Living in Leschi, Seattle, WA – Waterfront Homes & Real Estate
Living in Leschi, Seattle, WA – A Waterfront Gem
Living in Leschi offers the perfect mix of stunning lake views, a peaceful residential setting, and quick access to downtown Seattle. This charming neighborhood, located on the western shore of Lake Washington, is one of Seattle’s most desirable places to call home. Known for its tree-lined streets, marina, and thriving local businesses, Leschi is a favorite for homeowners who appreciate both nature and city conveniences.
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Seattle, Leschi provides a scenic escape from the urban hustle while remaining close to major employment hubs like South Lake Union, Bellevue, and Capitol Hill. Whether you’re looking for a historic Craftsman home, a modern waterfront estate, or a cozy condo, Leschi has something for everyone.
Real Estate Market in Leschi
The Leschi real estate market is one of Seattle’s most sought-after, offering a unique mix of historic Craftsman homes, modern townhouses, and luxury waterfront estates. Living in Leschi means enjoying scenic Lake Washington views, lush tree-lined streets, and a peaceful neighborhood atmosphere, all while being just minutes from downtown Seattle. This prime location has made Leschi a highly desirable area for homebuyers seeking both tranquility and convenience.
As of 2024, the median home price in Leschi is approximately $1.35 million, which is significantly higher than Seattle’s median home price of $850,000. This price premium reflects Leschi’s limited housing inventory, high buyer demand, and exclusive waterfront properties. Over the past five years, Leschi home values have appreciated at an 8.2% annual rate, compared to Seattle’s overall 5.6% growth rate, making Living in Leschi a strong long-term investment. The graph below highlights how home prices in Leschi have outpaced Seattle’s overall market trends:
Key Real Estate Metrics: Leschi vs. Seattle (2024)
| Metric | Leschi | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1.35M | $850K |
| Home Price Appreciation (YoY) | 8.2% | 5.6% |
| Luxury Home Price Range | $2M+ | $1.2M – $1.5M |
| Median Condo Price | $675K | $550K |
| Median Rent (2BR Apartment) | $3,200 | $2,500 |
| Rental Price Growth (YoY) | 6.5% | 4.8% |
Leschi vs. Seattle Home Prices Over Time
For renters, Living in Leschi comes at a premium due to its waterfront location and high demand. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Leschi is $3,200 per month, compared to Seattle’s median of $2,500. Rental prices in Leschi have increased 6.5% year-over-year, surpassing Seattle’s 4.8% growth rate, making it a highly competitive market for both renters and investors.
Why People Love Living in Leschi
Living in Leschi means being surrounded by natural beauty, waterfront views, and excellent amenities, making it one of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhoods. With its scenic parks, vibrant local businesses, and strong sense of community, Living in Leschi offers residents a unique blend of urban convenience and outdoor lifestyle.
One of the biggest draws of Living in Leschi is its access to green spaces and outdoor recreation. Leschi Park is a stunning lakeside retreat with walking trails, picnic areas, and panoramic views of Lake Washington, perfect for a morning jog or an afternoon picnic. Nearby, Frink Park provides a serene, forested escape with peaceful hiking trails and abundant wildlife, offering a natural getaway in the heart of the city. For those who love the water, the Leschi Marina is a hub for boating, kayaking, and lakeside relaxation, making residing in Leschi ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Beyond its natural beauty, Leschi offers a vibrant dining and shopping scene. Restaurants like Meet the Moon and Daniel’s Broiler provide delicious meals with stunning waterfront views, while cozy cafés and boutique shops add to the neighborhood’s unique charm. Despite its close proximity to downtown Seattle, Leschi retains a small-town atmosphere with friendly local businesses, community events, and a welcoming sense of community, making it a truly special place to call home.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
One of the many benefits of Living in Leschi is its proximity to some of Seattle’s best attractions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, fine dining, cultural experiences, or entertainment, there’s no shortage of things to do in and around this scenic waterfront neighborhood.
Just a short drive from Living in Leschi, Downtown Seattle offers a world-class urban experience with premier shopping destinations like Pike Place Market, Pacific Place, and Westlake Center. Residents can enjoy fine dining at renowned restaurants, concerts at the Climate Pledge Arena, and sporting events featuring the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders. For art and history lovers, the Seattle Art Museum, The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and The Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall are just a few of the cultural experiences available within minutes of Living in Leschi.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Washington Boulevard is a local favorite, providing a scenic route for cycling, jogging, and walking along the waterfront. The picturesque road connects Living in Leschi to other waterfront neighborhoods and offers stunning views of the lake and the Cascade Mountains. Just north of Living in Leschi, the Washington Park Arboretum is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. With 230 acres of lush botanical gardens, walking trails, and seasonal blooms, it’s a perfect escape from city life. Living in Leschi also means easy access to Madrona and Capitol Hill, two vibrant neighborhoods offering diverse experiences. Madrona, located just west of Living in Leschi, features charming streets lined with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and high-end dining spots like Vendemmia and Red Cow. Meanwhile, Capitol Hill is known for its eclectic nightlife, thriving music scene, and trendy eateries, making it a hotspot for entertainment. Whether you’re enjoying a waterfront dinner, exploring botanical gardens, or heading into the city for a night out, Living in Leschi offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Schools and Education in Leschi
Living in Leschi means access to high-quality education through the Seattle Public Schools district, as well as several private and higher education institutions nearby. Families in Living in Leschi benefit from a variety of top-rated schools, advanced academic programs, and strong community involvement, making the neighborhood an excellent choice for education-focused homebuyers.
Public Schools Serving Leschi
- Leschi Elementary School – A well-rated public school offering a strong academic foundation and active community engagement. It serves students from Pre-K to 5th grade and emphasizes STEM education, arts programs, and social-emotional learning. According to GreatSchools.org, Leschi Elementary has received positive reviews for its dedicated teachers and inclusive environment.
- Washington Middle School – Located just a few miles away, Washington Middle School serves grades 6-8 and offers Advanced Learning programs, music programs, and extracurricular activities. The school is known for its diverse student body and strong academic performance in mathematics and science.
- Garfield High School – Recognized as one of Seattle’s top public high schools, Garfield High offers Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, preparing students for competitive college admissions. It has a strong athletics program, award-winning jazz band, and an impressive list of notable alumni. According to US News & World Report, Garfield ranks among the top 20 high schools in Washington State.
Private School Options Near Leschi
- The Bush School – A highly regarded private K-12 school, offering rigorous academics, small class sizes, and experiential learning opportunities. Tuition for 2024 is approximately $39,000 per year.
- Epiphany School – A private Pre-K to 5th-grade school, known for strong academics and individualized student support.
Higher Education Opportunities
For college-bound students and adult learners, Living in Leschi means being a short commute from two of Seattle’s top universities:
- Seattle University – A prestigious private university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, law, and healthcare. Located just 2.5 miles from Leschi, it is an excellent option for local students.
- University of Washington (UW) – One of the nation’s leading public research universities, UW is just a 15-minute drive from Leschi. It ranks among the top 10 public universities in the U.S. (Forbes).
With access to top-rated public and private schools, advanced academic programs, and world-class universities, Living in Leschi is an excellent choice for families prioritizing education. If you’re considering moving to Leschi, let HomePro Associates help you find the perfect home in this highly desirable neighborhood.
Transportation and Commuting
Living in Leschi offers residents a variety of convenient transportation options, making it easy to commute to downtown Seattle, Bellevue, and other key areas in the region. Whether traveling by public transit, bike, or car, residents of Living in Leschi enjoy a well-connected neighborhood with multiple commuting options.
Public Transit Options
Several King County Metro bus routes serve Living in Leschi, providing frequent and reliable service to downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and surrounding neighborhoods. Key bus routes include:
- Route 27 – Provides a direct connection from Leschi to downtown Seattle via Yesler Way, making it a convenient option for commuters heading into the city for work.
- Route 14 – Travels between Mount Baker, Leschi, and Capitol Hill, offering easy access to light rail connections and Seattle’s nightlife and entertainment districts.
- Route 8 – A key east-west route serving nearby areas like South Lake Union, Seattle Center, and Rainier Valley.
For longer-distance travel, residents can easily connect to the Link Light Rail at the Mount Baker Station, just a 7-minute drive or 15-minute bus ride away. The Link Light Rail provides fast and direct service to Sea-Tac Airport, the University of Washington, and Northgate, making regional travel seamless.
Biking & Walking in Leschi
Living in Leschi is perfect for those who prefer to bike or walk as part of their daily routine. The neighborhood features scenic lakefront trails, quiet residential streets, and bike-friendly routes, making it one of the best areas in Seattle for outdoor commuting.
- Lake Washington Boulevard Trail – A picturesque route along the lake, connecting Leschi to Madison Park, Seward Park, and beyond.
- Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail – Provides a safe, multi-use path leading to Interstate 90, offering an easy biking route to downtown Seattle and Mercer Island.
- Neighborhood Walkability – With local cafes, parks, and shops within walking distance, many residents of Living in Leschi can run daily errands without needing a car.
According to Walk Score, Leschi has a walkability score of 73 (Very Walkable) and a bike score of 73 (Very Bikeable), making it one of Seattle’s most pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly areas.
Highway Access and Driving Commutes
For those who drive, Living in Leschi offers quick access to major highways, making it easy to reach business hubs like Bellevue, Renton, and the greater Seattle metro area.
- Interstate 90 (I-90) – Just a few minutes away, providing a direct route to downtown Seattle (10 min), Mercer Island (8 min), and Bellevue (15 min).
- Interstate 5 (I-5) – A major north-south corridor connecting Leschi to South Lake Union, Everett, and Tacoma.
- State Route 520 (SR-520) – A fast option for reaching Redmond and Microsoft’s headquarters in under 25 minutes.
Whether commuting by bus, bike, or car, Living in Leschi provides seamless access to downtown Seattle, nearby business centers, and outdoor destinations, making it an ideal location for professionals and families alike.
Why Work with HomePro Associates?
If you’re considering Living in Leschi or exploring other high-end neighborhoods in Seattle, having the right real estate expert by your side makes all the difference. I’m Emily Cressey with HomePro Associates, and I specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate the Seattle real estate market with confidence. Whether you’re looking to buy a luxury waterfront home or sell your current property, I can provide the expert insights and market analysis you need to make the best decision.
Call me at (206) 578-3438 to schedule a consultation and get a professional analysis of your property’s worth. For more market updates, home tours, and expert tips, check out our YouTube channel and subscribe for the latest in Seattle real estate!
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Living in Leschi offers a rare combination of stunning scenery, urban convenience, and a strong community feel. If you’re ready to find your dream home in this beautiful neighborhood, let us help you every step of the way.
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