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Wallingford

Wallingford

4.1
$1,237,320 Average Value
$686 Average Price per Sq Ft
45 Homes For Sale

Charming community located a few miles from Downtown Seattle

At the intersection of 45th Street and Wallingford Avenue, is a prominent sign adorning the QFC grocery store labeled "Wallingford," welcoming residents into one of Seattle's laid-back neighborhoods. Wallingford, cherished as one of Seattle's most beloved locales, features an intriguing blend of quirky Seattle charm and serene public green spaces.

Wallingford sits east of the University of Washington, which is separated by the Interstate 5 Expressway (I-5). Not far to the north lies Green Lake, while directly below the neighborhood lies the Lake Union portion of The Lake Washington Ship Canal, offering residents waterfront activities and a waterfront lifestyle. Conveniently, it's just a little under 5 miles away from Downtown Seattle.

Wallingford has nearly half a dozen green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. With a population exceeding 18,000 residents, Wallingford has earned recognition from Niche as one of King County's premier places to live in the state.

The Wallingford Sign sits atop QFC at the intersection of N 45th Street and Wallingford Ave N.
The Wallingford Sign sits atop QFC at the intersection of N 45th Street and Wallingford Ave N.
Wallingford stretches from Gasworks Park on its southern tip to Green Lake in the north.
Wallingford stretches from Gasworks Park on its southern tip to Green Lake in the north.
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The higher the price tag, the greater the amenities

“There is a high cost of living in Seattle,” says Rachel Schulkin, Public Affairs Manager for Seattle Parks and Recreation. “But there are great amenities that come along with it. We have amazing parks here. Few other cities have a park system like we have. In addition to the parks, we have a great library system and a lot of sports, concerts and exciting things to enjoy.”

On average, homes in the area are priced at just over $1.1 million and typically sell within 20 days of listing, which is significantly faster than the national average of 42 days. Updated condos with less than 1,000 square feet generally range in the upper $400,000s, while larger units can cost over $1.4 million. The community is known for its abundance of Craftsman-style bungalows, which range from $1 million to $1.8 million for renovated and well-maintained homes spanning 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. Newly constructed modern homes can command prices up to $2.3 million. For those seeking a unique living experience, houseboats are viable buying options, with prices ranging from $285,000 to $490,000 depending on size and square footage of the vessel. These floating homes offer picturesque views of Lake Union and Downtown Seattle.

The hilly streets are characterized by cozy homes enhanced with front yard gardens and lush trees. During the pandemic, residents initiated a free outdoor rotating music festival known as the Wallingford Porchfest, which has continued to thrive. This event sees residents gathering on front lawns and sidewalks to enjoy live music performances by local artists stationed on residents’ front porches, turning front porches into the stage.

Homes on corner lots in Wallingford often have ample cover from the weather by adjacent trees.
Homes on corner lots in Wallingford often have ample cover from the weather by adjacent trees.
It's quite common to find homes in Wallingford with thoughtfully landscaped front yards.
It's quite common to find homes in Wallingford with thoughtfully landscaped front yards.
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Top marks for public schools and post-secondary education at UW

Residents in Wallingford have a variety of options when it comes to education, with both public and private schools available. Among the notable choices is St. Benedict Catholic School. For those opting for the public-school route within the Seattle Public Schools system, the pipeline for Wallingford includes John Stanford International Elementary School, Hamilton International Middle School and Lincoln High School.

John Stanford stands out with an overall Niche grade of A, particularly praised for its diversity, academics and teaching staff. The school also offers language immersion classes such as Spanish and Japanese, based on input from parents, guardians, and community leaders. Hamilton also holds an A Niche grade, with proficiency rates in math at 81% and reading at 88% among its students. Lincoln High School holds the 15th spot as one of the best high schools for the arts in the state, earning a B-minus Niche score. It features an established Performing Arts program encompassing drama, orchestra, choir and band.

The University of Washington is conveniently located just a few miles away from the community. Established in 1861, UW is a public research university spread across over 700 acres, offering students a choice of over 180 majors. It was recognized as the No. 1 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program in the West by Entrepreneur Magazine.

Gas Works Park provides outdoor fun and a quirky bike ride

Wallingford Playfield Park serves as a hub for various recreational activities including tennis, wading pool fun in the summer, ball games and general play. The park features picnic tables nestled among the trees, benches and sitting boulders, offering ample spots for relaxation, reading or observing children at play. Meridian Park is another beloved local spot, hosting the Wallingford Farmers Market. During Wednesdays from May to September, the park comes alive with live music performances.

Located at the south edge of the community is Gas Works Park. “Gas Works is like an icon in Seattle,” says Schulkin. The green space is a decommissioned gas production plant, so it’s very industrial-looking with a unique feel. The park looks out over Lake Union, and beyond Lake Union is Downtown Seattle,” Schulkin continued. “There are big hills in Gas Works Park where residents fly kites and sit on top and have a beautiful view of the lake, the city skyline and the Space Needle.”

Gas Works is also a popular place for residents to have picnics and casual gatherings at the play area. On the lawn, residents watch Fourth of July fireworks launched from a barge on the lake. The event packs a full house, with nearly 50,000 residents watching from different viewpoints around the lake. “There are also a few paid concerts that take place there and the lake can be accessed by kayak or other boats,” says Schulkin. “Biking and running are popular activities along the Burke-Gilman Trail which runs through the park giving opportunities for biking tours of Seattle. The trail is completely protected from cars allowing residents to ride with ease. The park also hosts a naked bike ride that happens every year.” The ride to which Schulkin is referring is the Fremont Solstice Parade, where residents opt to wear clothes—or not—and commence at Gas Works Park and ride through the city. The ride has taken place since 1993.

Meridian Park offers numerous gorgeous green spaces for Wallingford residents to hang out in.
Meridian Park offers numerous gorgeous green spaces for Wallingford residents to hang out in.
Folks gather to march for a cure at the Walk MS event at Gas Works Park in Wallingford.
Folks gather to march for a cure at the Walk MS event at Gas Works Park in Wallingford.
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Sipping, shopping and dining along 45th Street

On Wallingford’s vibrant thoroughfare, 45th Street is where residents can savor all types of cuisine including vegan, Mediterranean, Indian, Southern cuisine and a host of breweries. This main thoroughfare is in the center of the community, where residents can hop on and off the RapidRide bus, take a yoga class, pick up groceries and pet supplies or buy some vinyl.

Dick's Drive-In is a city staple, serving old-fashioned burgers and shakes in its original Wallingford location since 1954. To start the day, A Muddy Cup Café & Roastery serves house-roasted espresso drinks and locally sourced pastries. The cozy, comforting interior will take residents right back to a '90s coffee shop. Archie McPhee novelty shop is a unique attraction to the area, where residents can buy gag gifts, toys and costumes. Fat Cat Records is another favorite just off 45th Street. The family-run record shop offers a wide variety of new and used records for residents to add to their collections. After browsing local shops, Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream is an ideal place to visit. This Seattle chain of ice cream shops offers unique flavors like honey lavender alongside traditional favorites. There are also restaurants and shops along Lake Union, as well as the Wallingford Center, a quaint mall with local and regional shops, a pharmacy and a wellness center.

Dick's Drive-In is an iconic spot offering the folks of Wallingford burgers, fries, and shakes.
Dick's Drive-In is an iconic spot offering the folks of Wallingford burgers, fries, and shakes.
The Wallingford Center offers residents a place to check out shops as well as restaurants.
The Wallingford Center offers residents a place to check out shops as well as restaurants.
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Traveling through town, from Wallingford to Downtown Seattle

RapidRide bus stops can be found along Wallingford Avenue, which residents can take to get to Downtown Seattle. The closest Link Light Rail stop that head to Downtown Seattle is in the University District, or “U-District” as the locals call it, which is located near the University of Washington. With its unique offerings, scenic green spaces and central location in the Seattle area, there's little wonder why Wallingford remains one of the city's most popular neighborhoods.

LaTasha James
Written By
LaTasha James
Landon Gauthier
Photography Contributed By
Landon Gauthier
Jeffrey Knight
Video By
Jeffrey Knight

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

29 min drive

Bus

Wallingford Ave N & N 35th St

Bus

Wallingford Ave N & N 39th St

Bus

N 35th St & Woodlawn Ave N

Bus

N 45th St & Corliss Ave N

Bus

Latona Ave NE & NE 52nd St

Bus

N 40th St & Bagley Ave N

Bus

NE 45th St & Thackeray Pl NE

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 15 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
3/9/2016 Niche Review
There are lots of fun things to do in the area
4.0 Nearby Resident
12/29/2017 Niche Review
Very nice suburban area. Walking distance to small playgrounds and local amenities, short bus ride to places like the Chittaden Locks and Discovery Park. Some interesting stores like Open Books poetry bookstore and the glass art supply store.
4.0 Niche User
3/9/2016 Niche Review
I have a great apartment, but it is rather costly
5.0 Current Resident
8/6/2025 Niche Review
great place to live - very easily connected to other parts of the city and quite walkable. most tasks can be done by foot, with bus as an option if needed.
Are you familiar with the Wallingford neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
5,274
Number of Homes for Sale
45
Median Year Built
1921
Months of Supply
2.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,868
On par with the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,737
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,024
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
682
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
697
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 4
    10am - 12pm

    908 N 46th St Unit F, Seattle, WA 98103

    $899,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,665 Sq Ft
    • 908 N 46th St
    • Unit F
    • New 10 days ago

    Awesome location just steps from Green Lake and directly on the E Line, this 2020 rowhome offers effortless access to Downtown Seattle and beyond. Thoughtfully designed with a central entry, the home features a highly functional layout that minimizes stairs and maximizes everyday livability. Oriented to the east, enjoy a sweeping birds-eye perspective across the Wallingford valley, with serene

    Javila Creer Windermere Real Estate Midtown

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  • Saturday, Apr 4
    1 - 3pm

    1601 N 45th St Unit 411, Seattle, WA 98103

    $475,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 781 Sq Ft
    • 1601 N 45th St
    • Unit 411
    • New 10 days ago

    Live above it all! This spacious 1 bed, 1 bath, 781 sq ft top floor, end unit view condo sits in the heart of one of Seattle's most sought after in-city neighborhoods with a beloved local bakery literally at your doorstep. Soak in stunning views of the city and mountains from your light-filled home or rooftop deck with BBQ. With no rental cap and short-term rentals allowed, it’s perfect for

    Zachary Johnson KW Greater Seattle

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  • Sunday, Apr 5
    11am - 2pm

    4530 Meridian Ave N Unit S-2, Seattle, WA 98103

    $285,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 462 Sq Ft
    • 4530 Meridian Ave N
    • Unit S-2
    • New 15 days ago

    Welcome to your Wallingford home on a residential street surrounded by large trees. Well maintained unit and complex. Tall ceilings, plenty of light and trees outside the large living room windows. The sleeping alcove, up 2 steps, features a spacious walk-in closet. New counters in open concept kitchen. This southwest corner unit has a private patio space. Bike storage and storage space in

    Su Harambe Windermere R E Mount Baker

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
20
Median Rent
$2,860
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,495
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$6,000
Median Townhouse Rent
$4,500
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$4,500
Median Condo Rent
$2,860
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$5,669

Demographics

Total Population
17,861
Median Age
37
Population Density
19 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$144,243
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$171,025

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.4%
College Graduates
80.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
80.5%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

Walk Score®

90 / 100

Moderately friendly

Transit Score®

70 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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
Wallingford