Living in Laurelhurst Neighborhood in Seattle, Washington

Living in Laurelhurst Neighborhood in Seattle, Washington

Whenever I talk to my parents and their friends who grew up in the Seattle area, I love hearing the quiet pride of the people who come from the Laurelhurst community.

Everyone who’s an old-timer around these parts knows that Laurelhurst is, and has been for decades, one of Seattle’s top luxury neighborhoods.  The neighborhood is well maintained, with a suburban feel and many families enjoy the tree lined streets and (seemingly) high-end everything!

It’s popular because it’s near the University of Washington, Children’s Hospital on Sand Point Way, and the Arboretum. 

Laurelhurst playfield, where my church softball team used to play on Sunday afternoons, is right behind the hospital.  And since it’s on a point that projects out into Union Bay in Lake Washington, this luxury Seattle neighborhood offers views of Lake Washington from beautiful older homes, as well as lakefront property. It’s an in-demand address amongst high earners like university professors, doctors from the hospital and other well connected influencers. 

Large homes at the base of the hill start at $1 million, and go up from there to around $5 million, along with the view.

Laurelhurst is kind of an, “If you know, you know!” location. People don’t like to say they’re from there because it feels like bragging. Everyone knows you’re rich.  And yes, there is a country club!  The Laurelhurst Community Club which provides access to the beach for eligible members, as well!  ($4,000 initiation fee, plus $625 in annual dues.) 

That being said, it’s an amazing neighborhood to live in, if you can afford it!

The Beach Club is separate from the Laurelhurst Community Center, which is involved in various projects such as emergency preparedness, environmental activism, security, advisory councils to the UW and Children’s Hospital, and the publication of a neighborhood newsletter distributed to 2,800 local households and businesses.

What’s So Nice About the Laurelhurst Neighborhood in Seattle, WA?

Laurelhurst, nestled in the northeast corner of Seattle, is an upscale, residential neighborhood with scenic views of Lake Washington and access to some of the city’s best schools and parks.

Laurelhurst Elementary school receives positive reviews, but only ranks 6/10 on Great Schools, where it loses points for equity and diversity within the student body. 

One of the ways I love spending time in (or around) Laurelhurst is by boat!  My mom and I love renting a canoe at the UW and boating north along the shore toward Laurelhurst.  There are turtles in the water, and on a hot day, this is heaven.  We have never paddled through the Mountlake cut where the UW crew team races, to emerge on Portage Bay, but the Portage Bay Grill is delicious over there (They cater a lot of my office’s nicer events) and when you’re in such close proximity to everything you need, you’ll have access to lots of great restaurants in every direction. 

For employees relocating to Seattle for work, Laurelhurst offers a serene yet centrally located option, balancing the tranquility of a suburban environment with the convenience of urban living.

As a real estate agent, I’m excited to help you explore Laurelhurst’s housing options and its unique appeal to homebuyers.  This is definitely a place I would like to live. (LOVE is more like it.). One of the top choices in Seattle.

Laurelhurst is known for its beautiful, luxury homes, many of which offer views of the lake and are situated on spacious, tree-lined streets. The neighborhood primarily consists of single-family homes, and prices reflect the area’s prestige.

The median home price in Laurelhurst ranges from $1.8 million to over $3 million, depending on the size, location, and view. For buyers seeking larger homes with modern amenities, Laurelhurst provides options that maintain their historic appeal, but that have been updated over the years with high-quality rennovations.

The best homes are on the shores of Lake Washington and have docks and lake access. You can paddle over to these waters in a canoe from the boat rental center at the UW’s rental at the football stadium. It’s a great way to avoid the traffic while headed to a football game!

Housing Options in Laurelhurst

For those looking for more affordable housing, there are a few condo and apartment options available near the outskirts of the neighborhood, though they are rarer compared to nearby areas.

Condos start around $600,000 but are far less common than the single-family homes. Rental prices for apartments can range from $2,500 for a one-bedroom to higher, depending on location and proximity to water views.

There is also an optional beach club (LaurelhurstBeachClub.com) available to people who live within the neighborhood boundary.

How Laurelhurst Compares to Nearby Neighborhood in Seattle

Laurelhurst stands out due to its quiet, exclusive vibe, but it shares similarities with nearby neighborhoods around Laurelhurst, like Windermere, Ravenna, Wallingford, and the University District.

• Windermere is also an upscale neighborhood, offering a more private feel with large estates. It’s similar to Laurelhurst in terms of pricing and lake views but has fewer community parks and schools. It feels more open, with fewer large trees. It was built in the post-war era (1950’s). My grandparents built a house here which they added on to over the years.
• Ravenna, by contrast, is more affordable and has a mix of older homes and new developments. It’s closer to the University District, which gives it a busier, more urban atmosphere, with more public transportation options and access to retail and dining.
• The University District is a bustling area with a younger population due to its proximity to the University of Washington. It has more apartment complexes, rooms to rent, and rental houses, making it more affordable and vibrant, though it lacks the peaceful residential feel that Laurelhurst offers. This can be a higher-crime area due to more foot traffic and late night activity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in The Laurelhurst Neighborhood

Advantages:

• Proximity to Work: Laurelhurst is ideally located near major employers such as the University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and downtown Seattle, making commuting quick and easy. For professionals working in tech, health care, or education, Laurelhurst offers a great work-life balance.
• High-Quality Schools: Laurelhurst boasts top-tier public and private schools, making it a top choice for families. Laurelhurst Elementary and nearby Roosevelt High School are among the best-rated in Seattle.
• Serene Lifestyle: With parks like Laurelhurst Park and access to the Laurelhurst Beach Club, the neighborhood is perfect for those who value outdoor activities, including paddleboarding, tennis, and picnicking.

Disadvantages:

• Housing Prices: Laurelhurst’s real estate market is on the higher end of what’s available in Seattle, which might be a barrier for first-time buyers or those on a tighter budget.
• Public Transportation: While Laurelhurst is well-connected by bus routes, it is not as transit-accessible as other nearby neighborhoods like the University District or Ravenna. Owning a car might be more convenient, because the bus doesn’t come up into the hills and streets of the neighborhood, itself.
• Limited Walkability: While Laurelhurst is picturesque and safe for walking, the neighborhood is hilly in some parts, which can be challenging for walking or biking. Additionally, the scarcity of commercial districts means residents often drive for errands like grocery shopping.

Public Transportation and Accessibility

Laurelhurst is served by a few key bus routes that connect it to downtown Seattle, the University District, and other areas, but public transportation options are more limited compared to neighborhoods like Ravenna or Northgate. Most residents find owning a car necessary for getting around, especially for commuting or grocery shopping.

There are several grocery stores nearby, including QFC and the upscale Metropolitan Market in the University Village shopping center, which is only a few minutes away.

For those who prefer walking or cycling, Laurelhurst’s peaceful, residential streets make for pleasant strolls, though some areas of the neighborhood are steep and hilly.

The Burke-Gilman Trail

The University is accessed by the Burke Gilman Trail which goes around the West side of Lake Washington. This can be a flat, safe place for bikers of all ability levels to get some fresh air and observe beautiful homes along the waterfront.

Crime Levels and Schools in Laurelhurst

Laurelhurst is known for its safety and is one of Seattle’s neighborhoods with consistently low crime rates. Its strong community ties, active neighborhood association, and affluence contribute to the secure environment.

The public schools serving Laurelhurst are some of the best in the city. Families moving into the neighborhood are attracted by the high-performing Laurelhurst Elementary and the excellent nearby Eckstein Middle School and Roosevelt High School. For those looking for private education, Villa Academy and The Bush School are also popular choices among residents.

Things to Do Near Laurelhurst

Laurelhurst may be a quiet, residential neighborhood, but it’s close to plenty of things to do. The nearby University Village offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including local favorites like Molly Moon’s Ice Cream and Din Tai Fung. Additionally, residents can easily access Magnuson Park, a sprawling lakeside park with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Laurelhurst private Beach Club provides residents with access to water sports, picnics, and community events. If you prefer cultural experiences, downtown Seattle is only a 15-minute drive away, where you can explore museums, theaters, and restaurants.

Parking and Suburban Conveniences

Due to the neighborhood’s residential nature, parking is generally easy to find, especially compared to denser, more urban neighborhood in Seattle. Most homes in Laurelhurst come with garages or driveways, and there is ample street parking for visitors. However, if you work downtown, finding parking there can be more challenging and may require either paying for parking or relying on public transportation for your commute.

One downside to living in Laurelhurst is that some suburban conveniences, like large supermarkets and big-box retailers, are not within walking distance. However, with University Village just minutes away, you can still easily access high-end stores, grocery options, and more.

Other Neighborhoods to Consider

If Laurelhurst doesn’t quite fit your needs, there are several nearby neighborhoods worth considering:

• Windermere: For those who want a similarly upscale, residential feel but with more secluded homes, Windermere is a great alternative. Prices are similar, but the neighborhood offers a more private atmosphere.
• Ravenna: If you’re looking for something more affordable and closer to shopping and public transportation, Ravenna offers a mix of single-family homes and condos, with prices starting around $800,000 for houses.
• Montlake: For buyers who want to be closer to the city center but still enjoy a quiet, residential environment, Montlake offers a convenient location near the University District and downtown, with slightly more affordable home prices than Laurelhurst.

Final Thoughts

Laurelhurst is one of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhoods, offering a unique blend of residential charm, scenic beauty, and proximity to downtown. With its spacious homes, top-rated schools, and access to outdoor amenities, it’s an ideal choice for families and professionals relocating to Seattle. While the housing market leans toward the higher end, the lifestyle and community feel make it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re considering a move to Laurelhurst or any nearby neighborhood, I’d be happy to help you explore your home options. Let’s make your relocation to Seattle a smooth and rewarding experience!