Get to Know the Genesee Neighborhood in West Seattle

This post is the seventeenth in a series offering insights into the unique characteristics of specific neighborhoods on Mercer Island and surrounding Lake Washington, including Dawn Vista, Tarrywood, Sammamish, Orcas Island, Issaquah, West Seattle  and Pine Lake.

The Genesee neighborhood of West Seattle (not to be confused with Genesee Park in Rainier Valley) covers an area of 0.758 square miles and extends from SW Genesee Street to SW Charlestown Street, and west from 46th to 56th Avenues, SW. 

 West Seattle is the section of the city located west of the Duwamish River and extending to Puget Sound. The Junction area of West Seattle is a popular destination for area residents and visitors seeking dining and shopping venues. West Seattle is historically important, as well. The Alki area was the landing site of the first white settlers in the region. West Seattle also includes several very popular parks and residential neighborhoods.
Genesee is a small and quiet residential area near shopping and entertainment at the Junction. The average household size is 2.0 people. Family households account for 37.8 percent of households, and 35.4% of households are married couples with children. The 2011 median household income was $71,201 (compared to $61,037 for all of Seattle). Travel time to work is less than 30 minutes for the vast majority of residents.  

According to 2010 Census figures, the estimated average value of detached houses was $440,438; for townhouses and other attached homes, $307,363. Homes in the Genesee neighborhood have been built at a relatively stable pace since the time of its early development. About a third of the homes were built before 1950, another third were built between 1950 and 1989, and the remainder since 1990.  

Ercolini Park is a popular destination within the Genesee neighborhood. Located at 48th Avenue SW and SW Alaska Street, west of the Junction, it was completed in 2008. This play area for children features a large grassy area, as well as a wood chip covered play area with sandbox, swings for all ages, multiple slides, ladders, monkey bars, and other toys.  Also located within the Genesee neighborhood is the Genesee Hill School. Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2014 on a new school, which is expected to open in the middle of the 2015-2016 academic year.
The neighborhood is adjacent to the Schmitz neighborhood. The two communities are represented by the Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council (an Official Seattle Neighborhood Council), which describes itself as “a group of neighbors working together to actively improve the area they live in. It also represents the local community’s interest on district and Seattle issues.” 

Currently there are 6 homes for sale in the Genesee Neighborhood ranging from $319,777 to $1,140,000.  In the last 180 days 21 properties have sold.  There is a new home being built at the top Genesee Hill overlooking Alki, Puget Sound, and to the Olympic Mountains   It’s in pre-sale status, please contact me for more information.
If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Genesee or any Seattle-Bellevue-Lake Washington neighborhood, please call me at 206-230-0833. I would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your options and help you meet your financial needs.

Ken Urman is a full-time Realtor with more than 20 years experience, and is ranked among the top performers in his profession. He lives in Mercer Island, WA. and serves Mercer Island and the communities around Lake Washington. Buyers and Sellers benefit from the power of his experience, professionalism, and perseverance in achieving their real estate goals. Learn why Ken is a better choice for your real estate needs at www.kenurman.com