$712,470Average Value$514Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes For Sale
Bitter Lake lies in the heart of the neighborhood in this north Seattle neighborhood.
Bitter lakes and logging legacies
Bitter Lake started with Douglas-fir and Western Redcedar trees. Logging companies in the 19th century filled the local 20-acre pond with so much tannic acid that the lake earned its bitter name, which the neighborhood adopted shortly after. However, it was the Seattle-Everett Interurban Railway that truly helped shape the identity and future of Bitter Lake. Bitter Lake sits on the outskirts of city limits, so the railway helped to connect the area to major cities like Seattle and Everett. With time, the Interurban trolley line was replaced with the Interurban Trail and Washington State Route 99.
Established homes by the Interurban Trail
Homes in Bitter Lake tend to be lower priced than in surrounding neighborhoods, with the average home value roughly $200,000 less than in the Seattle Metro Area. However, according to Dawn Rutherford, Northwest regional manager at The Seattle Public Library, “Bitter Lake has had significant growth in the last few years, with many apartments and condos coming in.” Renters make up most of the neighborhood now, and buyers can find condos that cost between $290,000 and $440,000. The neighborhood also has established single-family, single-story ranches and bungalows that cost between $660,000 and $870,000. Some builds from the early 1900s and recent years even list for over $1 million. Many neighborhood streets don’t feature sidewalks, but the nearby paved Interurban Trail promotes walking and cycling among residents.
A row of colorful homes on a sunny spring day in Bitter Lake neighborhood.
Multi-level homes can be found next door to single-story homes in Bitter Lake.
You can find rows of town homes along Greenwood Avenue in Bitter Lake.
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The Bitter Lake Community Center has a lot to offer residents.
Bringing together the Bitter Lake community
Residents can attend family skate nights, enroll in dance classes or head to the gym at the Bitter Lake Community Center. Locals can also participate in summer activities and foodbank initiatives put on by the community center in partnership with the Broadview Branch of The Seattle Public Library, which Rutherford oversees. The library plays its own pivotal role in the community, as well. “The library provides both Homework Help for kids and teens and Adult Tutoring, which is mostly focused on supporting recent immigrants,” says Rutherford. “Both of these programs rely on local volunteers, folks interested in getting involved in the community. And we have Community Conversations monthly at the library so residents can learn how they might benefit from, or contribute to, the community depending on their circumstance.” Connections between the community and personal faith are plentiful, too; there are almost 30 houses of worship within 3 miles of Bitter Lake.
Mekong Village Vietnamese restaurant is well known on Aurora Avenue in Bitter Lake.
Homecooked meals and Vietnamese coffee
Bitter Lake is home to a few highly rated restaurants. Rutherford recommends Lotus Pond Vietnamese Cuisine, saying, “The food is incredible, and I swear they have the best Vietnamese coffee in Seattle…and I’ve tried many.” La Cabaña Restaurant may have an unassuming storefront, but its menu features authentic Central American cuisine that tastes like a homecooked meal. The Living Room Cafe is an industrial chic coffee shop serving specialty drinks and baked goods in seasonal flavors. It’s also a go-to quiet spot for remote workers and a snack shack for on-the-go customers. Aurora Avenue is the central commercial street in Bitter Lake, featuring an Amazon Fresh grocery store, more restaurant options, and brand names like Lowe’s Home Improvement, Ross Dress For Less and Office Depot. For medical services, Bitter Lake residents are within 1 mile of UW Medical Center – Northwest Seattle Hospital.
Homes, condos, and parks line the shores of Bitter Lake in Seattle.
Enjoying the outdoors around Bitter Lake
When locals want to stretch their legs and get fresh air, The Bitter Lake Playfield features a wading pool, athletic courts and a sizeable playground. It’s also adjacent to Bitter Lake, the prominent water feature for which the neighborhood is named. While Bitter Lake may not be known for many lakeside events, it’s stocked with rainbow trout, and fishermen and families alike have open-to-the-public shoreline access. At Bitter Lake Reservoir Park, residents can find outdoor exercise equipment and a community garden space just north of the fenced-in reservoir. There is also an unshaded playground for kids to get their energy out on.
T crosswalk in front of Broadview Thomson K-8 school is a colorful Bitter Lake landmark.
Seattle’s first International Baccalaureate World School
Students from kindergarten through eighth grade can enroll at the Broadview-Thomson K-8 School; however, the school also offers a free federally funded preschool program for qualifying families and their three- and four-year-olds. The school earns a B rating on Niche and is ranked No. 8 on Niche’s list for standout middle schools in the Seattle area. High schoolers can attend Ingraham High School, which has an A on Niche and was the first Seattle-area school to become an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
Bitter Lake has bus transportation throughout.
Bus stops galore
Public transportation is a highly viable option for Bitter Lake residents. King County bus stops run all along the area’s borders and many of its streets, such as North 130th and North 125th streets. Bitter Lake is also right at the intersection of Washington State Routes 99 and 523, making travel by car smooth and accessible. When locals want to go out of state, King County International Airport is 14 miles south.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Theresa Neal,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bitter Lake Playfield
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Tennis
Licton Springs Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Mineral Springs Park
Disc Golf
Trails
Bitter Lake Reservoir Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Carkeek Park Eddie McAbee Entrance
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Llandover Woods Greenspace
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
Seattle Paine Field International
27 min drive
Bus
N 130th St & Evanston Ave N
Bus
N 130th St & Linden Ave N
Bus
N 130th St & Dayton Ave N
Bus
N 143rd St & Greenwood Ave N
Bus
Greenwood Ave N & N 134th St
Bus
Greenwood Ave N & N 122nd St
Bus
N 145th St & Evanston Ave N
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.66 Reviews
5.0Current Resident
10/20/2016Niche Review
I enjoy that the area for the most part is quite and is a bit further away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown. There is a bunch of stores and great restaurants in the immediate vicinity.
5.0Niche User
12/23/2015Niche Review
there is a firefighter station around. sometimes, i can hear them going out. its very safe.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bitter Lake
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bitter Lake, Seattle sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Bitter Lake, Seattle over the last 12 months is $649,547, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Prepare to be swooned! You can't help but smile as you enter through a covered trellis gate to a dreamy yard ensconced by a grand maple tree & mature palms. Stately craftsman welcomes you with its expansive covered front porch & wood wrapped windows, leading to the living room with coved ceilings & period tile. The charm continues in the accommodating kitchen with reclaimed chalkboard counters &
Welcome to this stunning three-story Craftsman in prime North Seattle. Thoughtfully remodeled throughout, this five-bedroom home features two master suites, elegant bathrooms, and bedrooms on every floor. The heart of the home showcases an open-concept kitchen with ample dining space, perfect for entertaining or gatherings. Positioned on a generous 5,000+ square foot corner lot, this residence
Welcome to this stunning three-story Craftsman in prime North Seattle. Thoughtfully remodeled throughout, this five-bedroom home features two master suites, elegant bathrooms, and bedrooms on every floor. The heart of the home showcases an open-concept kitchen with ample dining space, perfect for entertaining or gatherings. Positioned on a generous 5,000+ square foot corner lot, this residence
Lakefront living awaits at one of Seattle's best kept secrets, Bitter Lake. Breathtaking lake views greet you the moment you walk in as residents enjoy a beautiful private oasis with rolling lawns, native growth, panoramic views, & a private dock. This elegant 2BD/1.5BA end unit features brand new LVP flooring & carpet throughout, designer colors, sizable Primary Bedroom w/ half bath, versatile
Escape the everyday in your own piece of paradise in the city. Enjoy wide-open water views from this bright, spacious top floor unit, in a unique 5-acre condo community delivering waterfront living & resort style amenities at an approachable price. Relax on your deck or entertain in the large living rm while taking in serene lake views. Plenty of dining space for dinner parties, too. Start your
Coveted south facing end unit just steps from the heated outdoor pool. This lovely condo has it all including secure 2 car parking, 12x12 private storage, primary suite with a walk-in closet & remodeled 3/4 bath, luxury plank flooring, beautifully remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, in-unit wash/dryer, wood burning fireplace, newer windows, quiet radiant heat, sundrenched patio
VIDEO TOUR! Luxurious multi-level home w/gourmet kitchen. Granite, stainless appliances, gas cooking, maple cabinets & dining nook. Elegant bath in primary suite. Lower level bedroom w/private bath opens to backyard. This floor plan offers the utmost in fine craftsmanship in a prime location. 2-car garage, gated yard, deck. Terms: Please use our forms/app. No portable screenings. 1stmo rent, sec
Sanford Hildebrandt Seattle, a 62+ affordable community, offers 276 beautiful studio senior apartments in Seattle. Each apartment has a beautiful lanai for enjoying a relaxing morning or evening. There are beautiful walking trails around Lake Bitter, a new putting green in our courtyard and new landscaping. Utilities included except phone and cable TV. INCOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY; SUBSIDIZED;
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Theresa Neal,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
11,138
Median Age
42
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,288
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$86,800
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
42%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.7%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
72°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
70/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
49/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
