Seattle has been a launchpad for innovation for decades. With billionaire founders, venture capital, and high-earning professionals calling it home, it’s no surprise that some of the richest neighborhoods in Seattle now rank among the most exclusive in the Pacific Northwest.
What Are the Richest Neighborhoods in Seattle?
Seattle is the Pacific Northwest’s tech hub and home to some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Washington. From Jeff Bezos’ to Bill Gates’ mansions, historic lakeside estates and gated communities, the Emerald City is home to some of the most exclusive, and expensive, neighborhoods in the country. But what truly defines a “rich” neighborhood?
As your local real estate experts, we keep close track of the Seattle housing market and always monitor long-term investment opportunities and rental demands. We manage properties for homeowners, investors, and renters across the region. As a result, we know firsthand which neighborhoods command top dollar and why.
In this guide, we break down the 13 richest neighborhoods in Seattle by home value and household income. We’ll also highlight what makes each one unique, and what life might look like if you lived or invested there.
How We Defined “Richest”
To identify the richest neighborhoods in Seattle, we focused on three key measures of wealth and exclusivity:
- Median Home Value – A direct indicator of real estate demand and overall neighborhood prestige.
- Price per Square Foot – Reveals the premium buyers are willing to pay for location, views, and lifestyle.
- Household Income Levels – Highlights the earning power of local residents and the neighborhood’s broader economic profile.
All figures are drawn from verified real estate listings and household income data available as of 2025.
The Wealthiest Neighborhoods in Seattle
13. Hawthorne Hills
- Median Home Price: $1,000,000–$1,200,000
- Price per Sq Ft: $575+
- Average Household Income: $130,000+
- Median Household Income: $125,000–$130,000
Hawthorne Hills is a small but affluent neighborhood in northeast Seattle, located just west of View Ridge and north of Laurelhurst. Homes in Hawthorne Hills range from modest mid-century houses to larger, recently updated residences with expansive views of the Cascades and Mount Rainier. Many properties sit on spacious lots, giving the neighborhood a suburban feel while still being only 15 minutes from downtown Seattle.
From an investment perspective, Hawthorne Hills offers steady growth and accessibility. Entry prices are lower than nearby Laurelhurst or Windermere, but demand remains strong thanks to its family-friendly character, quiet streets, and proximity to high-demand employment centers. With homeownership levels high and turnover low, it is a neighborhood that offers long-term stability rather than speculative spikes.
Lifestyle amenities include quick access to Magnuson Park, Burke-Gilman Trail, and local shopping at University Village. For buyers seeking an affluent but less ostentatious community, Hawthorne Hills delivers a balanced mix of comfort, convenience, and value.
12. Seward Park
- Median Home Price: $1,100,000–$1,300,000
- Price per Sq Ft: $600+
- Average Household Income: $135,000+
- Median Household Income: $130,000+
Seward Park is a unique blend of natural beauty and upscale living, located on a peninsula that sits on the southern end of Lake Washington. The housing market here includes a mix of large mid-century homes, remodeled Craftsman houses, and luxury lakefront estates. Waterfront properties, many with private docks and sweeping views of Mount Rainier, are among the most coveted in South Seattle.
From an investment perspective, Seward Park offers stability and lifestyle appeal. While not as exclusive as Broadmoor or The Highlands, the combination of lakefront luxury and access to one of Seattle’s most iconic parks ensures long-term demand. Median household incomes above $130,000 reflect the strong earning power of residents.
Life in Seward Park is defined by outdoor recreation and community. Residents enjoy cycling the 2.4-mile perimeter loop, kayaking on Lake Washington, or exploring old-growth forests just steps from their front doors.
11. Madrona
- Median Home Price: $1,200,000–$1,400,000
- Price per Sq Ft: $650+
- Average Household Income: $135,000+
- Median Household Income: $125,000–$130,000
Madrona is a lakeside neighborhood along the western shore of Lake Washington, known for its historic homes, walkable commercial core, and diverse community spirit.
Housing here is a blend of classic Craftsman homes, early 20th-century Victorians, and modern remodels. Many properties sit on tree-lined streets that slope gently toward Lake Washington, giving residents both privacy and panoramic views. Waterfront homes are particularly coveted, with private docks and multimillion-dollar price tags that push the neighborhood into Seattle’s luxury tier.
Madrona’s commercial strip along 34th Avenue offers boutique shops, locally loved restaurants, and cafes that anchor the neighborhood’s strong sense of community. Families are drawn to Madrona for its access to parks, good schools, and a quieter pace of life compared to Capitol Hill just a few blocks west.
From an investment perspective, Madrona offers steady appreciation with relatively lower entry costs than neighboring Madison Park or Broadmoor.
10. Windermere
- Median Home Price: $1,300,000–$1,500,000
- Price per Sq Ft: $675+
- Average Household Income: $150,000+
- Median Household Income: $139,500
Windermere is a waterfront neighborhood in northeast Seattle, directly south of View Ridge. Established in the early 20th century, Windermere is best known for its private beach club, large lots, and family-friendly atmosphere. Its combination of strong household incomes and high property values make it one of the affluent neighborhoods in Seattle.
The neighborhood’s housing mix includes classic brick Tudors, mid-century homes, and contemporary builds that maximize lake views. Many properties enjoy private access to Lake Washington, with docks and waterfront lawns. Tree-lined streets, quiet cul-de-sacs, and strong community bonds give Windermere the feel of a private community within the city.
From an investment perspective, Windermere offers steady long-term appreciation. While it doesn’t command the ultra-high price-per-square-foot premiums of Denny-Blaine or Madison Park, its balance of waterfront luxury and family appeal ensures consistent demand. The presence of the Windermere Beach Club, exclusive to residents, adds another layer of value by offering private access to one of Seattle’s most prized amenities – Lake Washington.
9. View Ridge
- Median Home Price: $1,400,000–$1,600,000
- Price per Sq Ft: $700+
- Average Household Income: $160,000+
- Median Household Income: $154,100
True to its name, View Ridge is a hillside neighborhood in northeast Seattle valued for its sweeping views of Lake Washington, the Cascade Mountains, and even Mount Rainier on clear days. Known for its quiet streets, mid-century architecture, and access to top-tier schools, View Ridge has firmly established itself as one of the richest neighborhoods in Seattle.
The housing stock here includes spacious mid-century modern homes, thoughtfully updated single-family houses, and luxury new builds that maximize the area’s commanding views. Large lots and a suburban feel attract families, while its proximity to Sand Point, Magnuson Park, and the University of Washington makes it popular with professionals.
From an investment perspective, View Ridge offers a blend of prestige and practicality. With median household incomes above $150,000, residents have strong purchasing power, and home values have steadily climbed over the last decade.
Lifestyle in View Ridge centers on outdoor access. Residents enjoy easy entry to Magnuson Park’s waterfront trails, the Sand Point Country Club, and nearby community parks.
8. Portage Bay
- Median Home Price: $1,700,000–$1,800,000
- Price per Sq Ft: $800+
- Average Household Income: $165,000+
- Median Household Income: $135,000+
Portage Bay is one of Seattle’s most charming waterfront neighborhoods. With direct water access, private docks, and a strong boating culture, Portage Bay offers a quieter alternative to nearby Montlake and Eastlake, while still ranking among the richest neighborhoods in Seattle.
The neighborhood is defined by its unique housing stock: classic single-family homes, luxury waterfront residences, and a scattering of iconic Seattle houseboats.
From an investment perspective, Portage Bay offers limited inventory and high demand. Properties rarely sit on the market, and lakefront homes command some of the highest price-per-square-foot premiums in the city. While household incomes average around $165,000, the true wealth lies in property ownership, with waterfront lots commanding multi-million-dollar price tags.
Lifestyle in Portage Bay revolves around the water. Residents enjoy kayaking, sailing, and waterfront dining, while also being minutes away from Seattle’s urban core.
7. Laurelhurst
- Median Home Price: $1,600,000–$1,800,000
- Price per Sq Ft: $725+
- Average Household Income: $175,000+
- Median Household Income: $140,000+
Laurelhurst is one of Seattle’s most prestigious and historic enclaves, perched on a peninsula along Lake Washington northeast of the University of Washington. Known for its sweeping lake views, tree-lined streets, and generations of prominent Seattle families, Laurelhurst has long been considered one of the richest neighborhoods in Seattle.
The neighborhood features a mix of elegant waterfront estates, stately early-20th-century homes, and remodeled residences that blend old-Seattle character with modern luxury. Its crown jewel is the Laurelhurst Beach Club, a private community hub that offers residents direct lake access, boating, and social events. Membership is highly coveted, which further reinforces the neighborhood’s sense of exclusivity.
From an investment perspective, Laurelhurst is all about long-term stability. With median home values approaching $2 million and consistent demand from doctors, lawyers, and tech executives, property values remain resilient even during broader market shifts. Rental opportunities exist, particularly for university-affiliated professionals, but most residents are long-term homeowners with deep community roots.
Lifestyle amenities abound. Families are drawn to top-rated schools, nearby University Village shopping, and proximity to the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
6. Montlake
- Median Home Price: $1,850,000–$2,000,000
- Price per Sq Ft: $750+
- Average Household Income: $200,000+
- Median Household Income: $180,600
Montlake is a historic yet highly sought-after community located just south of the University of Washington and framed by the Montlake Cut and Washington Park Arboretum. Known for its classic architecture, leafy streets, and unbeatable access to green space, Montlake consistently ranks among the richest neighborhoods in Seattle.
Many homes in Montlake are early 20th-century Tudors, Colonials, and Craftsman residences, meticulously maintained or renovated for modern living. From an investment perspective, Montlake stands out for its high earning power. With a median household income above $180,000, residents have the financial base to sustain steady property appreciation. While the housing inventory is limited, demand remains strong among university faculty, medical professionals, and tech executives.
Beyond real estate, Montlake offers a luxurious lifestyle. Residents enjoy direct access to the Arboretum’s trails, Lake Washington waterfront, and nearby cultural landmarks like Husky Stadium.
5. Madison Park
- Median Home Price: $2,050,000+
- Price per Sq Ft: $825+
- Average Household Income: $185,000+
- Median Household Income: $135,000+
Madison Park is one of the most beloved and richest neighborhoods in Seattle. Located on the western shore of Lake Washington, Madison Park is home to stately waterfront residences, luxury condos, and well-kept historic homes that showcase Seattle’s architectural variety.
The neighborhood feels like its own village, with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and restaurants lining Madison Street. Families are drawn to its tree-lined streets, walkable layout, and access to excellent parks, including the popular Madison Park Beach. The community’s strong sense of identity makes it especially attractive to long-term residents.
From a real estate perspective, Madison Park combines consistent demand with limited supply. Its waterfront estates and view properties cost some of the city’s highest prices. Smaller homes and condos in this area maintain strong rental demand thanks to proximity to downtown and the University of Washington.
For investors, Madison Park offers stable appreciation and lifestyle appeal.
4. Denny-Blaine (Harrison/Denny-Blaine)
- Median Home Price: $2,200,000+
- Price per Sq Ft: $875+
- Average Household Income: $195,000+
- Median Household Income: $156,000
Denny-Blaine, often referred to alongside the Harrison/Denny-Blaine corridor, is one of Seattle’s richest neighborhoods. Located along the western shore of Lake Washington, it blends tree-lined residential streets with stately waterfront estates that cost some of the highest prices per square foot in the city.
This neighborhood carries a unique prestige, balancing old-Seattle charm with new wealth. Many homes are early 20th-century mansions, updated with modern interiors while maintaining their historic features. Residents are drawn to the combination of large private lots, sweeping lake views, and proximity to the Arboretum, Madison Park, and downtown Seattle.
Denny-Blaine is also one of the quieter enclaves among Seattle’s wealthiest, with fewer commercial distractions and a more residential feel. From an investment perspective, Denny-Blaine is a market of scarcity and desirability. Homes rarely come up for sale, and when they do, competition among high-net-worth buyers keeps values strong.
3. Broadmoor
- Median Home Price: $2,100,000+
- Price per Sq Ft: $850+
- Average Household Income: $210,000+
- Median Household Income: $188,600
Broadmoor is one of Seattle’s most exclusive gated communities, tucked just east of Capitol Hill and adjacent to the lush Washington Park Arboretum. With fewer than 300 residences, it’s not only one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Seattle, but also one of the most private. Residents enjoy both a secure entrance and access to the Broadmoor Golf Club.
Homes here span from classic brick estates built in the early 20th century to newly remodeled luxury residences. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and strict HOA covenants preserve its historic charm and exclusivity. Unlike many Seattle neighborhoods that blend single-family homes with multi-family rentals, Broadmoor is strictly residential, which reinforces its reputation as a retreat for high-net-worth families and executives.
Broadmoor is minutes from downtown Seattle, the University of Washington, and Lake Washington. The median household income sits near $190,000, and average incomes soar above $210,000, placing it well above the city’s averages.
From an investment standpoint, Broadmoor represents stability and prestige. With limited inventory and ongoing demand from tech executives, medical professionals, and old Seattle families, property values have steadily appreciated. While rental opportunities are almost nonexistent due to HOA restrictions, homeowners here benefit from strong long-term appreciation and an unmatched lifestyle.
2. The Highlands
- Median Home Price: $3,500,000+
- Price per Sq Ft: $950+
- Average Household Income: $240,000+
- Median Household Income: $185,000+
The Highlands is a legendary gated community in Shoreline, just north of Seattle, and one of the most exclusive enclaves in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1907 as a planned community for some of Seattle’s wealthiest families, The Highlands combines historic estates with skyline views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. With fewer than 100 homes, it remains one of the smallest but richest neighborhoods in Seattle’s orbit.
Life in The Highlands feels worlds apart from city living. Residents enjoy complete privacy behind a manned gate, expansive wooded lots, and amenities that include a private beach, tennis courts, and access to The Highlands Golf Club. Many of the homes are sprawling historic mansions built in the early 20th century, often updated with modern luxury finishes, while newer builds preserve the area’s architectural prestige.
From an investment perspective, The Highlands is less about rental yields and more about legacy wealth and prestige. Properties here rarely come on the market, and when they do, they often command multi-million-dollar price tags regardless of broader market shifts. Its exclusivity and limited supply make it one of the most resilient real estate markets in Washington.
1. Hunts Point
- Median Home Price: $4,000,000+
- Price per Sq Ft: $1,100+
- Average Household Income: $250,000+
- Median Household Income: $190,000+
Hunts Point is a tiny, ultra-exclusive peninsula community nestled on Lake Washington’s Eastside, just across the bridge from Seattle. With fewer than 500 residents, Hunts Point consistently ranks as one of the richest neighborhoods in Seattle and the broader Puget Sound region. Jeff Bezos’ $63 million lakefront estate transaction in 2025 was its most notable and recent landmark sale.
Life in Hunts Point offers privacy, waterfront access, and some of the most valuable real estate in Washington. Properties here often feature gated drives, private docks, and expansive lots that provide seclusion while still being minutes from Bellevue’s business district and downtown Seattle. The community is part of what locals call the “Gold Coast”, which is a string of wealthy enclaves along the lake that includes Medina, Clyde Hill, and Yarrow Point.
From an investment perspective, Hunts Point is less about rental yield and more about long-term appreciation and prestige. The scarcity of available property ensures that demand remains strong among tech executives, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals. With an average household income above $250,000 and a highly educated demographic, the neighborhood reflects Seattle’s transformation from Boeing’s aerospace hub to a global tech capital anchored by Microsoft, Amazon, and a new wave of startups.
Other Luxury Neighborhoods to Explore
If you want to see stunning Seattle mansions outside of gated communities, head to Magnolia, Queen Anne, Leschi, and Mount Baker. These neighborhoods have grand historic estates, hillside homes with panoramic views, and waterfront properties. While they may not offer the same level of exclusivity, they remain some of Seattle’s most prestigious addresses. For street-view real estate sightseeing, these neighborhoods are great options.
Looking for Property Management in Seattle’s Wealthiest Neighborhoods?
If you’re considering investing or already own a home in one of the richest neighborhoods in Seattle, having the right property management team makes all the difference. SJA Property Management specializes in high-value properties across the region, helping homeowners maximize returns while protecting their investment. Give SJA a call today to learn how they can support your property management needs.
FAQs About the Richest Neighborhoods in Seattle
What is the richest neighborhood in Seattle?
The Highlands, just north of Seattle in Shoreline, is widely considered the richest neighborhood in the area. Within the city limits, Broadmoor and Denny-Blaine top the list thanks to multimillion-dollar estates and high household incomes.
Where do billionaires live in Seattle?
Many billionaires and tech executives own homes in Hunts Point, Medina, and The Highlands. Neighborhoods like Broadmoor and Madison Park also attract ultra-wealthy residents.
Is Montlake one of the richest neighborhoods in Seattle?
Yes. Montlake has one of the highest median household incomes in the city (around $180K), which makes it one of the richest neighborhoods in Seattle, even if home values are slightly lower than areas like Madison Park or Denny-Blaine.
What makes Seattle’s richest neighborhoods so expensive?
Several factors drive up costs: prime waterfront locations on Lake Washington, limited housing inventory, historic estates, and proximity to tech hubs and downtown. The strong presence of high-income professionals and long-standing generational wealth also play a role.
Are the richest neighborhoods in Seattle good for real estate investment?
Yes, but they typically come with high entry costs. Areas like Madison Park, Laurelhurst, and Montlake combine strong demand with long-term property value appreciation, while Hunts Point and The Highlands are more about exclusivity and prestige than rental yields.
