CategoriesSeattle, Seattle schools

Seattle’s New School Assignment Plan

On June 17, 2009 the Seattle School Board approved a new student assignment plan.  Then on November 18, 2009 the School Board adopted new boundaries and a transition plan for the 2010-11 school year.  The change came about, in large part, because of huge budget shortfalls in the Seattle School district but also (according to the school district website) this plan is hoped to “provide greater predictability for families while still offering opportunities for school choice.”  Those in favor of this shift like returning to the idea of neighborhood schools and minimizing the need for mass transit to get kids to school.  Those who oppose fear that the disparity between schools will increase and quality education for all children will be further jeopardized.

Since the new student assignment plan was approved and the school boundaries were drawn, a new layer has been added to the real estate market.  More than ever, we are seeing “micro-markets” in certain school boundaries, both to the advantage and disadvantage of our clients selling their homes.  We are also working with many clients who are feeling the need to move before they are ready in order to keep siblings together in the same school, and some are opting to stay put longer for this same reason.  There are clearly immediate challenges that we are working through and still wonder, every day, how this change effects the long term real estate picture as well as the health of our public schools.

For those of you who don’t know, click here to find out what school boundary your home falls into:

We think it’s worth mentioning one positive opportunity that is available when students live close to their school: The Walking School Bus.  This was created as an alternative to busing, and is starting to gain traction around the country.

If you would like to discuss this topic in more detail, feel free to call us anytime!

Warm Regards,

Domenica
Windermere Real Estate

CategoriesSeattle, Seattle neigborhoods

Do you know about High Point?

In April our office enjoyed a guided tour through the Neighborhood House – High Point Center in West Seattle’s newest neighborhood, built from the ground up starting in 2006.  It was both impressive and totally inspiring.  Besides being a beautifully designed building, it is LEED certified and an environmental learning center.   This center was built to be the “heart” of the neighborhood with support services and gathering spaces for members of the community and the home base for the neighborhood association.

In Phase 1 of High Point development, five builders were chosen to develop over 200 homes that were all kept to a high standard of green building.  The roads, parks and infrastructure addressed the community aspect of “neighborhood” and the environment in their planning and creation.  The result has been a huge success.  The High Point neighborhood has won many awards since the project began and now the community is really flourishing and growing.  High Point, like all neighborhoods, is not without its problems but the residents are coming together to make a community and support one another.

High Point is one of the highest points in all of Seattle so the downtown City views are impressive. There are many parks, trails, a community pea patch, and a man-made lake-that attracts a large number of water fowl as well as the award winning community center and senior residence. 

The development continues in Phase 2, and we look forward to the completion of more quality homes.  Homes in the High Point neighborhood range from $200,000-$550,000.  If you want more information about the neighborhood, or our new listing, just give us a call.
 
 
 
Warm Regards,

Domenica
Windermere Real Estate