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. Because this area is bisected by two major arterials, property values have appreciated rapidly, and significant development has taken place since the completion of the I-90 lid. Houses in the valley itself cost much less than adjacent view property along Lake Washington. On clear days, Mount Rainier looms over what have historically been Seattle's most ethnically diverse neighborhoods. There's a vast difference in price between houses on the hillsides, with views of Lake Washington, and viewless homes in the interior.