On the hillside facing Lake Washington, just south of Montlake and north of Madrona, the residential community of Madison Valley is nestled in lush swaths of trees and along with steep drops. Historically Madison Valley was part of the Central Area aka Central District. It was where Black/Brown homeowners were “allowed” to get lending to purchase a home in Seattle as a result of discriminatory redlining practices. Over the years the neighborhood has been gentrified and displaced many of these historic residents. The first wave of gentrification came from LGBTQ folks who first bought their homes in the area so they could still be close to the Capitol Hill queer community. And overtime other people have also sought after Madison Valley because of it’s easy commute to the eastside tech centers. 

Explore All of Madison Valley with our Team

Shopping District Madison Valley

Madison Valley’s two main thoroughfares (Martin Luther King Jr Way and Madison Street) intersect at approximately the neighborhood’s center. Madison Street is lined with apartment buildings further up the hill, but at this intersection, one finds bakeries, local services, shops, and a slew of destination restaurants. Many of these eateries have a French influence, leading some locals to refer lightheartedly to the neighborhood as “Seattle’s French Quarter.” (In fact, we even wrote an entire blog post about this neighborhood’s French flair: “Diva Hood Spotlight: Madison Valley, A Francophile’s Paradise.”)

A little bit further down the hill, Madison Street intersects Lake Washington Boulevard which is roughly the border between Madison Valley and the neighboring Madison Park and Broadmore neighborhoods. At this intersection, one finds more commercial properties, including fine dining and salons. We love this Seattle neighborhood so much that we wrote an entire blog post featuring our favorite Madison Valley businesses; reference “Make Your Way to Madison Valley This Weekend” when you’re planning your visit (or move) to this picturesque Seattle neighborhood. 

Lake Washington Boulevard takes one through the glorious Washington Park Arboretum and it’s another major commuter pathway, as it connects drivers and cyclists with both I-90 and the 520 Bridge with minimal traffic lights. Parts of Madison Valley feel more cloistered than others, thanks to the hilly topography (which also deterred people from building here for many years), but it is in fact very close to downtown and Capitol Hill, the lively urban village next door. 

What Can I Buy or Rent in the Madison Valley Neighborhood? 

Madison Valley Townhouse Rooftop Decks

Madison Valley historically was home to many Lake Washington and Cascade Mountain view homes built into the hillside. Some of the homes you will find are early mid-century modern architecture and other older grand Craftsmen. Recently many of these single-family homes have been rebuilt with increased density. Madison Valley was also where many early Modern Construction home builders first experimented with Built Green materials and really created a movement in the industry. The condos are tucked along Madison Ave closer to the heart of the neighborhood. The condos are slightly more affordable than Capitol Hill and offer some spectacular views. 

What Can One Expect to Pay to Live in Madison Valley

Madison Valley Bungalow Front Porch

Madison Valley is one of those areas where you can find a $400,000 condo next to a $1,000,000 view home. The variety of homes and styles are super diverse and it offers something for everyone. You can find stunning modern townhomes, nestled next to a vintage brick home, and across the street from a grand old craftsman. There is something for everyone in this fabulous area just east of Capitol Hill. 

Average Home Prices in Madison Valley 

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

• Residential Home: $1.1M
• Townhouses: $820K
• Condos: $661K
• Co-Ops: There are no co-ops

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

• Madison Valley Townhouse – From Rooftop Decks to Fine Dining
• Treetop Madison Valley Condo: Our 5 Favorite Things
• Madison Valley Bungalow in the Heart of it All
• Just Listed Just Sold – Madison Valley Townhouse
• Divas Announce | Mod Madison Townhome

Why We Love the Local Parks and Community in the Neighborhood 

Arboretum Close to Madison Valley

Madison Valley is unique in that it’s largely residential, right next door to always-bustling Capitol Hill, and there are greenspaces seemingly everywhere. Not only is Madison Valley home to lots of lush, established yards teeming with greenery, but there are cute little parks at every turn. 

Most notably, Madison Valley includes Washington Park Playfield, which flows into the Seattle Japanese Garden and Washington Park Arboretum. The Arboretum is technically a neighborhood unto itself, but it gives Madison Valley residents one of the best and biggest “backyards” in all of Seattle. The Arboretum is 230 acres and it is large enough that you really can get lost in its winding trails through wooded natural beauty. 

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

• Madison Valley Townhouse – From Rooftop Decks to Fine Dining
• Treetop Madison Valley Condo: Our 5 Favorite Things
• Madison Valley Bungalow in the Heart of it All
• Just Listed Just Sold – Madison Valley Townhouse
• Make Your Way to Madison Valley This Weekend
• Divas Announce | Mod Madison Townhome
• Diva Hood Spotlight: Madison Valley, A Francophile’s Paradise

Madison Valley Is One of Our Favorite Neighborhoods

Cafe Flora in Madison Valley

Thanks for joining us to explore Seattle’s Madison Valley neighborhood. It is one of our very favorite neighborhoods in Seattle. We love the huge scenic parks, the many restaurants, the community, and the incredible walks we take with the Diva Dogs through the Arboretum.