Seattle, WA. Summertime is often moving time. With many people moving to the area for the first time, some have been asking where interesting neighborhoods are located. Civic minded people who are interested in philanthropy and enjoy a nice esthetic may consider these areas:
YARROW POINT
At the northern tip of the peninsula is Yarrow Point. The median value of homes is $2,711,000, the highest in the Seattle metro. In the last year, values hiked an incredible 22.2 percent and are anticipated to rise another 6.5 percent within the next 12 months. For comparison, a standard and sustainable annual growth rate is just 3 percent. Neighborhood attractions include Loch Lane Beach, Yarrow Point Beach Park and Wetherill Nature Preserve.
Yarrow Point
MEDINA
Medina is just 3 miles south of Yarrow Point, on the southwest shore of the peninsula. The median value of homes in Medina is $2,667,700, the second highest in the metro. Values in Medina rose a whopping 18.3 percent in the last year and are forecast to appreciate 6.2 percent throughout the next year. Community features include Medina Beach Park, Medina Park, 520 Bridge View Park and Overlake Golf and Country Club.
CLYDE HILL
Between Yarrow Point and Medina is Clyde Hill, with the third-highest median home value in the Seattle metro, $2,603,600. Clyde Hill does not offer waterfront properties, but its elevation allows for stunning Lake Washington views. Home values in Clyde Hill appreciated 17.7 percent in the last year and should experience another 6.4 percent lift in the next 12 months. Clyde Hill boarders the Overlake Golf and Country Club as well as Wetherill Nature Preserve.
MERCER ISLAND
Just south of Medina, and situated within Lake Washington between the east and west sides of Seattle, is Mercer Island, a small, self-contained city connected to the mainland by bridges on either side. Homes across the island have a median value of $1,406,800, fourth on the list for the highest home values in Seattle, and the town is certainly secluded from the fast pace of the city. Values rose 10.5 percent throughout the last year and are projected to climb another 4.3 percent in the next 12 months. Residents frequent Luther Burbank Park and Clarke Beach Park along the waterfront, as well as Pioneer Park and Mercer Island Beach Club. If you’re considering buying in Mercer Island you’ll notice a bit more inventory available compared to the other markets, reducing the purchasing competition slightly.
SAMMAMISH
Lake Sammamish is another large body of water in the Seattle metro, east of Lake Washington. On the east coastline of Lake Sammamish is the distinguished town of Sammamish. Home values are notably reduced compared to the prior markets, but they are still among the top 10 steepest values in the Seattle metro at $905,800. Like the other cities, values in Sammamish continue to climb: 11.4 percent last year and anticipated growth of 5.1 percent throughout the next year. Locals enjoy Lake Sammamish State Park, Evans Creek Park, Soaring Eagle Regional Park and Sahalee Country Club. As a buyer, be prepared to face competition when shopping for homes in Sammamish —a popular market with limited inventory.
WOODINVILLE
Much farther north than these other luxury markets is Woodinville, best known for its plethora of wineries. The median value of homes in Woodinville is $764,900, putting it in 10th place for highest values in the Seattle metro. Values rose 12.4 percent last year and have a forecast of 4.9 percent appreciation throughout the next 12 months. The housing market is competitive with some inventory to select from, a bit more than in Sammamish. A major attraction in Woodinville is Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards, both a winery and vineyard as well as an outdoor music venue with incredible lineups.
