Madrona Park
31 acres on the lake: a swimming beach with seasonal lifeguards, a lawn, a picnic shelter, and a restored forest on the hill above.
Neighborhood guide · Just north of Leschi
Madrona, Seattle
A quaint main street at the top of the hill, a wooded ravine, and a beach at the bottom.
This is the guide I'd hand a friend: the main street, the park, where to eat, what the homes are like, and what they're selling for.
1890When a streetcar first ran down to the park
31 acresMadrona Park, on the lake
34th & UnionThe little main street
98122ZIP code
What it's like
A main street at the top, a beach at the bottom.
Madrona's little downtown sits along 34th Avenue near E Union St: a short, walkable strip of restaurants and shops. From there, streets and a wooded ravine drop down to Madrona Park, with a beach and lawn right on Lake Washington.
A streetcar once ran the same route, from 34th and Union down to the park, and the neighborhood takes its name from the madrona trees that covered the bluff.
Amy's note
“Madrona's downtown is so quaint. It has a great mix of restaurants and shops you actually want to shop in.”
Where it is
E Denny Way and E Howell St to the north, Lake Washington to the east, E Cherry St to the south (Leschi beyond), and MLK Jr Way to the west.
Parks & the lake
Forest down to the beach.
The places you'll end up most.
The shoreline
A grassy edge right on the water, with swim docks offshore and views across to the Eastside.
Spectrum Dance Theater
The park's old bathhouse became a dance studio in 1971. Today it's home to Spectrum Dance Theater.
Lake Washington Boulevard
Willows and lake views along the drive south to Leschi.
Food & coffee
Breakfast, wine, and dinner.
Everything is on 34th Avenue, within a block or two of E Union St.
Amy's pick · Breakfast
Hi-Spot Cafe
Breakfast! A neighborhood favorite on the main street.
Amy's pick · Wine, dinner & apps
Bottlehouse
Wine, dinner, and small plates in a cozy spot.
Amy's pick · Dinner
Vendemmia or Red Cow
Two great dinner spots on the same street. You can't go wrong with either.
Main street
Shops you'll actually shop in.
Along 34th Avenue you'll find shops like Smallish Photo Studio and Eres Boutique, plus a neighborhood market. The newer townhomes here are cleverly done: they feel like part of the shops but stay private at the same time.
Getting around
- Buses run along E Union St toward downtown. Check King County Metro for current routes.
- Judkins Park Station (2 Line) is the closest light rail, a short ride south through Leschi.
- Lake Washington Boulevard runs along the water to Leschi and Mount Baker.
A little history
- In 1890 a streetcar opened from 34th and Union down to Madrona Park, which had a dance pavilion, a boat dock, and steamers to the Eastside.
- The Madrona–Sally Goldmark Library is a converted 1919 firehouse.
Housing styles
Porches, gables, and views.
Classic early-1900s homes near the top of the hill, with modern builds and townhomes mixed in.
Victorian & wraparound porches
Early-1900s homes with deep porches.
Foursquare & Craftsman
Roomy, boxy, and full of original detail.
Storybook & Tudor
Steep rooflines and big gardens.
Modern & townhomes
Newer builds with roof decks and views.
Market snapshot
What homes are selling for
September 2026 · All home types · Source: NWMLS
$1.07MAverage sale price
10Homes sold in the month
43 daysAverage time on market
98%Of list price, on average
How I read it: homes here took about six weeks to sell and closed just under list price, so buyers have some room to negotiate. Ten sales in a month makes this a steadier read than some smaller neighborhoods, but I still look at three- and six-month trends with clients.
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Home, Considered.
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Ready when you are
Let's walk it together.
Thinking about Madrona? Meet me at Hi-Spot for breakfast and we'll walk 34th Ave down to the lake. Bring every question. You'll leave knowing whether it fits and what it would take.
Let's talkOr call or text 206-403-0217
Questions I hear
Madrona FAQ
Where exactly is Madrona?
On Lake Washington in Central Seattle: E Denny Way and E Howell St to the north, MLK Jr Way to the west, and E Cherry St to the south (Leschi beyond).
How do people get downtown?
Buses along E Union St, light rail from Judkins Park Station a short ride south, or a quick drive to I-90.
What do homes cost here?
It varies a lot by style, size, and view. The snapshot above gives the big picture; I'm happy to pull current numbers for the kind of home you want.
How do I look up school assignments?
Seattle Public Schools assigns schools by address. Use the district's school locator for any home you're considering.