What $1.1M Buys In Kitsap County Vs. Seattle: 5 Acres With A Pool Or Historic Craftsman

At $1.1 million, western Washington homebuyers start entering the “what kind of life do you actually want?” phase of the housing market.

In Seattle, that money can buy a beautifully updated 1915 Craftsman steps from Green Lake, coffee shops, and light rail. In Kitsap County, the same budget gets nearly five acres, towering evergreens, an above-ground pool, and almost double the living space.

Both homes cost the same, but they could not feel more different.

Seattle: Walkable Craftsman Living Near Green Lake

The Seattle home sits in the Phinney Ridge area near Green Lake and is listed for $1.1 million. Built in 1915, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom Craftsman offers 1,630 square feet on a compact 3,506-square-foot lot — but it makes the most of every inch.

This is the kind of Seattle home people picture when they romanticize old-city living.

The listing photos show coffered ceilings, original-style woodworking, built-in shelving with glass cabinet doors, and a brick fireplace surrounded by detailed millwork that gives the home a warm, lived-in feel without feeling dated.

The kitchen has been heavily updated with shaker-style cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash, and a Viking range opening into a formal dining room filled with natural light.

Upstairs and downstairs, the home blends old charm with modern upgrades surprisingly well. The finished lower level includes flex space for an office or media area, while the primary bathroom features a double vanity and a tiled walk-in shower with dual shower heads.

Outside, there’s a fully fenced yard, mature landscaping, and a 300-square-foot deck designed for entertaining.

But the biggest selling point may simply be where the house sits. Green Lake is directly across the street. Woodland Park Zoo, PCC, Phinney Ridge restaurants, Fremont, Ballard, and Roosevelt light rail are all nearby.

The home last sold in 2022 for $800,000. Its 2021 property tax bill was $6,963.

Click here to view the complete listing from Zillow.

Kitsap County: Nearly Five Acres And Room To Breathe

Now head across Puget Sound to Port Orchard. For the same $1.1 million price tag, buyers can get a 2,960-square-foot Craftsman-style home on nearly five private acres surrounded by evergreens.

And unlike the Seattle property, this one leans fully into space. The home includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a den or office, a two-car garage, and enough land to make the neighbors feel optional.

Listing photos show a secluded property wrapped in towering trees with an expansive patio, an above-ground pool, and wide-open outdoor space that feels dramatically different from the tighter footprint of the Seattle home.

Inside, the house features hardwood floors throughout, large windows bringing in natural light, and a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting, and a large island built for actual gatherings rather than carefully coordinated kitchen choreography.

The primary suite pushes further into luxury territory with a jetted soaking tub, separate shower, slate finishes, double vanity, and a walk-in closet.

There’s also no HOA and plenty of room for future projects, outdoor recreation, or simply existing without hearing traffic and sirens every few minutes.

The property last sold in 2021 for $795,000. Its 2024 property tax bill was $6,746 — slightly lower than the Seattle home despite the acreage.

Click here to view the complete listing from Zillow.

The Bigger Tradeoff Driving Washington Buyers

These two homes highlight one of the defining housing questions in western Washington right now. Do buyers prioritize walkability, culture, transit access, and being close to Seattle’s urban core?

Or do they want land, privacy, bigger homes, and quieter surroundings — even if it means ferry schedules, longer drives, or more distance from major job centers?

For some buyers, being able to walk around Green Lake on a random Tuesday evening is worth sacrificing square footage and yard space. For others, five private acres and a swimming pool sound a lot better than circling for street parking.

At $1.1 million, western Washington buyers can absolutely buy a beautiful home. They just have to decide which version of beautiful matters more.