Moving to Seattle? What is Eastlake Like?

Scenic views, a mix of classic and modern architecture, and diverse restaurants


 
 

What is there to do in Eastlake?

LAKE UNION:

Whether you want to head out on the water or just take in the views from any location around eastlake, you’ll enjoy easy access to lake union. eastlake also has the highest concentration of houseboats like the one made famous in the 1993 film Sleepless in seattle.

eastlake’s diverse range of restaurants includes:

sushi nori
serafina (Old-world italian)
pecado bueno (Casual mexican)
14 carrot cafe (Breakast, brunch & Lunch)
Otter bar and burger (burgers and shakes)
Eastlake zoo tavern (funky dive bar)
Pete’s supermarket and wine shop (Brian’s fav wine shop!)

Over 2 dozen unique shops with small but constantly changing merchandise:

Seattle Caviar Co. (Gourmet caviar & MORE!)
Patrick’s fly shop (Oldest fly shop on the west coast)
Mort’s Cabin (Gift shop)
La Belle Elaine’s (Bridal shop)
SPLASH SKIN CARE & EXTENSIONS
EASTLAKE TATTOO (AppTS. ONLY TATTOO SHOP)

 
 

 
 
My favorite thing about Eastlake? Friendly neighbors (the whole Eastlake community). Feeling safe to take walks.
— TK
 
 

 
 

Where is and what is special about Eastlake?

 
 

Tucked along the tranquil shores of Lake Union, Eastlake stands as Seattle's understated gem – a neighborhood with substance, style, and a subtle swagger. Embark on a culinary odyssey, where every meal feels like a carefully composed symphony of flavors. Eastlake's food scene isn't just a collection of restaurants; it's a gastronomic journey that weaves through diverse cuisines and inventive culinary expressions. From the aroma of expertly brewed coffee in the morning, wafting through the air like a poetic wake-up call, to the innovative dinner plates that could make a food critic reconsider their entire palate, Eastlake takes pride in being a destination for the discerning diner.

Walking through Eastlake feels like navigating a carefully curated art gallery, with Victorian-era homes engaging in a visual dialogue with sleek modern structures. The neighborhood's architectural kaleidoscope is punctuated by the floating homes, creating a visual narrative that is as enchanting as it is diverse. It's a place where history whispers through the cobblestone streets, and each house seems to tell a story, like chapters in a book written by a quirky yet lovable author.

Eastlake's residents aren't just neighbors; they're custodians of a shared secret – the art of balancing work and play with finesse. Weekdays are a symphony of productivity, with professionals navigating the neighborhood's convenient access to downtown. Come the weekend, however, Eastlake transforms into a haven of recreational bliss, with kayakers gracefully gliding through the lake and locals exchanging knowing smiles at the farmers' market. In Eastlake, life isn't just lived; it's curated with a touch of sophistication and a dash of down-to-earth charm!

Geographically, Eastlake is small but centrally located to a lot of bustling areas:

  • To the north borders the University District.

  • To the west borders Lake Union

  • To the east borders I-5 then Portage Bay and Montlake

  • To the south borders Capitol Hill and South Lake Union

 
How long does it take to drive from Madison Valley to DT, Capitol Hill, and other places

DOWNTOWN 10min (3.1mi)
Capitol Hill’s Broadway retail
7min (1.5mi )
I-5 access
3min (0.3mi)
520 Access
8min (1.8Mi)
I90 Access
15min (4.6mi)
South Lake Union
8min (1.5mi)
Bellevue Downtown
21min (9.4mi)

 
 

Eastlake Demographics and Statistics

Population Growth (since 2000): 13%

Population Density (ppl / mile): 13,073

Household Size (ppl): 2

Median Age: 35.30

Annual Residential Turnover: 37%

5+ Years in Residency: 16%

Median Year in Residency: 2

Households w/ Children: 4%

Population by Age Group

Highest Education Level Attended

Based on U.S. Census Bureau's Socioeconomic Status (SES) elements. This index is based on the entire population in this area includes all ages including those attending K-12 and currently enrolled in college.

Household Income by Dollar Range

 

Eastlake Homes For Sale

2019 Franklin Ave E #202
Presented by Brian Huie of COMPASS

Homes currently for Sale in Eastlake

 

Q&A

  • Eastlake is a great place for single-family residences as that’s what most buyers expect here. Lot sizes are generally ~3500sf, but can grow to nearly 5000sf. All are in very walkable locations. Homes are easy to maintain as most people hire landscapers and handy-people who can easily access this central neighborhood. School ratings are rapidly climbing as well as young families and professionals have been moving in at increasing rates.

  • Yes. There are many townhomes built in this area compared to places with larger lots. Many newer rowhomes and the like have popped up over recent years. If you come across one you like, grab it - There’s a lot of buyers who want maintenance-free but more than a condo here. There will always be a TH buyer population with their radar covering this area whether they have heard of Eastlake or not.

  • Yes! What, am I going to say no? Not in this urban area! Moving into a condo here is an excellent way to remain ultra walkable. Also, condos are typically maintenance-free and we are seeing a lot of younger career-focused and older populations who want the maintenance-free lifestyle of condos. However, there are few larger condos though and many “boutique” condos where you would/should have a roll 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. Much less work than owning a house but still have the joy of improving something that is growing in value! Eastlake also has a great rental market should you want to rent it out later to upgrade to a larger home.