West Seattle is one of Seattle’s most beloved and distinctive districts, where relaxed coastal living meets vibrant urban character. Set across Elliott Bay from downtown, this peninsula offers sweeping views of the city skyline, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. With historic residential streets, lively commercial hubs and iconic waterfront parks, West Seattle attracts homebuyers seeking beauty, convenience and a uniquely laid-back Seattle lifestyle.
Just minutes from downtown via the West Seattle Bridge and water taxi, the area feels like its own small city with beaches, restaurants, boutiques and tight-knit neighbourhoods. It’s a rare blend of natural scenery, local culture and real estate diversity.
West Seattle appeals to those who want coastal living without sacrificing city access. Its charming neighborhoods, varied topography and strong community spirit make it one of Seattle’s most enjoyable places to call home.
Highlights include:
Alki Beach’s waterfront boardwalk, volleyball courts and cafés
Panoramic views of downtown Seattle and the Olympic Mountains
Lush parks including Lincoln Park, Schmitz Preserve Park and Me-Kwa-Mooks
The Junction’s shopping, nightlife and dining scene
Easy ferry and water taxi access to downtown
Strong sense of community with local markets and festivals
Diverse home styles and quiet residential pockets
Tree-lined streets, walkable business districts and plenty of outdoor recreation
West Seattle offers a relaxed yet active lifestyle grounded in community connection and outdoor living. Mornings often start with waterfront strolls along Alki, coffee at a neighborhood café or bike rides along the shoreline. Locals value a slower rhythm compared to the city core, while still enjoying quick access to Seattle’s employment centers and entertainment districts.
Weekends bring farmers markets, beach days, brewery hopping and hikes through forested parks. The community is friendly, creative and family-oriented, with a mix of longtime residents and newcomers drawn to the peninsula’s charm and livability.
West Seattle’s identity is defined by its waterfront orientation, offering residents direct access to some of Seattle’s most iconic coastal settings. Whether you’re steps from Alki Beach or perched on a hillside with sweeping Puget Sound views, the area embraces ocean-inspired living.
Residents enjoy:
Sunsets along the Alki Promenade
Kayaking, paddleboarding and beach volleyball
Dining along Beach Drive, Harbor Avenue and Alki Avenue
Scenic cycling along the Elliott Bay Trail extension
Wildlife watching, including sea lions, otters and bald eagles
Coastal restaurants, pubs and cafés with front-row views
This shoreline culture creates a resort-like lifestyle just minutes from downtown.
From outdoor adventures to arts, dining and local events, West Seattle offers something for everyone.
Popular attractions include:
Alki Beach: Swimming, biking, rollerblading, beach volleyball and waterfront dining
Lincoln Park: Hiking trails, viewpoints, picnic spots and waterfront access
The West Seattle Junction: Boutiques, live music, restaurants and vibrant nightlife
Schmitz Preserve Park: Old-growth forest trails in the heart of the city
Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal: Gateway to Vashon Island and Southworth
West Seattle Farmers Market: A local favourite for fresh produce and artisanal goods
Jack Block Park: Panoramic skyline views and waterfront walkways
Local events, arts programs, outdoor concerts and neighborhood festivals add to the peninsula’s rich cultural energy.
West Seattle is served by Seattle Public Schools along with private and alternative education options. Families appreciate the strong community involvement, extracurricular programs and convenient campus locations.
Notable schools include:
West Seattle High School
Chief Sealth International High School
Madison Middle School
Denny International Middle School
Alki Elementary
Lafayette Elementary
Genesee Hill Elementary
Holy Rosary School (private)
Seattle Lutheran High School (private)
These schools support a wide range of academic, arts and international programs.
West Seattle is highly accessible, with pedestrian-friendly districts and excellent regional connections.
Transportation highlights:
Quick access to the West Seattle Bridge (when open)
King County Water Taxi service from Seacrest Dock to downtown Seattle
Frequent King County Metro bus routes
Easy cycling along coastal trails and neighborhood greenways
Proximity to the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal for island connections
Short driving distances to I-5, I-90 and major Seattle employment hubs
Walkability is strong in The Junction, Admiral and Alki areas, where shops, cafés and groceries cluster within close range.
West Seattle is one of Seattle’s oldest settled areas, home to the Duwamish people long before European settlement. Alki Point was the landing site of the first Euro-American settlers in 1851, making it a cornerstone of Seattle’s origins. The community later evolved into a series of small villages—Admiral, Alki, Fauntleroy and The Junction—each with its own character.
West Seattle’s culture is shaped by:
Longstanding maritime traditions
Historic homes and preserved architecture
A strong arts presence
Locally owned shops and community-driven events
Deep ties to its Indigenous and pioneer heritage
This layered history enriches everyday life on the peninsula.
West Seattle offers one of the most architecturally diverse housing markets in Seattle. Buyers will find everything from beachside cottages to mid-century homes, new construction and modern view properties.
Home styles include:
Craftsman and Bungalow homes
Mid-century modern houses
Contemporary new builds with open layouts
Waterfront homes on Beach Drive and Alki
Townhomes and low-rise condo developments
Hillside properties with panoramic skyline or Sound views
Each neighborhood offers distinct real estate character, from the historic charm of Admiral to the beachside allure of Alki and the family-friendly subdivisions in Arbor Heights and Fauntleroy.
West Seattle continues to see strong demand due to its scenery, amenities and proximity to downtown. The housing market remains competitive, with prices varying by neighbourhood elevation, views and walkability.
Current trends include:
High interest in view homes overlooking Puget Sound
Strong demand in walkable hubs like The Junction and Admiral
Rising value for updated mid-century homes
Competitive bidding on modern new construction
Strong rental demand for waterfront and transit-accessible areas
Despite market fluctuations, West Seattle remains one of the city’s most desirable real estate regions.
The peninsula is made up of several distinct communities, each with its own lifestyle, scenery and appeal.
Popular areas include:
Alki: Beachfront living, waterfront dining and coastal recreation
The Junction (Alaska Junction): The main commercial hub with restaurants, shops and nightlife
Admiral District: Historic homes, charming streets and excellent walkability
Fauntleroy: Ferry access, parks and family-friendly streets
Arbor Heights: Quiet residential pockets with larger lots
North Delridge: Close to parks, trails and rapid transit connections
Each neighbourhood offers its own blend of nature, amenities and community character.
West Seattle’s rare mix of waterfront beauty, diverse housing and urban convenience makes it a strong choice for both buyers and sellers. Buyers appreciate the range of home types, scenic surroundings and local lifestyle, while sellers benefit from steady demand and growing interest in view properties and walkable neighbourhoods.
Whether you’re seeking a beachside retreat, a hillside home with sweeping views or a centrally located residence in The Junction, West Seattle offers one of the most compelling and livable real estate landscapes in the Seattle area.
This highly acclaimed region of Seattle boasts local attractions galore.
The main attraction here is the many dining options available to its inhabitants.
An ideal destination for those who enjoy a small town with big-city opportunities.
A lovely mix of hillside and city-view homes between Admiral & The Junction
A beachside peninsular town, this community is perfect for those seeking a carefree life.
Laid back, focused on compassion, the environment, and creativity.
Address
4531 California Ave., SW
Seattle, WA 98116
Mara Haveson
