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 Gardens, 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 (Caribbean 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?
Sunset Hill sits on the northwest edge of Ballard, a quiet residential pocket above the Sound. Its winding streets are lined with historic homes. 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. Golden Gardens Park and the Sound views from Sunset Hill Park are both close by. 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. Nearby cafes and independent shops add plenty to explore. 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.
Facts and resources for Sunset Hill
One of Seattle’s oldest neighborhood groups. The Sunset Hill Community Association began on August 30, 1922, as the Sunset Hill Improvement Club.
The community hall. The club’s hall at NW 66th Street and 30th Avenue NW went up in 1928, and a landmark nomination for it went to the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board in 2025 (history).
Nearby neighborhood guides: Old Ballard, Magnolia and North Beach. See Sunset Hill on the map.
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 neighborhoods of Interbay and Magnolia
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 (ZIP 98117) Demographics and Statistics
Population: 35,711
Population Density (per sq mile): 8,981
Household Size (people): 2.37
Median Age: 40.2
Same Home as a Year Ago: 90%
Owner-Occupied Homes: 73%
Median Household Income: $182,984
Households w/ Children: 30%
Population by Age Group
Highest Education Level Attended
Household Income by Dollar Range
Sunset Hill Crime Statistics
Here are the crime statistics for Sunset Hill: Seattle Police Department reports from September 2025 to August 2026, mapped by Safemap. For the latest numbers, see the Seattle Police Department crime dashboard.
Sunset Hill Homes For Sale
For current prices and trends, see Brian’s Seattle-area market update.
Homes currently for Sale in Sunset Hill
Q&A
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Sunset 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.
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There won’t be as many townhomes as other areas, but like most of Seattle, townhomes continue to be built at a fast rate. Townhouses here offer low-maintenance living with more room than a condo.
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Condos are typically maintenance-free. 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.