Living in Burien, Washington
A diverse, walkable city on Puget Sound just south of Seattle and minutes from the airport, Burien pairs an eclectic downtown with saltwater parks and relative affordability.
Burien, WA homes have a median price around $580,000 (about $392/sq ft), with a typical commute of about 8 minutes to SeaTac Airport and roughly 25 minutes to downtown Seattle.
Burien offers close-in location, Sound shoreline, and an artsy, diverse downtown at prices well under Seattle proper — popular with creatives and frequent flyers.
Lifestyle & amenities
Olde Burien's indie shops and restaurants, beach walks at Seahurst, and a strong community-arts streak. Eclectic, friendly, and convenient.
The housing market
More attainable than Seattle with quick city and airport access. A mix of mid-century homes and newer townhomes.
Best for: Creatives, frequent travelers, and close-in value seekers.
Popular Burien neighborhoods
Schools
Served primarily by:
Highline School District
Commute to work
- SeaTac Airport~8m
- Downtown Seattle~20m
- Tukwila~12m
Approximate off-peak drive times.
Parks & outdoors
- Seahurst Park
- Three Tree Point
- Lake Burien
Burien home-buying FAQ
How far is Burien from downtown Seattle?
Burien is roughly 25 minutes from downtown Seattle by car in typical morning traffic. Closer-in job centers include SeaTac Airport (about 8 minutes) and Downtown Seattle (about 20 minutes).
Which school district serves Burien?
Burien is served primarily by Highline School District.
What are the most popular neighborhoods in Burien?
Buyers most often shop Olde Burien, Three Tree Point, Gregory Heights.
What is the housing market like in Burien?
More attainable than Seattle with quick city and airport access. A mix of mid-century homes and newer townhomes.
What are property taxes like in Burien?
Burien is in King County, where the effective property-tax rate is about 0.92% of assessed value — roughly $6,900 a year on a $750,000 home.
What is there to do outdoors in Burien?
Local favorites include Seahurst Park, Three Tree Point, Lake Burien.
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