Though choosing where to live in Seattle is exciting, the competitive market and variety of neighborhoods can make the decision overwhelming. Whether you're looking for an easy drive into Seattle or a luxury home to settle down in, Magnolia might have something for you. 

Some folks may relocate to Seattle for tech careers, while others are attracted to the city's blend of outdoor recreation and urban life. After settling in, some buyers may eventually decide they want more square footage or a peaceful atmosphere as their priorities change. 

Magnolia offers an ideal solution for homebuyers looking to upgrade while remaining within 15 minutes of Downtown Seattle. The serene neighborhood is located on a peninsula and offers breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound. 

To highlight Magnolia's best features, the team at Prevu Real Estate has prepared a quick guide to the top reasons to live in the Magnolia neighborhood in Seattle, WA. 

Reasons to live in Magnolia

• Laid-back lifestyle

• Easy access to Seattle

• Variety of housing options 

• Discovery Park

• Local restaurants and breweries

• Waterfront recreation

Laid-back lifestyle

Magnolia extends into the famous Puget Sound and offers a private atmosphere even though it's within Seattle's city limits. Beaches, breweries, hiking trails, and boat clubs all come together to make life in Magnolia feel like a secluded getaway. 

Magnolia's suburban landscape also lends itself to the town's tranquil feel. Charming antique homes and tree-lined streets weave through the surrounding hills, giving way to sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline. 

Magnolia's downtown has been aptly named "The Village" by locals. On West McGraw Street, residents will find local pubs and cafes that encourage a slower pace of life. 

All in all, the laid-back vibe of Magnolia could be perfect for someone who's built a career in Seattle and is now ready for a quiet life. 

Easy access to Seattle

Magnolia is less than five miles from Downtown Seattle, so the commute only takes about 15 minutes, depending on the time of day you travel. 

Magnolia only shares a border with the Interbay neighborhood. As a result, commuters can avoid most of the traffic on Route 99 and Interstate 5. By driving down Elliot Avenue, folks can sometimes circumvent the morning rush and arrive on the north side of Seattle. 

Seattle's extensive bus system, meanwhile, offers an alternative for those who prefer to leave their cars at home. The five bus stops scattered throughout Magnolia allow residents to catch a ride from multiple places in town. 

Variety of housing options 

Magnolia's housing stock has a variety of options, from antique homes to newly constructed condos. 

Luxury homes of multiple styles dot the center of Magnolia, while equally luxurious estates are perched on the waterfront overlooking the Puget Sound and Elliot Bay. In these areas, you'll see charming Tudor homes with sharp roof lines, timbered exteriors, and decorative gables. Magnolia also features Mid-century Modern homes with expansive decks, vaulted ceilings, and sweeping bay views. 

Condos and apartments are available along Magnolia's eastern and northern borders, most of which were recently constructed or remodeled. These condos create the perfect opportunity for people to enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle away from the bustle of downtown Seattle. 

Discovery park

Residents of Magnolia can easily access the 534-acre Discovery Park which is Seattle’s largest park and considered by many to be Seattle's best outdoor space. The park features over 12 miles of trails with beaches, seaside cliffs, secluded forests, and fields of wildflowers.  

The Lighthouse Loop Trail is the park's most popular hike, leading folks on a 4.4-mile path that passes by the oldest lighthouse in the Puget Sound, the West Point Lighthouse. From there, you can make your way to South Beach, where it's possible to spot Mt. Rainer when the sky is clear. 

Whether you want to completely immerse yourself in nature or enjoy a picnic on the beach, Discovery Park has something for everyone.  

Local restaurants and breweries

Downtown Magnolia is packed with locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops. Within a few short blocks on West McGraw Street, you'll find authentic Italian, Greek, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. 

To the north along Salmon Bay, beer lovers can visit three unique breweries in Interbay. Directly across the bridge in Ballard, you'll find over a dozen tasting rooms within a one-mile radius. This dense concentration of brewing companies makes lower Ballard a popular place for pub crawls, and as a citizen of Magnolia, they'll be right in your backyard. 

Lastly, the Magnolia Farmers Market is held on Saturdays between June 3rd and October 14th, where West McGraw intersects with 33rd Avenue West. At the market, you'll find farm-grown produce, local dairy and meat products, fresh baked goods, and pop-up restaurants. While you stock up on groceries for the week, you'll hear local Seattle musicians each week. Nearby in both Ballard and Queen Anne, you’ll also find a variety of grocery stores. 

Waterfront recreation

Magnolia is situated on a peninsula and affords its residents direct access to many waterways. For some people, simply enjoying the sea breeze is enough, while others want to go boating, swimming, or fishing. 

Magnolia residents enjoy watercraft of many kinds, from kayaks and paddleboards to pontoons and yachts. The 32nd Avenue West Beach Access and Smith Cove Park are common places to launch small crafts. 

There are multiple boat and yacht clubs in Magnolia, both to the north and south. Places like Carefree Boat Club and the Seattle Yacht Club Elliott Bay Outstation can provide a place to keep your boat and make some new friends. 

For surf fishing, check out Smith Cove, Elliot Bay, and Discovery Park. To experience deep-water fishing, you can take your own boat from one of Magnolia's many marinas or charter a fishing excursion. 

Being in the pacific west offers the unique opportunity to do some salmon fishing in your neighborhood. In fact, "mooching" is a method of salmon fishing invented right in Magnolia's Elliot Bay.  

Houses for sale in Magnolia

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