Seattle has developed a solid formula for maintaining one of the strongest realty markets in the U.S. For starters, the Emerald City cultivates a hip culture that attracts the young and old with a laid-back lifestyle, inclusive community and vibrant music scene. Seattle also boasts a strong economy and jobs market bolstered by tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Nintendo with a focus on higher education. To top it off, the city is filled with alluring neighborhoods that feature everything from spacious urban condos, craftsman homes, and luxury mansions, to beautiful waterfront properties. With all these ingredients it's no wonder the U.S. News & World Report routinely ranks Seattle Washington as one of the best places to live in America.
Sandwiched between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle has long been influenced by maritime culture and its role as a seaport city. It was one of the earliest settlements in the Pacific Northwest and has long been the largest city in the region. Seattle's population increased by 12.5 percent between 2010 and 2015, making it one of the fastest-growing major cities in the U.S.Those interested in Seattle luxury real estate can expect homes to grow in value as the local population increases.
Seattle is home to a diverse array of building styles and designs. From high rise condos in the heart of downtown, beautiful Victorians decorated with intricate moldings and detailed ornamentation, dutch colonials with signature four-piece roof lines, classic American four-square homes meticulously restored, or modern-contemporary homes that embody sophistication. At VDB Estates our extensive knowledge of the Seattle area and thorough understanding of high-end luxury real estate means we can show you the hidden gems of the city that perfectly match a property to your needs.
No region compares to the Pacific Northwest; and Seattle is a city that has so much to offer with the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and bustling city life. The lights, sounds, and soaring architectural landscapes of the metropolitan center are unrivaled. Each urban neighborhood is painted with personality and history. As exciting it is to experience upscale living in the urban core, it is also exhilarating to live in the midst of the region’s natural beauty. With stunning mountain ranges, fresh water lakes, and evergreen forests, Seattle is a haven for both nature lovers and city folk.
Originally incorporated in 1869, Seattle began as a timber town that provided wood for many coastal cities. The heavily forested surroundings led to its nickname, the "Emerald City." As the timber industry dried up and gold rushes came and went, the city experienced many booms and busts throughout its first century of existence. It wasn't until World War II that Seattle developed as a major urban center. Much of the growth was a direct result from Boeing relocating its headquarters to Seattle. The airplane manufacturer still has factories in the city and surrounding areas.
Seattle went through another renaissance in the 1980s after Microsoft moved its operations to the region. This opened the tech floodgates as many other companies, including Amazon, Nintendo of America and most recently Google, began to sprout up in Seattle. During this time, the local indie music scene started to explode into the mainstream. While the city had long been known for its jazz clubs, alternative grunge music became the trademark "Seattle sound" in the 1990s.
A waterfall flowing down from the iconic Mt Rainier just outside of Seattle, WashingtonFor outsiders, Seattle often evokes images of rainy days, fleece jackets and streets filled with coffee houses. While Seattleites certainly enjoy their lattes, the city actually gets less annual precipitation than New York or Boston and even during overcast days, Seattle remains one of the most livable places in the U.S.
Seattle's reputation for being a nature lover's paradise may be due to the city's beautiful backdrop. In addition to the azure waters and green forests, the city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains on two sides. With so many nearby opportunities for hiking, climbing, skiing and water sports, it's no surprise that Seattle is often ranked as one of the healthiest cities in the U.S.
While its rustic surroundings may inspire a naturalistic calm, Downtown Seattle is a bustling urban center with world-class amenities. The area is anchored by the Space Needle, an iconic observation tower that draws 2.3 million visitors a year. People are also enticed to Downtown Seattle to see shows at the historic Paramount Theatre, browse through produce at Pike Place Market and view Elliott Bay from the Seattle Great Wheel.
As a large city with a diverse population, Seattle's housing trends vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Regardless of your home location in Queen Anne, Washington Park, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Madrona, Madison Park, Greenlake, Capitol Hill, or Broadmoor; most experts agree that the Emerald City is currently enjoying a very strong seller's market. This is good news for those looking to invest long-term in Seattle's luxury homesor condos.
According to the Case-Shiller home-price index, a typical Seattle home has increased in value by more than 11 percent in the past year. That's the second highest increase of any U.S. city. The median home listing price in Seattle is about $575,000 and forecasters predict this price will continue to grow another 7 percent in the next year.
Those looking for luxury condos in the heart of downtown Seattle will most likely start their searches in the neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square or SoDo. Capitol Hill, a densely populated neighborhood that's home to a prominent nightlife scene, has been experiencing unprecedented residential growth in recent years. On the other hand, Pioneer Square is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and features a range of historic properties.
The market for Seattle luxury real estate is particularly strong in Ballard, an affluent neighborhood to the northwest. This area has lured many by offering a combination of urban convenience and is especially attractive to families who want access to great public schools. Greenlake is also a much sought after location due to Greenlake park; a serene lake surrounded by a 2.8-mile path used daily by runners, walkers and bikers. The neighborhood has become increasingly popular with upper-class couples, families or young professionals looking for beautiful homes and condos.
As a city that borders both a lake and an ocean, Seattle has plenty of waterfront neighborhoods to choose from. While some of these areas can be quite exclusive, Leschi along Lake Washington is the perfect neighborhood for those looking to take their first dive into Seattle waterfront real estate.
Our listing portfolio of Seattle luxury homes enables you to browse through our collection of unique properties within the city. Not only will we present you with a property that suits your lifestyle, but we will also guide you through the intricate processes of contractual obligations and financial transactions. At VDB | Compass we exceed client expectations by providing excellent service coupled with exceptional client care through the entire home buying process. If you are looking for a luxury home or luxury condo in Seattle, look no further than VDB Estates.
