Why Live in Seattle
Seattle's iconic Space Needle stands at the heart of Seattle Center, surrounded by cultural landmarks like the Museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Pike Place Market buzzes with local vendors tossing fresh fish, while Discovery Park's 534 acres encompass trails, beaches, and a lighthouse. The dining scene features standout restaurants like Canlis, known for 74 years of fine dining excellence, and Salty's on Alki Beach, famous for fresh seafood and Puget Sound views.
The Seattle housing market includes diverse options across distinct neighborhoods. Single-family homes predominate in areas like Capitol Hill, where the median price reaches $1,267,500, and Ballard, with a median price of $957,000. Madison Park commands the highest median single-family home prices at $2,782,500. The median price for one-bedroom condos in Seattle is $410,000, while two-bedroom condos typically sell for $645,000. Townhomes have a median price of $752,000.
Living costs in Seattle run 44.5% above the national average. A family with school-age children needs approximately $151,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters should aim for $90,000. Monthly grocery costs average $1,700 for families and $800 for renters. The combined sales tax rate is 9.43%, and property taxes in King County stand at 0.84%.
Seattle's public transportation system includes buses, light rail, streetcars, and water taxis, making car ownership optional. The University of Washington anchors the education scene, alongside Seattle University and Seattle Pacific University. Public schools like Garfield High School and private institutions such as Lakeside School maintain A+ ratings. The mild climate features average summer highs of 75°F and winter lows of 45°F, with light rain most common between October and April.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in Seattle, WA?
Homes for sale in Seattle, WA have an average home price of $1,031,459.
How many homes have sold over the last 12 months in Seattle, WA?
8,814 homes have sold in Seattle, WA over the last 12 months.
Is Seattle, WA a safe city?
What are the most popular zip codes in Seattle, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods in Seattle, WA?
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Seattle?
The median home price in Seattle is $849,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $169,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.77%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $4,410 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $189K a year to afford the median home price in Seattle.
How are the schools in Seattle, WA?
Home Trends in Seattle, WA
On average, homes in Seattle, WA sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Seattle, WA over the last 12 months is $850,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$850,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$975,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$752,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$645,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$410,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$619
Number of Homes for Sale
2,265
Last 12 months Home Sales
8,814
Median List Price
$849,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%
