Rainier Beach

On the shores of Lake Washington, Rainier Beach's relaxing coastal feel and lush gardens make it one of the area's most coveted new home-buying locations. According to realtor Sharon Mann, with Rainier Beach's proximity to I-5, "commuting to Downtown Seattle takes just minutes."

Mann also notes that Rainier Beach is "a diverse community, where anyone can feel at home because so many cultures are represented." With its welcoming nature, there's little wonder why so many people put down roots in Rainier Beach.

Home pricing in the community is an added bonus. Prices fall below local Seattle averages, ranging from about $500,000 to $1 million. Even with its relatively affordable prices, you'll still find a generous mix of beautiful homes. There's a blend of mid-century ramblers, bungalows with Craftsman or Cape Cod elements and occasional new construction.

In this hilly neighborhood, views of the lake or Mount Rainier make your home a relaxing escape. You can even find highly sought-after lakefront bungalows where you can take a sunset stroll down the shore. There are also condos on the water's edge, often with panoramic views and luxury amenities.

Public schools serve students here, including Rainier Beach High School. Over 95 percent of upper-level students participate in part of the school's International Baccalaureate program, which offers rigorous courses and service-learning components. The school also offers an IB Career-related Program, matching students with internships right after graduation.

Other schools in the area include Emerson Elementary School, which hosts community events to keep students and families engaged, such as its Back to School Bash and Family Night. The school also offers a free preschool program for children between three and four. Dimmitt Middle School also serves students, offering after-school activities like volleyball, flag football, fantasy soccer club and female empowerment club.

One of the neighborhood's highlights is Kubota Gardens, known as the hidden jewel of Rainier Beach. Named after former resident Fujitaro Kubota, the gardens encompass over 20 acres with 11 ponds and dozens of varieties of maple trees and hydrangeas, among other botanical wonders. Spend an afternoon meandering through the fragrant gardens or take one of the tours provided by the garden's docents. Kubota Gardens also holds various events throughout the year. Listen to jazz music every August, add to your plant collection at one of their sales or attend a workshop.

Another beloved green space in Rainier Beach is Lakeridge Park. It's a local favorite for hiking, with forested trails that meander alongside Taylor Creek. Take your pup on a walk through the woods, forage for mushrooms or birdwatch while you bask under the emerald green canopies of trees. Lakeridge Park also provides athletic fields, a pickleball court and kids' play area to offer a variety of options for visitors.

While the neighborhood is primarily residential, you'll find all the daily necessities along Rainier Avenue South, like grocery stores, doctor's offices and banks. Rainier Beach also has a large community base, so you'll often find your neighbors at beloved spaces like Rainier Beach Community Club. This neighborhood organization has a clubhouse where monthly meetings and events like craft fairs and game nights are held. You can even rent out the clubhouse for your own event.

When you want a bite to eat, you'll find plenty of options right within the neighborhood enclaves. Start your day sitting in a window seat at Redwing Café while you enjoy one of their hand-crafted espresso drinks. They specialize in a vegetarian menu, offering vibrant, flavorful plant-based food. Nearby, Umami Kushi is a unique bakery specializing in Japanese okazu pan. These savory stuffed buns are available in traditional flavors like curry and unique local varieties like smoked salmon.

One of the area's favorite brunch spots is The Stonehouse Café, located inside a refurbished 1920s service station. Grab mimosas with friends while you sit on the patio overlooking Lake Washington. For one of the best slices of Neapolitan Pizza this side of the globe, try Pizzeria Pulcinella. It takes just 90 seconds in the pizzeria's woodburning oven to create a perfectly crisp pie that tastes just as it would in Italy.

Offering gorgeous green spaces, engaging schools, neighborhood hotspots and beautiful homes with even better prices, it's easy to see why Rainier Beach is one of the Seattle area's favorite neighborhoods.

Written By

Susan Pascal

Photography Contributed By

Perry Cucinotta

Video By

Daric Clarke