8.5 out of 10

Madison Park

Ranked 3rd best neighborhood in Seattle
47.6371232618186 -122.285894287755
Great for
  • Clean & Green
  • Safe & Sound
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Parks & Recreation
Not great for
  • Cost of Living
  • Parking
  • Medical Facilities
  • Pest Free
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish

Reviews

DK2 DK2
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"Quiet neighborhood feel in the heart of the city"

Madison Park is an easy commute by bus or car to downtown and yet is a quiet, leafy neighborhood with its a thriving commercial district, terrific parks, and quiet streets. It is an easy place to feel at home. While there is plenty of housing for the affluent, there are plenty of renters with average income as well.
Pros
  • Quiet environment
  • Close to major university
  • Swimming beach
  • Upscale golf club
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
2yrs+

"Gated community lifestyle"

Having “park” in the name of this neighborhood is apt, because half of the neighborhood is a park. Two parks to be specific: the Arboretum, and the Broadmoor Golf Club.

Seattle doesn’t have many gated communities. Broadmoor, a sub-community of Madison Park, however, is one of them. It lies within a golf course, buffered on three sides by the green.

The not-gated residential area of Madison Park lies between the golf club and Lake Washington. To the south is the Seattle Tennis Club, membership to which (like the golf club) is by invitation only from a current member and has fees that cost more than an average apartment rent in Seattle. It has an all-white dress code, and practically all-white faces. Does this give you a hint of the culture of this neighborhood?

It is a very sheltered neighborhood, both culturally as well as physically, as it’s buffered from the rest of the city by the parks and the lake.

You won’t be surprised that there is very little housing on the market, with the highly coveted homes having lakeside views and being part of an exclusive neighborhood. The homes are almost all single-family, apart from the northern shore, which has a collection of brick condominiums. Interestingly, most of the homes (at least in the non-gated residential area) are not mansions, apart from some in Broadmoor, but well off 3 and 4 bedroom houses with a yard.

Downtown Madison park lies where Madison Street meets lake Washington. The restaurants are generally high quality. Brunch at Bing’s is always popular, though I personally prefer the more relaxed Madison Kitchen. The Beachhouse has great views of the lake, but the best option in the summer is to bring a picnic, and head to the Madison Park Beach. Lovely!

I can’t say it’s a place that I have ever desired to live, but being in the legal field, several colleagues of mine call this neighborhood their home and seem to be happy with it. When I visit them, I enjoy the neighborhood. I chose instead the Mann neighborhood, which is very close, geographically, but very distant, culturally.
Cons
  • Expensive housing
5/5
2yrs+

"Good swimming beach"

We have been to this neighborhood to go to the Madison Park Beach. I like this beach because it has a very safe children’s swim area in Lake Washington that is shallow. It also has a lifeguard in the summer. There is a nice grassy hill area above the beach to have a picnic. There is also a swimming dock, but our daughter is too young to swim that far. The older kids and adults seem to enjoy it though.

However it can get very crowded on the weekends in the summer. So we come during the week when possible. There is also a large playground with a ‘zip-line,’ different types of climbing ropes and many unusual features. This is good for children to develop their ‘motor skills.’

We like to pack a lunch for the day, and stop at Red Apple Market to get refreshments. It makes a very nice day. We are looking forward to returning this summer.

Besides the park, there is only a small group of restaurants, and the rest of the neighborhood is housing. The Arboretum, another one of our favorite parks, is nearby as well. It appears to be a very popular neighborhood. The homes are large and well-kept.
Pros
  • Swimming beach
  • Quiet environment
Cons
  • Expensive housing
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"An Affluent Community Nestled in Outdoor Beauty"

A gorgeous neighborhood located in the extreme northeast corner of central Seattle (Area south of Union Bay). Its boundaries are Lake Washington Boulevard to the west, East Madison Street to the south, Lake Washington to the east, and Union Bay to the north.

Demographics

Predominantly white, due mainly to extreme wage earners living in the Broadmoor community (http://bitly.com/demhPL). Residents boast high-earning careers in the legal and management sectors are quite at home here. For more specific demographic data, go to http://bitly.com/bTEYAw.

Income

As stated above, high-paid professionals are prolific in this part of town. The Broadmoor area contains families earning around $190,000. A small, four block, triangle between E. Madison Street and McGilvra Boulevard East boast salaries over $200,000. Along the northeastern and eastern coast, incomes drop sharply into the $60K range. Regardless, Madison Park still holds the record for one of Seattle's most wealthy neighborhoods.

Real Estate

As one might guess, after reading the paragraph on income above, that housing in this area would be expensive. In fact, according to www.city-data.com, the average value of detached houses in 2008 was $1,399,869. Less expensive, multi-unit housing exists on the east side, near the lake. These units are far more affordable and have drawn a younger crowd.

Culture

The Broadmoor Golf Club (www.broadmoorgolfclub.com) and community account for over half of the size of Madison Park. Consequently, an upper-class feel permeates. Being out of the way, the neighborhood is more quiet and relaxed. The Washington Park Arboretum (http://bitly.com/aK39zN), just to the west of the golf course, further buffers any connection to the outside world. Isolation is not the buzzword on the eastern side, with several restaurants lining East Madison Street, near the park, for daytime and evening socialization.

Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Shops

Room is made for a few tasty spots, including Mad Pizza (www.madpizza.com), Madison Park Cafe (http://bitly.com/dAMak4), Cactus (www.cactusrestaurants.com), Bing's (www.bingsbarandgrill.com), Madison Park Bakery (www.madisonparkbakery.com), The Attic (www.atticalehouse.com), Thai Ginger (www.thaiginger.com), Starbucks (www.starbucks.com), and Tully's Coffee (www.tullys.com).

Shopping and other Amenities

Quite a few businesses, interestingly, have set up shop in Madison Park. Some of these include Marshall's Cleaners (www.marshallsonline.com), Wells Fargo Bank (www.wellsfargo.com), Windermere Real Estate (www.windermere.com), Bert's Red Apple Market (www.redapplemarkets.com), Tim Walsh Salon (www.timwalshsalon.com), Studio Karri L (www.studiokarril.com), Seattle's Best Headshots (www.seattlesbestheadshots.com), Madison Park Hardware, Children's Shop (www.theoriginalchildrensshop.com), and Sign Shares Seattle (www.signshares.com).

Schools and Recreation Facilities

This is where the neighborhood shines, having been named after the waterfront park, Madison Park (http://bitly.com/bQqURF). Alone, this space could entertain residents well with its beach area, rental facility, play area, tennis courts and even a co-op (www.madisonparkcoop.org). On the west side is Mc Gilvra Elementary (http://bitly.com/dhReka).

Medical Facilities

A number of smaller facilities exist around the neighborhood. Here are a few of interest: Sima Medical & Cosmetic Clinic (www.longeviteclinic.com), Madison Park Physical Therapy (www.therapeuticassociates.com), Gary Grenell PhD - Psychologist (www.garygrenell.com), Madison Park Electrolysis (www.madisonparkelectrolysis.com), Acupuncture Clinic Northwest (www.acupunctureclinicnw.com), and Madison Park Veterinary Hospital (www.madisonparkvet.com). Unfortunately, there is no hospital, but just minutes down Madison Street, to the southwest, is Swedish Medical Center (www.swedish.org). Also, the University of Washington Medical Center (http://bitly.com/arG8LD) is to the north in the University District.

Retirement Living

A quiet community, such as Madison Park, brings opportunity for the retired individual. The Park Shore Retirement Community (www.prcn.net/park-shore) offers desirable amenities for seniors, including independent living, assisted living, nursing care and memory care. Located right on the water, a room with a view is not out of the question. Having the Fiske Genealogy Library (www.fiskelibrary.org) nearby can grant hours of interesting family-roots' research.

Access

Just minutes from downtown and easy access to Highway 520 make for less time spent on non-arterials or large distances of staring at freeway signs. However, the darker side of commuting from or to Madison Park is the higher traffic periods during the day. Avoid these, and driving is a cinch. If sitting behind the wheel during rush hour is unavoidable, a long "creep" could be in store, depending on the direction and distance. Regardless, for local commuting, enough side streets exist for reaching that destination, mixed with navigational savvy.

Whether moving towards a goal of residing in or planning a visit to, Madison Park holds treasures for a wide audience. Of course, if salary allows, obtaining that dream home could one step closer to reality.
Pros
  • Upscale golf club
  • Quiet environment
  • Close to major university
Cons
  • Expensive housing
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
danm9
danm9 Re: Medical Facilities
Madison Park offers NW Sports Rehab, founded by Seattle Seahawks NFL Chiropractor, Dr. Jim Kurtz. NW Sports Rehab expertly combines chiropractic, sports muscle therapy, and rehabilitative exercise for all people (not just for 'athletes').
2yrs+
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5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A serene getaway of shorelines and parks"

A high-end residential community, Madison Park offers much to the affluent. A local city park leads right to the shoreline at Lake Washington, and there is a variety of staple shops and restaurants with tantalizing offerings.

The neighborhood boasts a laid-back lifestyle, a rare find so close to Downtown Seattle. The tree-lined streets and the proximity to Lake Washington make this area a prime location, not only for living or working but also for an afternoon walk through the park.

While the upscale homes and apartment buildings may leave your wallet a little light, they leave little to be desired. Apartment homes come with full amenities, not to mention that most houses and buildings are only blocks from the lake. The community offers security and a small-town feel, yet is only a 10 minute drive from Westlake Center, Seattle's premiere shopping district.

There are many wonderful restaurants to choose from: just let your appetite be your guide! Choose from Sostanza (Italian), The Attic Alehouse, Mad Pizza, Cactus (Mexican and Southwestern food), and many others that are independent and local to Seattle and Madison Park specifically. Many restaurants are close to the Lake, so you can enjoy a bite to eat followed by a stroll along the waterfront. The gorgeous water and mountain views make this neighborhood one of a kind.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
2yrs+

"Madison Park the Quick Getaway for Downtown Dwellers"

Amply named after a pretty spectacular park, the Madison Park is that it’s an area actually named for the park it borders. The whole feel of the area is a short getaway from downtown, it lacks the hustle and bustle of the city and yet it’s a mere moment from all the action.

The park for which the area is named is about 8 acres and has water front shores as it overlooks the western part of the widely popular Lake Washington where in the warm weather swimming often takes place.

The people who live in the area are pretty nice as if the buffer from the city slowed them down a little bit. The area is very upscale with a lot of business and eateries of its own, so no need to venture back downtown to dine or experience the city’s offerings. Cactus is a great place for good Mexican food and the Harvest Vine is also a great place to eat. It’s worth the trip away from downtown.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
2yrs+

"Stately Mansions and a Beautiful Lakeside Park"

Madison Park is home to many of Seattle's wealthiest residents. Those lucky enough to live here enjoy tree-lined streets, perfect for walking and relaxing. Its location on the western edge of Lake Washington means that many of the homes enjoy beautiful views of the lake. Housing in Madison Park includes historic, turn-of-the-century homes and newer mansions. Madison Park has a wonderful community feeling; residents here do not close themselves off from the world.

The main shopping area in Madison Park is located along the eastern end of Madison Avenue, the main road running through the area. Here, you'll find plenty of boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops, frequented not only by residents of the neighborhood but also by those living elsewhere in Seattle. If you find other areas of the city to be too busy, take an hour to walk around the Madison Park neighborhood for a refreshing stroll.

Since the early 1900s, Seattleites from all over the city have flocked to Madison Park, for which this neighborhood is named, to enjoy its green spaces and lakeside relaxation. Madison Beach is one of the most popular swimming beaches in the city; the park is also home to a play area and tennis courts. Along the western edge of the neighborhood is the Washington Park Arboretum, another popular weekend and summertime attraction.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"An Amazing Place To Live"

Broadmoor is a private, gated, golf-course community within the Capitol Hill-Madison Park area of Seattle, just south of the Washington Park Arboretum. In addition to the beautiful neighborhood and golf club, Broadmoor residents have easy access to all that the surrounding area has to offer. Just to the north, the Washington Park Arboretum has miles of trails through its lush grounds. To the west, nearby Madison Park boasts delightful shops and restaurants as well as a cozy children's park and beach on Lake Washington. Capitol Hill's busy retail and nightlife is just a bit too the east and the freeway and Downtown Seattle can be reached in a few short minutes.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5
2yrs+

"A great place to go for a walk"

Located in one of Seattle’s most affluent areas, Madison Park offers wide tree-lined streets and wonderful walking areas. Most of the homes are either nearby or overlooking Lake Washington and are large and beautiful to say the least.

Houses in Madison Park combine stately turn-of-the-century architecture and mature, lushly landscaped properties. There are still some bungalows and beach-style houses remaining from the old days, but new construction, and large majestic Tudors dominate the area.

Madison Park offers a unique business district at the east end of Madison Avenue. Specialty shops, restaurants, a book store and coffee shops, a grocery store and banks are frequented not only by the locals, but by people living close by as well. There is a tight-knit community here, and residents can hardly walk the main drag on a nice day without stopping to chat with a friend or neighbor along the way. In the summer, Madison Beach attracts swimmers and sunbathers from all over. Across the street from the beach, there’s a children’s play area and tennis courts. Some days, Madison Park feels like an at-home vacation destination.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees

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Best Streets in Madison Park

"Typical above average Seattle street"
47.633371301603 -122.28206218511

Unranked Streets in Madison Park

"Nice any time but really, really super when the rhodos are in bloom."
47.6334750519598 -122.294365222659
"great views bad neighborhood"
47.6307598426613 -122.277561156349

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