Feel the relaxation of a beautiful Pacific Northwest water view out of your living room, kayak out your front door, join in Seattle’s many aquatic events, live in a houseboat; it’s easier than you could ever imagine here in Seattle! Not only is this Emerald City situated on Puget Sound (with a little rain), but Seattle also harbors over 20 miles of waterfront that includes lakes, friendly waterfront communities, mountain and water views throughout the city, and even houseboat neighborhoods galore!
The Seattle Waterfront is a span of parks, piers, ferry and ship terminals, promenades and public spaces like Pioneer Square and Alki on the south to Discovery Park and Matthews Beach on the north. Highlights along the waterfront include Seattle Aquarium, Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park, Greenlake, the Ballard Locks, two cruise ship docks, Washington State Ferry terminals, arcades, restaurants, shopping, bike paths, fishing piers, boat launches, and a spectacular view of Puget Sound, the mountains, and the city.
Many of Seattle’s neighborhoods touch the waterfront, like downtown, Ballard/Fremont, Magnolia, and the University District. However there are several prominent waterfront communities nestled throughout Seattle: Lake Washington, Greenlake, Lake Union, and West Seattle, with houseboat communities in many favorite waterfront locations.
Lake Washington is an eastern Seattle treasure extending from south Seattle beyond the University district up to Sand Point and Magnuson Park. Its communities feature a waterfront arboretum, miles of trails and parks lining the lake, foot/bicycle traffic to I-90, access to University Bridge and a spectacular show during Seattle’s annual SeaFair boating/water celebration. Lake Washington is the largest fresh water lake in King County, and the second biggest lake in the state. Along Lake Washington is also the Burke-Gilman trail, a popular spot for active and outdoorsy people on bicycle or foot. Here mostly residential homes line the shores.
Greenlake’s neighborhoods spiral around the lake, track, and zoo. Here, there is 3-mile loop path and local support for a host of community events, markets, and active lifestyles. Events sponsored by the city take place on, in, and around the lake from milk carton derbies to competitive athletic events. The community here is filled with local bike, boat, and recreational rentals, libraries, local restaurants, bakeries, pubs, dance studios, community centers, and the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo. Most residences in this area are homes and condo/apartments.
Nestled on the south shore of Lake Union and extending south to Denny Way, South Lake Union is a growing and vibrant neighborhood in Seattle. As the city's downtown lakefront neighborhood, it's a place where cutting-edge companies co-exist with urban lofts. One-of-a-kind retail experiences mix with world-class parks and open spaces. Seaplane tours depart to circle scenic Seattle from above and a streetcar line quickly moves people around in style, with on-the-water-communities dispersed throughout. These communities are often filled with creativity and on-the-go Seattle socialites, an area offering smaller spaces with unique adaptations and style.
West Seattle is a protected peninsula community that sits across from Seattle’s downtown waterfront. There is even a water taxi that runs throughout the year for foot traffic between Alki to downtown. West Seattle’s location makes it a unique neighborhood in Seattle that offers a small town’s feel, with all the amenities of a big city. Not only does West Seattle parallel downtown, but its beaches and parks wrap around the north and west sides giving in to spectacular views of the islands and Olympic Mountains. West Seattle’s waterfront hosts mostly condos and apartments; however its historic beginnings do lend to several established, historic, and radiant neighborhoods.
Waterfront homes in the Seattle area can start at a higher price range than most spots around the city, however the views, amenities, and recreation are well worth it. Contact me at homelandinvestment@gmail.com for a free list with photos of Seattle's waterfront and waterview properties for sale right now. Get into this fantastic and awe-inspiring niche in Seattle today!
