Moving to Seattle? What is Sunset Hill Like?

Shilshole Bay views, Olympic mountain sunsets, and laid-back beaches and hiking trails


 
 

What is there to do in Sunset Hill?

Golden Gardens:

87.8 ACRE Public park providing a mix of wetlands, beach, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. Fire pits and volleyball nets are popular for group gatherings. Come for canoeing and kayaking, or to see local sea and wetland animals.

SUNset hill Park:

In addition to golden garden’s, be sure to check out sunset hill park. This small park sits atop a 300-ft bluff with sweeping views of shilshole bay and the olympic mountains. Watch the boats or just sit on a bench and take in the sunset.

restaurants and cafes including:

un bien (Carribean sandwiches)
Ray’s Boathouse (Iconic PNW Seafood)
Samara (Wood-fired bistro)
Ristorante Picolinos (Authentic Italian)
Sunny Hill (Pizza)
Little Coney’s (Oceanside spot for burgers, hot dogs, and soft serve)
Baker’s (21+ Cocktail bar and restaurant)

unique shops with small but constantly changing merchandise with a focus on oceanside commerce:

surf ballard (surfboards and accessories, rentals offered)
Molly’s Bottle Shop (Natural Wine Shop)
Sunset Hill Green Market (Local produce)
Seattle Yachts (Yacht broker)



 
 

Where is and what is special about Sunset Hill?

 
 

Nestled within the embrace of Seattle's Ballard neighborhood lies Sunset Hill, a tranquil haven where time seems to slow down and worries melt away like dewdrops on a summer morning. Here, the streets wind lazily past charming historic homes, each one telling a story of days gone by. It's a place where the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the salty breeze from the nearby Puget Sound, creating a sensory symphony that soothes the soul.

In Sunset Hill, every moment feels like a gentle caress from Mother Nature herself. Whether you're wandering through the lush greenery of Golden Gardens Park or gazing out at the shimmering waters of the Sound from Sunset Hill Park, there's a sense of peace and serenity that permeates the air. It's a place where the stresses of modern life fade into the background, replaced by the simple joys of nature and community.

But don't mistake its peaceful exterior for lack of character; Sunset Hill is brimming with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. From quaint cafes serving up homemade pastries to eclectic boutiques filled with one-of-a-kind treasures, there's always something new to explore in this idyllic neighborhood. So come, take a leisurely stroll through Sunset Hill, and let its tranquil beauty wash over you like a gentle wave, leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and utterly enchanted.

Geographically, Sunset Hill is on the western coast of Seattle:

  • To the north borders North Beach

  • To the west borders Shilshole Bay and the Olympic Mountains

  • To the east borders Loyal Heights and Old Ballard

  • To the south borders Salmon Bay and the neighborhood of Interbay and Magnolia

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

NW MARKET ST RETAIL 5min (1.9mi)
DOWNTOWN
26min (7.5mi )
SR-99 ACCESS
12min (3.2mi)
I-5 access
15min (3.8mi)
520 Access
25min (6.0Mi)
I90 Access
23min (9.7mi)
South Lake Union
21min (6.6mi)
Bellevue Downtown
35min (15.9mi)

 
 

Sunset Hill Demographics and Statistics

Population Growth (since 2000): 2%

Population Density (ppl / mile): 5,016.20

Household Size (ppl): 2

Median Age: 44.09

Annual Residential Turnover: 22%

5+ Years in Residency: 38%

Median Year in Residency: 4.1

Households w/ Children: 20%

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

 

Sunset Hill Homes For Sale

445 27th Avenue East, Seattle, WA
Presented by Brian Huie of COMPASS

Homes currently for Sale in Sunset hill

 

Q&A

  • Suiset Hill is a great place for single-family residences as that’s what most buyers expect here. Lot sizes are generally ~5000sf, but can grow significantly as you reach the bluff overlooking Shilshole Bay. All are located in very walkable areas with sidewalk-lined streets. Homes are easy to maintain as most people hire landscapers and handypeople who can easily access this neighborhood. School ratings are rapidly climbing as well as young families and professionals have been moving in at increasing rates.

  • Yes. There won’t be as many townhomes as other areas, but like most of Seattle, townhomes continue to be built at a fast rate. If you come across one you like, grab it - There are 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 Sunset Hill or not.

  • Yes! What, am I going to say no? Not in this urban area! Condos are typically maintenance-free and we are seeing a lot of younger career-focused and older populations who want the maintenance-free experience of condos here. While few condos exist within Sunset Hill, many will be found along Seaview Ave NW along Shilshole Bay all the way to Golden Gardens. You can choose to be involved in your HOA community and it is much less work than owning a house but still have the joy of improving something that is growing in value!