redfin. “The neighborhood is pretty unique and therefore highly sought after. Unlike South Seattle and Georgetown to the west, it isn’t industrial. And unlike Lakewood to the east, you can actually walk to local businesses.” Columbia City offers a mix of townhouses and historic homes, many of which have views of Lake Washington.
Small details, like this pink clock, add charm to the neighborhood of Columbia City.
Check out the local stores in Columbia City, Seattle, WA.
Columbia City has rolling hills throughout the neighborhood.
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Bungalows and townhouses
Columbia City is primarily made up of craftsman-style homes built between the 1910s and the 1940s. A three-bedroom pre-war bungalow sells for between $780,000 and $840,000. Four-bedroom post-war bungalows sell for between $900,000 and $1 million. Condos and townhouses are being built in the area. Two-bedroom newly built townhouses sell for between $560,000 and $770,000. Three-bedroom townhouses sell for between $920,000 and $960,000.
A small bungalow in the heart of Columbia City.
A single-story ranch-style home in Columbia City.
Many homes in Columbia City also have solar panels to take advantage of sunny days.
Condos are also a popular housing option in Columbia City, Seattle, WA.
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Local public schools
Many kids start their educations at Hawthorne Elementary School, with a B-plus Niche rating and a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Aki Kurose Middle School has a B-minus Niche rating and a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Many teens move on to Franklin High School, which has an A-minus Niche rating and an 88% graduation rate. The school offers a slate of Advanced Placement classes. Seattle’s downtown is home to the University of Washington, which has about 49,000 students.
Outdoor recreational opportunities
Residents walk to the public recreational spaces that are interspersed throughout the community. Rainier Community Center offers two full-sized gyms, a multipurpose room, a commercial-grade kitchen and a number of meeting rooms. The center is next to Rainier Playfield, which has three softball fields, a playground, benches, picnic tables, two basketball courts and four tennis courts. Columbia City has a branch of the Seattle Public Library that offers homework help to local children, story times and book clubs for adults. People drive 1 ½ miles northwest to hit the fairways of Jefferson Park Golf Course. Folks travel about a mile east of Columbia City to enjoy Seward Park, 300 acres of land on Lake Washington. Some residents fish and boat on the lake. Residents play soccer and take their pets to the dog park at Genesee Park and Playfield.
Genesee Park and Playfield has plenty of soccer fields.
The playground at Rainier Community Park is popular among the kids of Columbia City.
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Popular restaurants and boutique shopping
Rainier Avenue offers an eclectic selection of shopping and dining options that are all reachable on foot. Geraldine’s Counter is popular for its all-day breakfasts. “Geraldine’s Counter often has a line out the door on Saturday and Sunday,” Freilinger says. Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max serves Pacific Rim cuisine in the style of its namesake. When residents crave a fusion between the cuisines of the Pacific Island and the bayou, they go to Island Soul Bar & Soul Shack. The staff at Tutta Bella knows there is only one way to cook a pizza – wood-fired. Clara’s Books is a popular leftist bookstore. Folks purchase pre-owned women’s clothing at Gather Consignment. Most locals buy their groceries at Columbia City Market on Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
Geraldine's Counter is popular for its breakfast
Bring back a present from the gift shop Andaluz
Columbia City has plenty of dining options.
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Community organizations and entertainment
Ark Lodge Cinemas on Rainier Avenue is a historic theater that shows new film releases. Some residents join the Columbia City Gallery, where local artists can display their work and attend exhibits with fellow creatives. Royal Esquire Club on Rainier Avenue is a private African American men’s club that has been integral to the community’s social fabric since 1947. Members enjoy R&B, soul, jazz, gospel and comedy performances at the club. It also holds regular happy hours. Columbia City residents often attend Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners games.
Ark Lodge Cinemas
Royal Esquire Club has live music and a rotation of bands for locals in Columbia City to enjoy.
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Residents can walk or drive to reach shopping and dining options.
Various transportation options
Locals take Alaska Street and Columbian Way 2 miles west to access Interstate 5. Downtown Seattle is 5 miles northwest of Columbia City via Interstate 5. “There are plenty of sidewalks, and many of the residents don’t even own cars,” Freilinger says. On Martin Luther King Jr. Way, the Columbia City light rail station connects residents to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Downtown Seattle. The city offers a bus service with stops on Columbia City streets like Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Rainier Avenue.
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
The residential areas are well maintained and are visually appealing but the main streets sometimes have houses and apartment buildings that might look a bit run down but usually in god condition. Aside from that the neighborhood is really beautiful.
5.0Current Resident
7/4/2017Niche Review
I've lived there a long time and have seen a lot of changes. What has stayed the same has been the cute quaint shops and diversity.
4.0Niche User
3/1/2015Niche Review
Lam's Seafood is the go-to grocery store for fresh fruits and vegetables. Offering a range of local and international fruits from all over the world at a reasonable price.
4.0Niche User
3/1/2015Niche Review
Compared to other places, the Northwest and Seattle are absolutely the best. I love the weather and how we are so close to nature.
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Columbia City Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Columbia City, Seattle sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Columbia City, Seattle over the last 12 months is $829,975, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Delightful Craftsman near Columbia City, move-in ready with tall ceilings and laminate hardwoods throughout. Enjoy an open floor plan, covered front porch, and 2 bedrooms with a spacious bath featuring a double vanity. Updates include new double-paned vinyl windows, water heater, furnace and roof! Permitted new electrical wiring, and plumbing. Sun-drenched back deck overlooks a fenced yard,
Step inside this Columbia City townhome where modern design shines, and neighborhood perks—cafes, parks, and markets—are just outside your door. The chef’s kitchen makes cooking a joy, flowing into open living spaces anchored by a striking wood-and-concrete staircase. A vaulted ceiling crowns the upstairs bedroom, while the primary offers double closets and direct access to a stylish 3⁄4 bath.
Luxury 5-Star Built Green home by Dwell Development. Surrounded by gardens, both evergreen and perennial, this free-standing corner home is an oasis in the city. Standout features include polished concrete floors, mini-split AC, HRV system, radiant heating, triple pane windows, 2 parking spaces, 240V EV charging outlet, and new roof terrace membrane installed in 2023. The gourmet island kitchen
Urban living at its finest! This Columbia City mid-century gem is ideally nestled between Lake Washington, Light Rail, Seward Park, and Columbia City’s shops, farmer’s market, and beloved eateries. Blending natural beauty with everyday convenience, this inviting home features oak floors, sunny corner windows, cozy wood-burning fireplace, and lives larger than its footprint. The spacious lot
Priced to sell! Modern 3 bed 2 bath Columbia City Townhome. NO HOA! Private rooftop deck with city views. Open floorplan w chef's kitchen, gas range, quartz counters, custom cabinets and stainless appliances. Floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors and custom tile baths create style throughout. Comforts include 4 mini splits, gas tankless water heater, IN UNIT W/D, and blinds. Reserved parking
Manhattan penthouse vibes meet Pacific Northwest tranquility in this iconic Tony Case steel-and-glass creation—one of only nine ever built. Cantilevered dramatically over a private green lot on Columbia City’s western slope, this sustainable masterpiece sits in the heart of the city yet feels worlds away. Floor to ceiling windows capture sunrise views and flood the home with natural light, while
CityLine apartment homes feature the latest in contemporary design and comfort and is within walking distance of locally-owned shops, bakeries, and coffee houses. If you are in the mood for a night in the city, the train can take you downtown and back again. Experience the best of both worlds at CityLine apartments.
New Apartments in Columbia CityForget Plain Jane. Forget ho-hum. Youre not ordinary, and your home shouldnt be either. Arlo offers brand new, luxury studio, one, and two-bedroom Columbia City apartments to meet your every need.
Our property is now open!Our brand-new community is in the Mt. Baker neighborhood, conveniently located steps away from the Light Rail Station, grocery stores and restaurants. Each home features energy efficient appliances; large, triple pane windows, quartz counter tops and easy to clean vinyl plank flooring. All pricing includes water, sewer and garbage. Our building features front desk
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