Townhome or Craftsman? Let's Talk North Admiral.

If you've been circling North Admiral wondering whether your future self belongs in a sleek townhome or a porch-and-character Craftsman, welcome — you're in very good company. Up here, the choice is rarely about style alone. It's about how you actually want to live: how much weekend yard work you're willing to sign up for, whether "lock it and leave for Greece" is a lifestyle goal (no judgment, it's mine too), and how much that hill out front is going to factor into your daily grocery haul. With a May 2026 median sale price hovering around $1.05M across all home types, this isn't a small decision — so let's make it a clear one.

The townhome case is a strong one if you like your life streamlined. You'll often get newer construction, smart efficient layouts, and outdoor space that shows up as decks, patios, or a rooftop perch instead of a lawn you have to mow. Many come with dedicated or garage parking — a genuine gift in a neighborhood this hilly — and some hand off a chunk of the maintenance to an HOA. Just do your homework before you fall in love: confirm whether it's a true fee-simple townhouse or a townhouse-style condo, what those dues actually cover, and whether there are any rental restrictions lurking in the fine print. Future-you will thank present-you.

The Craftsman case, on the other hand, is all heart — and a fair bit of room to roam. These are the homes with the box-beam ceilings, the wide eaves, the front porch made for a glass of wine and some light neighbor-watching. You get a private yard, more separation from the folks next door, and — if the lot cooperates with Seattle's slope, setback, and coverage rules — real potential to add a backyard cottage or DADU down the road. The tradeoff is that detached homes vary wildly. Parking, access, systems, and that ever-present North Admiral incline all need a close, in-person look. One charming 1917 bungalow might list zero parking spots, and on this hill, that's not a footnote.

Here's My Take

Neither one wins on paper. Pick the townhome if you want newer, simpler, and lighter on upkeep. Pick the Craftsman if you want character, a yard, and room to dream bigger later. The real trick is making sure the home fits the life you actually live—not just the kitchen you fell for on the tour.

Want to walk a few of these block by block and sort the genuine tradeoffs from the staging? That's exactly my favorite kind of afternoon. Let's go.