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Sunset Hill

Sunset Hill

Neighborhood in Seattle, Washington

King County 98107, 98117

Neighborhood Reviews
4.0
$1,344,798 Average Value
$702 Average Price per Sq Ft
12 Homes For Sale
The Olympic Mountains can be seen from Sunset Hill on a clear day.
The Olympic Mountains can be seen from Sunset Hill on a clear day.

Sunset views over Puget Sound's Shilshole Bay

Sunset Hill occupies the western section of Seattle's Ballard area, hugging Shilshole Bay on the eastern edge of Puget Sound. "Sunset Hill is considered to be Ballard. But in the real estate world, we do advertise it as Sunset Hill," says Eric Robison, designated broker for Keller Williams Downtown Seattle. A Washington-state Realtor for more than two decades, Robinson has been a Five Star Professional Award winner since 2009. Sunset views give the neighborhood its name, which it shares with a park that overlooks Shilshole Bay Marina. "It's called that because people are getting great western exposure — you can see across the Sound and the Olympic Mountains at sunset," Robison says. The neighborhood is about 8 miles from downtown Seattle. Its CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, half the national average.

Sunset Hill Park, sand at Golden Gardens Park

At Sunset Hill Park, people do yoga at sunrise and sunset, while others may pull up to park and watch the sunset from their cars. To the north, there's Golden Gardens Park. Recreational activities include summertime swimming and beach volleyball. "Golden Gardens Park has one of the few sandy beaches in Seattle," Robison says. "The other is Alki Beach in West Seattle." He says the rest of the beaches have little rocks rather than sand. Even when it's not a beach day, there are other things to do, like hiking along the wooded trails or taking dogs to the off-leash dog park. Shilshole Bay Marina, Seattle Sailing Club and Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle are a few of the area's bayside highlights. Henry L. Kotkins Pier is a popular spot for anglers, who can cast a line while watching the sun dip behind the mountains. Equipment and classes for water sports are available at several shops along Seaview Avenue. One of these, Surf Ballard, offers paddleboard rentals and lessons.

Residents can enjoy the beachfront in Sunset Hill.
Residents can enjoy the beachfront in Sunset Hill.
Public boat moorage is available at Shilshole Bay Marina in Sunset Hill.
Public boat moorage is available at Shilshole Bay Marina in Sunset Hill.
Friends can enjoy picnics at Golden Gardens Park in Sunset Hill.
Friends can enjoy picnics at Golden Gardens Park in Sunset Hill.
Windsurfers can enjoy the accessibility that Golden Gardens Park can offer to the Puget Sound.
Windsurfers can enjoy the accessibility that Golden Gardens Park can offer to the Puget Sound.
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Historical homes, new construction and condos

Mainly composed of gridded blocks, Sunset Hill has some slightly hilly streets, with evergreen trees and custom landscaping adding to the scenery. As one of Seattle's oldest neighborhoods, Sunset Hill is known for its eclectic and historical architecture. Among these homes dating from the early 1900s to the 1920s are Victorian farmhouses, Foursquares and Tudor Revivals. New construction, usually replacing older teardowns, includes houses with retro looks or modern-style flair. Single-family homes range from the $700,000s to $2.7 million. Robison says there aren't many apartment buildings in Sunset Hill. Waterfront condos built from the 1960s to the 1980s are priced from $500,000s to $1.9 million.

Single-family homes are available in Sunset Hill, many from the early 1900s.
Single-family homes are available in Sunset Hill, many from the early 1900s.
A row of cute Tudor homes in the heart of Sunset Hill.
A row of cute Tudor homes in the heart of Sunset Hill.
Sunset Hill offers many types of homes, like Tudors, modern consturctions and townhomes.
Sunset Hill offers many types of homes, like Tudors, modern consturctions and townhomes.
A row of gorgeous Sunset Hill homes across from Sunset Hill Park and Puget Sound.
A row of gorgeous Sunset Hill homes across from Sunset Hill Park and Puget Sound.
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Neighborhood dining, avant-garde Ballard

Some of Sunset Hills' restaurants are waterside or mere blocks from the bay. Ray's Boathouse is a go-to for fine dining on Seaview Avenue. By the marina, Little Coney, with classic beach-town vibes, serves ice cream cones and fish and chips. There are also restaurants tucked in among residential streets. Ristorante Picolinos is known for its romantic ambiance and regional Italian cuisine. Across the street, Baker's has a long, marble bar primed for happy-hour cocktails. "Another nice thing about Sunset Hill is walking into Ballard proper, a hopping area. There's nightlife, and coffee shops everywhere. You can get everything you need," Robison says. He goes on to say the area is prime for shopping, with a “unique, avant-garde feel.” In addition to boutiques and eateries, there's the Majestic Bay Theater, a cinema that opened in 1914. Each Sunday, the Ballard Farmers Market is held on the red-bricked section of Ballard Avenue. "There are farmers markets everywhere in the city, but this is one of the nicest ones," Robison says. The market has hosted the annual Pride Parade and Celebration, first held in 2023. Grocers within a few miles from home are QFC, Fred Meyer and Trader Joe's. Stores like Scandinavian Specialties and Mimi's Zero Waste Market add to the variety of shopping options.

The long marble bar in Baker's is the backdrop for many creative cocktails in Sunset Hill.
The long marble bar in Baker's is the backdrop for many creative cocktails in Sunset Hill.
Little Coney in Sunset Hill is famous for its hot dogs and ice cream by the beach.
Little Coney in Sunset Hill is famous for its hot dogs and ice cream by the beach.
Portage Bay near Sunset Hill is a must visit during brunch due to their delicious food.
Portage Bay near Sunset Hill is a must visit during brunch due to their delicious food.
Ray's Boathouse offers waterside views of Puget Sound in Sunset Hill.
Ray's Boathouse offers waterside views of Puget Sound in Sunset Hill.
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A-minus schools; Ballard High's programs

According to Niche, the Seattle School District ranks among the state's top 20 public school districts. Students may attend Adams Elementary School and Whitman Middle School, which both earn an A-minus from Niche. Ballard High School, also earning an A-minus, has operated for over 120 years and is home to nearly 1,700 students. Ballard High has programs in finance, maritime studies, biotech and digital filmmaking.

Whitman Middle School in the North Beach/Blue Ridge neighborhood scores an A overall on Niche.
Whitman Middle School in the North Beach/Blue Ridge neighborhood scores an A overall on Niche.
Ballard High School is in the Whittier Heights neighborhood of Seattle.
Ballard High School is in the Whittier Heights neighborhood of Seattle.
Adams Elementary School building logo.
Adams Elementary School building logo.
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RapidRide D Line bus, ORCA card convenience

Many of the neighborhood's bus stops are found along 32nd Avenue. Sunset Hill is a few blocks west of 15th Avenue, which leads south to the Space Needle and downtown. At 15th and Market, there's a bus stop for the RapidRide D Line. Light rail stations Roosevelt and U District are located about 5 miles to the east. The refillable ORCA card is convenient for paying for Seattle's public transportation. State Route 99 is to the east, and the trip to Sea-Tac, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, is about 20 miles.

Sunset Hill Park is in walking distance for residents in Sunset Hill.
Sunset Hill Park is in walking distance for residents in Sunset Hill.
Sunset Hill is a short drive north of downtown Seattle.
Sunset Hill is a short drive north of downtown Seattle.
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Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Howard Snyder
Photography Contributed By
Howard Snyder
Peter Medawar
Video By
Peter Medawar

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 area? Reach out to Andrea Pirzio-Biroli, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

42 min drive

Bus

Loyal Way NW & NW 85th St

Bus

32nd Ave NW & NW Market St

Bus

32nd Ave NW & NW 75th St

Bus

32nd Ave NW & NW 67th St

Bus

32nd Ave NW & NW 61st St

Bus

32nd Ave NW & NW 71st St

Bus

32nd Ave NW & NW 70th St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.0 4 Reviews
2.0 Former Resident
6/24/2020 Niche Review
Fixer upper easily $750,000. Extremely crime ridden with meth heads, break-ins, and police will not hassle homeless who have taken over the skate park causing quaint Ma & Pa shops to vacate. High school is good but walk in groups for safety. Trains begin three miles west and so nowhere to park and people with untreated mental problems make buses real dicey.
Are you familiar with the Sunset Hill neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Sunset Hill US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,206,523
Median Single Family Price
$1,350,000
Median Townhouse Price
$2,230,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$875,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$650,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$702
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Last 12 months Home Sales
73
Months of Supply
2.00
Median List Price
$1,176,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,009
Median Year Built
1940
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,050
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,928
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,157
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
812
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Friday, Apr 25
    4 - 6pm

    7515 29th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117

    $1,498,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,350 Sq Ft
    • 7515 29th Ave NW
    • New 2 days ago

    Nestled on a quiet street in gorgeous Sunset Hill, this enchanting craftsman radiates warmth and positive energy. Rare one-level, open floor plan with a large kitchen, spacious primary suite on the main + 2 more bedrooms & bath. Lower level has a family room, another bedroom & bath + laundry & tons of storage. Covered porches offer sunrise to sunset enjoyment overlooking the mature raingarden or

    Heather Berger Windermere Real Estate Midtown

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    3017 NW 71st St, Seattle, WA 98117

    $1,295,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,980 Sq Ft
    • 3017 NW 71st St
    • New 2 days ago

    Lovingly cared for Mid-Century dream in Ballard's Sunset Hill neighborhood. This light & bright 3 bed, 1.75 bath, 1,980sf home features spacious rooms, updated kitchen & bathroom and a sunny, south facing back yard. Oak hardwoods, two fireplaces and just the right amount of period charm throughout. Second kitchen on lower level is great for extended visitors or possible rental income. One car

    Danny Adamson Lake & Company

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    3202 NW 70th St, Seattle, WA 98117

    $1,350,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,030 Sq Ft
    • 3202 NW 70th St
    • New 22 days ago

    Elegant Craftsman in coveted Sunset Hill! Perched on a corner lot, this beautifully updated home blends classic charm w/ modern comfort. Inviting floor plan w/ spacious kitchen opening into the living area. Main level w/ 2 beds & full bath. Upper level offers a versatile 3rd bedroom. Fully finished lower level provides extra living space, incl. another bedroom (nonconforming), family room, full

    Monica McCormick Windermere RE/Capitol Hill,Inc

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Andrea Pirzio-Biroli, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,271
Median Age
45
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$162,781
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$187,894

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
68.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.7%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

63 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

47 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

36 / 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
Sunset Hill