Burien and Des Moines offer a unique combination of coastal living and urban convenience, situated just south of Seattle along the shores of the Puget Sound. This is an area where you can find stunning water views, vibrant marinas, and a variety of parks, all within minutes of Sea-Tac Airport and the major transit corridors of the south end. The atmosphere is one of a relaxed beach community that has managed to retain its local charm while becoming an increasingly popular choice for those who want to be close to the city without the high price tag. It is a place where you can watch the sunset over the Olympics from a waterfront park and be at a light rail station in a matter of minutes.
What it feels like
Life in Burien and Des Moines feels like living in a series of interconnected beach towns. Burien has a lively downtown core with a variety of local shops, restaurants, and a weekly farmers market that gives it a strong sense of community. The residential neighborhoods wind through hilly terrain, with many houses offering glimpses of the Sound or the mountains. It feels established and welcoming, with a mix of mid-century homes and newer developments.
Des Moines, just to the south, is centered around its beautiful marina and waterfront park. The atmosphere here is even more focused on the water, with a long fishing pier and a beach that is a popular spot for locals. The town has a quiet, almost vacation-like feel, especially during the summer months when the marina is bustling with activity. As you move inland, the landscape becomes more suburban, with quiet residential streets and a variety of parks and green spaces.
The proximity to the airport is a defining feature of the region. While this means you will likely hear the sound of planes, it also means that you have unparalleled access to travel and a variety of airport-related jobs. The area feels like a hidden gem that is slowly being discovered, offering a quality of life that is hard to find so close to a major metropolitan area. It is a place where the local identity is strong and the connection to the water is a daily reality.
Getting around and commute tradeoffs
Commuting from Burien and Des Moines is relatively straightforward, thanks to the proximity of SR-509, SR-99, and I-5. SR-509 provides a direct and often less congested route into downtown Seattle, while SR-99 and I-5 connect the area to the rest of the region. However, like all major routes in the area, these can become very busy during peak hours, and traffic is a factor to consider.
Public transit is a major benefit for the region, with the Link light rail serving several stations nearby, including Tukwila, SeaTac, and Angle Lake. This provides a reliable and fast connection to downtown Seattle, the University of Washington, and beyond. There is also an extensive network of bus routes that serve the area, making it one of the most transit-friendly parts of the south end.
The biggest tradeoff is the airport noise. If you live directly under a flight path, the sound of departing and arriving aircraft will be a part of your daily life. However, many residents find that they quickly get used to the sound, and the convenience of being so close to the airport and the light rail more than makes up for it. The hilly terrain can also mean that some streets are steep and winding, which can be a challenge during the rare winter snowstorm.
Homes and typical prices
The housing market in Burien and Des Moines offers a variety of options, from modest mid-century ramblers to expansive waterfront estates. You can find a lot of character in the older homes, many of which have been well-maintained or thoughtfully updated. Normandy Park, in particular, is known for its larger lots and high-end properties, some of which have private beach access.
Typical prices in these areas generally range from about $500K to $850K, with many houses available in the $550,000 to $800,000 range. This is approximate and changes based on the proximity to the water and the condition of the property. For those looking for a view, prices can be higher, but they still tend to be more affordable than similar properties in West Seattle or the Eastside. The variety of housing styles and price points makes it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers.
Condominiums and townhouses are also available, particularly near the Burien downtown core and the Des Moines waterfront. These offer a lower-maintenance lifestyle and an even more accessible entry point into the market. Overall, the area provides a wide variety of housing that caters to different needs and budgets, all with the added benefit of being close to the water.
Parks, water and things to do
Outdoor activities are a major draw for Burien and Des Moines. Seahurst Park in Burien is one of the region's best beachfront parks, with miles of trails, a saltwater beach, and stunning views of the Sound. Saltwater State Park in Des Moines is another popular destination, offering camping, hiking, and scuba diving opportunities. The Des Moines Marina and Beach Park are central to life in the town, providing a place to walk, fish, or simply enjoy the water.
For those who enjoy shopping and dining, the Burien downtown area offers a variety of unique boutiques and local eateries. The Southcenter Mall in nearby Tukwila is one of the largest shopping centers in the region, offering a vast array of retail and entertainment options. The area is also home to several community centers and libraries that host a variety of events and programs throughout the year.
The proximity to the water means that boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular pastimes. The area also has a number of smaller parks and greenbelts that offer a quiet escape from the urban environment. Whether you are looking for a day at the beach or a quiet walk in the woods, you will find plenty of options right in your own backyard.
Neighborhoods it covers
This region encompasses the cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac, along with the city of Tukwila and the affluent community of Normandy Park. It also includes the Southcenter area and the neighborhoods around Angle Lake, providing a varied mix of residential and commercial environments.
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Common questions
- How bad is the airport noise?
- The noise varies significantly depending on your specific location and the current flight paths. Some areas are very quiet, while others experience frequent plane noise.
- Is there a ferry from Des Moines?
- No, there is no regular ferry service from Des Moines, but the marina is a popular spot for private boats.
- How long does it take to get to downtown Seattle on the light rail?
- From the SeaTac or Angle Lake stations, the ride to downtown Seattle typically takes about 35 to 40 minutes.
Nearby areas
Price ranges, transit and commute notes are general guides and change often. Verify details for any specific home. Every neighborhood is open to everyone.