Introduction:
Seattle is an incredible city known for its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and endless amenities. However, with a median home price of $840,000, living in Seattle is far from affordable for many. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, there are several great cities south of Seattle that offer lower housing costs while still providing access to the area’s opportunities.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 most affordable cities south of Seattle. This is a follow-up to a previous post about affordable cities north of Seattle, so be sure to check that out too! All of these cities are within a 1 Hour Drive of Seattle and have a lower median home price than Seattle. Not all cities that are north of Seattle are included in this list.
Each city on this list includes:
1. Median home price (*As of Spring 2024)
2. Driving time to Seattle (both with and without traffic)
3. A fun fact about the city
If you're ready to explore the top 10 most affordable Seattle suburbs, let's navigate the journey of suburban living and find the perfect fit for your budget and lifestyle. As a real estate broker in the area, I want to share my expertise about the greater Seattle area. I help many home buyers who are looking to relocate to the Seattle area.
With that said, here are the
Top 10 Most Affordable Seattle Suburbs (South Edition)
#1: Tacoma
• Median home price: $475,000.
• Commute: 35 minutes without traffic; up to 1 hour 50 minutes with traffic.
• Fun fact: Home to Point Ruston, a waterfront resort with stunning views, dining, shopping, and recreation.
#2: Lakewood
• Median home price: $480,000.
• Commute: 40 minutes without traffic; up to 2 hours with traffic.
• Fun fact: Fort Steilacoom Park, the largest park in the city, offers a lake, sports fields, and an off-leash dog park.
#3: Fife
• Median home price: $486,000.
• Commute: 30 minutes without traffic; up to 1 hour 40 minutes with traffic.
• Fun facts: Known for Firwood Farm Alpacas, where visitors can interact with alpacas and even do yoga with them.
#4: SeaTac
• Median home price: $515,000.
• Commute: 18 minutes without traffic; up to 40 minutes with traffic.
• Fun fact: Home to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making it highly convenient for frequent travelers.
#5: Tukwila
• Median home price: $515,000.
• Commute: 16 minutes without traffic; up to 40 minutes with traffic.
• Fun fact: Features Southcenter Mall, one of Washington's busiest malls with over 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
#6: Puyallup
• Median home price: $540,000.
• Commute: 35 minutes without traffic; up to 2 hours with traffic.
• Fun fact: Hosts the Washington State Fair, one of the top 10 largest fairs in the U.S., featuring rides, concerts, and more.
#7: Auburn
• Median home price: $540,000.
• Commute: 30 minutes without traffic; up to 1 hour 30 minutes with traffic.
• Fun fact: Home to the Outlet Collection, the largest enclosed outlet mall in the Pacific Northwest, perfect for bargain shopping.
#8: Federal Way
• Median home price: $540,000.
• Commute: 30 minutes without traffic; up to 1 hour 30 minutes with traffic.
• Fun fact: Known for its excellent Asian restaurants and H Mart.
#9: Kent
• Median home price: $640,000.
• Commute: 25 minutes without traffic; up to 1 hour 15 minutes with traffic.
• Fun fact: Kent Station offers a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
#10: Renton
• Median home price: $755,000.
• Commute: 16 minutes without traffic; up to 50 minutes with traffic.
• Fun fact: Features The Landing, an outdoor shopping plaza with diverse restaurants, services, and a movie theater.
Conclusion
In this blog, we’ve highlighted the top 10 most affordable cities south of Seattle, each offering a lower median home price compared to Seattle's $840,000. From Renton to Tacoma, these cities provide a chance to enjoy a great quality of life while staying within driving distance of Seattle’s vibrant opportunities.
If you’re searching for a more budget-friendly place to call home, these suburbs are worth exploring. They combine affordability, unique attractions, and reasonable commutes to Seattle.
As a real estate broker in the area, I help many home buyers looking to move into the area. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions about the Seattle area.
Phone: 206-643-7213
Email: gus@dmdrealestate.com
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