A Buyer’s Guide to Seattle Housing

The pandemic has shaken up the housing market in every city across the United States, for better or worse. In Seattle, this has meant that these days, it’s a seller’s market.

With far more demand than supply, those looking to purchase a home need to be quick on their feet and be ready to pay a substantial amount to get what they want. Prices have risen compared to this time last year in most of the major neighborhoods, in many places by over 12%.

But the Seattle housing market might be looking up: in January of this year, the number of homes being listed went up from that in November and December. This should give buyers some optimism, but they’ll still need to remain vigilant to snap up a good deal.

Now that we’ve explained a little about the market, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Seattle neighborhoods. Read on for a quick and dirty guide on all the best places the Emerald City has to offer.

1. Ballard

Currently one of the coolest neighborhoods in Seattle, Ballard offers a nice combination of bustling nightlife and rich history. The remnants of its Scandanavian fishermen former residents can still be seen in the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, but it’s the trendy restaurants and bars that seem to attract most people to this part of town.

2. Fremont

Down below Ballard is Fremont, a slightly more laidback, bohemian area. Fremont is home to many yoga studios, dive bars, ethnic restaurants, and, of course, the famed Fremont Sunday market. It would be suited to either young professionals or young families, provided they’re ready for a little bit of quirkiness.

3. Capitol Hill

More toward the center of things, with tons of nightclubs, restaurants, and bars, the Capitol Hill area is northeast of downtown Seattle. The area also boasts a nice array of shops, parks, and cultural institutions. Again, this neighborhood is popular with families, and, as the unofficial LGBTQ capital of Seattle, it’s great for singles, too.

4. Leschi

Leschi is one of the more upmarket offerings in Seattle. Located slightly southeast of downtown, this ritzy residential area sits on the tranquil shores of Lake Washington and attracts a diverse mix of socioeconomic backgrounds. While there are definitely million-dollar mansions to be found, the area also has many more affordable options.

5. Wallingford

Possibly the most family-friendly appearance on this list, Wallingford is a sleepy residential area that almost feels suburban, despite still being part of the city proper. South of Lake Union and west of the University District, as well as families this area also has a smattering of singles and students. If security is a big issue for you, you’re in luck: Wallingford has the distinction of being one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle.

One Tip for the Seattle Housing Market? Move Fast

In the Seattle housing market, there is an abundance of beautiful neighborhoods to choose from. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of houses for sale. For this reason, our top tip for those interested in buying a home is: if you see something you like, move quick!

source https://localhomereviewguide.wordpress.com/2021/05/13/a-buyers-guide-to-seattle-housing/