Why Live in Portage Bay
Portage Bay in Seattle is a vibrant waterfront neighborhood situated at the western tip of Lake Union's peninsula. With around 1,900 residents, the community enjoys a scenic lifestyle featuring kayaking, houseboats, and stunning sunsets. The Pocock Rowing Center and Queen City Yacht Club enhance the lakefront experience. Homes in Portage Bay range from historic Tudors and European country-style homes to storybook cottages and Craftsman-style houses, many with gardens. Unique floating homes and houseboats offer rooftop decks with views of Seattle’s skyline. The neighborhood is well-connected via Interstate 5 and Washington State Route 520, making commuting convenient. Highly rated schools such as Montlake Elementary, Edmonds S. Meany Middle, Garfield High, and Seattle Preparatory School serve the area. The University of Washington, less than a mile away, offers extensive academic programs. Roanoke Park and nearby Interlaken Park provide green spaces for outdoor activities, while Fuhrman Avenue features popular dining spots like Le Fournil French Bakery and Johnny Mo’s Pizzeria. Residents can shop at University Village or Capitol Hill, both a short drive away. The Portage Bay Community Council fosters a sense of community through regular meetings and an annual picnic. With low crime rates compared to the national average, Portage Bay offers a safe and attractive environment for potential home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portage Bay a good place to live?
Portage Bay is a good place to live. Portage Bay is considered somewhat walkable and very bikeable with great transit options. Portage Bay has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 14.4 people per acre and a median age of 38. The average household income is $191,889 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 83.8% of residents. A majority of residents in Portage Bay are renters, with 50.4% of residents renting and 49.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Portage Bay can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Portage Bay neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Portage Bay?
The median home price in Portage Bay is $1,498,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $299,600 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $7,570 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $324K a year to afford the median home price in Portage Bay. The average household income in Portage Bay is $192K.
What are the best public schools in Portage Bay?
The best public schools that serve Portage Bay are:
What are the best private schools in Portage Bay?
The best private schools that serve Portage Bay are:
- University Cooperative 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 4.8.
- Holy Names Academy has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 14:1 and an average review score of 4.2.
What are the most popular zip codes in Portage Bay, Seattle, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Portage Bay, Seattle, WA?
Home Trends in Portage Bay, WA
On average, homes in Portage Bay, Seattle sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Portage Bay, Seattle over the last 12 months is $1,450,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$1,450,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,695,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,025,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$575,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$542,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$796
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Median List Price
$1,498,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
