Living in The West Seattle Neighborhood SW of Seattle, WA

Just south of the skyscrapers of downtown Seattle, take a turn to the West, toward Puget Sound, and you’ll come to the charming seaside “town” of West Seattle. It’s a little hard to get to – you have to run the gauntlet, passing through the Industrial areas full of cranes loading ocean-going vessels in Puget Sound, but if you can make it (the West Seattle Bridge is currently closed, so the drive isn’t for the faint of heart), you’ll find a character-rich community, the smell of salt air, and the Fauntleroy Ferry to let you know you’ve gone as far west as you can go.

What Do People Like About Living In West Seattle?

When I think of the neighborhood of West Seattle, on Alki Point, just southwest of downtown Seattle, WA, I think of it as a world unto itself.

Join Seattle Real Estate Agent Emily Cressey on A Summer Day Walk-Through of West Seattle and Alki Beach

Where Is West Seattle?

West Seattle is Southwest of Downtown Seattle: two Points jut into the water, creating spectacular water views, surrounding hills afford water views to many residents in the surrounding hills. The beach at Alki attracts visitors from all over the city as well as out-of-town tourists.

West Seattle Parks

Being close to Puget Sound and the ocean is one of the primary benefits of living in West Seattle. Whether you are ready to buy a house in West Seattle, or just want to visit for a day to get an idea of what it would be like to live in West Seattle, make sure you get down to the waterfront and try out some of West Seattle’s amazing parks.

Lincoln Park is a popular destination where I used to run cross-country races in high school. It’s got at least 5K of woods last I checked! It also has beachfront property and a pool, as well as playgrounds and fishing.

Alternative Commuting Options

Accessible via the West Seattle Bridge (now re-opened again after being closed for a couple years for earthquake retro-fitting), as well as surface streets, this beach town feels miles away, while still being relatively close. Bicyclers celebrated the re-opening of the bridge, as many commute to work. The neighborhood does offer bicycle access to the downtown core as well as being navigable for commuters via a Water Taxi Ferry run by the Washington State Department of Transportation, offering $5 rides back-and-forth to downtown as the crow flies (or in this case, as the fish swims).

The Vibe In West Seattle

The vibe in West Seattle is definitely one of sunny, beachy relaxation.

On summer days, people will be found walking along the sandy Alkia Beach on Puget Sound, visiting the Alki Point Lighthouse, fishing off the pier, or picking blackberries – like me!

At night, you may find some cool kids cruising in their sports cars along the main drag. Condo owners who sleep with their windows open to catch the ocean breeze at night, may catch a little engine exhaust as well!

Famous for their popular restaurant, Salty’s on Alki, this point offers magnificent views of the downtown Seattle skyline. Harry’s Beach House is another popular option.

If you’d like something less formal, there are plenty of beach side bars, and ice cream shops to pop into as well. If you live here, you may find yourself feeling like you’re on vacation every day! These little locally-owned shops are great for developing a feeling of community, part of what makes the West Seattle neighborhood such a charming oasis in the otherwise “cold” Seattle neighborhood-scape.

Inland, you’ll find the historic (and gorgeously retro) Admiral Theater (adjacent to the Admiral Pub) on SW Admiral Way and California Ave SW.

Where To Live In West Seattle

If you’re thinking about living in West Seattle, beware! Not all neighborhoods are created equal.

Obviously proximity to the areas beautiful beaches, views of the water, the Fauntleroy Ferry, and proximity to local attractions like the walkable downtown (See West Seattle Junction!), beautiful parks, and nice homes all add to the value of your property. However, in West Seattle there are some busy roads (like California Avenue) and close proximity to industrial areas. Make sure you do your due diligence, on the locations that you are researching to see what is around you in the neighborhood you are considering.

There are many condominiums along the beach that take advantage of this sun and see proximity. Nearby low lying houses offer a walk to the beach and just a few short blocks. Up the hill, many homes can enjoy views of the water.

Despite this homes, many advantages, real estate prices have stayed lower here than in similarly blessed locations north of downtown. One reason for this might be the more difficult commute. Another reason may be the proximity to the cranes and shipyards and loading international container ships not too far away.

Visit Lincoln Park in West Seattle – A Seattle, Washington Neighborhood

Waterfront and water view houses in West Seattle are certainly coveted. There are many condos along the waterfront, too, especially by Alki beach which affords Ah-May-Zing Views of downtown Seattle. Check it out in the video below.

Buying A Home In West Seattle

West Seattle is a neighborhood south of downtown Seattle, WA that has been popular for decades. If you would like to consider buying a property in West Seattle, we at HomePro Associates would be happy to help.

With our experience in real estate, and Seattle roots, and friendly open-to-anything attitudes, we are the perfect folks to help you find, negotiate, and close on the home of your dreams in West Seattle.

Click the link below to see homes for sale in West Seattle – Seattle, WA.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living In West Seattle

Is West Seattle a Good Neighborhood? 
Is It A Good Place To Live?

So, the burning question on your mind as you read this page to discover whether you’d like to live in West Seattle is basically, “Is West Seattle a good neighborhood? Yes or No, Emily!?!”

Well, let me break it down for you. West Seattle is like that friend who always has your back. It’s a good, clean, and safe place to live. I mean, sure, there’s a bit of crime here and there, but what neighborhood doesn’t have its questionable characters, right?

Plus, the overall vibe in West Seattle is just so chill and relaxed that it’s hard to feel anything but cool when you live here.

And let’s not forget about all the fun activities you can do here! There’s the beach, where you can soak up some rays or take a nice stroll.  The farmer’s market, the arts…

And the restaurants? Oh boy, don’t even get me started. From cozy little cafes to trendy eateries, West Seattle has it all.

For those who like to get your drink on, there’s no shortage of beach bars to choose from.

So, to answer the burning question once and for all, Yes! West Seattle is a pretty darn good place to live. It’s got the right balance of safety, entertainment, and just an all-around good vibe. So pack your bags, my friends, and come on over to West Seattle. You won’t regret it! 

Is West Seattle Expensive? 
How Affordable Is West Seattle Compared To Other Seattle Neighborhoods? 
Is It More Expensive Than Seattle?

So, you’re thinking about moving to West Seattle, huh? Well, let me tell you, it’s not exactly the land of gold and honey, but it’s not the slums of the city either.

Some might even call it… affordable? Gasp! Yes, I said it. Affordable. Now, that’s relative, because Seattle is still one of hte more expensive places to live in the country.  But for all the perks West Seattle offers, I think it represents a pretty good value!

In the grand scheme of things, West Seattle is like the middle child of the Seattle neighborhoods. It’s not as flashy as downtown or as hipster as Capitol Hill, but it’s got its own charm. And when it comes to the cost of living, well, let’s just say you won’t have to sell a kidney to afford a studio apartment. Sure, it’s not as cheap as, say, living in the suburbs, but you also won’t have to mortgage your soul to live in a decent part of town. And let’s not forget about the views! I mean, who needs a fancy rooftop bar when you’ve got the Olympic Mountains as your backdrop?

Now, let’s talk numbers, because who doesn’t love a good ol’ dose of reality? The median home price in West Seattle is… drumroll, please… well, it’s definitely not pocket change, but it’s also not going to send you into bankruptcy. Compared to other Seattle neighborhoods, West Seattle is like the middle child again, not the most expensive, but certainly not the cheapest. You’ve got your Queen Annes and your Magnolia’s on one end of the spectrum, with their fancy houses and even fancier price tags, and then you’ve got your Rainiers and your White Centers on the other end, with their slightly more… ahem… affordable housing options. So, if you’re looking for a happy medium, West Seattle might just be your jam. Plus, you’ve got all the perks of living in a city without the constant noise and hustle and bustle. It’s like the Goldilocks of neighborhoods—just right.

But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Affordable is a relative term, and what might be affordable for one person could be a total splurge for another. So, do your research, talk to some locals, and maybe even take a stroll around the neighborhood to get a feel for it. And who knows, you might just fall in love with West Seattle and its quirky little quirks. Just don’t forget to budget for those incredible sunset views. Priorities, people! 

What are the Pros and Cons of Living In West Seattle?

So you’re thinking about moving to West Seattle, eh? Well, let me tell you, there are definitely some pros and cons to living in this quirky little neighborhood.

On the plus side, you’ve got stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, not to mention easy access to Alki Beach for all your sunbathing and sandcastle-building needs. Plus, there’s no shortage of delicious eats and trendy bars to hit up in The Junction.

But on the flip side, the infamous West Seattle Bridge has a habit of randomly closing, turning your daily commute into a never-ending nightmare.

And don’t even get me started on the uphill battle of finding parking around here – it’s like a real-life game of Tetris.

Also, if you’re a city slicker at heart, you might find the laid-back, slightly suburban vibe of West Seattle a bit on the slow side. But hey, at least you’ll get a good chuckle out of the locals’ obsession with their neighborhood – they’ve even got their own branded everything, from hoodies to hot sauce.

So, if you’re into charming views, funky local businesses, and a whole lot of neighborhood pride, then West Seattle might just be the place for you. Just be prepared for a few traffic headaches and a whole lot of parallel parking practice.

Go ahead, take the plunge – the views alone might just make it all worth it.