Laurelhurst, Seattle WA - Neighborhood Guide

The neighborhood of Laurelhurst is every bit as fancy and meticulously maintained as the name would imply. The homes are large, the views are impressive, and safety and order are major priorities.

History

Laurelhurst has been enticing people with its beauty for as far back as we can see. The Duwamish tribe used the land as a seasonal campground, and early Seattleites would row across to the peninsula from Madison Beach, farther down on Lake Washington. Real estate developers recognized a good thing when they saw it, and soon the land was being cleared of its trees and being made ready for homesteaders. As the railway made its way north along Lake Washington, the area became even more popular. People who lived right on the water inherited an extra few feet of beach when the Lake Washington Ship Canal project caused the water level to drop. Today, residents count themselves lucky to have scored their own piece of this desirable neighborhood.

Laurelhurst was one of the original suburbs of Seattle before it was annexed, and it has kept that same feel. The streets wind peacefully through the neighborhood and homes are situated on little cul-de-sacs. If it weren’t for the views from the top of the hill, you wouldn’t suspect you’re in a large city. It’s easy to get to busier areas like the University District and even downtown. And even though it’s quiet, no way is Laurelhurst snobbish! This is a close-knit community where everyone is on the lookout for what’s best for their neighbors.

Neighborhood Photos

Who Lives Here?

Urban Power Families - High-income couples with children.: Six-figure salaried couples with children who live an upscale life in a metro center. Highly educated professionals working in finance, medical, and high-tech fields.
Corporate Climbers - High-income, high-expense urban singles.: Urban singles with an up-and-coming income, but with higher-than-average living costs. Most have college educations and are employed in mid-management professions.
High $$ DINKs - Urban high-income couples with no children.: Middle-age Dual Income No Kids couples living in the city and making very comfortable combined household incomes. Most own their own homes and are highly educated professionals, many with advanced degrees.

	Laurelhurst	Seattle
Median Household Income	$81,866	$45,736
Owners/Renters	73%/27%	48%/52%
Median Age	37	37
Single Males	12%	23%
Single Females	9%	19%
Homes With Kids	35%	18%
Household Size	2.5	2.1
Commute Time	25 min	27 min

Activities and Attractions

Laurelhurst is always good for a scenic drive to admire the houses, but if you’re looking for a little more action, head to Sandpoint Way. On the western end, you’ll find delightful little places like City People’s Mercantile, a hardware/home décor store, University Wines, and the Sand Point Grill. Closer to the University Village, there are many restaurants ranging from the fancy (Jak’s Grill) to the classic pizza joint, Varlamos Pizzeria.