Waterfront Communities

Bainbridge Island
A 25-minute ferry commute from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island is an idyllic escape from city life. This affluent wooded community west of Seattle has the laid-back, friendly ambience that is synonymous with island life. Spacious new homes mix with charming old Victorians, Cape Cods with wide porches and upscale beach cabins—many with sweeping water views. In the interior of the island, large estates are hidden among acres of wooded grounds. The quaint downtown area is filled with antiques shops, boutiques and local farmers and artists selling their goods. Small town living combined with numerous parks, kid’s programs and playgrounds make Bainbridge particularly family-friendly.

Broadmoor
Designed in 1927, this 216-acre gated community is an oasis just minutes away from downtown Seattle. The elaborate brick entrance opens into a neighborhood of gracious old homes that ring the 18-hole course of the private Broadmoor Golf Club. Architectural styles tend towards the traditional, including stately old brick Tudors and grandly columned Colonials, all with sweeping lawns and well-manicured landscaping. Several blocks from Lake Washington and bordered by the lush Washington Park Arboretum, Broadmoor offers an idyllic secluded neighborhood with all the amenities of the city close at hand.

Camano Island
If you love the ease and beauty of island living, but hate the hassle of having to catch a boat to get there, then Camano is the place for you. This pristine Pacific Northwest community offers island living hassle-free. Just cross the Mark Clark Bridge and you’ll find yourself on an island paradise that boasts breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, thousands of acres of unspoiled hills, and miles of attractive Puget Sound shoreline. With a year round population of about 7,000, this is definitely one of the best small communities in Washington.

Capital Hill
Eclectic and energetic, Capitol Hill provides a glorious mix of the old and the new. Located on a hill directly east of downtown Seattle, the neighborhood is overflowing with art galleries, independent film theaters, upscale cafes and trendy clothing stores. Built primarily at the turn of the century, the elegant mansions of Capitol Hill are among the largest and most opulent in the city, often featuring the exquisite architectural detailing and grand spaces of an era gone by. Capitol Hill is a very diverse urban neighborhood, and a great place to people-watch. Retired professionals and young executives mix with artists, activists, and students and faculty from one of the many colleges in the area. The neighborhood is also home to historic Volunteer Park which houses the Asian Art Museum and a turn of the century glass conservatory.

Downtown Seattle
If you want to be in the center of what’s happening, in-city living is the answer. Downtown Seattle is a vibrant, energetic neighborhood, packed with award-winning restaurants, innovative live theater and trendy boutiques. Luxury condominium homes soar above Seattle’s downtown waterfront offering spectacular panoramic views of Elliot Bay, the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier. These in-city residences offer an ever-increasing menu of upscale amenities, from concierge services to on-site suites for visiting guests. And the city's dining, music and arts scene is right outside your front door.

Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is a charming waterfront community located just west of Tacoma. Originally a fishing village, Gig Harbor retains its quiet small-town charm. Small shops, galleries and restaurants line the quaint main street. Early 1900s Craftsman stand alongside new estates, all with commanding views of the boats dotting the harbor and Mt Rainier rising above in the background. Waterfront views abound, with nearby Wollochet Bay, Horesehead Bay and Henderson Bay boasting lovely large homes in quiet wooded settings. Two miles from downtown Gig Harbor is Canterwood, an exclusive gated golf community. Set on 700 wooded acres, the elegant estates that ring the 18-hole course also have access to the community’s swimming, tennis and clubhouse facilities.

The Highlands
The Highlands is arguably the most exclusive neighborhood in the state. Perched high above Puget Sound, this historic gated community is located on 300 acres of old-growth forest at the north end of Seattle. The community and many of its gardens were designed in the early 1900s by the renowned Olmstead Brothers, who also created Central Park in New York. Wooded winding roads connect grand old estates set on acres of landscaped grounds, all protected from view. The Highlands is bordered on the east side by the private Seattle Golf Club. This secluded enclave offers the ultimate in privacy, luxury and old-world elegance.

Kirkland
This charming upscale beach town along the east shore of Lake Washington is lined with art galleries, chic boutiques and casual-but-elegant restaurants. The downtown area’s style, with its attractive mix of housing, is part of Kirkland’s allure. Elegant 1900s mansions share stunning waterfront views alongside tasteful luxury condos. The bluff above boasts new estates, along with quaint cottages that served as vacation homes for Seattleites over a half a century ago. Despite its sophistication, Kirkland’s monthly art walks, outdoor festivals and unhurried pace help the community maintain its small town atmosphere.

Kitsap Peninsula
Set in the heart of Puget Sound surrounded by over 300 miles of saltwater shoreline, the Kitsap Peninsula draws city-dwellers and newcomers looking for a quieter way of life. The picturesque seaside villages that dot the shores offer a mixture of grand old homes and lovely new estates, all with magnificent water and mountain views. Land is still plentiful here, providing the opportunity to own significant acreage. And while the atmosphere is small-town, amenities are abundant. The Peninsula offers charming shops and restaurants, lovely waterfront parks and marinas and world-class golf—three of the state’s top five courses are located here. The best news: the area continues to present significant value for the luxury home-buying dollar.

Lake Sammamish
Bordering the Eastside communities of Redmond, Bellevue and Issaquah, Lake Sammamish is a unique community with a year-round-vacation kind of vibe. The lake is ringed with large luxury homes, all outfitted to take advantage of upscale waterfront living. Homes have private docks, most complete with waterside decks, hot tubs and boat moorage. Many residents rise early to get in a little water skiing before heading off for the day. Each area around the lake has its own special features, from lush rolling lawns to sandy beaches to spectacular views of Mt. Rainier.

Laurelhurst and Windermere
Located at the west end of Lake Washington and just east of the University of Washington, these exclusive neighborhoods are dominated by gracious older homes set on well-manicured lots. Laurelhurst and Windermere are among Seattle’s most prestigious addresses. Established in the 1920s, the communities feature spacious homes that tend primarily towards the traditional- Tudor, Colonial and some Craftsman styles. Many properties offer breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains to the east, or waterfront views of the west shore of Lake Washington.

Madrona, Leschi, Mount Baker
Rising from the west shores of Lake Washington, these three small communities offer sweeping views of the lake, Mount Rainier and Seward Park, lush with old-growth fir, western red cedar and mature madrona trees. The narrow streets, shaded by big-leaf maples, mix grand turn-of-the century houses with newly remodeled estates. The lakeside community of Leschi adds a bit of a beachy feel and offers stunning condominiums perched on the waterfront. Parks both large and small—along with many biking and jogging trails—make this a wonderful area to enjoy the natural beauty of the Northwest.

Magnolia
Located on a peninsula minutes north of downtown Seattle, Magnolia is a gracious older community with expansive views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound. The natural boundaries of its setting give this hidden neighborhood the feel of a small village, while preserving the sophistication of urban living. Quiet and secluded, the area has a lovely main shopping area that boasts upscale boutiques and fine restaurants. Home to many lovely traditional-style mansions, Magnolia is also host to Discovery Park, Seattle's largest green space. The 534-acre natural park includes nature trails, wildlife viewing and over two miles of protected tidal beaches.

Mercer Island
Mercer Island offers the seclusion and scenic beauty of island living, with immediate access to both Seattle and Bellevue by Interstate 90. Located in the middle of Lake Washington, the island offers a peaceful, rural-like setting. The island features quiet, wooded neighborhoods with views of Lake Washington, Seattle, Bellevue, Mount Rainier and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Homes range from historic old estates to modern architectural masterpieces. Residential lots here are relatively large, adding to the community’s unusually open feel. There are many places to enjoy the island’s natural splendor, including 30 parks, four public beaches and miles of meandering horse trails.

Queen Anne
Rising above downtown Seattle, Queen Anne Hill overlooks Elliott Bay to the west and the Seattle skyline to the south. The area offers spectacular views of the city including Seattle’s landmark Space Needle. Developed in the early 1900s, Queen Anne is known for its blend of fine architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Craftsman, Bungalow and Colonial styles. In addition, the community also has a number of new high-end luxury condominium homes. The top of the hill is crowned with a lovely shopping district that offers upscale restaurants, gourmet food shops and trendy boutiques. Minutes from downtown, Queen Anne also offers easy access to the Seattle Center, where numerous sporting events, concerts and theater performances are held.

Redmond
The community of Redmond has managed to keep its small-town feel, combining the best of semi-rural life with the convenience of suburban living. The sense of country charm is matched by the best of big city amenities. There is plenty to see and do in Redmond, with live theatre, music and film, and places to shop, stay and dine. Nicknamed the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest," Redmond has over 25 miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking and lots of green space, with 34 parks including 640-acre Marymoor Park. Particularly family-friendly, the area offers exceptional schools, community events and many seasonal activities.

San Juan Islands
The San Juans are accessible to the public by water and air. The most common means of travel is by Washington State Ferry.

On the East side of San Juan Island is the town of Friday Harbor, also the San Juan County Seat. Friday Harbor, a quaint seaport, rises from the ferry landing and public marina where it is an easy stroll to the docks, airport, parks, restaurants, shops, galleries and lodging facilities.

On the North end of San Juan Island is another port of entry known as Roche Harbor Village. Listed on the National Register of Historical Sites it is approximately ten miles from Friday Harbor. This Village will take you back in time to a quiet, relaxed pace as you stroll the beautiful Victorian gardens and enjoy the ambiance of the historical buildings. Roche Harbor has an airstrip, marina, lodging, grocery store, restaurants, shopping and activities.

North Snohomish County
Nestled between Puget Sound and the rugged Cascade Mountains, Snohomish County is ideal for those who want a quieter pace with all the amenities of a big city. Located 15 miles north of Seattle, 100 miles south of Vancouver, and a short ferry ride away from the San Juan Islands or Olympic Peninsula, residents have easy access to the best the Northwest has to offer. Homes vary from waterfront estates overlooking the bay to historic farmhouses set on rolling acreage. Much of the area is still fairly rural, so large lots are common. The main urban center, Everett, is home to the second largest marina on the West Coast. The ferry in Mukilteo ferry offers easy access to island getaways throughout the area. And outdoor activities-- including hiking, skiing and boating—are all a short drive away.

South Bellevue
From hilltop estates with panoramic views to luxurious lakefront homes, South Bellevue offers a lovely mix of upscale suburban communities. Quiet streets, spacious yards and excellent schools make these neighborhoods a wonderful choice for families. The area is adjacent to 100-acre Cougar Mountain Park, an oasis of open space with miles of hiking trails and natural habitat for wildlife. South Bellevue also is home to the world-class Newcastle Golf Club, which offers sweeping views of Mt. Rainier, Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. Natural beauty plus exceptional amenities make these communities some of Eastside’s most sought-after locations.

West Bellevue
These small “gold coast” communities that line the Lake Washington shoreline west of Bellevue contain some of the most expensive homes in King County. From new waterfront mansions to grand and gracious older estates set amidst private acreage, the homes here are spacious and elegant. The varying architectural styles are interwoven with towering evergreens that give much of the area a lush park-like setting. Each neighborhood has its own special personality and each boasts their own spectacular views of Lake Washington, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Mountain range and the Seattle skyline.

West Seattle
Though a few minutes drive from downtown Seattle, West Seattle has more of an island mentality. Located on a peninsula across the bay from Seattle, the area enjoys a splendid sense of “getting away from it all.” Surrounded by water, West Seattle is ringed with waterfront homes both old and new. The scenic Alki neighborhood, located on a long, sandy beach (a rarity in much of the Seattle area), has a true beach community feel. Restaurants of all kinds line the main street. Roller-skaters share the boulevard with joggers, moms with strollers and retirees out for a morning walk. A diversity of architecture just adds charm to the mix. Century-old cottages nestle next to new luxury condominiums—all sharing breathtaking views of the bay and Seattle skyline.