We have lakes, creeks, rivers, and the Puget Sound (which by the way is not the ocean as many people think). We are three hours away from the Pacific Ocean if you want a beach property or just an hour or so from the mountains. We have it all here. We really do. Even though our weather has been super sporadic this year and it doesn’t seem like we will ever get a consistent string of sunny days, we have our waterfront! To me, the ultimate in waterfront is to live on a Seattle houseboat – either in Lake Union or Portage Bay.

What could be better than waterfront with no grass to mow? I will tell you! Seattle houseboats on owned docks have lower taxes than traditional land homes and definitely lower than waterfront homes. The dues are low and include moorage for your floating home in most cases.

Here are my picks for Seattle houseboats on the market right now:

2321 Fairview Ave E, Houseboat 3 – An Eastlake houseboat built in 1930 and absolutely charming with beautiful interior spaces, vaulted ceilings, and windows to capture all the light. 2 bedrooms, remodeled slate bathroom with modern fixtures and radiant heated floors, spacious utility room, hardwoods, sleeping loft and moorage for multiple boats! $625,000 (Dues are $307/mo and cover water, sewer, garbage, and taxes on the dock. Taxes on the floating home itself are only $1167 a year.

Compare that to a waterfront property on land with taxes at well over $15,000 a year and up depending on the area and that is a smart decision. Square footage is usually less in a floating home, but the benefits are clear if you can live simply.

2764 Westlake Ave N, Houseboat D – This has to be the best deal on the lake – nestled in Westlake Cove on Lake Union just North of the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat, this 1910 historical Westlake floating home has a lot to offer – large kitchen and living space, office, sleeping loft, bathroom with claw foot tub, and relaxing deck, plus room to go up a level to capture gorgeous lake and city views. Dues are only $300/month and taxes are only $584 a year. $349,990

2764 Westlake Ave N, Houseboat C – According to the owner, it is often mistaken for the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat by tourists because of its similar lines, this particular Westlake floating home has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom which sports a porthole window, and a sauna. It also has one of the largest decks I have seen and a giant storage closet on the exterior. The dues are only $350/ month and the taxes are $1053 a year. You also have the exclusive option of purchasing the adjoining moorage for a boat up to 20 feet.

You can get more info here if you are interested in Seattle houseboats for sale:

Seattle Houseboats Blog

Nestled on the banks of Lake Union, Eastlake offers some of the best Seattle floating homes with gorgeous Western views and easy waterfront living. If houseboats are not your thing, though, Eastlake has a great combination of affordable view condos, older charming homes, cute duplexes, and new townhomes – some with cool Green home features like solar. Living on the West side of Eastlake Ave seems to be the most popular choice – anywhere on the West side provides you east access through a series of mini parks at the end of the streets – Roanoke& Lynn Street are great places to throw a kayak in and go, but there is also a little known tiny public dock for boats to launch and run into Pete’s Market where you will find one of the best selections of wine in the city.

Eastlake Real Estate is a great Seattle waterfront choice that is close to it all! Interested in anything Downtown Seattle related? Well Eastlake is probably the best place to live for a combination of smaller neighborhood living and urban amenities. The streetcar can take you into Downtown Seattle and South Lake Union is still developing, but has some of the attractive Seattle suburban perks like Whole Foods! Want to go to a Sounders or Mariners game? It is all at your doorstep while still being close to I-5 for easy commuting if you need to head out of town.

Looking for easy living and low maintenance out of the suburbs? Eastlake is my number one recommendation and Eastlake homes have a lot to choose from! You can find easy no maintenance homes and wonderful spaces – some great townhomes, too. If you want more maintenance and closer waterfront living, then go for a houseboat – they are relatively affordable compared to other real estate today and what better way to enjoy Seattle’s waterfront living?

©Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services: Seattle Real Estate, Courtney Cooper is the Designated Broker, Seattle Realtor, EcoBroker, and member Built Green 206-251-5948