Where is Seattle located: Seattle is located between Puget Sound (an inlet of the Pacific Ocean) to the west and Lake Washington to the east. The city area covers 134 miles of land and 93 miles of water, that’s 41% water in the city limits! There are over 150 bridges in Seattle helping us to travel over the many waterways in the city with help from Ferries and Water Taxis. We are also located at sea level and built on seven hills!
How is Real Estate Doing in Seattle: In June of 2012 for the City of Seattle
- Average days on market was 39 days
- Homes are selling for 2% less than list price
- From June 2011 to June 2012 house prices were up over 10%
- Average Single priced home in Seattle was $425,000
- Active homes included shorts sales at 14% and Bank Owned homes at 5%
- Realtor.com named Seattle as one of the “Top Turnaround Towns” in the U.S.
Why do people move to Seattle: Seattle has a low employment rate and has an abundance of software and tech companies from large to small, good schools, no state income tax, a mild climate and the Seattle area provides many outdoor activities from hiking and climbing in the Mountains to watersports and biking…….and of course you can get coffee on every street corner. A recent article stated there are 2.5 coffee shops for each 10,000 people in Seattle.
Where do you like to Shop: We like to shop local, which fortunately can include these famous companies headquartered in Seattle; Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom’s, and Starbucks and just about every neighborhood in Seattle has their own farmer’s market!
Is Seattle the rain capital of the US: Seattle ranks behind a lot of cities when it comes to annual rainfall totals. Chicago, Dallas, and Miami, among others, all get more rain per year than Seattle’s 37 inches.
Why is Seattle called the “Emerald City”: Seattle received its nickname since it sparkles like an Emerald and is surrounded by water, lush evergreen forests and many city parks.
If I could only visit one place in Seattle where would I go: This year is the 50th anniversary of the Space Needle which was built in 1962 and served as the symbol of that year’s World’s Fair. It has since become the symbol of Seattle, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. A 41-second elevator ride takes you up 520 feet to the observation deck and the restaurant at the top revolves 360° while you dine giving you a great view of the Seattle area…but with that said you also have to visit the Pike Place Market which overlooks Elliott Bay and features unique shops, fishmongers, fresh produce and craft stands.
Kari Scott
Managing Broker
John L. Scott Real Estate
Seattle, WA
206 799-8343
www.KariScott.com
