Seattle ZIP Code Guide: Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Data

Detailed guide to Greater Seattle ZIP codes with median prices, school ratings, commute times, and neighborhood characteristics to target your home search.

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You're searching for homes on Zillow and see properties in 98103, 98115, and 98117. They all say "Seattle," but the prices range from $650,000 to $1.2 million for similar-sized homes. What's the difference?

ZIP codes in Greater Seattle tell you a lot more than just where to send mail. They reveal neighborhood character, school quality, commute times, and property values. Understanding the nuances of each ZIP code helps you target your search and avoid wasting time on areas that don't fit your needs.

This guide covers 40+ major Seattle-area ZIP codes with specific data on median prices, school ratings, commute times, and neighborhood characteristics. Use it to create your short list of target neighborhoods and set up effective saved searches.

Table of Contents

Seattle Proper ZIP Codes

98101 – Downtown Seattle

Median price: $750,000 (condos)
Price trend: +3% year-over-year
School rating: 6/10 (limited residential)
Commute: 0 minutes (you're here)
Transit: Light rail, buses, streetcar

Character: Urban core with high-rise condos, offices, retail. Limited single-family homes. Pike Place Market, waterfront, convention center.

Best for: Urban lifestyle, no car needed, walkability, young professionals

Challenges: Noise, limited green space, expensive parking, homelessness issues

98102 – Capitol Hill

Median price: $850,000
Price trend: +5% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 10 minutes
Transit: Light rail (Capitol Hill station), frequent buses

Character: Vibrant, diverse, walkable. Mix of condos, townhomes, older homes. Restaurants, bars, nightlife, arts scene.

Best for: Urban lifestyle, LGBTQ+ friendly, walkability, culture

Challenges: Parking difficult, noise, limited yards, higher crime than suburbs

98103 – Fremont, Wallingford, Green Lake

Median price: $925,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 15–20 minutes
Transit: Frequent buses, future light rail (2035)

Character: Family-friendly urban neighborhoods. Craftsman homes, tree-lined streets. Green Lake park, restaurants, local shops.

Best for: Families, walkability, parks, good schools, urban amenities

Challenges: Expensive, competitive market, limited parking, older homes

98105 – University District

Median price: $800,000
Price trend: +4% year-over-year
School rating: 6/10
Commute: 15 minutes
Transit: Light rail (U District station), frequent buses

Character: College town feel. Mix of students and families. UW campus, The Ave (University Way), Burke-Gilman Trail.

Best for: UW employees, students, walkability, transit access

Challenges: Student population, parking, noise, variable neighborhood quality

98107 – Ballard

Median price: $950,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 20 minutes
Transit: Frequent buses, future light rail (2035)

Character: Scandinavian heritage, hip neighborhood. Craftsman homes, new townhomes. Restaurants, breweries, Ballard Locks, farmers market.

Best for: Urban lifestyle, walkability, restaurants, younger families

Challenges: Expensive, competitive, parking difficult, gentrification

98112 – Capitol Hill East, Montlake

Median price: $1,100,000
Price trend: +5% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 10 minutes
Transit: Light rail nearby, buses

Character: Quieter than lower Capitol Hill. Larger homes, more families. Near UW, Arboretum, Madison Park.

Best for: Families, good schools, central location, established neighborhood

Challenges: Very expensive, limited inventory, older homes need updates

98115 – Wedgwood, View Ridge, Ravenna

Median price: $975,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 20 minutes
Transit: Buses, future light rail (2035)

Character: Family-oriented, quiet, safe. Mid-century and newer homes. Excellent schools, parks, local shops.

Best for: Families, schools, safety, neighborhood feel, yards

Challenges: Expensive, less walkable, car-dependent, limited nightlife

98116 – West Seattle

Median price: $825,000
Price trend: +4% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 25 minutes (bridge reopened 2022)
Transit: Buses, future light rail (2032)

Character: Feels separate from Seattle. Beach town vibe. Alki Beach, California Avenue, Lincoln Park. Mix of home styles.

Best for: Beach access, community feel, more affordable, yards

Challenges: Bridge dependency, longer commute, fewer amenities than north Seattle

98117 – Ballard North, Crown Hill

Median price: $900,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 25 minutes
Transit: Buses, future light rail (2035)

Character: Residential Ballard. Quieter than downtown Ballard. Good schools, parks, family-friendly.

Best for: Families, schools, quieter than central Ballard, yards

Challenges: Less walkable than downtown Ballard, car-dependent

98118 – Columbia City, Rainier Valley

Median price: $725,000
Price trend: +8% year-over-year
School rating: 6/10
Commute: 20 minutes
Transit: Light rail (Columbia City, Othello stations)

Character: Diverse, gentrifying. Mix of older homes and new construction. Light rail access. More affordable Seattle option.

Best for: Diversity, affordability (relative), light rail, appreciation potential

Challenges: Variable neighborhood quality, schools weaker than north Seattle

98122 – Central District, Madrona

Median price: $850,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 15 minutes
Transit: Buses, light rail nearby

Character: Historically Black neighborhood, gentrifying. Mix of home styles. Central location, parks, lake access.

Best for: Diversity, central location, appreciation potential, community

Challenges: Gentrification tensions, variable block-by-block quality

98144 – Mount Baker, Leschi

Median price: $1,050,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 15 minutes
Transit: Light rail (Mount Baker station), buses

Character: Upscale, views, lakefront. Beautiful homes, parks, quiet streets. Near I-90, light rail.

Best for: Views, established neighborhood, central location, quality homes

Challenges: Expensive, limited inventory, competitive

Eastside ZIP Codes

98004 – Bellevue (West Bellevue, Clyde Hill)

Median price: $2,100,000
Price trend: +4% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 20 minutes
Transit: Buses, light rail (2024)

Character: Luxury homes, waterfront, views. Extremely wealthy area. Top schools, parks, privacy.

Best for: Luxury buyers, schools, prestige, views, large lots

Challenges: Very expensive, limited inventory, property taxes high

98005 – Bellevue (Eastgate, Somerset)

Median price: $1,400,000
Price trend: +5% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 25 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Family neighborhoods, good schools. Mix of home styles. Near I-90, shopping, parks.

Best for: Families, schools, Eastside lifestyle, newer homes

Challenges: Expensive, car-dependent, less character than Seattle

98006 – Bellevue (Factoria, Newport Hills)

Median price: $1,200,000
Price trend: +5% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 25 minutes
Transit: Buses, light rail (2024)

Character: More affordable Bellevue. Mix of condos and homes. Near I-90, shopping, light rail.

Best for: Bellevue schools at lower price, light rail access, shopping

Challenges: Less prestigious than other Bellevue areas, traffic

98007 – Bellevue (Crossroads, Wilburton)

Median price: $1,100,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 20 minutes
Transit: Buses, light rail (2024)

Character: Diverse, central Bellevue. Mix of housing types. Near downtown Bellevue, light rail, shopping.

Best for: Diversity, central location, light rail, Bellevue schools

Challenges: Less prestigious, more traffic, smaller lots

98008 – Bellevue (Phantom Lake, Woodridge)

Median price: $1,500,000
Price trend: +5% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Quiet, family-oriented. Larger lots, newer homes. Top schools, parks, safe.

Best for: Families, schools, safety, yards, newer homes

Challenges: Expensive, car-dependent, farther from Seattle

98027 – Issaquah

Median price: $1,150,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 35 minutes
Transit: Buses, park-and-ride

Character: Mountain town feel. Hiking, outdoor recreation. Good schools, family-friendly. Growing rapidly.

Best for: Outdoor lifestyle, schools, family-friendly, newer homes

Challenges: Long commute, car-dependent, rapid growth

98029 – Issaquah (Sammamish Plateau)

Median price: $1,300,000
Price trend: +5% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 40 minutes
Transit: Buses, park-and-ride

Character: Newer development, master-planned communities. Large homes, good schools, safe.

Best for: Families, schools, safety, newer homes, yards

Challenges: Very long commute, car-dependent, cookie-cutter feel

98033 – Kirkland (Downtown, Juanita)

Median price: $1,250,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 25 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Waterfront town, walkable downtown. Mix of condos and homes. Restaurants, parks, lake access.

Best for: Walkability, waterfront, restaurants, community feel

Challenges: Expensive, limited inventory, parking difficult downtown

98034 – Kirkland (Totem Lake, Kingsgate)

Median price: $1,100,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: More affordable Kirkland. Mix of housing types. Near shopping, I-405, parks.

Best for: Kirkland schools at lower price, central Eastside location

Challenges: Less prestigious, more traffic, less walkable

98052 – Redmond (Downtown, Education Hill)

Median price: $1,300,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Tech hub (Microsoft). Mix of older and newer homes. Good schools, parks, trails.

Best for: Tech workers, schools, trails, family-friendly

Challenges: Expensive, car-dependent, traffic

98053 – Redmond (Overlake, Grasslawn)

Median price: $1,400,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 25 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Upscale Redmond. Larger homes, established neighborhoods. Near Microsoft, shopping, parks.

Best for: Tech workers, schools, established neighborhoods, yards

Challenges: Very expensive, car-dependent

98074 – Sammamish

Median price: $1,350,000
Price trend: +5% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 40 minutes
Transit: Buses, park-and-ride

Character: Suburban, family-oriented. Large homes, good schools, safe. Parks, trails, lake access.

Best for: Families, schools, safety, yards, outdoor recreation

Challenges: Very long commute, car-dependent, expensive

North King County & Snohomish County ZIP Codes

98133 – Shoreline (North City, Ridgecrest)

Median price: $825,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 25 minutes
Transit: Light rail (2024), buses

Character: Quiet, family-oriented. Mix of mid-century and newer homes. Good schools, parks, light rail access.

Best for: Families, schools, light rail, more affordable than Seattle

Challenges: Less walkable, car-dependent, fewer amenities

98155 – Shoreline (Richmond Beach, Innis Arden)

Median price: $900,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 9/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Light rail (2024), buses

Character: Upscale Shoreline. Larger lots, established neighborhoods. Beach access, parks, top schools.

Best for: Families, schools, beach access, yards, quiet

Challenges: Expensive, car-dependent, farther from Seattle

98177 – Shoreline (Ridgecrest, Blue Ridge)

Median price: $875,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Light rail (2024), buses

Character: Family neighborhoods, mid-century homes. Good schools, parks, light rail access.

Best for: Families, schools, light rail, more affordable than Seattle

Challenges: Car-dependent, older homes need updates

98026 – Edmonds

Median price: $875,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Sounder train, buses, ferry to Kingston

Character: Charming waterfront town. Historic downtown, beach access, ferry terminal. Mix of older homes and condos.

Best for: Waterfront lifestyle, walkable downtown, ferry access, community feel

Challenges: Expensive, limited inventory, parking difficult downtown

98020 – Edmonds (Perrinville, Westgate)

Median price: $850,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 35 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Residential Edmonds. Quieter than downtown. Good schools, parks, family-friendly.

Best for: Families, schools, Edmonds schools at lower price, yards

Challenges: Car-dependent, farther from waterfront

98043 – Mountlake Terrace

Median price: $725,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Light rail (2024), buses

Character: Affordable Snohomish County option. Mix of mid-century and newer homes. Light rail access, parks, family-friendly.

Best for: Affordability, light rail, families, first-time buyers

Challenges: Schools weaker than Shoreline/Edmonds, older homes

98036 – Lynnwood (City Center, Alderwood)

Median price: $750,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Light rail (2024), buses

Character: Suburban, commercial hub. Mix of housing types. Alderwood Mall, light rail, shopping, dining.

Best for: Affordability, light rail, shopping, diverse community

Challenges: Traffic, commercial feel, schools weaker than Eastside

98087 – Lynnwood (North Lynnwood)

Median price: $775,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 35 minutes
Transit: Buses, future light rail

Character: Residential Lynnwood. Quieter than city center. Newer developments, family-oriented.

Best for: Affordability, newer homes, families, yards

Challenges: Longer commute, car-dependent, farther from light rail

98012 – Mill Creek, Bothell (Snohomish portion)

Median price: $850,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 35 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Master-planned community (Mill Creek). Newer homes, excellent parks and trails, family-friendly, safe.

Best for: Families, schools, parks, trails, newer homes, safety

Challenges: Long commute, car-dependent, cookie-cutter feel

98011 – Bothell (King County portion), Woodinville

Median price: $950,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Mix of Bothell and Woodinville. Wineries, parks, trails. Good schools, family-friendly.

Best for: Families, schools, wineries, outdoor recreation, community feel

Challenges: Expensive, car-dependent, traffic on 405

98021 – Bothell (Snohomish County portion)

Median price: $900,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 35 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Residential Bothell. Mix of older and newer homes. Parks, trails, family-friendly.

Best for: Families, schools, parks, more affordable than 98011

Challenges: Long commute, car-dependent, split between two counties

98275 – Mukilteo

Median price: $875,000
Price trend: +6% year-over-year
School rating: 8/10
Commute: 35 minutes
Transit: Sounder train, buses, ferry to Whidbey Island

Character: Waterfront community. Beach access, lighthouse, ferry terminal. Mix of older and newer homes.

Best for: Waterfront lifestyle, ferry access, schools, community feel

Challenges: Long commute, expensive, limited inventory

98201 – Everett (Downtown)

Median price: $550,000
Price trend: +8% year-over-year
School rating: 5/10
Commute: 40 minutes
Transit: Sounder train, buses, Amtrak

Character: Urban Everett. Mix of condos and older homes. Waterfront, marina, downtown revitalization.

Best for: Affordability, waterfront, Sounder train, appreciation potential

Challenges: Long commute, schools weak, variable neighborhood quality

98203 – Everett (South Everett, Silver Lake)

Median price: $625,000
Price trend: +8% year-over-year
School rating: 6/10
Commute: 40 minutes
Transit: Buses, future light rail (2037)

Character: Affordable Snohomish County. Mix of housing types. Near Boeing, shopping, parks.

Best for: Affordability, Boeing workers, appreciation potential, yards

Challenges: Long commute, schools weaker, traffic

98204 – Everett (North Everett, Lowell)

Median price: $600,000
Price trend: +8% year-over-year
School rating: 6/10
Commute: 45 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Working-class Everett. Older homes, more affordable. Near Boeing, waterfront.

Best for: Affordability, Boeing workers, first-time buyers

Challenges: Long commute, schools weak, older homes need updates

98208 – Everett (East Everett, View Ridge)

Median price: $650,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 40 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Better Everett neighborhoods. Newer developments, better schools. Near shopping, parks.

Best for: Affordability, better Everett schools, newer homes

Challenges: Long commute, still car-dependent

South King County ZIP Codes

98055 – Renton (Highlands, Kennydale)

Median price: $725,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 6/10
Commute: 25 minutes
Transit: Buses, light rail nearby

Character: More affordable option. Mix of home styles. Near I-405, shopping, Boeing.

Best for: Affordability, commute to Eastside, appreciation potential

Challenges: Schools weaker than north, variable neighborhood quality

98056 – Renton (Cascade, Fairwood)

Median price: $750,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Suburban Renton. Newer developments, family-oriented. Near I-405, shopping.

Best for: Affordability, newer homes, family-friendly

Challenges: Long commute, car-dependent, schools weaker than Eastside

98058 – Renton (Fairwood)

Median price: $775,000
Price trend: +7% year-over-year
School rating: 7/10
Commute: 35 minutes
Transit: Buses

Character: Suburban, family-oriented. Newer homes, good for families. Near I-405.

Best for: Affordability, newer homes, yards, family-friendly

Challenges: Long commute, car-dependent, farther from amenities

98168 – Burien, SeaTac

Median price: $625,000
Price trend: +8% year-over-year
School rating: 5/10
Commute: 30 minutes
Transit: Light rail (SeaTac station), buses

Character: Most affordable option. Mix of older homes. Near airport, light rail.

Best for: Affordability, light rail, appreciation potential, airport access

Challenges: Airport noise, schools weak, variable neighborhood quality

Which ZIP Codes to Focus On: By Buyer Type

Tech Workers (Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta)

If you work in Seattle (Amazon, Google):

Focus on: 98103, 98107, 98115, 98117, 98112

  • Why: 15-25 minute commute, good schools, urban amenities
  • Budget $800K-$1M: 98103 (Green Lake), 98117 (Ballard North)
  • Budget $1M+: 98107 (Ballard), 98112 (Capitol Hill East), 98115 (Wedgwood)

If you work on Eastside (Microsoft, Meta, Google Kirkland):

Focus on: 98052, 98053, 98033, 98034, 98011

  • Why: Short commute, top schools, tech community
  • Budget $1M-$1.3M: 98052 (Redmond), 98034 (Kirkland), 98011 (Bothell/Woodinville)
  • Budget $1.3M+: 98053 (Overlake), 98033 (Downtown Kirkland)

If you want affordability + light rail:

Focus on: 98133, 98036, 98037, 98043

  • Why: Light rail to Seattle/Eastside, $700K-$850K range
  • Best value: 98036/98037 (Lynnwood), 98043 (Mountlake Terrace)

Families with School-Age Children

Top schools priority (budget $1M+):

Focus on: 98004, 98005, 98008, 98052, 98074, 98115

  • Why: GreatSchools 9/10, excellent programs
  • Eastside: 98004 (West Bellevue), 98008 (SE Bellevue), 98052 (Redmond)
  • Seattle: 98115 (Wedgwood/View Ridge)
  • Sammamish: 98074 (top schools, family-oriented)

Good schools + affordability (budget $800K-$950K):

Focus on: 98103, 98117, 98133, 98155, 98012

  • Why: GreatSchools 8/10, more affordable
  • Seattle: 98103 (Green Lake), 98117 (Ballard North)
  • Shoreline: 98133, 98155 (light rail access)
  • Mill Creek: 98012 (master-planned, parks)

Decent schools + best value (budget $700K-$800K):

Focus on: 98036, 98037, 98056, 98058

  • Why: GreatSchools 7/10, family-friendly, affordable
  • Snohomish: 98036/98037 (Lynnwood - light rail)
  • South King: 98056/98058 (Renton - newer homes)

First-Time Buyers (Budget Under $750K)

Best value with light rail access:

Focus on: 98046, 98043, 98036, 98118, 98168

  • Why: $625K-$725K median, transit access
  • Top pick: 98046 (Lynnwood border - $690K, light rail 2024)
  • Seattle option: 98118 (Columbia City - $725K, light rail)
  • Most affordable: 98168 (Burien - $625K, light rail)

Best value in Snohomish County:

Focus on: 98203, 98208, 98201

  • Why: $550K-$650K median, appreciation potential
  • Best schools: 98208 (East Everett - $650K)
  • Most affordable: 98204 (North Everett - $600K)
  • Transit access: 98201 (Downtown Everett - $550K, Sounder train)

Best value in South King County:

Focus on: 98055, 98056, 98168

  • Why: $625K-$750K median, Eastside commute
  • Near Eastside: 98055 (Renton Highlands - $725K)
  • Newer homes: 98056 (Renton Cascade - $750K)

Young Professionals / Urban Lifestyle

Walkability + nightlife priority:

Focus on: 98102, 98103, 98107, 98112

  • Why: Urban amenities, restaurants, bars, culture
  • Most walkable: 98102 (Capitol Hill - $850K)
  • Family-friendly urban: 98103 (Fremont/Wallingford - $925K)
  • Hip neighborhood: 98107 (Ballard - $950K)

Urban + affordability:

Focus on: 98118, 98122, 98116

  • Why: Urban feel, light rail/transit, under $850K
  • Diverse: 98118 (Columbia City - $725K, light rail)
  • Central: 98122 (Central District - $850K)
  • Beach town: 98116 (West Seattle - $825K)

Waterfront lifestyle:

Focus on: 98026, 98033, 98275

  • Why: Beach access, walkable downtowns
  • Best: 98026 (Edmonds - $875K, ferry, Sounder)
  • Eastside: 98033 (Kirkland - $1.25M)
  • North: 98275 (Mukilteo - $875K, ferry)

Investors / Appreciation Potential

Gentrifying neighborhoods:

Focus on: 98118, 98122, 98168, 98201

  • Why: Lower entry, light rail, appreciation potential
  • Seattle: 98118 (Columbia City - +8% YoY)
  • Seattle: 98122 (Central District - +7% YoY)
  • South: 98168 (Burien - +8% YoY, light rail)
  • North: 98201 (Everett - +8% YoY, revitalization)

Light rail expansion areas:

Focus on: 98036, 98037, 98043, 98203

  • Why: New light rail stations, future appreciation
  • Lynnwood: 98036/98037 (opened 2024)
  • Mountlake Terrace: 98043 (opened 2024)
  • Everett: 98203 (coming 2037)

Commute-Focused Buyers

Shortest commute to downtown Seattle:

Focus on: 98102, 98112, 98122, 98144

  • Why: 10-15 minutes to downtown
  • Budget $850K-$900K: 98102 (Capitol Hill), 98122 (Central District)
  • Budget $1M+: 98112 (Montlake), 98144 (Mount Baker)

Shortest commute to Eastside:

Focus on: 98006, 98007, 98033, 98052

  • Why: 20-25 minutes to Bellevue/Redmond
  • Budget $1.1M-$1.3M: 98007 (Crossroads), 98052 (Redmond)
  • Budget $1.3M+: 98033 (Kirkland), 98006 (Factoria)

Willing to commute for value:

Focus on: 98012, 98027, 98074, 98203

  • Why: 35-40 minutes, save $200K-$400K
  • Snohomish: 98012 (Mill Creek - $850K)
  • Eastside: 98027 (Issaquah - $1.15M), 98074 (Sammamish - $1.35M)
  • Most affordable: 98203 (South Everett - $625K)

Retirees / Downsizers

Walkable + amenities:

Focus on: 98026, 98033, 98107, 98116

  • Why: Walkable downtown, restaurants, community
  • Waterfront: 98026 (Edmonds - $875K)
  • Eastside: 98033 (Kirkland - $1.25M)
  • Seattle: 98107 (Ballard - $950K), 98116 (West Seattle - $825K)

Quiet + safe + good healthcare:

Focus on: 98004, 98008, 98112, 98155

  • Why: Low crime, established, near hospitals
  • Luxury: 98004 (West Bellevue - $2.1M)
  • Eastside: 98008 (SE Bellevue - $1.5M)
  • Seattle: 98112 (Montlake - $1.1M)
  • Shoreline: 98155 (Richmond Beach - $900K)

Affordable + low maintenance:

Focus on: 98036, 98043, 98056

  • Why: Condos/townhomes, HOA maintenance, under $800K
  • Light rail: 98036 (Lynnwood - $750K), 98043 (Mountlake Terrace - $725K)
  • South King: 98056 (Renton - $750K)

Regional Comparison: Quick Decision Guide

Choose Seattle Proper (98101-98199) if you want:

  • ✅ Urban lifestyle, walkability, no car needed
  • ✅ Restaurants, nightlife, culture
  • ✅ Short commute to downtown Seattle
  • ✅ Light rail and transit access
  • ❌ But: Expensive ($725K-$1.1M), limited yards, parking difficult

Choose Eastside (98004-98074) if you want:

  • ✅ Top schools (GreatSchools 8-9/10)
  • ✅ Tech community, short commute to Microsoft/Meta
  • ✅ Newer homes, safe neighborhoods
  • ✅ Good parks and trails
  • ❌ But: Very expensive ($1.1M-$2.1M), car-dependent, less character

Choose North King County (98133-98177) if you want:

  • ✅ Good schools (GreatSchools 8-9/10)
  • ✅ Light rail access to Seattle
  • ✅ More affordable than Seattle ($825K-$900K)
  • ✅ Family-friendly, safe, yards
  • ❌ But: Car-dependent, less walkable, fewer amenities

Choose Snohomish County (98011-98275) if you want:

  • ✅ Best affordability ($550K-$950K)
  • ✅ Light rail expanding (Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace)
  • ✅ Newer homes, yards, family-friendly
  • ✅ Waterfront options (Edmonds, Mukilteo)
  • ❌ But: Longer commute (30-45 min), schools weaker than Eastside

Choose South King County (98055-98168) if you want:

  • ✅ Most affordable ($625K-$775K)
  • ✅ Easier commute to Eastside than Seattle
  • ✅ Light rail access (Burien)
  • ✅ Newer homes available
  • ❌ But: Schools weakest (5-7/10), variable neighborhood quality

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Seattle-area ZIP codes vary dramatically in price, schools, commute, and character
  • Seattle proper: $725K–$1.1M median, urban lifestyle, good transit
  • Eastside: $1.1M–$2.1M median, top schools, car-dependent, tech-focused
  • North King County: $825K–$900K median, family-friendly, light rail access
  • Snohomish County: $550K–$950K median, more affordable, longer commutes, light rail expanding
  • South King County: $625K–$775K median, most affordable, weaker schools
  • Use ZIP code data to target your search and avoid wasting time
  • Visit neighborhoods in person before making decisions
  • Consider long-term: schools, commute, resale value
  • Be flexible and willing to adjust your criteria

Next Steps

To use this guide effectively:

  1. Identify your priorities using the framework above
  2. Create your short list of 3–5 ZIP codes
  3. Visit neighborhoods in person during different times
  4. Set up saved searches on Zillow and Redfin
  5. Join local groups on Facebook and Nextdoor
  6. Talk to residents about their experiences
  7. Work with an agent who knows these neighborhoods

Related articles:

Additional Resources

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Seattle-area ZIP codes. Neighborhoods within ZIP codes can vary significantly. Market data is from Q4 2024 and may change. Always visit in person and do your own research before making decisions. This is not financial, legal, or investment advice.

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