When talking to a home buyer or renter about where they would like to live, I usually ask them if they are more at home in a quiet, friendly town or a vibrant, busy city. Seattle offers the unique opportunity to satisfy either preference. If someone says they’re more comfortable in a small-town environment, my first suggestion is West Seattle.
West Seattle is a little removed from downtown and industrial neighborhoods like Georgetown and SODO. While the founders of the Seattle we know today originally settled in West Seattle in 1857, the neighborhood didn’t become incorporated into the larger city until 1907. As a result, you can still feel its smaller, more familiar sense of community to this day.
Become a Part of an Active Community
The sheer population of big cities like Seattle can make people feel isolated and anonymous. However, this neighborhood’s famous
West Seattle Blog is a well-known, popular, and helpful resource for everyone who lives there. It’s a great way to connect with your neighbors and get to know your neighborhood as a new resident.
Homes for Any Budget
West Seattle covers a lot of ground with many different neighborhoods. Homes range from high-end waterfront condos and summer homes to affordable housing in the High Point neighborhood. We’ll work with you to
find a residence that fits your budget.
Beautiful Views at Every Turn
West Seattle has some of the best views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound in the city. While some scenic drives like Harbor Avenue and Alki Avenue are popular tourist attractions, you can see lots of water views just driving around West Seattle.
Convenience for Your Day-to-Day Routine
West Seattle has many conveniences to make your day-to-day routine more manageable.
Westwood Village has a grocery store, Target, and other box stores for easy shopping, and neighborhoods like The Junction and White Center are home to many shops and boutiques. The neighborhood is close to the
airport, has easy access to downtown Seattle, and is connected to Vashon Island via ferry.
What to Do in West Seattle
West Seattle has an endless number of activities for people of any age. Our favorites include:
- Alki: the beachfront is the perfect place to unwind with public parks, beautiful views, firepits, kayak rentals, bars, and locally-owned restaurants like one of my favorites, Cactus.
- Lincoln Park: Brandt Morgan said it best when he described Lincoln Park as “West Seattle’s major multi-purpose park – a nose-shaped bluff on Puget Sound just north of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. Switchbacks on the north and gentle trails to the south connect a mile of seawalls, rocky beaches to a bluff of grassy forests and meadows with play and picnic areas galore.”
- The West Seattle Farmers Market: Seattle is proud of its Washington farming community, and this farmers market is open every Sunday for the perfect way to shop local.
- The Junction: At the intersection of California Avenue and Alaska Avenue, you can find the “Downtown of West Seattle.” Here you’ll find lots of walkable stores, cafes, bars, and events, plus a great view of The Sound.
- White Center: This diverse and growing neighborhood is packed to the brim with kitschy activities like the Southgate Roller Rink and Full Tilt pinball, restaurants and food trucks with food from every culture, and independently-owned specialty shops like Live Butcher.
- The Duwamish Tribe Longhouse & Cultural Center: Seattle’s namesake is Chief Seattle of the Duwamish Tribe, who is still a strong and active community in West Seattle. Their Longhouse and Cultural Center hosts festivals and educational events throughout the year for people of all ages and races to participate.
