By Gwen Davis

This is the first in a series of stories on housing. It’s an overview of the issues to provide a background for the subject which is multifaceted, complex and changing rapidly.

Housing in Seattle is a spicy topic. With the city’s housing affordability project being installed, residents of all stripes are chiming in their thoughts on how to increase housing quantity and affordability to accommodate the tens of thousands of people who will move to Seattle within the next decade — along with the many Seattleites who need a place to live now.

Renting in Seattle — go get ‘em

Renters make up over 50 percent of residents in Seattle, according to the city. However, while housing availability is a squeeze, those renters should have every reason to be optimistic. Stan Philip Richards, marketing director at NWCREI/Northwest Apartments, said that while finding housing in Seattle is a challenge, people should not be discouraged as long as they’re willing to be realistic.

"Do your due diligence,” he said. "Too many people say something like: 'I want to live in Capitol Hill and I want a washer and dryer for $1,500.’ That’s obviously not going to happen."

Richards said that prospective renters need to be willing to make pragmatic sacrifices.

"Look outside the perimeters of expectations,” he said. "Be willing to forgo the washer and dryer in lieu of a fire place, for instance. Be willing to forego a balcony in lieu of lots of windows.” 

People usually want to live in an area because it’s close to work, but Richards said renters need to be flexible.

"If you’re willing to extend your search range and forgo your high-end expectations — you’ll be successful,” he said.

Origins of Housing Scramble

But why is there a housing crunch to begin with?

“It’s pretty much a basic supply and demand issue,” said Ray Hillstrom, broker at Berkshire Hathaway. “Seattle is a very desirable place. People are moving in for a range of issues, such as employment opportunities.”

And unfortunately, those who are low or mid income earners are continually being pushed out of the city.

Richards agrees.

"The price increases is the proliferation of new perspective residents into the marketplace,” Richards said. “Out-of-state residents are being driven to the marketplace because of companies like Amazon and Google."

But not all those who seek housing are tech geeks, of course. 

Richards said he also rents to people on the lower end of the income scale.

Seattle and King County’s Homelessness Epidemic 

Homelessness is a confounding issue in Seattle, with experts calling it an epidemic. Recently it was reported that the Port of Seattle is leasing their land at 1601 15th Ave. W. to the City of Seattle so that Tent City 5 and SHARE’s Interlay Encampment can move there. 

The new homeless encampment will provide for up to 35 tiny homes.

In the last “Night Out” count conducted last Spring, the number of homeless in King County rose above 11,600 people.

The City of Seattle has a number of initiatives underway to address the problem from clearing out encampments, most recently along the Spokane Street Corridor to the Mayor’s Pathways Home Initiative, a request for $30 million for homeless services, to a philanthropic partnership with Paul G. Allen aiming to provide $35 million to support homeless families.

Today’s Housing Landscape

But aside from future plans, how much does housing cost these days? Read the stats we’ve gathered below:

Cost of Homes (according to Zillow):

SeaTac: The median home value in Seatac is $341,900. The median list price per square foot in Seatac is $236.

White Center: The median home value in White Center is $372,500. The median list price per square foot in White Center is $292.

Burien: The median home value in Burien is $393,800. The median list price per square foot in Burien is $264.

Ballard: The median home value in Ballard is $624,100. The median list price per square foot in Ballard is $515.

West Seattle: The median home value in West Seattle is $749,900. The median list price per square foot in West Seattle is $461.

Cost of Rent (according to Rent Cafe):

SeaTac: Studio: $799; 1-bedroom: $1,121; 2-bedroom: $1,377

White Center: Studio: $1,349; 1-bedroom: $1,253; 2-bedroom: $1,585

Burien: Studio: $889; 1-bedroom: $1,119; 2-bedroom: $1,394

Ballard: (according to Curbed): 1-bedroom: $1,356

West Seattle: (according to Curbed): 1-bedroom: $1,161