West Seattle has always marched to the beat of its own drum. With its “island” mentality, stunning Alki Beach sunsets, and the bustling California Avenue Junction, it offers a lifestyle that feels distinct from the frantic energy of downtown or Capitol Hill.
However, once you have decided that the “West Side is the Best Side,” you face a second, equally important decision: What type of home fits your life?
Unlike the cookie-cutter suburbs of the Eastside, West Seattle’s housing stock is a chaotic, charming mix. You might find a sleek, three-story modern townhome sitting right next to a 1920s Craftsman bungalow, which is across the street from a waterfront condo complex. Each offers a radically different lifestyle, financial trajectory, and maintenance schedule.
In this guide, we will break down the three primary contenders—The Bungalow, The Townhome, and The Condo—to help you decide which key turns the lock on your future.
The West Seattle Market: A 2025 Snapshot
Before diving into the architectural styles, it is crucial to understand the playing field. As of late 2025, the West Seattle market remains robust. With the West Seattle Bridge fully operational and reliable, the “commute fear” that once dampened prices has evaporated.
According to recent data from Redfin, the median sale price in West Seattle hovers around $850,000, which is competitive compared to the city-wide median. However, this number varies wildly depending on the property type.
- Single-Family Homes: Regularly push $900k–$1.2M+.
- Townhomes: The “sweet spot” for many, often landing between $700k–$900k.
- Condos: The entry-level champion, offering options from $400k–$700k.
The vast price range isn’t a sign of confusion; it’s proof of the incredible diversity and opportunity found within the market. Browsing the available West Seattle homes for sale means navigating a vast array of options, from single-family homes to townhomes and condos, to pinpoint the exact property that aligns perfectly with your lifestyle goals. The team’s role as your neighborhood expert is to streamline this journey and secure your long-term happiness.
Contender 1: The Classic Bungalow (Single-Family Home)
This is the dream. The white picket fence (or, in West Seattle, the cedar fence), the garden, and the privacy. West Seattle is famous for its early 20th-century architecture, particularly in neighborhoods like Admiral and Genesee.
The Lifestyle
Living in a bungalow is about autonomy. You want to paint your front door bright yellow? Go ahead. You want to build a DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) in the back for rental income? As long as the city permits it, it’s your land. This style appeals to dog owners, gardeners, and those who crave physical distance from their neighbors.
The Financials
- Appreciation: historically the highest. Land is the scarce asset in Seattle, and owning a roughly 5,000 sq ft lot drives long-term value.
- Cost: You pay a premium for the dirt. Expect to compete in bidding wars if the home has “character” or a view.
The Trade-off
Maintenance. A 1925 Craftsman is charming until the original plumbing fails or the roof leaks. You are the HOA. You are the maintenance crew.
Best For: Growing families, avid gardeners, and DIY enthusiasts who view a home as a 10+ year investment.
Contender 2: The Modern Townhome
Drive down any arterial near the Junction, and you will see them: vertical, boxy, and modern. The “Seattle Box” townhome has revolutionized the city’s density.
The Lifestyle
Townhomes are the hybrid solution. They offer the square footage of a small house (often 1,200–1,600 sq ft) but with the lock-and-leave convenience of a condo. You typically get a rooftop deck—often with mountain views—instead of a backyard.
The Financials
- Entry Price: Lower than a standalone house. You can often buy a newer townhome for the price of a “fixer-upper” bungalow.
- HOA: rare. Most Seattle townhomes have “Zero Lot Lines” or simple shared maintenance agreements for driveways, meaning you avoid the dreaded monthly HOA dues.
The Trade-off
Stairs. Lots of them. A typical layout involves the garage on the bottom, living/kitchen on the second floor, and bedrooms on the third. If you have bad knees or hate carrying groceries up two flights, this lifestyle can grind on you.
Best For: Young professionals, tech workers commuting to SLU, and buyers who want “new” without the condo fees.
Contender 3: The Waterfront (or Junction) Condo
Whether it is a high-rise near Alki Beach or a boutique building near the Alaska Junction, condos offer the ultimate urban experience within a residential neighborhood.
The Lifestyle
This is about simplicity. You are paying for location and amenities. If you live near Alki, your “backyard” is the Puget Sound. If you live in the Junction, your “kitchen” is the dozens of restaurants on California Ave. There is no lawn to mow and no roof to repair.
The Financials
- Affordability: This is often the only entry point for first-time buyers under $500k in desirable zones.
- HOA Dues: The killer. In older buildings, dues can run $500–$800/month. You must factor this into your monthly DTI (Debt-to-Income) ratio.
The Trade-off
Control and privacy. You share walls, ceilings, and floors. You also share decisions; you cannot just replace your windows without board approval.
Best For: Downsizers, first-time buyers, and busy travelers who want a secure home base.
At a Glance: The Comparison Matrix
To make this easier, here is how the three stack up in the West Seattle real estate market:
| Feature | Bungalow (SFH) | Townhome | Condo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | High (No shared walls) | Medium (1-2 shared walls) | Low (Shared walls/floors) |
| Maintenance | High (It’s all you) | Medium (Exterior usually durable) | Low (Covered by HOA) |
| Appreciation | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Outdoor Space | Private Yard | Rooftop Deck | Balcony / Common Area |
| HOA Fees | None | Rare / Low | High |
| Walk Score | Varies (often residential streets) | High (often near arterials) | Very High (Urban centers) |
Making the Call: The 3 Questions to Ask
If you are still on the fence, ask yourself these three questions. Be honest—the wrong answer can lead to buyer’s remorse.
1. How do I spend my Saturday mornings?
If the answer is “drinking coffee on the porch and weeding the hydrangeas,” buy the Bungalow. If the answer is “sleeping in and then walking to brunch,” look at a Townhome or Condo. If the answer is “hiking” or “traveling,” the low-maintenance nature of a condo or townhome is superior.
2. What is my tolerance for noise?
West Seattle is quiet compared to downtown, but density brings noise. In a Condo, you might hear your upstairs neighbor walking. In a Townhome, you might hear the neighbor’s TV through the shared wall. Only a detached Single-Family Home offers true acoustic isolation.
3. What is my 5-year plan?
Real estate is a long game. If you plan to turn the property into a rental eventually, Condos near Alki are highly rentable but come with rental caps. Townhomes are popular rentals for young families. Bungalows offer the most exit strategies (sell, rent, or develop).
Summary
There is no “best” style, only the style that fits your current season of life. West Seattle is rare in that it offers high-quality inventory in all three categories within a 5-mile radius.
Whether you choose the sweeping views of a condo, the vertical efficiency of a townhome, or the timeless charm of a bungalow, you are buying into one of the strongest communities in the Pacific Northwest. The key is to tour all three. You might think you want a yard until you see the view from a rooftop deck—or vice versa.
