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Whittier Heights

Whittier Heights

3.3
$1,055,888 Average Value
$615 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Quiet Whittier Heights is by Ballard in northwest Seattle

Whittier Heights is a quiet residential community in northwest Seattle, known for its walkability and proximity to the trendy Ballard neighborhood. Puget Sound and Green Lake are within a couple of miles, and Downtown Seattle is about 7 miles away. Whittier Heights has a laid-back vibe with quiet streets and greenery, while still being convenient to the urban center. It's a sought-after location for those seeking a balanced living experience.

Modern townhomes can be found among the vintage homes in Whittier Heights.
Modern townhomes can be found among the vintage homes in Whittier Heights.
Whittier Heights offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound to the west.
Whittier Heights offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound to the west.
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A mix of homes from the early 20th century to today

Options include early to mid-20th-century homes like Craftsman cottages and Tudor Revivals, often well-preserved or with upgrades. "It's mostly single-family … most will include pretty average-sized lots with yards," says Marcel Kluetz, a broker at Compass.

Modestly sized homes — some under 1,000 square feet — start in the $500,000s. More spacious houses and townhouses from the 2000s to the 2020s are also available. For $1 million to $1.6 million, properties tend to be larger. Homes $2 million and up usually are over 3,600 square feet. Some homes have views of the Sound and Mount Rainier. Due to the area's popularity, inventory may be limited.

Tudor Revival homes can be found throughout the Whittier Heights neighborhood.
Tudor Revival homes can be found throughout the Whittier Heights neighborhood.
Whittier Heights home styles include early 20th century cottages.
Whittier Heights home styles include early 20th century cottages.
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Kids may attend top-ranked public schools, like Ballard High

Seattle Public Schools has top-ranked schools zoned to the area; some are within walking distance. "It's a feeder neighborhood for the highly rated Ballard High School," Kluetz says, adding that the schools are a part of what makes Whittier Heights very family oriented. The community comes together for the Ballard High School Foundation Golf Classic, an annual fundraiser. It includes a barbecue, an online auction, a salmon dinner and the Running of the Beavers 5K Fun Run and Walk.

Top-rated public schools include Whitman Middle School.
Top-rated public schools include Whitman Middle School.
Whittier Heights is a feeder neighborhood for Ballard High School.
Whittier Heights is a feeder neighborhood for Ballard High School.
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An easy commute downtown by car or the RapidRide bus

Driving downtown when there's not a lot of traffic can take about 25 minutes; it may take twice that during rush hour. King County Metro offers several bus routes, including the RapidRide D line. A commute downtown by bus takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Though the planned Ballard Link Extension will bring light rail closer to home, it's not scheduled to open until 2039.

Whittier Heights residents can use the public transit system to get around Seattle with ease.
Whittier Heights residents can use the public transit system to get around Seattle with ease.
The Whittier Heights neighborhood is a short bus ride from downtown Seattle.
The Whittier Heights neighborhood is a short bus ride from downtown Seattle.
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Walkable streets, bikeable trails, and it's not too hilly

Kluetz explains that despite "heights" being part of the neighborhood's name, it's not overly hilly. "There's a slight incline …. Ballard from 45th to 85th street is on an incline, so you get a little elevation."

  • Whittier Heights is highly walkable with sidewalks and an easy-to-navigate street grid.
  • Some streets have bike lanes, others have shared-lane markings.
  • Northwest 70th and 75th streets are part of Seattle's Neighborhood Greenways network.
  • The Burke-Gilman Trail, an 18-mile paved multiuse path, is accessible from Ballard.

Sidewalks make Whittier Heights walkable and pedestrian friendly.
Sidewalks make Whittier Heights walkable and pedestrian friendly.
The grid design of the streets in Whittier Heights makes the neighborhood easy to navigate.
The grid design of the streets in Whittier Heights makes the neighborhood easy to navigate.
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People hang out in community parks or at the beach, a few miles away

Kirke Park is integrated into the neighborhood, with pathways beside home lots on Ninth Avenue Northwest. There's a playground, a pavilion and the Kirke Park P-Patch Community Garden. Parts of the park incorporate the ruins of a historic church, which led to the name Kirke, the Norwegian word for church. Teh Ballard Pool on Northwest 67th Street is an indoor, public facility with a variety of aquatics programs.

To the north is Baker Park on Crown Hill, one of Seattle's pesticide-free parks. It was renovated in 2020 and has updated play equipment, a butterfly garden and a totem pole inspired by the Haida Nation, an indigenous group. Another popular outdoor site close to Whittier Heights is Golden Gardens Park, several miles away on the Sound's Shilshole Bay. Some people ride their bikes to the for a weekend beach day.

Kirke Park, in the heart of Whittier Heights, has a community garden, or P-Patch.
Kirke Park, in the heart of Whittier Heights, has a community garden, or P-Patch.
Golden Gardens has a large beach, often enjoyed by area residents.
Golden Gardens has a large beach, often enjoyed by area residents.
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Some markets and places to eat are within walking distance

People living in Whittier Heights are close to a variety of businesses. "It's a very walkable area with mixed zoning for shops and restaurants," Kluetz says. There are a few spots in the neighborhood, although many are on 15th Avenue on the edge of Ballard or farther south. Some of the closest independently owned picks include:

  • Take 5 Urban Market: neighborhood spot with grocery items and prepared meals
  • Rosellini’s Fine Cakes & Baked Goods: the croissants are a must-try
  • Top Banana: fresh fruits and veggies, with an espresso stand outside
  • Scandinavian Specialties: imported Nordic goods, since 1962
  • Un Bien: window service with Caribbean-style sandwiches
  • The Waterwheel Lounge: a bar with live music, karaoke and trivia nights

There's a variety of independently owned businesses in the area.
There's a variety of independently owned businesses in the area.
Rosellini's in Whittier Heights is known for its pastries.
Rosellini's in Whittier Heights is known for its pastries.
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Some events are in the neighborhood, though bigger ones are in Ballard

Ballard is the place to go for big events, such as the Ballard SeafoodFest in July, and the Syttende Mai/17th of May parade and festival, the largest Norwegian Constitution Day event outside of Norway. Smaller events held in Whittier Heights include those hosted by the Friends of Kirke Park, such as a community festival in August and a winter solstice celebration. Residents may participate in groups such as the Whittier Heights Community Council and the Friends of Whittier Heights, which focus on development and zoning-related topics.

Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
John Othic
Photography Contributed By
John Othic
Conar McDaniel
Video By
Conar McDaniel

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 Paine Field International

34 min drive

Bus

8th Ave NW & NW 70th St

Bus

8th Ave NW & NW 75th St

Bus

15th Ave NW & NW 70th St

Bus

8th Ave NW & NW 65th St

Bus

NW 85th St & 11th Ave NW

Bus

8th Ave NW & NW 73rd St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.3 5 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
2/10/2016 Niche Review
I like living in Ballard for the reasons already mentioned previously.
Are you familiar with the Whittier Heights neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,049
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
0.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,645
Below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,476
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
822
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
572
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 11
    1:30 - 3:30pm

    8045 Mary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117

    $639,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,226 Sq Ft
    • 8045 Mary Ave NW

    FINAL HOME - NEW PRICE - Instant Equity ! This thoughtfully designed two-bedroom townhome offers a refined take on modern urban living—balancing efficient interior spaces with multiple outdoor areas that extend how you use the home day to day. The main level features an open living and dining layout anchored by a well-appointed chef’s kitchen with clean-lined cabinetry, quartz counters, and

    Agent Photo
    Ray York
    Windermere RE/Capitol Hill,Inc
    (206) 350-5406
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  • Sunday, Apr 12
    11am - 2pm

    8327 B 12th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117

    $904,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,870 Sq Ft
    • 8327 B 12th Ave NW
    • New 23 days ago

    Tucked along a quiet, tree-lined stretch of 12th Ave NW, this Willow 12th residence delivers thoughtful design, outdoor living on multiple levels, and an approachable entry point into one of Ballard’s most livable pockets. A private, partially covered courtyard sets the tone—ideal for morning coffee, container gardening, or an evening unwind—before stepping inside to a warm, modern interior

    Agent Photo
    Ray York
    Windermere RE/Capitol Hill,Inc
    (833) 895-4039
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  • Sunday, Apr 12
    2 - 4pm

    7514 15th Ave NW Unit F, Seattle, WA 98117

    $729,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,410 Sq Ft
    • 7514 15th Ave NW
    • Unit F
    • New 2 days ago

    Modern living meets thoughtful design in the heart of Ballard. This 2020 Isola Homes townhome offers 1,410 square feet of open-concept living with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and clean contemporary finishes throughout. A corner unit with additional walls of windows, the home is filled with abundant natural light across every level. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the main living area, creating an

    Andy Sather John L. Scott, Inc.

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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 Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
6
Median Rent
$5,895
Median Single Family Home Rent
$5,333
Median Townhouse Rent
$4,013
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,450
Median Condo Rent
$8,651

Demographics

Total Population
5,548
Median Age
39
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$141,163
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$170,055

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98%
College Graduates
69.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.6%
% Population in Labor Force
78.6%
Above the national average
64.9%

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®

70 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walk Score®

70 / 100

Fairly friendly

Transit Score®

40 / 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
Whittier Heights
Hong Wolfe
WINDERMERE WILLAMETTE VALLEY
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