Community Spotlight: Lake City

Lake City is one of North Seattle’s most underrated neighborhoods. It offers an approachable price point compared to many surrounding areas, while still giving you quick access to downtown Seattle, the Eastside, and outdoor recreation.

If you are looking for a mix of established residential streets, condos with convenience, and long term upside, Lake City deserves a closer look.

Lake City Real Estate Snapshot

Residential Homes
Average sold price: just under $985,000

Condos
Average sold price: just over $560,000

When you compare that to other North Seattle neighborhoods pushing well past the million dollar mark for single family homes, Lake City stands out as a more attainable entry point while still being within the Seattle city limits.

For buyers who feel priced out of nearby areas, this is often where we start the conversation.

What Makes Lake City Appealing?

1. Strong Value Within Seattle

You are still in Seattle proper, but the price per square foot often stretches further here than in places like Green Lake or Wallingford.

2. Accessibility

Lake City Way NE provides a direct corridor south toward downtown and north toward I-5 and 522. You are also within reasonable distance to:

• Northgate Station

• University of Washington

• Lake Washington

3. Rental and Investment Potential

Because of its location and relative affordability, Lake City often attracts first time buyers and investors. Condos around the mid $500s can create opportunities for those wanting to stay in the city without crossing the $700k to $800k range.

Who Is Lake City a Good Fit For?

Lake City can be a strong match for:

• Buyers who want a Seattle address under the million dollar mark
• Condo buyers who want more space for their money
• Investors looking for long term appreciation in a city location
• Move up buyers who want proximity to both Seattle and the Eastside

Market Positioning

With residential averages just under $985k and condos just over $560k, Lake City sits in a strategic middle ground. It is not the lowest price point in King County, but within Seattle city limits, it offers one of the more balanced combinations of price and accessibility.

For sellers, this means buyers are often value driven and comparison shopping heavily across neighborhoods. Pricing and presentation matter.

For buyers, it means opportunity still exists here compared to some neighboring areas that have already surged.

If you are curious what your Lake City home is worth, or you want to explore what is currently available in the neighborhood, I would be happy to put together a custom breakdown.