Everyone in Seattle loves Ballard because it is loaded with bars, restaurants, live music venues, cafes, bookstores, clothing boutiques, grocers, and every other kind of retail you can imagine. In many ways Ballard is like its own city—it has everything you need and could want! It’s one of Seattle’s larger neighborhoods, and residents and visitors alike cherish Ballard’s timeless charm. 

Let’s Explore Seattle’s Ballard Neighborhood Together

Historic Ballard Watch Shop

The historic Ballard Avenue district is a pedestrian paradise on Sundays. The Farmers Market takes over and the streets fill with families and young urban couples buying fresh produce and unique handmade gifts, while ducking into trendy and artsy boutiques along the way. Thanks to Ballard’s dozens and dozens of shops, restaurants, and local services, it’s fairly easy to choose a neighborhood that offers excellent convenience. 

At night, Ballard’s nightlife draws people of all ages from around the city to check out live music or claim a spot in one of the dozens of bars and bistros. Many of Ballard’s businesses still maintain a nautical theme to honor the maritime past of the neighborhood. 

Ballard is right on the Puget Sound, and the marina is home to hundreds of boats. Find beaches, stunning water views, and some of the best parks in the city. The Ballard Locks are another big attraction. This unique feat connects the Fremont Cut to Shilshole Bay, and crowds gather to watch the boats passing through. 

What Can I Buy or Rent in the Ballard Neighborhood? 

1940’s Ballard Home Exterior and Front Yard

Ballard is home to it all. You’ll find street after scenic street of charming historic homes. There are single-family homes with yards, new construction that show off the modern architecture, and as you get closer and closer to the core you’ll find more apartments and condos. The density, charm, and conveniences of the neighborhood make it a quintessential Seattle urban village.  

What Can One Expect to Pay to Live in Ballard

Ballard Townhouse Rooftop Deck

Ballard is a much sought after neighborhood for many young folks who are obsessed with schools. You can find homes that used to house the Scandinavian fishing families that originally occupied the area. Many of them have been purchased and have been charmingly updated. It was originally one of the first areas in the city that allowed for density. There are some stunning condos and townhouses. One big thing to note is that if you want to buy a single-family plan you need to plan on paying a premium. Areas in and around the highly rated elementary schools are some of the most intense multiples offers our team has ever experienced. However, you can find very reasonable townhouses and condos in Ballard.

Average Home Prices in Ballard 

Now that you have a better idea of what types of homes you’ll find, how much does real estate in Ballard cost?  

• Residential Home: $967K
• Townhouses: $749K
• Condos: $512
• Co-Ops: There Are No Co-Ops in Ballard

Here Are a Few of Our Favorite Homes We Have Listed in Ballard

Welcome to one of Ballard’s best kept live large in a small space secret.

• Just Listed Just Sold – Stylish Ballard Home
• A Five-Point Tour Of This Fantastic Ballard Townhouse Condo
• Our Top 5 Favorite Things About This Charming 1940s Ballard Home
• Divas Announce | Beautiful Ballard Home on Mary Ave NW
• Sunlit Ballard Home
• Tiny Living in Ballard

Why We Love the Local Parks and Community in Ballard

Ballard Parks

If you’re like us, we love living in a neighborhood that has a welcoming community and beautiful parks to enjoy. Ballard has a close-knit community feel; many of the people who live in Ballard have lived here for decades or even their entire lives. You will often see neighbors helping each other out and socializing with each other. It is super charming.

We also love the easy access you have to greenspace in Ballard. There are several small parks throughout Ballard making it easy to spend time outside among greenery no matter where you live. Then there are the huge, expansive parks that attract locals and tourists. The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden is one of these parks, and it’s right alongside the Ballard Locks, ensuring that you will have to pass through it if you’re going to see the boats go through the locks. 

Golden Gardens is Ballard’s most well-known park, and during the summertime, you can relax out on the beach. It’s the perfect way to take a staycation! People love to gather here for barbecues and picnics, and you can watch the sunset while roasting s’mores around a bonfire. But Golden Gardens Beach is only part of the park—there are tons of wooded trails, an off-leash area, a playground, and more to do and see. 

Below are a few of our favorite things in Ballard including a few homes we have sold over the years. 

Ballard Townhouse Living Room

We have been lucky enough to have some amazing friends and cohorts who have called Ballard home. They have introduced us to some amazing places. The following blogs are a snippet of what makes this neighborhood amazing. 

• Eat Across Ballard: Morning, Noon, and Night
• Get Outside and Explore Ballard/Magnolia
• Better Living in Ballard
• Ballard Highlights

Ballard is an Amazing Neighborhood

Thanks for joining us to explore Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Ballard is one of our very favorite neighborhoods in Seattle. We love the scenic parks, the welcoming community, and the incredible dining and nightlife options in Ballard.