Virginia CalvinVirginia Calvin

By Virginia

The other day I put together a post listing a bunch of things to love about Seattle’s North Beacon Hill. Well, guess what – there’s another quiet but wonderful Seattle neighborhood that often flies a bit under the general Seattle radar and I want to tell you a little about it: Mount Baker, an area that extends all the way from Lake Washington west to MLK, and from about I-90 down to S. Genesee St.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Mount Baker over the years since I moved to South Seattle, whether spending time with friends, exploring the parks, or rowing or sailing on Lake Washington (and recharging at a neighborhood eatery afterward!).

And while I am still a loyal Beacon Hill fan, I have to say that Mount Baker is a beautiful neighborhood. It’s another one that I frequently find myself telling clients about, since so many of them are focused on the “hot spot” neighborhoods north of downtown.

So here are 5 things to love about Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood:

Real estate eye candy

Over 70% of the homes in Mount Baker were built prior to 1960, many of them in the first decades of the 20th century. The tree-lined streets of Mount Baker hold some of the most beautiful homes in Seattle, and it’s worth a trip there to walk around and take in the sight even if you aren’t looking to move anytime soon. Especially this autumn as the leaves are changing…it’s gorgeous! These homes are way bigger than the Beacon Hill cottages and bungalows, and many have views of Lake Washington. They come with a much higher price tag than Beacon Hill, as well.

Mount Baker Real Estate | Virginia Calvin | Seattle Real Estate

Lake Washington (and the trail that runs alongside it)

As I may have mentioned once or twice (ha!) I’m a rower and I spend three mornings a week out on the picturesque Lake Washington. This is truly one of the best things about Seattle. But you don’t have to be a rower or own a boat to take advantage of this body of water. There is a paved biking/walking/jogging trail that runs along the waterfront in Mount Baker and it provides some of the best views in the city. Want to check it out? Park in the parking lot at Stan Sayers Park, then walk north along the lake toward I-90. You’ll hit the Mount Baker Park Beach before long, a small public swimming beach with a fishing pier and amazing views…and from there turn up the shady lane called Lake Park Drive for a short walk to Mioposto’s for great food and drink.

Mount Baker Park Beach | Virginia Calvin | Seattle Real Estate

Mount Baker Park Beach | Image source: Seattle Parks and Rec

Relaxed, secluded feel – but minutes from downtown

Are you seeing a theme here? Just like Beacon Hill, Mount Baker is a great neighborhood for people who want a quiet neighborhood “feel” without giving up the convenience and resources that come from living in the city. You can get from the heart of Mount Baker to downtown Seattle in about 20 minutes driving (depending on traffic, of course) or in about 30 minutes via the light rail depending on how far you are from the Mount Baker Link Station.

Great independent local businesses and restaurants

From Mioposto Pizzeria and Vitality Pilates on the South end of Mount Baker to the many great restaurants and businesses on 31st (near I-90), Mount Baker makes it easy to stay close to home.

Neighborhood activism and the historic Mount Baker Community Club

Some Seattle neighborhoods lack a cohesive neighborhood feel, but Mount Baker is different. That might be at least in part due to the fact that many people move to Mount Baker and put down some serious roots, staying in their home for decades and becoming active, committed members of the community. And the local Mount Baker Community Club has been a hub for neighborhood activism since it was established way back in 1909. They sponsor events year round and reach out to newcomers to the neighborhood to help them get connected and involved.

Mount Baker Community Club | Virginia Calvin | Seattle Real Estate

Mount Baker Community Club

 

What would it take to buy a home in the Mount Baker neighborhood?

In the last 6 months sales prices ranged from $265,000 for a “tear-down-value-is-in-the-land” house to over $2,500,000. The median price of the 62 properties sold in the last 6 months was $769,500. As I mentioned earlier in this post, the neighborhood is generally an older one: a little more than 70% of the homes were built prior to 1960, and about 15% were built very recently. Here are two Mount Baker homes that showcase these two different groups:

Mount Baker Old and New Construction | Virginia Calvin | Seattle Real Estate

What do you think? Would you ever want to look at some homes in Mount Baker? I’d be happy to help – just email / call me!

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5 Things to Love About Seattle’s Mount Baker Neighborhood