It's little wonder that appreciation over 15 years has been much faster than the county average. The core of this area is a bustling business district. Although dotted with early 1900s houses, most were built in the '20s through the '40s. This area was developed mostly during post-World War II boom, but there was another surge in the 1990s. Nearly 90 new houses have been built in the past five years, the most for any area in Seattle.
Undeveloped land remains, but much of it is steep slopes and wetlands.
Prices have risen sharply over the past three years, perhaps because the neighborhood's affordability is high considering its convenience. South Park was built during the World War II industrial boom. A large number of houses are in need of renovation, but prices have started to take off, and gentrification is under way. Views mostly are to the west over the Duwamish industrial area or east over Rainier Valley. Appreciation is well above the county average.