Lake Washington is the Seattle-area’s largest freshwater lake and is surrounded by many cities – Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Known for luxury waterfront homes, boating, and stunning views, it offers a perfect blend of nature and city life, making it one of, if not, the most desirable real estate in the greater Seattle Area.
Why Live on Lake Washington
- Views – in Seattle, you mainly have east facing views so you get to watch the sunrise over the lake, views of downtown Bellevue, the Cascades and Mount Rainier. On the Eastside, you mainly have west facing views, so you get to watch the sunset over Seattle.
- Private water access – paddleboards, kayak, moor your boat, early morning slalom skiing, wakesurfing, sailing
- Privacy – most of these homes are gated and set back from the street
- Longterm value – no more waterfront lots will be created
- Nature – osprey, herons, ducks, beavers, fish, and more
- Entertaining and hosting
- Seafair
- Access to Lake Union and the Puget Sound – unlike Lake Sammamish, Lake Washington is connected to the vibrant Lake Union and the Puget Sound via the Ship Canal. Via the Ballard Locks, the San Juan islands are within reach for just a few hundred or thousand dollars of diesel fuel
Downsides to living on the water:
- Premium price
- Property taxes
- Strict shoreline development code
- Docks are costly to repair
- Big properties need more maintenance
- Privacy from the street, but not the water
- Seaonal use
- Seasonal noise from boats, sea plans and events like Seafair
West Shore of North Lake Washington
West Shore of North Lake Washington Pricing Guidance
West Shore of North Lake Washington Areas
Sheridan Beach
Cedar Park
Matthews Beach
Sand Point
East Shore of North Lake Washington
East Shore of North Lake Washington Pricing Guidance
East Shore of North Lake Washington Pricing Guidance Areas
Arrowhead
Holmes Point
Kirkland
Kirkland Waterfront Pricing Guidance
Kirkland Waterfront Areas
Juanita Point
Juanita
West of Market
Downtown
Eastside
Eastside Lake Washington Waterfront Videos
Eastside Lake Washington Waterfront Pricing Guidance
Eastside Lake Washington Waterfront Areas
Yarrow Point Waterfront: search Yarrow Point waterfront homes for sale.
Hunts Point Waterfront
Medina Waterfront
Bellevue Waterfront
Newport Shores Waterfront
Mercer Island
Mercer Island sits right in the middle of Lake Washington, connected to both Seattle and Bellevue by I-90 and it will be connected by light rail in 2026. It’s known for its stunning waterfront estates, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community. You’ll find a mix of luxury homes, mid-century moderns, and newer construction, often with sweeping lake and mountain views. The island offers 475 acres of parks, 50 miles of trails, and beaches, plus a charming town center with shops and restaurants. It’s a rare blend of natural beauty and convenience—minutes to all of the area’s cities, but with a quieter, suburban feel.
Mercer Island Videos
Mercer Island Waterfront Price Guidance
Mercer Island Waterfront Areas
North shore: Don’t get blasted by the sun
Easy access to I-90
Westside: The westside waterfront of Mercer Island is known as Mercer Island’s gold coast. Enjoy tons of afternoon sun, amazing sunsets and views of Seattle.
Eastside: Pros: sunrises, Easy access to gas at Newport, easy access to I-90 if you’re further north
Cons: sun sets early
Southend: Pros: south views of Rainier, lots of sun, close to Beach Club
Cons: long drive down the island
Seattle Core
(Core) Seattle Lake Washington Waterfront Videos
(Core) Seattle Lake Washington Waterfront Pricing Guidance
(Core) Seattle Lake Washington Waterfront Pricing Guidance
Windermere: Windermere is one of the city of Seattle’s most sought-after waterfront neighborhoods, known for its private beach club, tree-lined streets, and mid-century and custom luxury homes. It offers a peaceful, residential vibe just minutes from the University of Washington and downtown, with sweeping lake and mountain views (the Cascades and Mount Rainier).
Laurelhurst: Laurelhurst is a picturesque waterfront community with a strong sense of tradition. Known for its beach club, beautiful parks, and charming streets, it offers a mix of stately historic homes and modern builds, all with quick access to UW and top-rated schools. Caution: the water in Union Bay isn’t that deep and Union Bay, for better or worse, gets busy on Husky days.
Madison Park: Madison Park blends resort-like charm with city convenience. With sandy beaches, boutique shops, and cafés, it feels like a small-town getaway, yet it’s only minutes from downtown. Homes range from classic cottages to sleek modern estates right on the water.
Denny Blaine: Denny Blaine is an exclusive, tucked-away neighborhood with some of the city of Seattle’s most prized waterfront estates. It’s known for its privacy, lush gardens, and panoramic Lake Washington views, plus a touch of history and old Seattle elegance.
Leschi: Leschi offers a lively mix of waterfront living and neighborhood charm. With a marina, lakefront parks, and popular restaurants, it’s perfect for an active lifestyle. Homes span from historic to contemporary, many with incredible views of the lake and mountains. Caution: these homes are all on Lakeside Ave which is a reasonably busy street.
Mt Baker: Mt Baker has a pocket of 14 waterfront homes just south of I-90. This neighborhood is great if you’re looking for unobstructed Mount Rainier views, and calmer waters. The downside is, you have a fair amount of I-90 bridge noise (depending on weather conditions.)
South Lake Washington
South Lake Washington Waterfront Pricing Guidance
South Lake Washington Waterfront Areas
Seward Park
Rainier
Lakeridge
Lakehurst
Pleasure Point
Ripley Lane
Barbee Mill
Kennydale