What $1 Million Buys Across Seattle

One million dollars sounds like a very specific housing budget. In Seattle, it is really a collection of different choices. The same money can buy a high-rise condominium, a newer townhome, a smaller home on an exceptional block or a detached house with a little history and a longer project list. The question is not which one is objectively best. It is which compromises are worth making for the way you actually live.

That distinction matters even more in this market. Northwest Multiple Listing Service data for September put the King County median sale price at $850,000 across residential homes and condos, with the single-family median at $949,975 and the condo median at $496,000. Those are countywide medians, not values for any individual neighborhood or building. Still, they illustrate how far a $1 million budget can stretch depending on the property type.

Five versions of roughly the same budget

I selected these examples to show the tradeoffs, not to crown a winning neighborhood. Four were publicly reported as active when reviewed on October 8; the Columbia City example is a recently completed sale. Details, availability and incentives can change quickly.

Belltown | Gallery #902

2911 2nd Avenue #902 | Condo · 2 beds, 2 baths · 1,301 sq. ft.

$875,000 asking · $1,522 monthly HOA

In Belltown, this budget is buying a very different lifestyle: a ninth-floor residence at Gallery with a dedicated den, a private balcony, views, parking, storage and shared amenities. The 1,301-square-foot layout offers room to spread out without the responsibilities of a yard. But the building is part of the purchase. With monthly dues of $1,522, you need to evaluate the reserves, insurance, projects and what those dues actually cover, not just the asking price.

Capitol Hill | 1713 17th Avenue

1713 17th Avenue | Townhome · 3 beds, 3 baths · 1,622 sq. ft.

$899,000 asking · 2025 construction

On Capitol Hill, the emphasis changes. This newer, multi-level townhome has an EV-ready attached garage, rooftop outdoor space and close-in walkability. Compared with the Gallery condo, the asking price buys more interior square footage and a different kind of privacy. The tradeoff is vertical living, a much smaller lot and stairs between daily functions. For some people that is an easy choice. For others, it is the deciding factor.

Crown Hill | 8750 13th Avenue NW #C

8750 13th Avenue NW #C | Newer house · 3 beds · 1,686 sq. ft.

$995,000 asking · 2025 construction

Farther north, this newer Crown Hill home shows how a near-$1 million budget can include a garage, a fenced outdoor area and the appeal of newer systems. It is not the same as buying a large, older lot with a detached house in the middle. The site is compact and the floor plan uses its vertical space. The listing was also advertising a buyer credit when reviewed, a reminder that the real negotiation can involve closing costs or financing assistance as well as the price on the sign. Confirm all incentive terms before relying on them.

West Seattle | North Admiral Victorian

1921 44th Avenue SW | Detached house · 3 beds, 1.5 baths · 1,760 sq. ft.

$975,000 asking · 4,312-sq.-ft. lot

North Admiral offers a different type of ownership. This 1894 Victorian has a defined lot, established character, a more traditional room arrangement and a short connection to the neighborhood and waterfront. It is also a good reminder that square footage alone tells very little. An older house may offer more land and architectural character, but buyers should be ready to examine the roof, sewer, drainage, electrical work, maintenance history and future improvements. An updated kitchen does not make a century-old house a new one.

Columbia City | A recent sale

3832 S Edmunds Street | Townhome · 3 beds, 3.5 baths · 2,020 sq. ft.

$962,500 sold · September 1, 2026

A recent Columbia City sale adds a useful reality check. This 2,020-square-foot townhome closed for $962,500 on September 1. It offers more space on paper than several of the active examples, with a different neighborhood setting and a different ownership structure than the North Admiral house. Because this property has already sold, it is not something a buyer can tour today. It is here to show what comparable spending has actually secured, not simply what sellers are asking.

What the monthly payment changes

At Freddie Mac’s October 8 national survey average of 7.40%, an illustrative $1 million purchase with 20% down means an $800,000 mortgage and about $5,539 per month in principal and interest on a 30-year fixed loan. That number does not include property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage fees, utilities, repairs or HOA dues, and it is not a personalized lender quote.

Now compare the Gallery condo at its $875,000 asking price. Under the same 20%-down and 7.40% illustration, the mortgage payment would be about $4,847 per month in principal and interest. Add the reported $1,522 monthly HOA dues and you are at approximately $6,369 before taxes and insurance. A lower purchase price does not necessarily mean a lower monthly carrying cost. Condo financing and actual loan pricing must also be checked separately.

What I would compare before choosing

I start with the things you cannot meaningfully change after closing: location, lot, natural light, view, floor plan, parking, outdoor space and the surrounding properties. For a condo, I add the building’s financial condition, insurance, reserves, assessments and lender eligibility. For a house, the systems and site conditions deserve equal attention. Even two properties with almost identical price-per-square-foot numbers may not be substitutes.

Then I look at the ownership experience. Will you use the rooftop deck? Is the garage important? Would you rather have more land and more upkeep, or less maintenance and a higher monthly association fee? Are you willing to trade a shorter commute for a home with a yard? These are not abstract questions once you have to live with the answers.

When I compare what $1 million buys across Seattle, I am less interested in creating a winner and more interested in showing how differently the same money can live. The right answer is the one that fits your life, your financial comfort and the parts of a home you cannot recreate later.

A note on the numbers

Listing information and reported pricing were reviewed October 8, 2026. Four examples were publicly listed as active at review; the Columbia City example was sold September 1, 2026. These examples illustrate the market, not a promise of current availability. A buyer should confirm MLS status, property details, HOA documents, association insurance and financing with the appropriate professionals before acting.

September 2026 market statistics: Northwest Multiple Listing Service, released October 6, 2026. Mortgage illustration: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, October 8, 2026.

For a closer look at how those tradeoffs apply to your own search, reply or connect with me through Welcome Home Seattle.