Stunning Waterfront Neighborhoods in Washington State

Port Ludlow | Ben Pitasky

Uncover the beauty of Washington’s waterfront neighborhoods, where you can enjoy daily fishing, boating, and hiking along the coast. Let’s now explore a few of the most appealing options among these fantastic waterfront communities. 

West Seattle

West Seattle is a charming residential area on the Puget Sound that houses a significant portion of Seattle’s population. This large neighborhood features many of the city’s most famous parks and beaches, including Alki Beach and Lincoln Park, catering to an active outdoor lifestyle. Residents also benefit from the community’s plentiful restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Lincoln Park | Wonderlane

Ballard

Ballard, a trendy Seattle neighborhood along Shilshole Bay, is a historic maritime hub. Today, with cafes, microbreweries, boutique stores, and delicious international dining spots, this trendy waterfront enclave is popular among young professionals. Ballard’s scenic parks overlook the water, and the community houses a massive marina that serves as a central docking point for many of Seattle’s watercraft.

Mercer Island

Situated on Lake Washington, directly across from Seattle, Mercer Island is a spacious island suburb. It holds immense appeal for families due to its highly rated public schools and impressive safety ratings. It also features hundreds of acres of public parkland, spectacular waterfront scenery, and a pleasant downtown. Further adding to its appeal, this charming community offers magnificent Seattle skyline views.

Mercer Island | Melissa Milburn

Port Ludlow

Nestled along the Puget Sound, Port Ludlow is a luxurious resort community offering residential options tailored to buyers seeking a year-round resort lifestyle. Steeped in natural beauty, this gorgeous community has stunning properties with remarkable mountain and water views. Port Ludlow provides many amenities as well, including an 18-hole golf course, a private marina, tennis courts, and hiking trails. 

Fairhaven

Once a prominent manufacturing locale, the National Historic District of Fairhaven is now a cultural hotspot in Bellingham. Located along Bellingham Bay, Fairhaven offers charming local shops and restaurants, scenic waterfront parks, and distinctive colorful buildings. Also, Fairhaven regularly hosts community events that draw in crowds of visitors, including Fairhaven Winterfest and the Ski to Sea Race.

Fairhaven | Pavł Polø

Kendall Yards

Emerging from a former rail yard, Kendall Yards is a vibrant Spokane community along the Spokane River. This trendy community is renowned for its stylish shops and eateries, along with its scenic parks and trails by the river. In the summer, the city hosts the weekly Kendall Yards Night Market, which gathers food trucks and local vendors selling a delectable array of fresh eats.

Orcas Island

Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands, is a stunning natural hotspot home to around 4,500 residents. Surrounded by gorgeous coastal scenery, this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise is ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This is a spectacular sector of the Washington real estate market. Orcas Island offers winding residential streets with stately homes, and residents can frequent quaint local shops and explore hiking trails that pass through lush forests. 

Orcas Island | David Lang