Is Union Hill-Novelty Hill Safe, Pros and cons of living in Union Hill-Novelty Hill

Union Hill-Novelty Hill, a census-designated place in King County, Washington, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled within the dynamic Puget Sound region, this community is characterized by its residential appeal and proximity to major employment centers. It presents a unique living experience for those seeking a balance between a peaceful environment and the conveniences of a well-connected area.

The community is known for its pleasant climate, largely influenced by the Pacific Northwest’s temperate oceanic conditions. Residents experience mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. This climate supports an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, with opportunities for recreation throughout the year. The natural beauty of the surrounding landscape further enhances the appeal of Union Hill-Novelty Hill as a place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Union Hill-Novelty Hill?

Union Hill-Novelty Hill presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average, contributing to a sense of security. This positive safety profile is a significant factor for individuals and families considering a move to the area.

While crime rates are favorable, specific neighborhood variations exist, with some areas being perceived as safer than others. The southeastern parts of the community are often considered the safest by residents. Overall, Union Hill-Novelty Hill ranks in the 68th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than a majority of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Crime Statistics

The crime rate in Union Hill-Novelty Hill is approximately 18.67 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This figure positions the community favorably when compared to national averages. Violent crimes are notably lower than the national average, with a reduction of 62% (according to AreaVibes).

Property crime also remains lower than the national average, with rates approximately 41% lower (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents have a chance of becoming a victim of crime that is around 1 in 86 (according to AreaVibes). The crime rate in Union Hill-Novelty Hill is 45% lower than the Washington state average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Union Hill-Novelty Hill is notably higher than both the state and national averages. This is largely driven by the high housing costs, which are a significant factor for potential residents to consider. The overall expense of living reflects the desirability and economic vitality of the region.

While the overall cost of living is elevated, the median household income in Union Hill-Novelty Hill is also substantial, helping to offset some of these expenses. This economic dynamic is characteristic of many desirable suburban areas in proximity to major metropolitan centers.

Housing Costs

Housing prices in Union Hill-Novelty Hill are among the highest in Washington state and the U.S. The median home price was approximately $1.49 million in March 2026, showing a 4.9% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $608, which is down 7.0% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental prices are also on the higher side, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being around $2,001 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $2,740 per month, and for a three-bedroom apartment, it is around $3,537 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). The average rental price in Union Hill-Novelty Hill is higher than 95.1% of neighborhoods in Washington (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Income and Employment

The median household income in Union Hill-Novelty Hill is significantly high, standing at $185,369 (as reported by World Population Review). This reflects a prosperous community with a strong economic base. The average per capita income is also substantial, reaching $132,436 (as reported by World Population Review).

The employment rate in the broader Redmond area, which includes Union Hill-Novelty Hill, is very high at 96.09% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). Unemployment rates in the Redmond area are generally low, with green areas indicating rates of 0-5% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Climate and Environment

Union Hill-Novelty Hill experiences a temperate oceanic climate, typical of the Pacific Northwest. This climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. The area offers a pleasant environment for most of the year, with distinct seasonal changes.

Average temperatures in Union Hill-Novelty Hill range from the mid-30s to mid-40s°F in winter and from the mid-60s to upper 70s°F in summer (as reported by Livability.com). The area receives approximately 35-40 inches of annual precipitation, with the majority of rainfall occurring between October and April (as reported by Union Hill-Novelty Hill, Washington Weather Forecast).

Average Temperatures and Rainfall

The temperature typically varies from 36°F to 77°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 26°F or exceeding 87°F (as reported by Best Weather). The warmest month is August, with an average high of 76°F and a low of 58°F. Conversely, December is the coldest month, with an average low of 37°F and a high of 45°F (as reported by Best Weather).

Monthly rainfall shows significant seasonal variation. November typically sees the most rain, with an average of 9.2 inches, while July is the driest month, averaging only 0.9 inches of rainfall (as reported by Best Weather). The average annual rainfall for the area is around 46 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Demographics

Union Hill-Novelty Hill is a growing community with a projected population of 24,303 for 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The population has seen an increase of 5.14% since the 2020 census. The median age in the community is approximately 43.9 years (as reported by World Population Review).

The racial composition of Union Hill-Novelty Hill is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group, followed by Asian residents. This demographic makeup reflects the broader diversity of the King County region.

Population and Age Distribution

The current population of Union Hill-Novelty Hill is 23,047 as of 2024 (as reported by Cubit Planning). The median age is 43.9 years (as reported by Cubit Planning). This indicates a population that is generally mature, with a significant portion of residents in their middle to later years.

The median age in Union Hill-Novelty Hill is 42.9 years (as reported by AreaVibes). For every 100 females, there are approximately 97.0 males (as reported by World Population Review). The poverty rate is relatively low at 5.68% (as reported by World Population Review).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial demographics of Union Hill-Novelty Hill show that White individuals make up approximately 57.53% of the population, while Asian individuals constitute about 29.22% (as reported by World Population Review). Other racial groups, including Black or African American, and those identifying with two or more races, are present in smaller percentages.

The ethnic breakdown indicates that White residents comprise about 67.4% of the population, with Asian residents at 26.1%. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up about 4.2% of the population (as reported by AreaVibes). A significant portion of households, 68.8%, report speaking English only (as reported by AreaVibes).

Education and Schools

Union Hill-Novelty Hill is served by the Lake Washington School District, which is highly regarded within the state. The district is known for its strong academic performance and commitment to providing quality education to its students. Parents often choose this area due to the reputation of its school system.

The district encompasses numerous schools, and specific schools within or near Union Hill-Novelty Hill often receive high ratings. These schools generally perform well in terms of student achievement and educational environment, contributing to the area’s desirability for families.

School District Performance

The Lake Washington School District, which serves Union Hill-Novelty Hill, is recognized for its educational excellence. The district enrolls approximately 30,882 students across 58 schools (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The student-to-classroom ratio within the district is 18 students per classroom, which is in line with the state average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

This district ranks favorably, performing better than 99.4% of all school districts in Washington and better than 96.8% of all U.S. school districts (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Many schools within this district, including elementary and K-12 institutions, have received high ratings, such as A+ (as reported by Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in Union Hill-Novelty Hill

Union Hill-Novelty Hill offers a compelling living experience with several advantages, including its safety, strong educational system, and pleasant climate. The community’s high median income and low poverty rate also contribute to its appeal as a desirable place to reside.

However, the primary drawback is the high cost of living, particularly the expense associated with housing. This can be a significant barrier for some individuals and families. Additionally, while generally safe, crime rates can vary by neighborhood, requiring careful consideration of specific locations.

Major Employers and Job Market

The Union Hill-Novelty Hill area benefits from its proximity to major employment hubs, particularly Redmond, which is home to tech giants like Microsoft Corporation, the largest employer in the area with over 44,000 employees (as reported by Largest Employers Redmond, WA). Other significant employers in Redmond include Nintendo of America Inc. and Amazon.com (as reported by Wikipedia).

The job market in Union Hill-Novelty Hill and the surrounding Redmond area is robust, driven by the technology sector. While specific employment figures for Union Hill-Novelty Hill are not readily available, the broader region offers ample job opportunities. The employment rate in Redmond is high at 96.09% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).