If you’ve spent time on Lake Union, you’ve seen the floating homes. Maybe only from a distance, but you know they’re there. Today, we’re letting you get closer. We went up close and personal with some of the floating homes on Lake Union, and we turned our adventure into a photo essay.
Line ‘Em Up

Seattle only has about 500 floating homes, and the city will not allow any more floating home spots.
Welcome to the Neighborhood
On the Simple Side
On the Extravagant Side
Floating Homes, Not Houseboats

Floating homes and houseboats are two different things. Floating homes are permanently connected to their docks, and they come equipped with all the standard utilities like electricity and sewer. Houseboats move. They are moored in marinas, and they are classified as vessels, not homes.
Little House on the Water

If you own a floating home, you must pay property taxes. You also have to follow the same building codes that apply to land-based homes. However, taxes tend to be significantly cheaper on floating houses, compared to foundation houses.
Their Transportation Floats, Too

Very few people ever feel seasick on a floating home. Their size makes them stable, so their movement is minimal.