Finding a cozy and historic atmosphere within a big city like Seattle can sometimes be tough, a fact that turns neighborhoods like Madison Park into true gems. Indeed, Madison Park maintains natural beauty and a cheery, “village” atmosphere within the Seattle city limits, making it one of the city’s most desirable places to call home.
Madison Park is a small neighborhood at the northeast corner of Seattle named for the park at the base of Madison Street. It is circumscribed by Lake Washington to the east, 39th Avenue to the south, Lake Washington Blvd to the south and west, and Union Bay to the north. Madison Park is an upscale neighborhood with plenty of charm and a rich, diverse history. Before the arrival of white settlers, the area was widely used by the Duwamish tribe for fishing and hunting. In the 1850s, a newcomer by the name of John McGilvera bought over 400 acres in the Madison Park region and began development. In fact, it was the intrepid McGilvra who originally carved out space for the park that gives the neighborhood its name. Throughout the decades that followed, Madison Park would become a popular destination and home to many attractions, such as ferry services, temporary amusement parks, and Seattle’s first ballpark. The neighborhood continued to develop throughout the 20th century, weathering the changes brought on by Prohibition and two world wars to transform into the urban getaway it has become today.
The charm doesn’t end with the history, of course. Today, Madison Park boasts a number of fine amenities, including many shops and eateries. Cactus is a chic and stylish Southwestern, Mexican, and Spanish restaurant that also holds the distinction of being home to Seattle’s first tapas bar. Established in the 1990s, Cactus has grown into a local chain with locations in many parts of the Seattle area. If you’re more in the mood for a classic gastro pub, then the Attic Alehouse might be just up your alley. The popular establishment’s roots go all the way back to 1904, when the property was used as both a shooting gallery and a bowling alley. As the years wore on, the Attic saw plenty of changes (it even shared its space with a barbershop at one point) until it grew into the place it is today: a destination for honest pub grub, cold beers, outstanding brunch, and Seahawks games.
In your rush to enjoy fine cuisines, don’t forget to visit the park! The neighborhood’s namesake can be found on the shores of Lake Washington, and it’s the perfect destination for spring and summer afternoons. With grassy lawns, playgrounds, tennis courts, and generous waterfront space, there’s plenty of fun for everyone.
Within the neighborhood of Madison Park lies the exclusive gated community of Broadmoor. Known for its beautiful and unique home sites, garden-like setting, and the Broadmoor Golf Course, the neighborhood is a testament to class and sophistication. Like the neighborhood it calls home, the golf course has a rich and storied history dating back to the Roaring Twenties. Since that time, some of golf’s greatest players have visited the stately course, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Ben Hogan.
As of 2016, the median sales price for Madison Park homes was about $1,000,000. However, the range of prices covers diverse territory, reaching prices as low as $309,950 and as high as $2,390,000.
For assistance finding the perfect Madison Park home, contact Pickett Street at (425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com.