History
Madison Park, named after President James Madison, has retained the beachfront resort charm it was known for in the 1800s, and attracts more than just tourists these days. Permanent residents of Madison Park have since settled in the area, and today Madison Park has the tightest rental market in Seattle.

Description
Madison Park has the feeling of a small town and locals know one another when they pass on the street. Some of the most enchanting old houses line the streets and upscale bistros and cafes attract out-of-towners and locals to their sidewalk dining and window shopping. Madison Park has quaint stores and businesses and prides itself on its unique setting.

Residents
Madison Park is known for its strong community ties and affluent Seattle residents. Residents are mainly wealthy professionals that work together to keep the area traffic-free and homey for long-time locals. The median income in Madison Park is more than double that of other neighborhoods. Even the smallest homes are priced well above what they would be in other areas of Seattle.

Rental Housing
Available rental housing in Madison Park can be quite limited. It is a very small geographic area and there are only a handful of apartment buildings. Condominium development has historically been more prevalent and many renters that want to live in Madison Park find renting a condo to be a good option. Although this area is one of the most expensive in which to buy a house, rental prices have not increased quite as fast. For Madison Park, rental prices are usually going to range from $1.25 per square foot to $1.75 per square foot.

Fun Stuff
Madison Park and beach is where neighborhood residents play in the sand, wade in the roped-off area, or swim out to the dock to dive into the crisp water. On a clear day, a gorgeous view of Mt. Rainier becomes your backdrop. At the park’s north end, sunbathers lounge on towels in the grass beside the fishing and small boat pier. You’ll still see some dilapidated wooden pilings at the edge of the water where the steamship Lincoln used to dock for its seventeen-minute commuter run to Kirkland. To the south, neighbors compete on two lighted tennis courts. Watch for the Christmas Ships sailing by in December.