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SeattleWalkable

Montlake

Montlake is one of Seattle's most coveted historic neighborhoods, offering a blend of classic Craftsman and Tudor homes nestled between Lake Washington and the Washington Park Arboretum.

72
Walk Score
58
Transit Score
80
Bike Score

Living in Montlake

Montlake is one of Seattle's most coveted historic neighborhoods, offering a blend of classic Craftsman and Tudor homes nestled between Lake Washington and the Washington Park Arboretum. With a median price of $1,485,000 and strong 13.6% year-over-year appreciation, it commands a premium reflective of its exceptional location and character. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets and proximity to the University of Washington create an academic, cultured atmosphere that attracts discerning buyers.

Montlake offers exceptional outdoor recreation with direct access to the Arboretum's 230 acres of trails and the Burke-Gilman Trail running along the lake. The neighborhood has a quiet, residential character with a handful of local cafes and shops at Montlake Square, and residents enjoy kayaking and crew racing on the Montlake Cut. Its proximity to the UW campus brings a lively cultural scene including Husky Stadium events and world-class museums.

UW Faculty & Staff โ€” Walking or biking distance to campus makes this a top choice for university employees seeking a prestigious, character-rich neighborhood. Tech Professionals with SR-520 Commute โ€” Direct freeway access to Microsoft and Amazon Bellevue campuses, combined with Seattle's urban lifestyle, attracts high-earning tech workers. Established Families Seeking Prestige โ€” The combination of top schools, historic architecture, and safe, walkable streets appeals to families willing to pay a premium for long-term stability.

Real Estate Market

Single Family-0.7% YoY
$1,500,000
$671
$/sqft
97
Days
7
Sold
Townhouse+33.1% YoY
$1,362,475
$662
$/sqft
56
Days
2
Sold

5-Year Price Trends

Quarterly median sale price. Source: Redfin. Hover to highlight.

Q4 2025. Quarterly data from Redfin. Low sales volume can cause quarter-to-quarter volatility.

Getting Around

Montlake sits on a narrow isthmus between Lake Washington's Union Bay and the Montlake Cut canal, bordered by the Washington Park Arboretum to the south and the University of Washington campus to the north. The neighborhood is defined by the Montlake Bridge to the west and SR-520 to the south.

Key commute times:

  • Microsoft Redmond: 20 min by car via SR-520
  • Amazon Bellevue: 25 min by car via SR-520
  • Downtown Seattle: 15 min by car or 30 min by bus
  • University Of Washington: 5 min by car or 10 min on foot/bike

Highlights

  • Historic Craftsman and Tudor homes on tree-lined streets
  • Walking distance to Washington Park Arboretum
  • Burke-Gilman Trail access for cyclists and runners
  • Minutes from University of Washington campus and amenities
  • Waterfront views and access to Lake Washington
  • Strong 13.6% year-over-year price appreciation

Schools

McGilvra Elementary

Elementary
8/10

Meany Middle School

Middle
6/10

Garfield High School

High School
8/10

Thinking about Montlake?

I'd love to show you around and help you find the right home. Let's talk about what Montlake has to offer.

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