Ballard vs Fremont

Housing costs are very similar between Ballard and Fremont. Both neighborhoods have median home prices around $850K-$950K, with Fremont slightly more affordable on average at about $875K compared to Ballard's $925K. Both offer similar rental prices for apartments and condos, typically ranging from $1,800-$2,800/month for a 1-2 bedroom. Location within each neighborhood matters more than the neighborhood itself.

Both neighborhoods have excellent nightlife, just different styles! Ballard absolutely wins for brewery lovers with 20+ craft breweries including Stoup, Reuben's Brews, and Lucky Envelope, plus a thriving bar scene along Ballard Avenue. Fremont offers eclectic bars, quirky venues, and a more artsy nightlife vibe with spots like Brouwer's Cafe and The Barrel Thief. Both are walkable and safe at night. Choose Ballard for beer crawls, Fremont for eclectic vibes.

Yes! Both neighborhoods have exceptional Walk Scores above 90 (Ballard: 93, Fremont: 91), meaning you can accomplish most errands on foot. Ballard's main drag along Ballard Avenue and Market Street offers shops, restaurants, breweries, and services within walking distance. Fremont's compact center around 34th Street and Fremont Avenue is equally pedestrian-friendly with cafes, shops, and the Sunday Market all walkable. Both have excellent bike infrastructure and Burke-Gilman Trail access.

Fremont proudly embraces its "Center of the Universe" motto and wears quirky as a badge of honor. You'll find the iconic Fremont Troll sculpture, a full-size Lenin statue, the "Waiting for the Interurban" art piece, and the wild Solstice Parade featuring naked painted cyclists. Ballard has Scandinavian heritage, maritime history, and the annual SeafoodFest, but it's more grounded and less deliberately weird. Both are wonderfully unconventional, just in different ways—Fremont leans into artistic chaos while Ballard blends heritage with craft beer culture.

Ballard and Fremont are immediate neighbors, separated by about 2 miles—roughly a 10-minute drive, 15-minute bike ride, or 30-minute walk along the scenic Burke-Gilman Trail. They're divided by the Fremont Cut (ship canal) and Aurora Bridge. You can easily enjoy amenities from both neighborhoods even if you only live in one. Many residents bike or walk between them regularly to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Ballard is Seattle's undisputed brewery champion with 20+ craft breweries packed into a walkable area, earning it the nickname "Brewery District." Notable spots include Stoup Brewing, Reuben's Brews, Lucky Envelope Brewing, Peddler Brewing, and many more. Fremont has several excellent breweries including the well-known Fremont Brewing and Brouwer's Cafe (with 64+ taps), but can't match Ballard's sheer density of brewpubs. If craft beer is your top priority, Ballard wins hands down.