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University District

University District

Neighborhood in Seattle, Washington

King County 98105, 98195

Neighborhood Reviews
3.4
$1,016,889 Average Value
$556 Average Price per Sq Ft
26 Homes For Sale

A residential and retail hub surrounding the University of Washington

It may be ironic that one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods is home to a distinctly youthful community, but this is just part of the charm that defines the University District, or U District. The University of Washington, or U-Dub, as it is commonly called, is the beating heart of the University District and the driving force of the neighborhood’s development. The university opened its doors in 1861 and, by 1895, had relocated to its current location in the U District. Today, the area boasts an eternally hip vibe, a mosaic of funky shops, international eateries, historic theaters, abundant nightlife and a leafy-green waterfront campus. Prominent employers in the area include corporations such as Microsoft, Amazon, Expedia, Boeing and the University of Washington.

Explore University of Washington's picturesque campus in the University District.
Explore University of Washington's picturesque campus in the University District.
The University District is just a 10 minute drive to downtown Seattle.
The University District is just a 10 minute drive to downtown Seattle.
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Condos, townhomes and Craftsman-style architecture

Homebuyers can purchase a one-bedroom 1920s condo for between $280,000 and $400,000. Three-bedroom early 2000s townhomes sell for between $630,000 and $825,000. Assessors value turn-of-the-century Craftsman-style homes, many of which are four-squares, for between $1 million and $1.9 million. About 25 Greek life houses are between 16th Avenue Northeast and 21st Avenue Northeast. People who move there should be aware of noise pollution. “The school does a pretty good job managing noise,” says Realtor Winston McClanahan, who sells houses in the neighborhood with Windermere Real Estate.

Traditional home in the U-District.
Traditional home in the U-District.
A charming home sits on a small landscaped lot in the University District.
A charming home sits on a small landscaped lot in the University District.
Many University District residents live in condos around the neighborhood.
Many University District residents live in condos around the neighborhood.
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Culture and entertainment ranging from museums to live sports

Residents walk to the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, which houses over 16 million artifacts, including a 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil skull. The Henry Art Gallery on the campus exhibits the works of contemporary artists and photographers like Ann Hamilton, Maya Lin and James Turrell. The Neptune Theatre on Northeast 45th Street is a hosting venue for the Seattle International Film Festival. Professional comedians and musicians also regularly perform there. Sports fans root for the University of Washington’s Division I football team at the over 70,000-person capacity Husky Stadium. Professional teams like the Mariners and the Seahawks play in Downtown Seattle. The community comes together at The U District Street Fair in May for arts and crafts creations, live performances and nearly 50 food trucks and booths.

Neptune Theatre on 45th St.
Neptune Theatre on 45th St.
Children friendly exhibits at Burke Museum.
Children friendly exhibits at Burke Museum.
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Culturally diverse and trendy shopping and dining options

The University Village shopping mall on the neighborhood’s east end includes stores like Bartell Drugs, an Apple Store, a Crate & Barrel, a Pottery Barn and The Gap. Folks check items off their grocery list at the Safeway on Brooklyn Avenue. On University Way, residents enjoy Mediterranean dishes at Shawarma King and halal skewers and stews at Persepolis Grill. “The neighborhood’s eateries get pretty diverse crowds. It’s not just college students,” McClanahan says. Just down the street, up to 70 farmers, artisans and cooks sell their wares at the University District Farmers Market each Saturday. Also on University Way, residents browse through literature at The Globe. The non-profit Scarecrow Video on Roosevelt Way is the last video rental store operating within Seattle city limits and carries more than 147,000 titles. Local musicians buy equipment at Ted Brown Music, a family-owned store that has been in business since 1931. Also on Roosevelt Way, the Pierced Heart Tattoo Parlor is a local hit.

Retail shops and parking at University Village.
Retail shops and parking at University Village.
Apple Store at University Village.
Apple Store at University Village.
Dining options at University Village.
Dining options at University Village.
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Greenspaces on the water

The 74-acre Union Bay Natural Area includes 4 miles of shoreline. Residents enjoy walking the wetland’s trails, where over 200 species of birds have been spotted. The neighborhood also includes a number of smaller greenspaces, like the University Playground Park, which features two tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a playground and bathroom facilities. The 20-mile paved Burke-Gilman Trail winds through the community. “The Burke-Gilman Trail is a pretty big feature connecting other neighborhoods in the area. People often use it to commute,” McClanahan says. The Soest Herbaceous Display Garden is open to the public and features over 200 types of non-woody plants. Residents relax on the beach pier or launch kayaks and canoes at Fritz Hedges Waterway Park. Two miles east of the University District, folks can visit Woodland Park, which has a zoo, an off-leash dog park and an outdoor theater overlooking Green Lake.

Fritz Hedges Waterway Park on Portage Bay.
Fritz Hedges Waterway Park on Portage Bay.
Spend an afternoon outside at the Union Bay Natural Area in the University District.
Spend an afternoon outside at the Union Bay Natural Area in the University District.
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Highly rated public schools

Children attending Bryant Elementary School are 79% proficient in math and 83% in reading. Eckstein Middle School serves over 1,000 children and has a 19-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Teens often move on to Roosevelt High School, which offers Advanced Placement classes. All three schools have A Niche ratings.

Students in the University District Attend Bryant Elementary School.
Students in the University District Attend Bryant Elementary School.
Students in the University District Attend Eckstein Middle School.
Students in the University District Attend Eckstein Middle School.
Students in the University District Attend Roosevelt High School. main
Students in the University District Attend Roosevelt High School. main
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Getting around the University District and Seattle

The neighborhood has multiple public bus stops, including on North 50th Street, 11th Avenue North and 20th Avenue Northeast. There are light rail stops throughout the University District, including on Brooklyn Avenue Northeast and outside the Husky Stadium. “On home game days, the traffic gets pretty jammed up,” McClanahan says. Residents drive 17 ½ miles south to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport via Interstate 5. There are several bike lanes throughout the community, and almost all streets are lined with sidewalks. Downtown Seattle is 5 miles south via Interstate 5. Residents travel 2 miles east to the Seattle Children’s Hospital via Sand Point Way Northeast.

Young and old gather for the bus leaving the University District.
Young and old gather for the bus leaving the University District.
The Seattle Light Rail stops just outside of Husky Stadium in the University District.
The Seattle Light Rail stops just outside of Husky Stadium in the University District.
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William Palicia
Written By
William Palicia
Photography Contributed By
Noah Lubin
Jordan Sain
Video By
Jordan Sain

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 Ryan Xu, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

30 min drive

Bus

NE 42nd St & 8th Ave NE

Bus

U District Station - Bay 1

Bus

20th Ave NE & NE 50th St

Bus

Roosevelt Way NE & NE 45th St

Bus

15th Ave NE & NE 40th St

Bus

20th Ave NE & NE 52nd St

Bus

West Stevens Way NE Way NE & George Washington Ln

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 115 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
12/18/2014 Niche Review
It's expensive here, from the rent to the food to the parking
4.0 Current Resident
2/2/2023 Niche Review
It is extremely walkable and there are so many options of some really great food options. There are alot of fun shops to stop by and the University of Washington campus is nearby and it is beautiful. There is alot of diversity and culture here.
4.0 Current Resident
12/4/2022 Niche Review
University district is extremely community based. By having such a huge amount of students present means a great nightlife, accessibility, and overall entertainment. I have really loved living in U-district.
3.0 Niche User
11/28/2014 Niche Review
Strong majority are ethnic cuisines of various parts of Asia. The businesses are good in general but there are not many cheap or fast food options, aside from my favorite..Chipotle.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime University District US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$770,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,100,000
Median Townhouse Price
$785,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$564,500
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$412,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$556
Number of Homes for Sale
26
Last 12 months Home Sales
88
Months of Supply
3.50
Median List Price
$775,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
16%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,666
Median Year Built
1924
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,034
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,849
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,096
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
737
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
225
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    2 - 4pm

    841 NE 58th St, Seattle, WA 98105

    $998,800

    • 4 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 2,380 Sq Ft
    • 841 NE 58th St
    • New 1 day ago

    First time on the market since the 1940s, this beautifully restored 1920s bungalow blends timeless charm with thoughtful modern upgrades on a picturesque historic street in Seattle. Painstakingly updated with all new plumbing, electrical, heat pump, water heater, appliances, interior paint, & more. Original hardwoods, elegant millwork, & vintage details have been meticulously preserved. The

    Ann Pierson COMPASS

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    4725 15th Ave NE Unit 25, Seattle, WA 98105

    $284,900

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 672 Sq Ft
    • 4725 15th Ave NE
    • Unit 25

    Bright, south and west-facing corner unit in a historic University District co-op! Steps from UW, light rail, restaurants, shopping and more. A short walk to U-Village, Seattle's premier open-air shopping and dining destination. This quiet and spacious unit features hardwoods, a large bedroom with an enormous walk-in closet or flex space, plus a full bath and kitchen. Low HOA covers: property

    Betina Finley Coldwell Banker Bain

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    4716 7th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105

    $819,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,130 Sq Ft
    • 4716 7th Ave NE

    Exceptional investment opportunity with this classic 1921 Craftsman home that is a legal duplex. Upper unit has a separate entrance and the only shared space is the laundry in the basement with an exterior door. Always occupied as the University of Washington is nearby, ample transit bus or light rail, I-5 has easy access north or south. Many international eateries blocks away, as is the public

    Susan Garner The Roanoke Group

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
32,331
Median Age
27
Population Density
28 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
3.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$40,944
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,940

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.4%
College Graduates
66.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.2%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

84 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

88 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

80 / 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
University District