Living In Ballard, WA

Living In Ballard

Thinking about living in Ballard, WA – the hip new must-have address in Seattle, WA?

If so, you are not alone! The burgeoning cultural scene, vibrant community atmosphere, and unique amenities in Ballard, WA have sparked a growing interest among people in living in Seattle to take a look at this popular address.

The Scandinavian Roots Of Ballard, WA

The Ballard neighborhood in Seattle, WA was historically a fishing village, just northwest of downtown Seattle. You can still see may fishing boats docked here that go out to sea, and even up to Alaska for commercial fishing and crabbing.

If you’re in the mood for a little viking culture and a fun history lesson, pop by the Scandinavian Museum in Ballard to see what all the fuss is about.

Living In Ballard, WA

The Ballard Locks and beaches provided a draw for local tourism. My grandparents always used to make a point of taking out-of-town visitors to go see the locks. It’s an amazing feat of engineering, and there’s a salmon ladder where you can look for spawning salmon, in season.

My son was born at Swedish Hospital which is a major local employer. If you love farmer’s markets, local mom and pop shops, restaurants and bookstores, and pubs after hours, then you the central shopping street on NW Market provided employment within the area. You might want to look for a home for sale within walking distance, as parking in this area is getting really tight as streets filled with homes, have been replaced by streets filled with condos – the higher population density lends itself better to foot-traffic and bus-riding than the multi-car family.

Nevertheless, many people love living in Ballard, WA. It’s a great location from which to commute past the space needle and into downtown Seattle for work, as well.

What The Locals Say About The Ballard, WA Lifestyle

My childhood friend Ciara, who grew up in Ballard, was fond of saying that everything you needed was there, and therefore no one who lived in Ballard ever needed to leave.

My sister bought her first home in Ballard, WA – a three-level townhouse, and she was able to commute into her law firm in downtown Seattle fairly easily from there, by bus.

Recent Changes In Ballard, WA

In the last ten years, Ballard has seen itself evolve from its Nordic Fisherman roots to a more hip and eclectic young professional population. Coveted for its proximity to downtown Seattle and its walkable pub-lined streets, older homes are making way for new construction high-density condos and townhouses, as well as apartments.

Ballard Neighborhood Tour | Seattle, WA | Living in Seattle

Fun Things to Do, Attractions, and Family Parks in Ballard

Ballard is a vibrant Seattle neighborhood that offers a variety of activities for everyone, making it a great place for family outings or a day of exploration. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing day with the family, Ballard has something to offer.

1. Golden Gardens Park One of Ballard’s most iconic parks, Golden Gardens offers stunning waterfront views, sandy beaches, and plenty of space for picnics and family gatherings. The park also features hiking trails, wetlands, and a playground for kids. It’s the perfect spot for a summer barbecue or a peaceful sunset walk.

2. Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder A must-see attraction in Ballard, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (commonly known as the Ballard Locks) are an engineering marvel that allow boats to travel between Puget Sound and Lake Union. Visitors can watch the boats pass through the locks and observe salmon swimming up the fish ladder, making this both an educational and entertaining stop for all ages.

3. National Nordic Museum For a cultural experience, the National Nordic Museum in Ballard is a unique way to learn about the region’s Scandinavian heritage. The museum showcases exhibits on Nordic culture, history, and art, offering fun and interactive learning opportunities for children and adults alike.

4. Ballard Farmers Market Held every Sunday year-round, the Ballard Farmers Market is a lively spot to explore local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods. It’s a family-friendly experience where you can sample fresh food, shop for handmade items, and enjoy live music. Kids love the vibrant atmosphere, and it’s a great way to support local vendors.

5. Salmon Bay Park A smaller, neighborhood park that’s perfect for families, Salmon Bay Park features open grassy areas, picnic tables, and a well-maintained playground. It’s a quiet, relaxing spot where families can spend the afternoon playing, enjoying the outdoors, or having a casual picnic.

See What Seattle Has to Offer: Explore the City’s Best Attractions and Activities

Homes For Sale In Ballard, WA

Homes for sale in Ballard have enjoyed tremendous price appreciation over the last few years. Although they were impacted by COVID in 2020-22, there are still many new construction building projects in this area.

I recently sold a 3-story new construction 2-bedroom townhome in Ballard for around $900,000. This is a pretty typical price range for this widely available housing product.

Concerns For The Ballard Neighborhood

As Seattle’s homeless count continues to swell, many Ballard residents have become concerned about the large numbers of indigents lounging in the streets and sidewalks, RV-residents perma-parking on any available street-side and hypodermic needles littering parks and even being tossed into yards of citizens.

As population-density increases, there is not enough parking here for everyone to have a car. As I found when helping my clients shop for a new construction townhouse in 2023, many new construction developments are only sold with 1 parking spot per home. Some are sold with none. Plan on biking, walking or taking the bus.

If you want electric-vehicle charing stations, this is feature widely available for your single-parking spot, but some home-owners will have to buy for almost a million dollars without enough room for their partner to have dedicated parking space. Homes with no parking tend to cost about $100K less than their deeded-parking-spot equivalents.

Even if your home does have parking, you might want to consider going with a smaller car instead of a truck. My sister found when buying her condo that her Honda Acura would not fit around the corner and into the garage parking in many townhome developments.

Despite these challenges, many new home buyers are excited about living in Ballard, and if that’s you, I’m happy to help.

Fill out the form below and let me know how I can help you find the right neighborhood, or select the Ballard home for you!

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