Hello! Welcome to the Cantu Group Real Estate neighborhood blog. This is the place to get up to the minute information on everything you need to know about Seattle and Ballard real estate as well as all the best Seattle neighborhoods! We will be informing you on not only Seattle and Ballard real estate values and statistics, but also on great local businesses, points of interest and neighborhood goings on.
Today we will be focusing on Ballard. Lying on the far west of the city, Ballard has a character all its own. Originally Ballard was a city across the bay from Seattle. In 1907 Ballard was annexed by Seattle, but not without opposition. To this day, there are those who have not gotten over it, as evidenced by the Free Ballard bumper stickers on local cars!
The Scandinavians, many of whom made their livelihoods fishing in boats setting out of Salmon Bay, heavily populated Ballard. Up until not that long ago, Ballard was a sleepy community of people who had been living there for many years. However, things have changed dramatically in the last ten years. Ballard, with its charming old downtown area of brick buildings and streets, and many old craftsman, cape Cod, Mid Century and even Victorian homes, was discovered by a whole new generation of home buyers.
Today, Ballard is a vibrant neighborhood of old timers and new residents. It is very family friendly, has a great business district full of quaint and hip shops, bars, and restaurants, and is a short walk or ride to the Ballard Locks, Shilshole Bay beach and marina, and many parks and other amenities.
Ballard certainly was not immune from the real estate market downturn, but seems to be holding steady, and with its popularity, should not be dropping any time soon. That said there are some bargain priced Ballard homes for sale that will get you into this great neighborhood for a price that would not have been possible two years ago.
Ballard real estate sales have been good lately. In the last six months, a total of 184 homes have sold and 53 condos. There are currently 106 homes on the market. Of those, 68 are under $500K and 18 are over. 56 of these homes have been listed in the last sixty days. In the last two months, 48 homes have gone under contract, but have not yet closed.
Ballard has a great farmer’s market, every Sunday from 10 to 3. http://ballardfarmersmarket.wordpress.com/
Recurring and one-time events in Ballard include:
- After school board games at Ballard Library
May 28, 3:30pm - Ballard Senior Center Rummage Sale
June 4, 9:00am
The Ballard NW Senior Center (5429 32nd Ave NW) is holding their Summer Rummage Sale on Friday, June 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, June 5th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Market Street Singers: ‘Hits of the ’60s (1360s, 1460s, 1560s…)’
June 5, 7:30pm
The Market Street Singers present “Hits of the 60s! (1360s, 1460s, 1560s at the Ballard (at NW 65th & 20th NW). This is a free event, but donations are gratefully accepted. - Parade of classic Ballard homes
June 6, 10:00 am Contact Coordinator Lesli Billings at (206) 992-7010 or visit www.ballardhistory.org for more information. - West Woodland’s 100 Year Celebration
June 9, 2:30pm
West Woodland Elementary (5601 4th Avenue NW) invites the public and alumni of the school to join in the 100 year celebration. - Outdoor Bounce Fest – Hawaiian Style
June 11, 4:30pm
Outdoor Bounce Fest – Hawaiian Style – at the Loyal Heights Community Center (2101 NW 77th St) on Friday, June 11 4:30-6:30 p.m. Jump into summer with this fun-filled jumping extravaganza. Bounce houses, game stations, prizes and more to jump
Salmon Bay sculpture dedication
June 12, 10:00am
Salmon Bay Natural Area sculpture Dedication Ceremony on June 12th from 10am to noon at NW 54th St @ 34th Ave NW, next to The Canal.
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