Why Live in White Center
White Center, a neighborhood in Seattle, is nestled between West Seattle and Burien. Historically a streetcar-era suburb, it became notable during World War II as a U.S. Army Relocation and Training Center, giving rise to its nickname "Rat City." The area is characterized by a developing business district and a creative, indie vibe. Cultural diversity is a hallmark, with events like Fiesta Mexicana and the upcoming Rat City Art and Food Walk showcasing local talent and cuisine. The White Center Block Party further promotes local businesses and artists. The main hub of activity is along 16th Avenue, featuring a variety of locally operated shops and eateries, including Proletariat Pizza, Crawfish House, and the James Beard-nominated Tomo. For recreation, Southgate Roller Rink offers a unique mix of skating and live music, while Roxbury Lanes provides bowling, arcade games, and a casino. Housing in White Center includes a mix of early 20th-century bungalows, ramblers, and modern townhouses, offering a range of options for potential residents. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Steve Cox Memorial Park, Ralph Williamson Memorial Disc Golf Course, and the White Center Bicycle Playground. The neighborhood is well-connected, with the RapidRide H Line providing bus service to downtown Seattle, which is about 8 miles away. Major roads like state Routes 509 and 99 facilitate easy travel. While the Highline School District schools have mixed ratings, they offer dual language programs in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Somali, reflecting the area's cultural richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is White Center a good place to live?
White Center is a good place to live. White Center is considered car-dependent and bikeable with some transit options. White Center is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. White Center has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 10.1 people per acre and a median age of 39. The average household income is $103,354 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 28% of residents. A majority of residents in White Center are home owners, with 47.5% of residents renting and 52.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving White Center can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
White Center neighborhood guide.
Is White Center, WA a safe neighborhood?
White Center, WA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in White Center?
The median home price in White Center is $679,975. If you put a 20% down payment of $136,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.36%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,390 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $145K a year to afford the median home price in White Center. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in White Center is $103K.
What are the best public schools in White Center?
The best public schools that serve White Center are:
What are the best private schools in White Center?
The best private schools that serve White Center are:
What are the most popular zip codes in White Center, Seattle, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near White Center, Seattle, WA?
Are home prices dropping in White Center?
Yes, home prices in White Center are down 6% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in White Center, WA
On average, homes in White Center, Seattle sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in White Center, Seattle over the last 12 months is $653,500, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$653,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$675,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$570,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$330,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$169,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$430
Number of Homes for Sale
43
Last 12 months Home Sales
176
Median List Price
$679,975
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%
