Waterfront Living in Seattle: Best Bets in Waterfront Real Estate

Living by water is a strong lure that brings many would-be homeowners to the greater Seattle area. And the waterfront homes for sale in Seattle are as diverse as the people who shop for these premium properties. From condominiums and cozy cabins to palatial estates and houseboats, you'll find an eclectic set of offerings on the market.

A good REALTOR® will be a valuable asset if you're looking to buy waterfront real estate in Seattle. Your Seattle real estate agent can discuss the pros and cons of the two basic waterfronts serving the area: lakeside living or Puget Sound property. Although both offer gorgeous views and diverse recreational opportunities, as your Seattle REALTOR® will explain, the lifestyles are distinctly different.

If you choose to buy waterfront real estate in Seattle on one of the many lakes, you can look forward to enjoying the amenities of water while maintaining close access to all that the city has to offer. Commuting to work, shopping or sporting events is no different here than anywhere else in the greater Seattle area.

Conversely, many waterfront homes for sale on Puget Sound are tucked away in remote locations and often require a short ferry ride to reach the downtown core. Because of this, Puget Sound property owners enjoy a more quiet way of life than lakefront homeowners.

Seattle Real Estate on the Lake

There are many lakes - large and small - scattered about the Seattle real estate radius and most of them offer waterfront homes for sale. In this article, we will focus on two popular freshwater lakes serving the Seattle real estate market: Lake Washington and Lake Union.

Lake Washington is approximately 25 miles long, is the second largest lake in Washington State and serves many communities in and around Seattle. Lake Forest Park and Kenmore are situated at the north end of Lake Washington. On the east side, you'll find waterfront homes for sale in Kirkland and Bellevue, along with the upscale areas of Mercer Island and Medina. At the southern end is the more affordable community of Renton. And the west side of Lake Washington is segmented into various Seattle city neighborhoods with unique characteristics.

To buy a waterfront home in Seattle on desirable Lake Washington, expect to pay a minimum of $1M, and probably much more. The spectacular sunrises, breathtaking sunsets and views of Mount Rainier are daily reminders to those who live here why they pay the high price for this scenic luxury. Seattle's Lake Union is close to downtown and boasts incredible views of the city. Seaplanes regularly take off and land amid the hustle and bustle of this popular water destination. Four distinct neighborhoods are situated along the lake's shores: Eastlake, Westlake, Northlake and South Lake Union.

Lake Union is best known for the houseboats that line its east and west sides. These unique waterfront homes for sale in Seattle are more affordable than homes on Lake Washington. According to one report, the median price for a floating home on Lake Union is a little over $600K, although houseboats can be found in the $300K range.

For those who are interested in lakeside living away from the Seattle metropolitan area, many surrounding communities have waterfront homes for sale. Lake Sammamish, Lake Stevens and Lake Tapps are just a few examples. Talk to your Seattle real estate agent about the areas you're interested in and she will undoubtedly find stunning waterfront properties for you to view.

Living on Puget Sound

Salty sea air, sandy beaches, mountain views and the pristine landscape are just some of the reasons to buy waterfront real estate on Puget Sound. West Seattle's Alki Beach is a favorite with those who are looking to buy waterfront real estate in Seattle with an ocean view. But there are also many areas near Seattle with homes for sale on the Sound. Everett and Edmonds, for example, are north of Seattle. And Tacoma and Olympia are south.

However, for the ultimate escape from city life, your Seattle REALTOR® might suggest looking at waterfront homes for sale in Kitsap County. A short ferry ride west of Seattle, Kitsap County is home to Kingston, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Silverdale, Bremerton and many other small communities.

In Kitsap, you'll find breathtaking views and a hot commodity not always found when living on a lake: privacy. The landscape lends itself to private get-aways that are popular with artists, writers and even movie stars.

Puget Sound real estate prices vary greatly, depending on the type of home you buy and its location. Your Seattle REALTOR® can discuss your options based on your budget and lifestyle needs.

Location and Lifestyle: The Choice is Yours

Waterfront homes for sale in Seattle and beyond offer discriminating buyers many choices in both location and lifestyle. If the world is your oyster, this particular market just might be your pearl!

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