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South Lake Union

South Lake Union

Neighborhood in Seattle, Washington

King County 98102, 98109

Neighborhood Reviews
4.3
$566,952 Average Value
$1,064 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

The technology hub of Seattle, from Amazon to Google

According to James Stroupe, founding director of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty, South Lake Union is essentially “the technology hub of Seattle.” As someone who has been selling Seattle homes since 1994, he’s seen firsthand the neighborhood’s growth throughout the years. “Ten years ago, you just wouldn’t recognize it,” he says. "It’s had major growth, and it’s full of technology giants now – Apple, Google, Amazon. Everybody that comes in works for Amazon.” With so many job opportunities in the world’s fastest-growing industry and sweeping lakefront views, South Lake Union is drawing in homebuyers in droves.

The Google South Lake Union office is a short walk from Lake Union Park.
The Google South Lake Union office is a short walk from Lake Union Park.
South Lake Union is a very walkable and bicycle friendly neighborhood.
South Lake Union is a very walkable and bicycle friendly neighborhood.
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There are lots of modern condos in South Lake Union.
There are lots of modern condos in South Lake Union.

Highrise condos by the waterfront

While the neighborhood is primarily renter-based, homebuyers can find condos for sale here. Condos in the area are typically open-concept with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving them a loft-like feel. Monthly association fees usually cover utilities, private parking and earthquake insurance. One-bedroom, one-bath properties typically list between $360,00 and $525,000, while two-bed, two-bath homes cost up to $750,000.

Garfield High School, welcomes students from South Lake Union in Seattle.
Garfield High School, welcomes students from South Lake Union in Seattle.

Top-rated Washington schools serve South Lake Union

Schools in the area are a part of the Seattle Public Schools District, and the neighborhood has public and private offerings for students. Students are zoned for Lowell Elementary Schools, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Meany Middle School also serves the area; it has a B-plus rating on Niche and a unique student health program. The Meany Health Center offers comprehensive medical and behavioral health services to students at the school at no cost to parents. High schoolers are zoned for Garfield High School, one of the top 20 best public high schools in Washington. The school earns an A rating from Niche.

Preserving Seattle's oldest park and sharing its maritime history

When locals want a breath of fresh air, Lake Union Park or Denny Park are their go-tos. Lake Union is a 12-acre park where locals can picnic, splash around in the spray park, go on a boat tour, or launch a model sailboat. Lake Union is also home to the Museum of History and Industry and The Center for Wooden Boats, two museums dedicated to preserving and documenting the general and maritime history of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Denny Park is at the base of the neighborhood. “Denny Park is Seattle’s first and oldest park,” says Stroupe. “It almost became part of a larger city park effort called the Seattle Commons, but once the vote was lost on that, the park stayed as it is.” This historic park has 4 acres of green space with large shade trees, a children’s play area and a fenced off-leash dog park. It’s also the site of many of South Lake Union’s outdoor festivals and markets. Waterfront Playground and Cascade Playground are two other spots frequented by families to let kids stretch their legs and get their energy out.

Lake Union Park has great views of the Seattle Tower and Lake Union.
Lake Union Park has great views of the Seattle Tower and Lake Union.
An inspirational wall display at the MOHA in  South Lake Union, Seattle, WA.
An inspirational wall display at the MOHA in South Lake Union, Seattle, WA.
Denny Park has plenty of green spaces for the locals of South Lake Union to enjoy.
Denny Park has plenty of green spaces for the locals of South Lake Union to enjoy.
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Come have a drink at The White Swan Pub in South Lake Union.
Come have a drink at The White Swan Pub in South Lake Union.

Rooftop restaurants and serve-serve taps

This tech-focused waterfront neighborhood is also a dining hub. Portage Bay Cafe is a bright and modern diner serving local, organic, and seasonal breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. For dinner and a view, mbar offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates and cocktails on a rooftop patio overlooking Lake Union. The White Swan Public House is a dockside patio-style restaurant that serves fresh-caught seafood, local brews and handcrafted cocktails. Prime meat cuts come with scenic views at Daniel’s Broiler, a bustling waterfront steakhouse a dock down from The White Swan. Inside the Google complex is Tapster, a trendy and eclectic bar where locals only pay for what they drink; beers and ciders dispense from self-serve taps, and prices are by the ounce. Flat Stick Pub is also popular among young professionals and is always buzzing with weekly events, like bingo and trivial night. When locals want to fill their pantries and make a home-cooked meal, Whole Foods Market is just on the other side of Denny Way at 2200 Westlake Retail, the closest shopping mall.

South Lake Union is a very walkable and bicycle friendly neighborhood.
South Lake Union is a very walkable and bicycle friendly neighborhood.

Foot traffic high right by the I-5

Interstate 5 runs along the eastern border of South Lake Union, making accessing the highway a quick process for commuters. However, with so many employers in the area, only a few locals commute. Foot traffic is typically high in the neighborhood but has lessened in the past few years due to many technology jobs becoming remote. For those who take public transportation, King County Metro transportation system serves the area; many light rail stations and bus stops are scattered throughout South Lake Union.

Micaela Green
Written By
Micaela Green
Howard Snyder
Photography Contributed By
Howard Snyder
Mike Dunleavy
Video By
Mike Dunleavy

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 neighborhood? Reach out to Brian Truman, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

25 min drive

Subway

Westlake & Thomas

Subway

Terry & Thomas

Subway

Westlake & Mercer

Subway

Terry & Mercer

Subway

Lake Union Park

Subway

Fairview & Campus Drive

Bus

Dexter Ave N & Harrison St

Bus

Fairview Ave N & Yale Ave N

Bus

Dexter Ave N & Mercer St

Bus

Brazil

Bus

Fairview Ave N & Thomas St

Bus

Denny Way & Fairview Ave N

Bus

7th Ave N & Thomas St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.3 6 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
6/23/2015 Niche Review
The area I love is nice. It's typically quieter than most of the city, but it's farther from restaurants and shopping including grocery stores so it's better if you have a car to get around.
4.0 Current Resident
4/28/2024 Niche Review
Would be great if it I went for the opportunist who moved in during the covid crisis. Fake landlords of all things. Bedbugs. Abuse of service animals. Tents blocking sidewalks and doorways. I understand you don't run your city like I am used to, but this is filthy nasty stuff. Are you liberal to that?
Are you familiar with the South Lake Union neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Lake Union US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 8 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$450,000
Median Single Family Price
$675,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$583,999
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$400,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,064
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Months of Supply
2.80
Median List Price
$487,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-14%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
394
Median Year Built
2009
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,326
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,057
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,230
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
768
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Brian Truman, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
15,573
Median Age
33
Population Density
37 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$132,383
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$160,190

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
74.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
36.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
78.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
8''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

93 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

94 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

81 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
South Lake Union