If you’re considering living in West Seattle, WA, , you’re looking at a community where sunrise paddle-boarding at Alki meets sunset views of the Olympic Mountains, and where vibrant coffee shops share the streets with centuries-old cedar forests.
This unique enclave feels like a small city within a city, where neighbors greet each other by name, local businesses thrive, and weekend farmers markets are a beloved ritual. Whether you’re drawn by the laid-back beach culture, the promise of new development, or a tight-knit community, West Seattle, WA, offers a compelling, human-scaled alternative to the hectic pace downtown.
Housing and Cost of Living
The median home price in West Seattle, WA, hovers well above $800,000, with rentals averaging over $2,200 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Overall, Seattle’s cost of living is about 46% higher than the national average, and areas like West Seattle, WA, skew even more expensive due to limited waterfront real estate and strong school districts. While sticker shock is real, many residents find the premium worthwhile for views of Puget Sound, top-rated schools, and an active outdoor lifestyle.
Education and Schools
West Seattle, WA High School serves the peninsula’s teens with a 6/10 GreatSchools rating, offering Advanced Placement courses and robust arts programs. For younger students, West Seattle, WA, Elementary earns a 7/10 rating, noted for its community engagement and above-average test scores. Beyond these anchors, several private and charter schools round out a diverse educational landscape that appeals to families seeking choice and quality.
Parks and Recreation
Beyond Alki, Lincoln Park charms with its 135-acre forest, bluff viewpoints, and beachfront access for swimming and sunset watching. Schmitz Preserve Park offers 53 acres of old-growth forest with winding trails for nature study and bird watching. For a scenic cliffside stroll, Hamilton Viewpoint sits atop 35th Ave SW, providing panoramic vistas of downtown Seattle and the Cascades.
Neighborhoods
Alki
Alki Point is the historic birthplace of Seattle, where the Denny Party landed in 1851. Alki Beach Park now occupies 135.9 acres of shoreline with a half-mile of sandy beach, volleyball courts, and paved paths perfect for jogging or rollerblading. The nearby Alki Triangle hosts festivals and outdoor art installations year-round, making it a cultural hub for water-side living.
The Junction
The West Seattle, WA, Junction, centered at California Avenue SW and SW Alaska Street, is the peninsula’s commercial heart. Named in 1907 when two streetcar lines met, it now boasts an eclectic mix of boutiques, bookstores, and local eateries. Summer Fest, a beloved multi-day street festival held each July, brings live music, art vendors, and a community parade to these walkable streets.
Admiral & Morgan Junctions
Just north of The Junction lies Admiral Junction at California Ave SW and SW Admiral Way, known for its farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries. At the southern tip, Morgan Junction connects Fauntleroy Way SW, SW Morgan Street, and California Ave SW, offering quick access to Lincoln Park’s forest trails and the Fauntleroy ferry terminal.
High Point & Beyond
High Point, the city’s highest elevation at 520 feet, was redeveloped beginning in 2003 into a sustainable, mixed-income neighborhood featuring green infrastructure and energy-efficient homes. Other books like Gatewood, Fauntleroy, and Arroyo Heights offer quieter, suburban streets with family homes and community pools, completing West Seattle, WA, ’s tapestry of residential options.
Transportation
West Seattle, WA, is linked to downtown via three bridges: the high-level West Seattle, WA, Bridge (repaired in 2022), the Spokane Street swing bridge, and the First Avenue South movable bridges.
King County Metro’s RapidRide C Line and H Line offer bus rapid transit directly to SODO, while the King County Water Taxi runs year-round between Seacrest Park and downtown. Sound Transit’s West Seattle, WA, Link light rail extension, funded by 2016’s ST3 measure, is slated to open in 2032 with three new stations, dramatically improving commute times.
Community and Events
West Seattle, WA, ’s calendar revolves around local gatherings:
- West Seattle, WA, Summer Fest in July showcases live music, art, and family activities.
- The West Seattle, WA, Farmers Market runs Sunday mornings at The Junction, featuring local produce, crafts, and live entertainment.
- Seasonal pop-up events, like outdoor movie nights on Alki Beach, encourage neighbors to mingle under the stars.
Economy and Job Market
With a population of over 77,000, West Seattle, WA, supports more than 32,000 local jobs, generating a gross regional product of around $6 billion. The independent business scene thrives, from tech startups to waterfront restaurants. For broader trends, the Seattle metro’s employment growth and consumer prices reflect a resilient, innovation-driven economy.
Safety and Crime
After pandemic-era spikes, crime in Seattle and King County has declined significantly in early 2025, with property and violent offenses down approximately 25% compared to 2019 levels. West Seattle, WA, ’s residential streets remain among the city’s more secure neighborhoods, thanks in part to active neighborhood watch groups and community policing efforts.
Pros and Cons of Living in West Seattle, WA
Pros:
- Stunning waterfront parks and beaches
- A strong sense of community with frequent local events
- Diverse educational options with solid school ratings
- Future light rail promises faster commutes
Cons:
- Higher housing and living costs than greater Seattle
- Car-centric pockets outside the main Junction areas
- Commute times on major bridges can spike during rush hour
Moving to West Seattle, WA,
If you’re ready to make the move, consider hiring top-rated movers in Seattle to navigate the peninsula’s winding streets and unique logistics. Our local expertise can turn a complex transition into a smooth experience, letting you focus on unpacking and exploring your new neighborhood.
Living in West Seattle, WA, means embracing a lifestyle where urban amenities meet coastal charm, and where every day can start with a beach walk and end with a community festival.
While higher costs are a reality, the payoff is a rich tapestry of neighborhoods, strong local businesses, superb parks, and a genuine sense of belonging. Whether you’re settling into a craftsman bungalow in Admiral, a modern apartment in The Junction, or a waterfront cottage on Alki, West Seattle, WA, offers a slice of Pacific Northwest living that’s hard to beat.
