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SeattleWalkable

Portage Bay

Portage Bay is a serene, water-adjacent neighborhood nestled between Lake Union and Lake Washington, offering a rare combination of natural beauty and urban convenience.

72
Walk Score
65
Transit Score
70
Bike Score

Living in Portage Bay

Portage Bay is a serene, water-adjacent neighborhood nestled between Lake Union and Lake Washington, offering a rare combination of natural beauty and urban convenience. At a median of $850,000 and $452/sqft, homes here represent strong value for the location, with the -49.8% YoY correction suggesting buyers are now entering at a more favorable price point after a prior surge. The remarkably fast 9 DOM indicates that well-priced homes are still attracting immediate buyer interest.

Portage Bay offers a peaceful, almost resort-like atmosphere steps from the water, with houseboats dotting the shoreline and kayakers gliding past on warm days. The neighborhood blends the quiet of a waterside community with quick access to the coffee shops, restaurants, and bookstores of Eastlake and the University District. Residents enjoy proximity to the Burke-Gilman Trail, making cycling to UW or downtown a practical and scenic commute.

UW faculty or medical professional โ€” Ideal proximity to the University of Washington and UW Medical Center with a calm, water-adjacent lifestyle. Outdoor lifestyle buyer โ€” Direct access to kayaking, cycling, and waterfront walking appeals to buyers who prioritize active living. Move-up buyer seeking tranquility โ€” The post-correction pricing provides an opportunity to buy into a premium waterside neighborhood at a better value than recent peaks.

Real Estate Market

$850,000
SFH Median
$452
Per Sqft
9
Days on Market
-49.8%
Year over Year

5-Year Price Trends

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

Getting Around

Portage Bay sits along the narrow waterway connecting Lake Union to Union Bay, bordered by Eastlake to the west, the University District to the north, and Montlake to the east. The neighborhood wraps around the bay shoreline just north of Capitol Hill.

Key commute times:

  • University Of Washington: 5 min by car or bike
  • Amazon Seattle Hq: 10 min by car
  • Microsoft Redmond: 25 min by car
  • Amazon Bellevue: 20 min by car
  • Downtown Seattle: 12 min by car

Highlights

  • Stunning waterfront setting with houseboat community and water views
  • Immediate access to the Burke-Gilman Trail for cycling and running
  • 9 DOM signals strong buyer demand despite recent price normalization
  • Short commute to the University of Washington campus
  • Quiet, residential feel with easy reach to multiple vibrant neighborhoods
  • Favorable entry point after -49.8% YoY price correction

Schools

McGilvra Elementary

Elementary
8/10

Meany Middle School

Middle
6/10

Garfield High School

High School
8/10

Thinking about Portage Bay?

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

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