A $750,000 budget can still buy a house in Seattle.
But depending on where you look in Washington, that same money can buy something dramatically different.
These two listings — one in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood and the other in Port Townsend’s Kala Point community — highlight the tradeoffs buyers are making between location, space, and lifestyle.
The Seattle Home: Paying For The Zip Code
At first glance, the Greenwood property checks a lot of boxes.
The 1924 home offers two bedrooms, one bathroom, and 1,320 square feet on a nearly 6,000-square-foot lot.
Inside, much of the original character remains. Hardwood floors, coved ceilings, and a vintage fireplace give the home a classic Seattle feel, while a remodeled kitchen brings it into the modern era with granite countertops, gas cooking, and stainless steel appliances.
The lower level adds a bonus room that can function as a second bedroom, office, or entertainment space.
Outside, a spacious backyard and large deck provide room for gardening, pets, and summer barbecues. Mature trees behind the property help create a sense of privacy that can be hard to find in the city.
Of course, buyers aren’t just paying for the house. They’re paying for Greenwood.
Public transit access, proximity to restaurants and shops, and the ability to stay inside Seattle city limits remain major selling points.
Still, one detail may raise eyebrows. The property sold on June 2 for $205,000 before returning to the market just eight days later with a $750,000 asking price.
Its 2024 property tax bill came in at $7,110.
Click here to view the complete listing on Zillow.
The Port Townsend Home: More House, More Trees, More Quiet
Now head about two hours northwest to Port Townsend.
For virtually the same price, buyers can purchase a three-bedroom, three-bath home with 2,262 square feet on nearly half an acre inside the Kala Point community.
The difference starts before you even walk through the front door.
Towering evergreens surround the property. Landscaping is mature and low maintenance. The backyard feels tucked away from the world, with dense greenery creating privacy in every direction.
Inside, the home is noticeably larger.
Vaulted ceilings make the main living area feel even more expansive, while skylights flood the interior with natural light. Oak and cherry hardwood floors add warmth throughout the kitchen and dining spaces.
The kitchen itself offers significantly more room than the Seattle home, featuring a large peninsula, tiled backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and ample storage.
The primary suite includes a soaking tub, separate shower, and double vanity. There’s also a finished bonus room downstairs with its own entrance and half bath.
And unlike the Seattle property, residents gain access to Kala Point amenities including a private beach, clubhouse, athletic courts, playground, and miles of trails.
The home last sold in 2013 for $345,000. Its 2024 property tax bill was $6,525.
Click here to view the complete listing on Zillow.
The Bigger Picture
These kinds of comparisons help explain why many Washington buyers find themselves debating the same question. How much space are they willing to give up to stay close to Seattle?
For some, the answer is easy. They want shorter commutes, urban amenities, and the energy that comes with city living.
For others, remote work has made larger homes, private yards, and quieter communities far more attractive than being near a downtown office.
Neither choice is right or wrong. They’re simply very different versions of what $750,000 can buy.
Same Budget, Different Lives
For roughly the same asking price, one buyer gets a remodeled 1920s Seattle home with city convenience and a manageable backyard.
The other gets more than 900 additional square feet, an extra bedroom and two extra bathrooms, nearly half an acre, private beach access, towering evergreens, and room to spread out.
The houses may cost the same. The lifestyles couldn’t look much more different.
