Madison Park is a chic, charming neighborhood on the shores of Lake Washington in east-central Seattle, Washington. While it's only a 15- to 35-minute drive away from downtown, it maintains an urban-suburban vibe by hiding the city skyline with thickly-canopied trees.

Madison first became a popular summer vacation destination for Seattle residents in the 1900s. Since then, the picturesque neighborhood has continued to draw a steady stream of seasonal visitors throughout the year.

However, if you're interested in more than just a short visit and looking for homes for sale in Madison Park, you must know where the neighborhood ends and begins. It is bounded on the east by Lake Washington, on the south by the intersection of Lake Washington Boulevard East and 39th Avenue East, and on the west by the same boulevard. To its north is Union Bay.

Housing Prices

The peaceful neighborhood has a quiet atmosphere. However, as it is home to an upscale residential community, you’ll find beautiful single-family homes ranging from bungalows to mansions. There are also apartments and condos available, some with breathtaking views of the lake, mountains, and park.

When searching for homes for sale in Madison Park, expect to pay a higher price than most other places in Seattle as the median home value is $1.3 million. Home prices may be lower or higher, depending on the number of bedrooms and structure type.

For instance, a swanky 2-bedroom condo overlooking the waterfront sells for $385,000 to $640,000. Meanwhile, a rustic 4-bedroom house with light-filled rooms and exquisite millwork would cost you $2,975,000 and be well worth the investment.

Public Parks

Its eponymous park, built in the 1900s, sits on the shores of Lake Washington and south of Evergreen Point Bridge. Madison Park remains a frequently visited attraction for its beach, grassy slopes, scenic views, and various amenities like a bathhouse, children’s playground, and tennis courts.

Another natural oasis by Lake Washington is the Washington Park Arboretum. It is a 230-acre park featuring a variety of plants, some found nowhere else in the Pacific Northwest. Take a guided tour, explore different gardens on your own, or learn something new with their workshops and classes.

Schools

If you have school-age children, the schools are among your most important considerations when scouting for homes for sale in Madison Park. Fortunately, the neighborhood isn’t lacking in this area.

Madison Park has a good mix of top-rated private and public schools. Garfield High School and McGilvra Elementary School are among the best public schools for students.

For private schools, the Lakeside School, Eastside Preparatory School, University Prep, and Bush School receive high ratings and ranking. Of the four, only the Bush School schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade.

Entertainment

Madison Park is an in-city neighborhood with a quaint, small-village feel. Its beloved shops like Bert’s Red Apple Market, Bing’s, and Madison Park Hardware are local icons and have served generations of residents.

There are also other, newer options for dining. Cactus serves delicious Tex-Mex, while Nishino is known as one of the finest sushi bars in the city. If you’re craving something fancy like French cuisine, head to Chef in the Hat, but if you’re down for a little more rugged, drop by any of the pubs and alehouses in the neighborhood.

Stroll through East Madison Street, the main thoroughfare, to discover restaurants, cafes, and boutiques for your dining and shopping pleasure. Or, take a rest in one of the many parks and public areas lining Madison Park’s main road.

If Madison Park sounds like a place you’d call home, schedule a visit and see first-hand what the neighborhood has to offer.