Getting to Know Seattle: Ron and Don’s Guide to South Lake Union

South Lake Union is a dynamic residential district with a blend of aquatic activities, buzzing bars, hip eateries and picturesque sights. The neighborhood was named after its location at the southern tip of the 580-acre Lake Union, which is within the city limits of Seattle, Washington. 

The Museum of History and Industry, the largest private heritage organization in Washington, and Lake Union Park, a beautiful 12-acre waterfront oasis, both call South Lake Union home. Locals, tourists and visitors can explore the museum’s artifact collection, learn about Seattle’s history of maritime activities, take a peek through a 39-foot-long USS TANG periscope from the World War 11 era or watch some of the largest boat races held on Puget Sound. 

Other Seattle landmarks in South Lake Union include the steamship Virginia V, the Duwamish (fireboat) and the United States lightship Swiftsure. South Lake Union also boasts Seattle’s first National Bank building and the Seattle Times building. 

South Lake Union is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Seattle and an ever-transforming technology hub. More than a decade ago, Amazon moved its headquarters to South Lake Union, which locals have coined “Amazonia.” The Amazon campus has 27 offices in the neighborhood, which has spurred an influx of tech workers in the area. Google also recently unveiled the first of five buildings for its Vulcan-developed campus in South Lake Union. 

In addition to being a buzzing tech hub, South Lake Union is turning into a life science hub. Life science hubs in the South Lake Union hub include but are not limited to the Allen Institutes for Brain Science and Cell ScienceBattelleFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattle Biomedical Research InstituteSeattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Medicine.

Buying or Selling in South Lake Union? Schedule Your Ron and Don Sit Down Now >> 

South Lake Union Real Estate 

When you walk the streets in South Lake Union, you’re enveloped in the glimmer of modern architecture, the hum of innovation from biotech and software giants, and the resounding echo of the area’s maritime and industrial activities. South Lake Union shares borders with Capitol HillQueen Anne, Downtown Seattle, Westlake and Eastlake. It’s also home to Denny Park, the oldest park in Seattle. 

South Lake Union is the 7th most walkable neighborhood in Seattle, according to Walk Score®. It’s also within walking distance of Downtown Seattle. The neighborhood has a bike score of 80 and a transit score of 89. This means South Lake Union is a bikeable neighborhood with good public transportation. 

  • Median Listing Price: $700,000
  • Price Per Square Foot: $587
  • Total Population: 30,384
  • Median Age: 31.1
  • Renter/Homeowner: 75.94%/24.06% 

Residents in South Lake Union 

South Lake Union has approximately 17,342 households and a total population of about 30,300. The population density in South Lake Union is 17% higher than in Seattle

Residents in South Lake Union enjoy a dense urban feel with a range of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and parks. The neighborhood attracts a high percentage of individuals with a bachelor’s degree-level education and a larger percentage of single residents who rent rather than married couples who own. South Lake Union is home to many young professionals and most locals tend to be liberal. 

South Lake Union School Information 

Homes in this area are mainly served by the Seattle Public Schools, many of which are highly rated. South Lake Union also offers a few private school options. 

Public Schools Serving South Lake Union 

  • Cascadia Elementary School
  • Hazel Wolf K-8 STEM School 
  • John Hay Elementary School
  • Montlake Elementary School 
  • Pathfinder School 
  • Thornton Creek School

Private Schools Serving South Lake Union 

  • Bright Horizons at South Lake Union 
  • Eastside Catholic School 
  • Fusion Academy Seattle

If you’re considering continuing your education in South Lake Union, Northeastern University Seattle is one of the top universities in the nation. Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a top-tier, nonprofit research university, grounded in experiential learning. The university offers high-demand degrees that fill the Pacific Northwest region’s critical needs for highly educated professionals. 

Buying or Selling in South Lake Union? Schedule Your Ron and Don Sit Down Now >> 

Why South Lake Union? 

South Lake Union has all the elements that comprise a great neighborhood, such as quality public schools, job opportunities in the tech sector, outdoor activities, nightlife options, easy commutes and useful amenities. Lots of people want to live here, work here or visit here. 

Considering buying or selling a home in South Lake Union, schedule a Ron and Don Sit Down! We’ll formulate a custom playbook to make your dream real estate deal come true!

Ron Upshaw & Don O’Neill are Licensed Agents at
Windermere Real Estate Midtown
1920 North 34th Street
Seattle, WA 98103

Ron has been a part of just about every kind of real estate transaction you can think of. He understands that finding the perfect place for you and your family is crucial. Schedule Your Sit Don with Ron today!


© Ron and Don Real Estate 2024. All Rights Reserved. Site designed by Alex Hodschayan.

DISCLAIMER: Ron Upshaw, Managing Broker License #22027577 & Don O’Neill, Broker License #95294 are brokers with Kelly Right Real Estate

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