Trying to decide between Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Ballard but not sure how far your budget will go in each? You are not alone. These close-in Seattle neighborhoods feel similar at first glance, yet the mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes creates real differences in price and competition. In this guide, you will see clear, recent numbers and plain-English trade-offs so you can target the right area with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick market snapshot
Queen Anne at a glance
- Broader Queen Anne median sale price sits around $965,000 based on Redfin’s January 2026 snapshot. The hill’s single-family homes and view properties pull the median up.
- Lower Queen Anne, also called Uptown, trends much lower at about $510,000 in January 2026 because condos dominate recent sales.
- Translation: say “Queen Anne” only if you also specify the hill versus Lower Queen Anne. Your price band points you to very different home types.
Magnolia at a glance
- Magnolia’s January 2026 median sale price is about $1.17M. Detached single-family homes and larger lots are the norm, with strong premiums for views and proximity to Discovery Park.
- Expect fewer mid-range listings and tighter inventory at any given time.
Ballard at a glance
- Ballard’s January 2026 median sits near $850,000. The neighborhood blends older single-family streets with steady new-construction townhomes and condos.
- Redfin characterizes Ballard as very competitive in recent snapshots, with many listings attracting multiple offers.
What your budget typically buys
Prices and options change week to week, but these ranges are a helpful starting point using January 2026 medians.
Around $400k–$600k
- Most common fit: condo or loft in Lower Queen Anne/Uptown. You get more interior square footage per dollar in vertical living, but usually not a private yard.
- Detached homes at this price are uncommon in Queen Anne, Magnolia, or Ballard.
Around $700k–$950k
- This band aligns with Ballard’s median. You will often choose between a newer townhome, a condo, or a smaller single-family home depending on location and condition.
- Select Queen Anne options may appear in this range, but competition varies by block and renovation level.
$1.0M–$1.4M+
- You are now shopping more comfortably in Magnolia and on the Queen Anne hill for larger single-family homes.
- View and waterfront homes in Magnolia commonly trade above this range. You may stretch budget or prioritize smaller lots or homes needing updates.
Housing mix and lifestyle trade-offs
Lower Queen Anne / Uptown
- Dense, amenity-rich pocket at the base of the hill near Seattle Center. Expect many condo buildings and apartments.
- Best for buyers who want walkability and interior space value over a private yard or large lot.
Queen Anne Hill
- A mix of historic homes, mid-century residences, and newer infill. Steep topography and skyline or water views create pricing tiers.
- The neighborhood includes both quiet single-family streets and denser retail corridors. For context on the area’s history and layout, see the overview of Queen Anne, Seattle.
Magnolia
- Primarily detached single-family homes with larger lots in many sections. Discovery Park anchors the neighborhood and helps maintain a quieter, residential feel.
- The single-family tilt pushes medians higher and narrows mid-price options.
Ballard
- An urban center with a working-waterfront history and a strong core of shops and restaurants. Planning work supports more mid-rise and townhome supply in the heart of the neighborhood, which keeps options flowing for move-up buyers. See the City’s Ballard Urban Design framework for background.
- Expect a healthy mix: older single-family homes on some blocks and newer townhomes or condos near the commercial corridors.
Competition and negotiation right now
- Regionally, the NWMLS reports that active listings are up roughly 20 to 25 percent year over year as of January 2026, while closed sales have eased. That shift gives buyers more leverage than in the 2021–2022 run-up. Read the NWMLS January 2026 market report for the full snapshot.
- Neighborhoods still move at different speeds. Recent Redfin indicators describe Ballard as very competitive, broader Queen Anne as somewhat competitive, and Magnolia as faster-moving at higher price points. Lower Queen Anne shows more variability month to month.
- Practical signals to watch each week:
- Days on market and price reductions on active listings.
- List-to-sale ratios for recent closings in your micro-area.
- The mix of condos vs townhomes vs detached homes in current inventory.
How to choose your best fit
Start with your must-haves
- Private yard and detached home: focus on Magnolia and select single-family pockets on Queen Anne hill, with a budget that often starts near seven figures.
- Walkability and newer construction options: explore Ballard’s townhome corridors and Lower Queen Anne condos.
- Commute and daily rhythm: map key routes and services you use most, then test drive them at rush hour.
Align the plan with your budget
- Below $700k: target Lower Queen Anne condos and be ready to act when the right building and floor plan hit the market.
- $700k–$950k: compare Ballard townhomes, smaller single-family homes, and Queen Anne condos side by side. Your trade-off is space versus location.
- $1.0M–$1.4M+: shop Magnolia single-family homes and larger Queen Anne options, while deciding how much you value lot size, updates, and views.
Time your move
- With more active listings than a year ago, you can often take a beat to compare. But the best-located or best-renovated homes still draw multiple offers.
- Have your financing, inspections, and timeline ready so you can move quickly when the right one appears.
Tips for sellers in these neighborhoods
- Price to today’s comps, not last spring’s headlines. Buyers are comparing across nearby neighborhoods in real time.
- Presentation wins. Pre-list updates, staging, and elevated marketing help you stand out across Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Ballard.
- On our team, we coordinate improvements and professional presentation through Compass Concierge, then market across channels to reach both local and out-of-area buyers.
If you want a clear, side-by-side plan tailored to your home or budget, we are here to help. As long-tenured Magnolia residents who work daily across Queen Anne and Ballard, we can show you the on-the-ground differences block by block and design a strategy that fits your goals. Start the conversation with Mr Magnolia.
FAQs
What are the current median prices in Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Ballard?
- As of January 2026 snapshots, broader Queen Anne is about $965k, Magnolia about $1.17M, Ballard about $850k, and Lower Queen Anne around $510k.
Is Lower Queen Anne mostly condos or single-family homes?
- Lower Queen Anne (Uptown) skews heavily to condos and apartments, which is why its median is lower and you often get more interior space per dollar but less private yard.
How competitive is Ballard for move-up buyers right now?
- Recent neighborhood indicators describe Ballard as very competitive, with many listings drawing strong interest and quick timelines.
Is buyer negotiating power improving in King County?
- The January 2026 NWMLS report shows higher active listings and softer closed sales, which generally improves buyer leverage while hotspots still see multiple offers.
What budget should I plan for a detached home near Discovery Park in Magnolia?
- Many detached homes in Magnolia trade in the $1.0M–$1.4M+ range, with view and waterfront properties commonly above that depending on lot, condition, and exact location.