Wallingford

Seattle, WA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1,180,000 (June 2025 estimate, based on local trends and price appreciation)
Median Home Price
87 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Public schools are highly rated (8–10/10 on GreatSchools for most catchments).
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Lake Union (south), Interstate 5 (east), Stone Way N (west), and N 50th St (north).

Zip Codes

98103

Market Data Summary

Price Range$750,000–$2,100,000 (condos to large single-family homes)
Price per Sq Ft$750–$900/sqft (mid-2025)
Inventory Levels98 homes for sale in June 2025, up from 84 in May 2025. Inventory is highest for 2–3 bedroom homes, with notable increases in 4–5+ bedroom listings.[3][1]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhousesCondos

Architectural Styles

CraftsmanTudorContemporaryMid-century modernBungalows

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes3,000–5,000 sqft for single-family homes; townhouses and condos have smaller footprints.
Home Age RangeEarly 1900s–2025 (historic homes with modern infill and remodels)
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many well-maintained historic homes and quality new builds.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and long-term residents. High educational attainment and above-average incomes.

Community Vibe

Walkable, lively, and community-oriented. Strong neighborhood identity with active local groups.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families with children
  • Long-term homeowners
  • Renters

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly, with excellent schools, parks, and community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Gas Works Park
  • Meridian Playground
  • Wallingford Playfield

Dining Options

  • Tilth
  • Paseo
  • Joule
  • Dick’s Drive-In

Shopping Centers

  • Wallingford Center
  • Stone Way retail corridor

Local Businesses

  • Molly Moon’s Ice Cream
  • Fremont Brewing
  • Wallingford Center shops
  • Wide World Books & Maps

Education & Schools

Public schools are highly rated (8–10/10 on GreatSchools for most catchments).
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • John Stanford International School
  • B.F. Day Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Hamilton International Middle School

High Schools

  • Roosevelt High School
  • Lincoln High School

Private Schools

  • Seattle Waldorf School
  • St. Benedict School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Metro bus routes 26, 31, 44, 62

Major Roads

  • Interstate 5
  • Stone Way N
  • N 45th St

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–20 minutes to downtown Seattle by car or bus; 20–30 minutes by bike.
WalkabilityExcellent for daily errands, dining, and recreation.
ParkingStreet parking can be challenging near commercial corridors; most single-family homes have off-street parking.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Tech professionals
  • Young families
  • Move-up buyers
  • Investors

Key Selling Points

  • Top-tier schools
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Historic homes with character
  • Proximity to downtown and Lake Union

Pricing Considerations

Sharp, data-driven pricing is critical; overpricing leads to longer days on market.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High home prices compared to other Seattle neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize rapid appreciation, strong schools, and long-term value.

Objection: Limited parking near commercial areas.

Response Strategy:

Highlight off-street parking options and excellent walkability/transit.

Objection: Older homes may need updates.

Response Strategy:

Showcase recent renovations and potential for customization.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

High—Wallingford is among Seattle’s fastest-appreciating neighborhoods in 2025, with double-digit annual gains.[1]

Rental Demand

Strong, especially for family-sized homes and units near transit.

Buyer Competition

Competitive, especially for updated homes and those in top school zones.

Best For

  • Long-term homeowners
  • Move-up buyers
  • Investors seeking appreciation

Potential Concerns

  • Rising prices may limit affordability
  • Inventory spikes could flatten appreciation if sustained

Professional Recommendations

1

Price sharply based on recent comps and inventory trends.

2

Stage homes to highlight flexible living and outdoor spaces.

3

Market heavily on digital platforms and neighborhood groups.

4

Educate buyers on rapid appreciation and long-term value.

5

Address parking and update concerns proactively.

6

Leverage local school and amenity data in marketing materials.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Green Lake
  • Fremont
  • Phinney Ridge

Market Positioning

Premium, family-friendly, walkable urban neighborhood with top schools.

Competitive Advantages

  • Faster appreciation than most Seattle neighborhoods
  • Superior walkability and amenities
  • Historic charm with modern updates

Price Comparison

Wallingford’s median price is higher than Fremont and Phinney Ridge, but lower than Queen Anne.

Investment Metrics

3.5%–4.2% for single-family rentals (2025)
Cap Rates
4%–5% gross yield for updated homes
Rental Yields
28–32 (reflects high demand and price growth)
Price-to-Rent
Neutral to slightly positive for well-priced properties with ADUs or multi-family units
Cash Flow
8%–12% annual appreciation projected for 2025
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to price, but possible with condos or smaller homes; highlight long-term value.

Move-Up Buyers

Strong appeal for those seeking better schools and more space; focus on lifestyle upgrade.

Downsizers

Limited inventory of single-level homes, but walkability and amenities are attractive.

Investors

Best suited for appreciation-focused investors or those adding ADUs; rental demand is robust.

Relocators

Appealing for tech workers and families moving to Seattle; emphasize community and access.

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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