Black Diamond is Washington’s best-kept secret – with stunning homes, well-maintained parks, and reputable schools, it consistently ranks among the best Seattle suburbs to raise a family.
But this former coal-mining town also has plenty to offer intrepid home buyers who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. Here’s why Black Diamond should be your next home.
Community overview
With an estimated population of 4,779, this small city in King County spans 6.66 square miles of green spaces and suburban housing.
Local officials expect the population to increase to about 20,000 within the next 20 years as Black Diamond continues to attract homebuyers in search of a warm and welcoming community within driving distance of Seattle.
The city has committed itself to sustainable growth through smart and environmentally-friendly planning that preserves Black Diamond’s rural character.
Landmarks include:
- Baker Street Books
- Black Diamond Bakery
- Black Diamond BMX Park
- Black Diamond Open Space (BDOS)
Historical highlights
Black Diamond was originally a coal mining town and a major coal importer in the region before incorporating as a city in 1959. The community revolved around the Black Diamond Coal Company, which was based out of San Francisco before moving to the area upon the discovery of coal in Washington Territory.
The Pacific Coast Company bought the Black Diamond Coal Company in 1904 and became the biggest coal mining operation on the coast.
But demand for coal waned as oil became the preferred fuel source, forcing the Pacific Coast to disband the company in the late 1930s before closing down their mines completely in 1958.
Today, Black Diamond is better known as a sought after suburb with some of the finest homes in King County.
Black Diamond, WA Real Estate
King County, WA housing market generally has tight inventory and high demand. Bidding wars are not uncommon. These trends can also be observed in Black Diamond real estate.
The city’s housing market is primarily made up of spacious single-family homes. Vacant lots on which to build your dream home are also available. Popular architectural styles include Traditional, Contemporary, Ranch, Bungalow, and Cape Cod.
Some of the most sought after properties include waterfront properties with cabin-style homes, viewing decks, and private docks along with scenic Lake Sawyer and Green River.
Notable neighborhoods include:
- Old Black Diamond
- Lake Sawyer
- Sawyer Ridge III
- Morganville
- Ten Trails
Living in Black Diamond, WA
According to Best Places, the general cost of health care and utilities in Black Diamond are lower than the national average while grocery prices are about the same as other cities in the United States. Rent for studios and 1-, 2-, and 3-BR apartments in the city is generally more affordable compared to the Seattle-Tacoma- Bellevue Metro Area.
The city’s public schools fall under the Enumclaw School District 216, which serves students in grades PK and K-12. Founded in 1887, the school district has been providing quality education for over 120 years.
As of 2018, the district had some 4,250 students enrolled in the following schools:
- Westwood Elementary School
- Thunder Mountain Middle School
- Enumclaw Middle School
- Southwood Elementary School
- Sunrise Elementary
- Black Diamond Elementary
- Byron Kibler Elementary School
- Enumclaw Senior High School
Major employers within proximity of the city include:
- Boeing
- Naval Station Everett
- State of Washington
- Providence Medical Center
- Tulalip Tribe Enterprises
Health care facilities in and around the city include:
- Enumclaw Regional Hospital
- Highline Medical Center
- Overlake Hospital Medical Center
- St. Clare Hospital
- Fairfax Hospital
- Auburn Regional Medical Center
- Schick Shadel Hospital
- Group Health Eastside Hospital (Eastside Primary Care Center)
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
- Valley Medical Center
- St. Joseph Medical Center
- Group Health Bellevue Medical Center
- University of Washington Medical Center
Popular attractions in and around Black Diamond include:
- Lake Sawyer
- Southeast Green River Gorge Road
- Flaming Geyser Park
- Black Diamond Museum
Closing
If you want to explore your real estate options in Black Diamond, WA, don’t hesitate to contact me, Lori Lewandowski. As a Realtor with over 13 years of experience, I specialize in buying and selling residential real estate in King County’s most desirable communities. I also belong to the top 1% in sales for Pierce County, WA.
My real estate accreditations and certifications include:
- Certified Buyers Designation
- Certified Sellers Designation
Call Lori at 253.617.5922, or Shane at 253.617.5921, now to inquire about Black Diamond real estate, recreational facilities, or other concerns regarding the community. You can also send an email to LoriLewandowski@gmail.com. As a full-time, full-service real estate agent, I’m at your beck and call seven days a week.
You can also view your options in other in-demand WA communities like Kent, Lakewood, and Eatonville.
