We searched the listings and found five of the most affordable houses in Seattle's Madison Valley neighborhood. Calling them cheap would be just so wrong.
We get to start at over a half a million dollars, $580,000, for a 2 bedroom, 3 bath, 1,275 square foot townhouse. Some simple math suggests about 425 square feet per floor, which is like stacking three tiny houses. The height has an advantage, a view of Mt. Rainier. Balconies and decks add living space to such places, which can become homes for grills and gardens. The unit was built in 2000, more modern than most places in Seattle, looking fine, but upgrades are always welcome.
How about a place that's so new its views only exist within a computer? They're pre-selling a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 3 story for $632,800. Divide the 1,150 square feet and only get 383 square feet per floor, tinier yet. A bonus is that it is a candidate for a community solar program. As for seeing inside, well, maybe you can take a virtual tour. It's probably better to take a physical one, though. Check to see if you have to bring a hardhat.
Another three level townhome, but this one has 2,310 square feet or about 770 square feet per floor. That simple size difference may explain part of the nearly three-quarter of a million dollar price, $749,990. There are a few other things, though. The 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom unit was built in 1987, which in this case means some impressively mature and manicured gardening. Inside, shoji screen dividers provide a style that matches the minimalist interior.
For only $10 more than the previous home, $750,000, you can get a historic home, a 1921 two story that has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,230 square feet. It is a cube of a house, which is efficient and practical, set on a 4,200 square foot lot. They aren't shouting about incredible restorations or remodels, but there may be no need. The original character seems to have survived and sufficed for ninety five years. That must be worth something.
Another not-quite-real-yet townhouse, or selection of townhouses. They're quoting $769,950 for a 2 bedroom, 1.75 bath, 1,724 square foot unit, which could be a row house, or a stand-alone residence, or could have a garage or not - all of which are reasons to drop by to see what they're really selling. At least they all seem to have a few things in common: new, Built Green, and common spaces - and like all the rest, being in Madison Valley.
· 210 24th Ave E [Zillow]
· 221 24th Ave E [Zillow]
· 423 25th Ave E [Zillow]
· 410 23rd Ave E [Zillow]
· 112 27th Ave E [Zillow]