Ballard

Seattle, Washington Homes for Sale

About Ballard

Located just 15 minutes from Downtown Seattle, Ballard is a waterfront community in the northwestern part of the city. Known for its Scandinavian heritage and thriving fishing, lumber, and shipbuilding industries, Ballard has since evolved into one of Seattle’s most popular neighborhoods. This hip neighborhood is situated against Shilshole Bay to the west and Salmon Bay to the south, and is home to parks, restaurants, shops, art galleries, bars, and more microbreweries than any other neighborhood in the Northwest. Ballard Avenue is the neighborhood’s busiest main street where residents and visitors flock to check out the latest trends and hotspots.

Quick Facts

Current Prices: $289,000 to $1,350,000

Closed Prices: $265,000 to $2,000,000

Median Sale Price: $760,000

Average $ per sq ft: $596

Association Fee Ranges:

Around Ballard

Ballard’s residential area is made up of single-family homes and multi-family residences, which can be found above and below NW 65th Street. On the north side of the neighborhood, the majority of the properties are older single-family homes situated on quiet residential streets. Some of the home styles include Craftsman, Bungalows, and red brick Tudors. South of NW 65th Street consists of condos, townhomes, and apartment buildings. Some areas along 24th Avenue, Market Street, and 15th Avenue NW have experienced more new construction homes over the past 15 years.

Ballard’s vibrant hub of eateries, bars, and shops can all be found along Ballard Avenue and Market Street, which most locals refer to as Ballard Old Town. You’ll find a diverse selection of restaurants serving Mexican, French, American, and Thai, just to name a few. Coffee enthusiasts can also find plenty of cafes other than Starbucks, such as Cafe Fiore, Bauhaus Strong Coffee, and Sip and Ship.

This diverse neighborhood has a lively atmosphere thanks to its bustling commercial corridors and trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques. You’ll also see a few old buildings with historic charm and Scandinavian roots that were built in the 1890s to 1940s. Situated along the Shilshole Bay to the west and Salmon Bay to the south, you’ll also see plenty of waterfront activities. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which are also called “The Ballard Locks,” connect the Puget Sound with Lake Union and Lake Washington and is a popular tourist destination that offers an underwater view of the salmon ladder. Ballard is also home to the Fisherman’s Terminal, which is located off Ballard Bridge and home to hundreds of fishing boats.

Ballard Old Town is home to hip and trendy bars as well as a wide selection of craft breweries, which are all within walking distance along Ballard Avenue. If you'd rather skip the beers, cocktails, and loud bar scene and opt for a chill Friday night then you’ll want to check out the eclectic record and book stores along Market Street. Music collectors can browse the large vinyl selection at Sonic Boom or pick up a classic novel at Secret Garden Books, an indie bookstore that has been around for 40 years.

Sundays are perfect for hanging outdoors thanks to all of the parks and natural space available in Ballard. The Shilshole Marina is a great spot to enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and view the various boats and yachts. Just past the marina you’ll find the Golden Gardens. This outdoor space is popular during the summer months and offers a sandy beach, volleyball nets, barbecue and picnic areas, playgrounds, and stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. For history buffs, the National Nordic Museum is a great place to learn and view all of the Nordic and Nordic-American history and cultural exhibits. Your last stop could be to visit the year-round Ballard Farmers Market. All of Ballard Avenue shuts down to allow more than 100 local growers, vendors, and artisans to showcase their unique items for sale.

Ballard is a highly walkable and bikeable neighborhood in Seattle. Known as a self-sustained community, residents have everything they need without having to travel far or drive a car. But if you need to leave the neighborhood, Ballard is also near great public transportation options. Locals have access to the King County Metro Bus Express, West Seattle and Ballard Link extensions, and car-sharing services. Residents can get to Downtown Seattle in 20 to 40 minutes by car or 35 to 45 minutes by public transit.

Locals Love

  • Access to Public Transportation
  • Plenty of Restaurant and Nightlife Options
  • Ample Outdoor Space and Parks

Locals Don't Love

  • Crowds
  • Hard to Find Parking
  • Loud Noise From Marina

Neighborhood Reviews

0 Reviews
Our Ballard real estate expert specializes in helping
buyers and sellers in this neighborhood.