Ballard

Seattle, WA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$899,950 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
85–90 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Generally above average; Ballard High is highly regarded for academics and extracurriculars.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by NW 85th St (north), 8th Ave NW (east), Salmon Bay/Ship Canal (south), and 32nd Ave NW (west). Includes sub-neighborhoods like Loyal Heights, Whittier Heights, and Salmon Bay.

Zip Codes

9810798117

Market Data Summary

Price Range$450,000 (1BR condos) to $1.9M+ (5+ BR homes)
Price per Sq Ft$591 (June 2025)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; homes sell quickly but not at the 'surge' pace of early 2025.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesCondosApartments

Architectural Styles

CraftsmanModernContemporaryMid-centuryBungalowsTownhouse-style

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes2,500–5,000 sq ft for single-family; smaller for townhomes/condos
Home Age RangeEarly 1900s to new construction (2020s)
Construction QualityGenerally high; mix of historic charm and modern builds, with many recent renovations and infill projects.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and long-time residents. Median age skews younger than Seattle average. High educational attainment.

Community Vibe

Trendy, vibrant, and community-oriented. Known for its Scandinavian heritage, maritime history, and lively arts/music scene.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families with children
  • Retirees
  • Remote workers

Family Friendly

Strong; many parks, playgrounds, and family-oriented events. Good schools and walkability attract families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Ballard Commons Park
  • Salmon Bay Park
  • Golden Gardens Park (nearby)
  • Ballard Locks & Botanical Gardens

Dining Options

  • The Walrus and the Carpenter
  • Stoneburner
  • Ballard Pizza Company
  • La Carta de Oaxaca

Shopping Centers

  • Ballard Blocks
  • Downtown Ballard retail core
  • Ballard Farmers Market

Local Businesses

  • Ballard Market
  • Ballard Coffee Works
  • Sonic Boom Records
  • Ballard Bookstore

Education & Schools

Generally above average; Ballard High is highly regarded for academics and extracurriculars.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Adams Elementary
  • Loyal Heights Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Whitman Middle School

High Schools

  • Ballard High School

Private Schools

  • St. Alphonsus School
  • Salmon Bay School (K-8, alternative public)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Metro RapidRide D Line
  • Several King County Metro bus routes

Major Roads

  • 15th Ave NW
  • Market St
  • NW 65th St

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–30 minutes to Downtown Seattle by car or bus (non-peak); longer during rush hour.
WalkabilityExcellent; most errands can be accomplished on foot.
ParkingChallenging in core Ballard; easier in residential zones. Many homes have off-street parking or garages.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Tech workers
  • Families
  • Investors

Key Selling Points

  • Vibrant urban lifestyle
  • Top-rated schools
  • Strong appreciation history
  • Walkable to shops, dining, and parks

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively but with confidence; buyers expect value for premium pricing. Staged, move-in-ready homes command top dollar.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Parking is difficult, especially near downtown Ballard.

Response Strategy:

Highlight homes with off-street parking or garages; suggest residential permit parking options and proximity to transit.

Objection: Noise from nightlife and traffic.

Response Strategy:

Focus on quieter residential streets; mention soundproofing upgrades or proximity to parks.

Objection: Prices are high compared to other Seattle neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term appreciation, walkability, and unique amenities that justify premium pricing.

Objection: Concerns about future rent control or property tax increases.

Response Strategy:

Discuss Ballard's strong rental demand, Regional Center status, and potential for continued growth despite policy changes.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong, driven by Ballard's new Regional Center designation and future light rail expansion. Long-term demand expected to remain high.

Rental Demand

Very high; Ballard is a top choice for renters seeking urban amenities and proximity to tech employers.

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high; homes still sell quickly, though slightly less frenzied than early 2025.

Best For

  • Long-term homeowners
  • Investors seeking appreciation
  • Buyers wanting walkability and amenities

Potential Concerns

  • Parking scarcity
  • Rising property taxes
  • Noise near nightlife
  • Potential rent control legislation

Professional Recommendations

1

Stay current on zoning and transit developments impacting Ballard.

2

Educate buyers on hyperlocal market nuances (e.g., street-by-street differences in noise, parking, and amenities).

3

Stage homes to highlight flexible living spaces and outdoor areas.

4

Market to remote workers and tech employees relocating to Seattle.

5

Monitor policy changes (rent control, property taxes) and advise investors accordingly.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Fremont
  • Green Lake
  • Capitol Hill
  • West Seattle

Market Positioning

Ballard is positioned as a premium, lifestyle-driven neighborhood with enduring appeal for both families and young professionals.

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior walkability
  • Balanced mix of historic and new homes
  • Thriving dining and retail scene
  • Strong school options

Price Comparison

Slightly below Seattle median ($930K) but above many outlying neighborhoods; offers better value than Capitol Hill for single-family homes.

Investment Metrics

3.5–4.2% (2025 est., depending on property type)
Cap Rates
4–5% gross yield for well-located condos/townhomes
Rental Yields
~24–26 (reflecting high demand and premium pricing)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for multi-unit and well-priced condos; single-family homes may be cash flow neutral or slightly negative at current prices.
Cash Flow
2–4% annual appreciation expected over next 3–5 years, with upside from transit and zoning changes.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Should be prepared for competition and limited inventory; condos and smaller townhomes offer entry points.

Move-Up Buyers

Good selection of larger homes and new construction; strong resale value.

Downsizers

Appealing condo and townhome options with walkable amenities.

Investors

High rental demand and appreciation potential, but monitor policy changes.

Relocators

Ballard's lifestyle, amenities, and transit access make it a top choice for those new to Seattle.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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