
Central Area real estate.
Historic, diverse, and rapidly transforming central Seattle neighborhood.
- Median sale price
- $846K
- Days on market
- 43
- Active listings
- 222
Live NWMLS data · zip 98122 · May 2026

About Central Area
The Central Area sits directly east of downtown — historically the heart of Seattle's African-American community and now one of the city's fastest-changing neighborhoods. The mix of historic homes, new townhomes, and small-scale infill development is constant.
Buyers are drawn by the central location, walkability to Capitol Hill and downtown, and continued value compared to neighbors. Housing ranges from restored Victorian and Craftsman homes on quiet residential streets to modern townhomes and condos along the arterials.
Median Sale Price
$846K
$598/sqft · 43 days on market
222 active listings · updated May 2026
Schools
Seattle Public Schools; Madrona or Leschi Elementary, Meany Middle School, Garfield High School
Commute
5–10 min to downtown and Capitol Hill. Quick access to I-5 and I-90.
Buying in Central Area?
Get curated active listings, off-market opportunities, and an offer strategy built for Central Area.
Search Central Area homes →Selling in Central Area?
Get a real agent-prepared estimate of your Central Area home's value and a custom listing plan.
Sell my Central Area home →Active homes for sale in Central Area
Live NWMLS listings in Central Area (zip 98122), refreshed hourly.
ActiveNew today$357,900
MLS# 2520173711 E Denny Way #206
Seattle, WA 98122
1 bd1 baListing courtesy of Windermere RE/Capitol Hill,Inc
ActiveNew today$1,700,000
MLS# 2530638601 21st Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
0 bd0 baListing courtesy of Asay Realty
ActiveNew today$575,000
MLS# 25308181621 E Spring Street #1a
Seattle, WA 98122
2 bd1 baListing courtesy of COMPASS
ActiveNew today$1,700,000
MLS# 2530629601 21st Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
0 bd0 baListing courtesy of Asay Realty
ActiveNew today$995,000
MLS# 2530567519 27th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
3 bd0.5 ba2,200 sqftListing courtesy of COMPASS
ActiveNew today$660,000
MLS# 25252312905 E Olive Street
Seattle, WA 98122
3 bd1 ba1,280 sqftListing courtesy of Verra Terra
Listing data courtesy of NWMLS. Provided for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use.
Common questions about Central Area real estate
- What is the median sale price in Central Area?
- The current median sale price in the Central Area zip code is $846K ($598 per square foot), based on the most recent NWMLS data refreshed May 2026. Typical asking prices in Central Area run Townhomes $600K–$1M, single-family $900K–$1.6M, larger restored homes $1.7M–$2.5M+.
- How competitive is the Central Area real estate market right now?
- Median days-on-market in Central Area is currently 43 days, with 222 active listings tracked in this zip code as of May 2026. Buyers generally have time to evaluate properties without same-day pressure, though best-in-class homes still attract competition.
- Which schools serve Central Area?
- Seattle Public Schools; Madrona or Leschi Elementary, Meany Middle School, Garfield High School. School attendance areas are reviewed annually by the district — verify your exact address at seattleschools.org/admissions before relying on assignments for a purchase decision.
- What is the commute like from Central Area?
- 5–10 min to downtown and Capitol Hill. Quick access to I-5 and I-90.
- How do I buy or sell a home in Central Area?
- RexMont's agents represent buyers and sellers across Central Area and the broader Seattle market. For buyers, we provide curated active listings, off-market opportunities, and a tailored offer strategy. For sellers, we prepare an agent-reviewed valuation and a custom listing plan. Reach the team via the contact links on this page.
Nearby Seattle neighborhoods
Considering Central Area? Buyers commonly compare it against these adjacent Seattle neighborhoods.
Capitol Hill
Seattle's most vibrant urban neighborhood — restaurants, music venues, and Light Rail to downtown.
First Hill
Hospital district just east of downtown — condos, walkability, Light Rail.
Madrona
Walkable village vibes, Lake Washington views, and a tight-knit community feel.
Leschi
Lakefront residential neighborhood with a small business district.
Judkins
South-of-Central residential neighborhood along the Light Rail.
Madison Valley
Walkable East Seattle neighborhood between Madison Park and Capitol Hill.