Gregory Heights

A coveted, hidden gem, Burien’s Gregory Heights neighborhood boasts magnificent views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, with proximity to parks, school and big city life.

“Gregory Heights gets a little overlooked sometimes because Three Tree Point is so well known here, but you have a myriad of cool things to see,” says Angie Hall, Realtor at Windermere Real Estate and Belle Residence team member. “If you’re facing west, you get the mountain and sound views, and if you’re facing east, you can see the airport and all the planes flying without any of the noise.”

The neighborhood offers a mix of single-family, ranch-style homes and sophisticated Craftsman-style houses. Most homes were built in the 1960s and range from $630,000 to $950,000, another perk, according to Hall. “With Gregory Heights, you’re also getting a better price range,” she says. “There’s a wider variety of affordability compared to surrounding neighborhoods, but you can still get to all those same cool spots. It’s a nice little blend of homes and is a great spot for first-time homebuyers.” Larger homes can go for up to $2 million and come with pools, meticulously landscaped lawns and multiple decks. Many homes also have hot tubs, garden beds and multi-car garages. “There are really nice, spacious yards,” Hall says. “You have a lot of room to stretch out and play. You’re not on top of anyone else.” Surrounded by spruce and red dawn cedar trees, residents enjoy plenty of privacy and peace and quiet. While residents enjoy their solitude and the neighborhood’s natural beauty, Gregory Heights is just minutes from shopping, schools, Three Tree Point Beach and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Students attend Gregory Heights Elementary, Sylvester Middle and Highline High School. The elementary school offers summer camp Right At School and an overnight outdoor program through the Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center. Niche ranked Highline with an A for diversity and a B- for sports. Highline has championships in baseball and offers a Native Student Union and outdoor adventure club.

Most Gregory Heights residents visit Lake Burien School Memorial Park or the three-acre Lakeview Park, which is just over the boundaries and offers a playground, basketball court and the Burien Toyota & Chevrolet Dog Park. Visit Lake Burien for a little more community-oriented fun. The four-acre park offers a “Music in the Park” summer concert series, Shakespeare plays and a spacious grassy knoll, perfect for picnics. You can also work on your tennis swing while you let the kids play. And with the Puget Sound’s public beach just minutes away, you can catch some rays, fish, boat, or beach comb the miles of shoreline.

Residents are within walking distance of Olde Burien, a historic shopping district with beloved mom and pops, quaint shops and attractions. Get your birria taco fix at Birrieria Tijuana or step back in time at the 1970s-inspired Midwestern bar, Fireside Burien, for old-school American fare and cocktails. Pick up a fresh baguette or French pastry from Bakery Nouveau, and on the weekend, don’t miss the iconic Burien Farmer’s Market here, which is open all year. “People can also get to Five Corners Shopping Center, which has Trader Joe’s and PCC Community Markets,” Hall says. “All the shopping centers are right here, and you’re literally 10 minutes to almost anywhere.”

Residents can enjoy regular block parties, local artisan markets and more at this community-oriented town center, but the biggest community-led organization is the Gregory Seahurst Swim Club within the neighborhood. This private, community-owned swim and tennis facility offers a six-lane swimming pool, diving board, a small wading pool, two tennis courts and classes. "It’s very popular,” says Hall. “There might be a waitlist.”

Natural beauty, affordability and small-town charm just scratch the surface of Gregory Heights’ appeal.

Written By

Amy David

Photography Contributed By

Carter Rogers

Video By

Daric Clarke