Moving to Seattle? What is Old Ballard (Adams) Like?
Nordic influence, maritime history, and lively restaurants and nightlife.
What is there to do in Old Ballard?
Hiram M. Chittenden Ballard Locks
The Ballard Locks, a complex of locks located at the west end of Salmon Bay and a top 5 Seattle tourist attraction. The construction of the locks lowered the water level of Lake Washington and Lake Union by 8.8 feet and added miles of new waterfront land. Along with the locks, fish ladder, and surrounding Carl S. English Jr. botanical gardens, there is much to see at the Ballard locks.
Ballard has dozens of restaurants, from well-known favorites to smaller local spots:
Walrus and the carpenter (James Beard Nominated restaurant and oyster bar)
Sabine Cafe (Trendy Middle Eastern brunch)
Kangaroo and Kiwi (Australian-themed sports bar)
Pestle Rock (Isan Thai Cuisine)
San Fermo (Italian)
The Ballard Cut (New American)
Hattie’s Hat (Longtime Ballard Mainstay)
The Monkey Bridge (Vietnamese)
Cookie’s Country Chicken (Fried Chicken)
Gracia (Mexican)
PIE BAR (Savory & Sweet pies and pie-inspired cocktails)
Dozens of unique shops with small but constantly changing merchandise:
monster (great for unique crafts & Gifts)
Secret Garden Books
Mox Boarding Shop (Board & Card Games)
Sonic Boom Records (record shop)
SPARKLEBARN (Furniture store)
Standard Goods (clothing & Accessories)
Ballard Consignment (Large multi-story consignment shop)
Push/Pull (Comics And Funky art)
Sweet Mickey’s Candy Shoppe
Where is and what is special about Old Ballard?
Welcome to the neighborhood of Old Ballard, also known as Adams, where the salty sea breeze tickles your nose and the sound of seagulls serenades you as you stroll along the waterfront. With its rich maritime history and Scandinavian influence, Ballard is a place where you can set sail on a culinary adventure and explore the flavors of the Nordic seas. From cozy cafes serving up piping hot cups of coffee to lively taverns pouring aquavit and craft beer, Ballard's dining scene is as diverse and eclectic as the catch of the day.
But Ballard isn't just about embracing its maritime past. It's also a place where you can dance the night away under the glow of the northern lights. In the evening, live music spills out of the bars and music venues. Scandinavian dishes, late-night fish and chips and much more are all close by.
So come on over to Ballard, where the sea meets the sky and every corner tells a tale of adventure and discovery. Ballard's maritime history and lively bar scene make it an easy place to meet friends.
Geographically, this isn’t next to a booming city but in the middle of it!
To the north borders Loyal Heights and Whittier Heights
To the west borders Sunset Hill
To the east borders West Woodland
To the south borders Salmon Bay, and further, Interbay and Magnolia
Downtown 20min (5.5mi )
SR-99 ACCESS 8min (1.8mi)
I-5 access 15min (3.2mi)
520 Access 17min (4.1Mi)
I90 Access 20min (8.0mi)
South Lake Union 15min (4.8mi)
Bellevue Downtown 30min (13.1mi)
Old Ballard (ZIP 98107) Demographics and Statistics
Population: 28,776
Population Density (per sq mile): 13,191
Household Size (people): 1.81
Median Age: 34.2
Same Home as a Year Ago: 73%
Owner-Occupied Homes: 38%
Median Household Income: $142,662
Households w/ Children: 13%
Population by Age Group
Household Income by Dollar Range
Highest Education Level Attended
Old Ballard (Adams) Crime Statistics
Here are the crime statistics for Old Ballard (Adams): Seattle Police Department reports from September 2025 to August 2026, mapped by Safemap. For the latest numbers, see the Seattle Police Department crime dashboard.
Ballard Homes For Sale
For current prices and trends, see Brian’s Seattle-area market update.
Homes currently for Sale in Old Ballard (Adams)
Other Ballard Neighborhoods:
Ballard used to be an incorporated city before becoming unincorporated, then annexed into Seattle. Check out these other neighborhoods that once made up what Brian has always called “Ballard Greater”!
Q&A
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Ballard Proper is a great place for single-family residences. Lot sizes are generally ~4000sf for single-family homes, and all are located in very walkable areas.
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There are a lot of townhomes in Ballard and more being built all the time! Townhouses here offer low-maintenance living with more room than a condo.
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Moving into a condo here is an excellent way to remain ultra walkable. Condos are also typically maintenance-free. There is a mix between larger condominium buildings and what Brian calls “boutique” condos where you would/should have a role in maintaining the community. The beauty of these smaller condos is that it’s almost like co-op living - for the most part it’s still maintenance-free where the building is taken care of by whoever your community hires to take care of it, but you decide as a community what you want in the gardens and such. No matter what kind of condo you decide to buy, you’ll enjoy less work than owning a house.