WESTERN WASHINGTON’S MOST COVETED SHORELINES
The 2022 Waterfront Report explores the new listings and closed sales trends across 12 counties and 18 communities. Three main waterfronts represent more listing data and more waterfront home opportunities than any other.
Puget Sound
$5,750,000 | PENDING June 2022
Arguably one of the most photographed waterways in the world, the Puget Sound is an inlet of the Pacific Ocean and is adjoined by multiple channels and straits as part of the Salish Sea. Home to a complex population of marine life due to its fresh and salt waters, the Puget Sound is as beautiful as it is fascinating for residents and visitors to thePacific Northwest. There are multiple places to explore sea creatures like anemones and starfish, and if you have ever been curious about clam digging, there are several public beaches where you can roll up your sleeves and give it a try. Among the sound’s most well-known, part-time residents are the beloved and awe-inspiring Orca that travel through
at different times of the year. View them from the shores of West Seattle and the coasts of the sound’s 35 islands including Vashon, Whidbey, and Bainbridge Islands.
The homes that dot the shores of Puget Sound are as diverse as its waters. The sound extends nearly 100 miles from Deception Pass to Olympia, accompanied by a broad collection of architectural styles, water access, beaches, and banks. You will find idyllic estates on Bainbridge Island, rustic beach cabins in Hood Canal, and historic homes at the entrance of the Puget Sound in Port Townsend. Across
the shorelines, there are plenty of options across a variety of price points.
Inter-island travel is popular for commuters and weekend adventurers on their way to the Olympic Peninsula by the Washington State Ferries, which travel regularly from Seattle and make for a great day trip for the views alone. Some of these more remote waterfront homes, however, offer additional commuting options by way of docks befitting yachts or seaplanes. The epitome of privacy may be in one’s own private island but, next in luxury is a sail-in,
fly-in private entrance.
The Puget Sound is a true gem in the Northwest with unlimited possibilities for discovery. You could live a lifetime in the area and still find something new to explore here every day.
Lake Washington
$9,500,000 | ACTIVE June 2022
Fed by the Sammamish and Cedar Rivers and spanning 34miles, Lake Washington is the largest lake in King County. A ribbon lake bordering cities on the east and west sides, the lake is known for its stunning mountain and city views and endless opportunities for aquatic recreation. From sailing and rowing to wakeboarding and water skiing, there is a little something for every type of lake enthusiast. Considered some of the state’s most coveted waterfront real estate, LakeWashington’s property is sought after by buyers from around the world.
On the west side of the lake, there are multiple Seattle neighborhoods and parks that access the shoreline. Seward Park and Rainier Beach to the south and to the north, and Madrona, Leschi, and Magnuson Park to name just a few. Venerable craftsman and beach bungalows to NW Moderns and new construction farmhouses can be found up and down the shoreline. Many offer shared and private beach access with docks. Both Lake Forest Park and Kenmore meet the most northern point and Rentonanchors the south. The Burke Gilman trail follows the lake, serving as a popular path for walkers, runners, skaters, and cyclists year-round. Two floating bridges connect the east and west sides of Lake Washington and Mercer Island, a beautiful island community with miles of lakefront parks and homes that seamlessly co-exist in nature. Eastside cities include Bellevue, Kirkland, and Yarrow Point where you can find popular eating and shopping destinations, such as downtown Kirkland and Old Town Bellevue, and well-loved destinations like Meydenbauer Park and Bay. The Landing in Renton is quickly becoming a favorite hotspot for weekend visitors and locals alike.
Popular landmarks on the lake include The ASUW ShellHouse, the first University of Washington building to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the first UW building to become a Seattle landmark, WashingtonPark Arboretum, Magnuson Park as well as Boeing, and the Seattle Seahawks training facility. Seafair, an unofficial Seattle holiday, is an annual event where boats come out in droves and spectators line the shores to watch the world’s fastest boat race in the HomeStreet Bank Cup and the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Air Show.
Life on the lake is synonymous with Seattle’s beauty, history, leisure, and entertainment.
Coastal
The varied waterways explored in the report are almost all connected to the Pacific Ocean. Whether seeking a destination on the west coast or adventure among the port towns whose storied history welcomed sailors and explorers for a bit of respite, these destinations beckon those who dream of living amongst endless water views, the smell of the salty air, and the sweet ocean breeze.
Heading north out of the Puget Sound, one encounters the charming towns of Port Townsend and Port Angeles before cutting towards thePacific Ocean at the most northern part of the Salish Sea. Much of the Olympic Peninsula is home to the Olympic National Forest, a beautiful and protected area.
For those looking to live on the ocean but within an easy drive of the United States’ only temperate rain forest, you’ll need to head south to PacificBeach, Ocean Shores, and Long Beach, with many waterfront living opportunities in between. Among these three cities, sandy beaches are common, perfect for going barefoot on a sunny summer day. Private access to a piece of the Pacific means living amid breathtaking sunsets and serenity that’s accompanied by the sound of crashing waves.
