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Licton Springs

Licton Springs is a quiet, underrated North Seattle neighborhood centered around its namesake artesian springs and park — offering affordable bungalows, genuine community character, and easy access to the Aurora Avenue corridor and North Seattle College.

72
Walk Score
58
Transit Score
55
Bike Score

Living in Licton Springs

Licton Springs is one of North Seattle's best-kept secrets — a genuinely community-minded neighborhood that has maintained its character despite the pressures of Seattle's housing market. Named for the artesian springs that bubble up in the neighborhood's small but historically significant park, the area combines modest craftsman bungalows and mid-century ranches with newer infill development along the Aurora Avenue corridor. Housing prices here run softer than in adjacent Greenwood or Phinney Ridge, making it one of the more accessible entry points for first-time buyers in North Seattle.

The neighborhood surrounds North Seattle College, whose campus gives the area a steady institutional anchor and a consistent supply of students, faculty, and staff. Licton Springs Park itself is a peaceful, wooded urban refuge where the artesian springs have flowed for centuries — the springs held sacred significance to the Duwamish people long before European settlement. The surrounding streets are quiet and residential, with block parties, P-patch gardens, and neighborhood association meetings that give Licton Springs a small-town feel within the larger city.

First-time homebuyer in North Seattle — Buyers who want the North Seattle lifestyle — walkable amenities, strong schools, genuine neighborhood identity — without the premium prices of Greenwood or Fremont. College community buyer — Faculty, staff, or graduate students associated with North Seattle College who want to walk or bike to campus. Urban homesteader — Buyers drawn to community gardens, artisan springs, and a neighborhood with deep civic engagement and a genuine sense of place.

Getting Around

Licton Springs is bounded roughly by N 100th Street to the north, Stone Avenue N to the west, N 85th Street to the south, and Aurora Avenue N to the east. Aurora Avenue provides a direct arterial to downtown Seattle and connects to I-5 via N 85th Street. King County Metro routes 5 and E Line (RapidRide) run frequently along Aurora Avenue, providing reliable transit access to downtown and Shoreline.

Key commute times:

  • Microsoft Redmond: 35–45 min by car via SR-522 or SR-520
  • Amazon Bellevue: 30–40 min by car
  • Downtown Seattle: 20–25 min by car or 30–35 min by bus via Aurora Ave
  • Google Kirkland: 35–45 min by car via SR-522

Highlights

  • Licton Springs Park protects four rare urban artesian springs with cultural significance to the Duwamish people
  • Affordable bungalows and craftsman homes relative to adjacent Greenwood and Phinney Ridge
  • North Seattle College campus anchors the neighborhood's institutional core
  • Strong neighborhood identity with community gardens, pocket parks, and local events
  • Aurora Avenue S corridor provides convenient access to shops, restaurants, and services
  • Easy bus connections to downtown Seattle and the University District via Aurora Ave routes

Schools

Robert Eagle Staff Middle School

Middle
7/10

Ingraham High School

High School
7/10

Thinking about Licton Springs?

I'd love to show you around and help you find the right home. Let's talk about what Licton Springs has to offer.

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