Living in Westlake
Westlake is a small, upscale Seattle neighborhood perched on the western shore of Lake Union, offering some of the city's most coveted waterfront living with stunning lake and city views. With a median price of $821,000 at $550/sqft and a remarkable 53.5% YoY gain, the market here reflects intense competition for limited inventory in a premium waterfront location. The neighborhood blends luxury townhomes, floating homes, and renovated single-family residences in a tight-knit setting steps from South Lake Union's tech corridor.
Westlake's location on Lake Union means residents can kayak, paddleboard, or dock boats practically from their doorstep, while the nearby Burke-Gilman Trail and South Lake Union Park provide additional recreational options. The neighborhood is a short walk or bike ride from South Lake Union's world-class dining, tech campuses, and the streetcar line, making car-free living genuinely feasible. The intimate scale of the neighborhood and the dramatic water views create a premium urban living experience unlike anywhere else in Seattle.
Tech professionals at South Lake Union companies โ An ultra-short commute to Amazon HQ and other major tech employers, combined with premium waterfront living, makes this a top choice for high earners. Waterfront lifestyle buyers โ Floating home availability, kayaking access, and Lake Union views attract buyers for whom water access is non-negotiable. Investors โ The 53.5% YoY appreciation and extreme scarcity of inventory make Westlake a high-conviction long-term investment.