Wallingford
Moving to Seattle? What is Wallingford like?
Wallingford is the perfect place for those who love spending the morning at a local café, watching joggers pass by leafy craftsman homes, then hopping on your bike for a quick spin down the Burke‑Gilman Trail or paddling on Lake Union. You’ll spend weekends exploring farmers’ markets, popping into boutique shops along 45th, discovering new dining gems—Wallingford’s culinary scene is quietly elevated and ever‑evolving. You’ll feel connected with neighbors at PorchFest, the long‑running Wallingford Parade, or arts exhibitions from the Wallingford Arts & Cultural Alliance, all of which weave culture into daily life.
Life here is elevated comfort, serene side streets offer privacy and calm, yet you’re never far from social vitality, natural beauty, and refined local pleasures. If you appreciate being rooted in community without sacrificing luxury, Wallingford delivers.
What’s around the Wallingford neighborhood?
EXPLORE
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Wallingford is well known for Gas Works Park, where the old structures that still stand and long ago were used to convert coal into fuel. They create an interesting industrial-water view juxtaposition. Gas Works Park, also has the famous mound- an artificial hill that is filled with (remediated) waste from the old coal plant. But, this interesting (and beautiful) park is not all that should be explored in Wallingford. Wallingford has a walkable community-driven feeling that makes it feel like home. If you’re looking for interesting activities, check out Lake Union Hot Tub boats. Wallingford Playfields is a fantastic park, complete with play structures, tennis courts, and a native garden.
DINE
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Wallingford has tons of great food and locals rave about many of these gems. If you’re deciding whether Wallingford is the right place to call home, take some time to check out these favorites: Seattle Dumpling House, Irwin’s, Kabul, and Haerfest. Local especially love that there’s not just one “strip” for food- there’s two main “strips” and there’s also great food tucked into unexpected locations, sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.
SHOP
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If you’ve been in Seattle for awhile, you’ve surely been inside Archie McPhee. This is one of Seattle’s most famous shops. It’s a zany novelty store, and they even have a rubber chicken museum. Wallingford also has it’s own little mall, Walkingford Center. And, there’s are many boutiques and shops throughout the neighborhood. Laughing Elephant offers handmade stationary, Plant Daddy offers rare house plants, and you’ll find vintage music at Fat Cat records. Wallingford is perfect for those who love to spend an afternoon perusing the shops.
Where is Wallingford?
North of Lake Union
East of Fremont
South of Green Lake
West of University District
Downtown Seattle: 10 min (4.0 mi)
SLU: 9 min (3.4 mi)
I-5 Access: 1-6 min (I-5 runs along the Eastern bordder of Wallingford)
520 Access: 5 min (3.0 mi)
I-90 Access: 8 min (5.0 mi)
Downtown Bellevue: 12 min (9.7 mi)
Is Wallingford safe?
For most crime types, Wallingford has fairly low crime rates. Brian’s overall opinion is that this neighborhood is one of the safer areas in Seattle.
Facts and resources for Wallingford
Founding Name & Major Landowner
The neighborhood is named for John Noble Wallingford Jr., a major local landowner and speculator whose holdings once covered much of what is now Wallingford, reaching up toward Green Lake.Distinctive Residential Architecture
Many of the houses are Craftsman, revival‑styles, “box houses” and bungalows from the 1920s, narrow lots, older apartment buildings — the classic streetcar era housing fabric is still very much present.Community: Meridian Park Farmers Market & Events
Wallingford has its weekly farmers market in Meridian Park (May‑September). It’s a community staple. Also, there's a strong local community council (Wallingford Community Council) and an active neighborhood historic group (Historic Wallingford) which are involved in preservation, events, and local planning.Porchfest: A free outdoor music festival where local bands perform from people’s porches and front lawns across the neighborhood. Started during the pandemic as a way to safely gather, it continues as a neighborhood tradition.
Great Wallingford Wurst Festival: An annual “Octoberfest‑style” event with beer gardens, food, and family friendly activities.
Wallingford Family Parade: A longtime tradition, tied to Seafair celebrations
Preservation vs Growth Tension
Because of its historic housing, strong local architectural character, and active historic groups, there is an ongoing tension between preserving character and allowing increased density or modern infill. Some residents favor historic districting.
Population Growth (since 2000): 11%
Population Density (ppl / mile): 10,028.40
Household Size (ppl): 2
Median Age: 35.81
Wallingford Demographics and Statistics
Annual Residential Turnover: 30%
5+ Years in Residency: 26%
Median Year in Residency: 2.52
Households w/ Children: 16%
Population by Age Group
Household Income by Dollar Range
Highest Education Level Attended
Wallingford Homes For Sale
Homes currently for Sale in Wallingford
Q&A with your Wallingford realtor
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Yes! What, am I going to say no? Not in this urban area! Moving into a condo in Wallingford is an excellent way to remain ultra walkable. Also, condos are typically maintenance-free and we are seeing a lot of younger career-focused and older populations who want the maintenance-free lifestyle of condos. However, there are few larger condos though and many “boutique” condos where you would/should have a roll in maintaining the community. The beauty of these smaller condos is that it’s almost like co-op living - for the most part it’s still maintenance-free where the building is taken care of by whoever your community hires to take care of it, but you decide as a community what you want in the gardens and such. Much less work than owning a house but still have the joy of improving something that is growing in value! Wallingford also has a great rental market should you want to rent it out later to upgrade to a larger home.
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Yes. There are many townhomes built in Wallingford compared to places with larger lots. Many newer rowhomes and the like have popped up over recent years. If you come across one you like, grab it - There’s a lot of buyers who want maintenance-free but more than a condo here. There will always be a TH buyer population with their radar covering this area whether they have heard of Wallingford or not.
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Wallingford is a great place for single-family residences as that’s what most buyers expect here. Lot sizes are generally ~3500sf, but can grow to nearly 5000sf. All are in very walkable locations. Homes are easy to maintain as most people hire landscapers and handy-people who can easily access this central neighborhood. School ratings are rapidly climbing as well as young families and professionals have been moving in at increasing rates.