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Neighborhood map of Seattle In this section we´ll look at some of the more popular Seattle neighborhoods, their history, recent developments and individual characteristics as well as some of the more popular restaurants, nightlife and shopping in each neighborhood. The next section details recent appreciation by neighborhood for the more analytic types.
In the place of these lost Ballard´s is an enticingly modern, yet humble neighborhood that may have its share of upscale boutiques and medium-rise condominiums, but is holding on to the things that make it unique: the Scandinavian heritage, the century-old buildings, the idyllic residential streets. The adjoining neighborhoods of Sunset Hill, Whittier and Loyal Heights seem to know better than to mess with a winning formula, and exist in a nearly-identical state of timeless charm. It's not surprising that these charms are somewhat expensive. In recent months, the price of a two-bedroom, two-bath home has hovered near $441,000. "Ballard remains one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city On average, the homes sold for more than two percent over list price." These humble, former blue-collar dwellings - carpenter bungalows, Victorians, Tudors -- are becoming even more desirable as many of them are being razed to make way for town homes and condos. Major condo developments are springing up all over the neighborhood, with a two-bedroom, two-bath going for an average price of $315,000. These condo dwellers are slowly bringing a big-city urban vibe to the neighborhood -- but Ballard is too stubborn to become another Belltown, and is slowly transforming the character of the condo dwellers, too. To live in Ballard is to be tamed by its small-town appeal. The area's deep Scandinavian roots often blossom into parades and festivals that reinforce neighborhood pride. Its off-the-beaten-path location keeps noise and blight to a minimum. Plus, nearly the entire neighborhood is walk able - from the pubs and clubs of old Ballard Avenue to the retail and entertainment of Market Street, and from venerable Ballard High School to the brand-new Ballard Commons Park and the ultra-modern branch of the Seattle Public Library. And such a pleasant walk it is. On any given evening, rain or shine, Ballardites will come out in large numbers to enjoy all the neighborhood has to offer: to check out the latest Hollywood epic at the Majestic Bay Theater; to enjoy live music at the Tractor; to dine at Thaiku or Volterra; to shop at one-of-a-kind boutiques like Duque, Romanza and Velouria; to enjoy cocktails and conversation at the People's Pub, Hattie's Hat and Bal-Mar; to be groomed and rejuvenated at Habitude; and to take scenic walks to the Hiram Chittenden locks or the nearby Shilshole Marina and Golden Gardens Park. Though it is somewhat under-served by public transportation - only a handful of buses, most notably numbers 44, 15, 17 and 18, traverse the neighborhood - Ballard is nonetheless conveniently located near to downtown Seattle; you can get from the heart of the neighborhood to the bustle of downtown in 10 minutes by car, 20 minutes by bus. Getting to Interstate 5 is a more difficult proposition - it can take up to 20 minutes by car - and access to some of Seattle's other neighborhoods is similarly time-consuming and difficult. That being said, with so much fine nightlife, shopping and recreation surrounding you, it's rare you'll need anything that you can't find just outside your door. RestaurantsNightlifeShopping
The area has a long history of cultural and ethnic diversity. Settled more than 100 years ago by Italian immigrants who farmed and sold produce to the urban dwellers below, Beacon Hill later became home to large numbers of Asian immigrants. More than half of Beacon Hill remains Asian today, with substantial African American and Hispanic minorities, as well as many young families. Light rail construction has already started kicking up dust, placing stress on a business district that's already small and sometimes struggling. Though the main drag along Beacon Avenue lacks anything resembling trendy cafes or shops, the small, family-operated ethnic restaurants and Asian video stores have a slow-paced charm that's all their own. Recent arrivals include Java Love Espresso/Baja Bistro, a coffeehouse that's morphed into a Mexican bistro; Yoga on Beacon with its resident Pomeranian; and hipster music venue the Beacon Pub-harbingers, perhaps, of what's to come. On Beacon Hill's northern rim, the historic Pacific Medical Center looms over the city, its Art Deco towers dramatically set against the skyline. A movie villain's castle? A hospital for suffering veterans? Well, once. These days, it's the world headquarters of Amazon.com, whose young professionals have already begun to transform the surrounding neighborhood and its stock of restored and fixer-upper Craftsman bungalows and Seattle box-style homes. Nearby, Dr. Jose Rizal Park offers striking views of downtown and Elliot Bay with an off-leash area for four-footed residents. Expansive vistas also greet golfers at lovely Jefferson Park, home to one of Seattle's few public courses, as well as a community center and lawn bowling. Further south, the New Holly redevelopment has transformed run-down public housing into a gleaming mixed-use community, centered around green space, handsome Craftsman-influenced homes, a community center and a showcase public library. Here, too, a light rail station will only make the area more appealing to urbanites seeking new construction at affordable prices. In fact, Beacon Hill's emerging real estate market ranks as one of the best values in the city, with the median price for a two-bedroom two-bath home hovering near $363,000 and two-bedroom condominiums selling for $167,000. (The stock of these, however, is limited; the area is mostly made up of single-family residences, duplexes and town homes.) Rents remain reasonable, averaging just $650 for a one-bedroom apartment. The neighborhood still faces challenges. Crime can be a problem, though great strides have been made to retreat from the high crime rates of years past. Cleveland High School once ranked among the city's most troubled, but both its test scores and morale are showing signs of a turnaround. Growing pains aside, the neighborhood's trajectory is clear. Friendly and civic- minded, marked by strong community and family ties, Beacon Hill is poised to take its place on the Seattle stage. RestaurantsNightlifeShopping
The jewel in the crown is Bellevue Square, a three-story shopping center that features standard mall fixtures like J. Crew and Victoria's Secret, but that also offers yummy extras like Lush (the U.K.-based bath store where you buy fresh, handmade soap by the pound), the Apple Store and the Armani Exchange. Its restaurants are a cut above the usual pizza stands, up to and including Ruth's Chris Steak House, Daniel's Broiler, and Z'Tejas (the only place in town where displaced Texans can get real chile con queso). The Westin hotel chain has also decided to get a piece of the Bellevue pie, and recently opened in Lincoln Square across the street from Bellevue Square. Lincoln Square is a "mixed-use hotel, luxury condo, and retail project" that features a giant movie theater, a fancy hotel, condos, and even more shops and restaurants. What does this mean for Bellevue? It means that instead of the town hosting the shopping center, the shopping center has become the town: a three-block square, luxury mega plex smack in the middle of everything. But what do you do in Bellevue if (perish the thought!) you don't feel like shopping? Fortunately, the other two pastimes of the affluent and genteel are readily available: art and gardening. The Bellevue Arts Museum is nestled between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, and when your soul is weary of commerce you can duck in to admire works from both local and international artists. The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a short drive from the shopping district, and features 36 stunning acres of show gardens. If you're the type who really likes to get involved, the museum offers lectures and classes year round, and the Bellevue Botanical Garden seems to always be sponsoring a plant sale or garden tour. As you'd expect, the cost of living in this gracious and luxurious 'burb´ is quite high a two-bedroom home sells for an average of nearly $600,000 - that is, if you can find a two-bedroom home. Most of Bellevue's houses have a minimum of three bedrooms and sell for well over $600,000. Condos aren't far behind, with a two-bedroom selling for an average of almost $500,000. Bellevue's school district is one of the reasons so many people choose to live in this pricey town. Its schools have a reputation for nurturing academic excellence, and with all the Microsoft employees in the neighborhood, you can be sure your kids' classmates will be whip-smart and multi-cultural to boot. And, back to the shopping, you can sustain your family on organic groceries from Whole Foods, Asian delectables from Uwajimaya and reasonably priced sushi at the ever-popular I Love Sushi. You can even dig for cool books and records at Half-Price Books and Silver Platters Records in the funky Crossroads Mall. If you get sick of sitting in traffic on Highway 520 and I-405, Bellevue has a surprisingly efficient public transportation system. It's the main Eastside hub for Sound Transit, so you can skip from glossy Bellevue Square to gritty downtown Seattle in a matter of 20 minutes or so. Sure, it might hurt to pry yourself away from your new BMW or Land Rover for a while, but it'll be there when you get back, safe and sound. Bellevue has a wonderfully low crime rate, too. RestaurantsNightlifeShopping
For all of its diversity and youthful culture, Capitol Hill isn't necessarily the cheapest area to live in. An easy commute - you can literally walk downtown to work on nice days - has put new apartment and condo developments in high demand. Almost anybody working who doesn't want to depend on a car likes Capitol Hill. With its proximity to downtown and a vibrant local nightlife, it has a lot to offer. The price of that convenience results in homes that range from $400,000 for a modest one- or two-bedroom to over $5,000,000 for a mansion with a view. The majority of homes in this neighborhood are 1920s Craftsman models, all requiring varying degrees of maintenance depending on the previous owner's upkeep. With prices on the high side, it's hard to find rough gems that haven't already been updated. Condos on Capitol Hill average just more than $300,000 and numerous vintage brick apartment buildings are converted to co-ops every year. There are also many new loft style condominiums on the corridors of Pike and Pine streets, where views and good restaurants abound. Meanwhile, apartments (most date back from the 1920s to the 1940s) range from around $600 for a studio to between $700 and $1,000 for a one-bedroom. Car owners should check into the local parking situation. Overnight parking anywhere on the hill can be difficult, and local resident permits are needed. Get a garage space if it's offered to you. Even without a car, there's no shortage of ways to get into the city from Capitol Hill, and bus routes abound -- the popular 8, 11 and 43 routes all run frequently. A common form of commuting for those on the western flank of the hill is to walk downhill to work downtown in the mornings and then take the bus back up in the evenings. On rainy days, the buses become exponentially busier. Families tend to settle on the northern or eastern sides of the hill, where the views are good and the streets are much quieter. Lowell Elementary is the nearby public school, and older students will have a short commute to Garfield High School. Two popular colleges on Capitol Hill help give this neighborhood its youthful vibe: Seattle Central Community College and the Cornish College of the Arts. Amidst all the urban energy, there are some quiet spots on Capitol Hill well worth seeking. If Broadway's bars and tattoo parlors aren't your scene, head to Volunteer Park, a 48-acre jewel that features tennis courts, plenty of open grassy meadows, the Seattle Asian Art Museum and much more. Nearby, the shopping district on 15th Avenue will charm you with its relaxed cafes and restaurants. That said, it's worth braving Broadway for a taste what is arguably Seattle's finest crafted cup of coffee at Vivace or just to see the latest and greatest bands at Neumos. Restaurants
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These changes have been tense. Gentrification is still incomplete and some older, less wealthy residents remain. There has been some resentment towards new residents. Streets are split between dilapidated lots and new developments, and some locals have a real fear of crime in the area. Several active community organizations, however, such as the Central Area Development Association (CADA), are working to build bridges and sensitivity between the long-standing residents and newcomers and bring safety to the area. Many of these newer residents moved to the CD because of the comparatively attractive housing prices for family homes. The Central District has many open single-family residence options, starting at $325,000. They can go up to $600,000 but the median has been around $440,000." There is also easy access to I-5, Highway 520 and downtown for commuters, as well as abundant street parking (a rarity in Seattle). Developers are moving into the area as well, buying and tearing down older homes to build multi-unit townhouses and condominiums - Belltown-style luxury, without a Belltown price tag. Rentals in the area run the gamut because some associations, like CADA, also work to preserve affordable housing in the area. Rentals can drop as low as $600 a month for an older one-bedroom apartment or climb as high as $1,300 for a two-bedroom, two-bath in a newer, multi-use building. The jazz clubs that used to line Jackson Street are long gone, but a lively diversity remains. Although the area is primarily residential, you can find treasures on every block. Ethiopian joints like Assimba are a few blocks from Trader Joes, hipster haunts like the Twilight Exit share the area with landmarks like Ezell's Famous Chicken (501 23rd Ave. -- arguably the best chicken in the world, Ezell's has seduced even Oprah). The CD also boasts one of Seattle's best cultural secrets: the Pratt Fine Arts Center, which offers art classes and studio space to the public, and brings in nationally known artists for lectures and exhibits. The CD also remains the center for African-American culture in the city, both in name and in resources. Martin Luther King Jr. Way is one of the largest thoroughfares, the local pool was named in honor of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, and Powell Barnett Park is after a local community leader. The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center offers productions and performing classes throughout the year. The recently-remodeled Douglass-Truth Public Library houses the largest African-American collection in the Seattle Public Library system. The Chamber of Commerce annually hosts a large Juneteenth observance, celebrating the end of slavery. For all of its growing pains, the CD remains one of the more interesting areas of Seattle. It is diverse and affordable, and conveniently located, and for residents who don't mind a dose of reality with their morning coffee - a bargain in good living. RestaurantsNightlifeShopping Columbia City / Rainier Valley
Columbia City is welcoming quite a few new residents these days, drawn by housing opportunities that a first-time buyer can reasonably afford. The neighborhood is "a mix of mid-century modern, Victorian, Craftsman, bungalow and new construction townhouses for the most part 3; (with) a few Seattle Skinnies thrown in for good measure. There are almost no condos, in the area - which, as any current Ballard resident will tell you, isn't such a bad thing at all. Based on recent sales, the average price of a Columbia City / Rainier Valley home is in the vicinity of $395,485 - a reasonable price, considering the area's inherent value. A place in Columbia City / Rainier Valler grows more desirable by the day as small businesses, lured by open properties and opportunity, move into the area. Some of Seattle's most distinctive dining experiences - including celebrated Ethiopian restaurant Fasica, authentic Neapolitan pizzeria Tutta Bella, saucy Jones Barbeque, "Sicilian Soul Food" joint La Medusa and old-time diner Geraldine's Counter - can be found here. Home chefs have access to a wealth of fresh ingredients from Columbia City's sprawling farmer's market and the venerable Mutual Fish. Non-comestibles are equally well-represented. Need a cruiser or a tune-up for your 10-speed? Bike Works stands ready. Bookworm Exchange boasts a solid selection of authors and live readings. Your best friend can get fancy accessories and first-class grooming at Pet Elegance. For eclectic gifts, jewelry, clothes and home décor, there's the snazzy boutique Andaluz. And if you're in want of local art to hang on your walls, there's no need to head into downtown Seattle with the visual and audible feast of the Columbia City Beat Walk happening on the first Friday of every month. If you're not in the shopping mood, don't worry - there's plenty to keep you occupied. The Amy Yee Tennis Center more than lives up to its name with 10 indoor courts and four outdoor courts. Giant Genesee Park, currently being updated through the Pro Parks Levy, has lit playfields, winding pedestrian trails and a two-acre-plus off-leash dog park. Formerly a Masonic Lodge, the beautifully-restored Columbia City Cinema shows first-run movies in art deco splendor. And the neighborhood's currently modest nightlife and cultural offerings are likely to reach full bloom before too long. Best of all, Columbia City / Rainier Valley is on the verge of receiving a matchless public transportation windfall: The neighborhood will welcome Sound Transit's new light-rail system in 2008, with stations at South Edmunds Street and South Henderson Street. The train will get commuters to the heart of downtown Seattle in less than 20 minutes. A number of Metro bus routes - most notably the 7, 36, 39, 42, 48 and 106 - crisscross the area seven days a week, and commuter trips from this south-end neighborhood aren't entirely unreasonable: You can get into downtown Seattle within 25 minutes on surface streets, and into Bellevue via Interstate 90 inside of a half-hour. RestaurantsNightlifeShoppingDowntown / Belltown / Pioneer Square
Almost everything is at the fingertips of residents here, which is why they so gladly shell out for a small condo or posh rental in one of the ultra-modern developments that have dominated Belltown's residential area since the 1990s. There are still a few stout brick apartment buildings dating from the 1930s and 1940s, but most of downtown's affluent, professional population pays an average of $1,300 to $1,600 monthly for rentals with one bedroom and one bath in a sleek high-rise. If you are looking to own, a one-bedroom, one-bath will set you back an average of $200,000, and a two-bedroom, two-bath with a rising average of $400,000. Values depend on the square footage of the unit and the particular condo building it is located in. You'll also pay more for a waterfront view. Some of these expenses cover a building doorman or security systems-homelessness and crime remain a problem in the area, particularly along Second Avenue. Some properties include parking in building lots and garages-usually for an additional fee (up to $100 per month)-which the lucky pay happily. Street parking can be a challenge, so other residents are loath to move their cars once they have found a cherry spot. Not that they'll need their cars, in any case -- the financial and banking district is a short walk, and residents can also hop any of the buses, taxis, commuter trains, or ferries that converge in the area. Those who do drive have easy access to I-5 and Highway 99, with an average 20-minute commute to the Eastside and approximately 45 minutes to Tacoma. While acquiring some necessities, especially basic groceries and hardware, requires a trip to an adjacent neighborhood, almost everything else one's heart desires can be found on foot. Local gourmands can buy fresh produce, florals and fish at the Pike Place Market, and the area is teeming with restaurants representing every type of cuisine and budget. Other shopping is abundant, with chain stores (including Nordstrom's flagship location) nestled next to local boutiques offering the latest prêt-à-porter. Downtown is also the center of Seattle's cultural scene. Music? Catch a symphony performance at Benaroya Hall or a rock show at the historic Showbox. Feeling arty? Peruse the hundreds of local galleries or the newest exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum, or rub elbows with the artsy elite at Pioneer Square's First Thursday art openings. Great theaters, including the Fifth Avenue, produce local shows and host national tours. For the bibliophile, readings at Elliot Bay Books and the majestic, Rem Koolhaas-designed main branch of the Seattle Public Library are real treats. Evening entertainment is just as easy to find. You can linger over massive margaritas at the quirky Mama's Mexican Kitchen, sharpen your cue at Belltown Billiards, or take in some trapeze acts with your tortellini at the Pink Door. For the rowdier set, Pioneer Square is also home to some of the wildest bars and events in the in the city. Boisterous nighttime revelers enjoy the single joint-cover charge that allows them to hop from club to club, and the area gets especially crowded during holidays and after sports events, as fans migrate up from nearby Safeco Field and Qwest Field. So, while living in downtown Seattle does carry a hefty price tag, your dollar goes a long way if you want all the hustle and flow of the city right at your doorstep. RestaurantsNightlife
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Without a snip of irony, many Seattleites call South Lake Union "Vulcanville" after Paul Allen's influential development company Vulcan, Inc., which by 2008 will have constructed no less than six dwellings intended to "Rethink Urban"-- the company's commercial imperative and catchy slogan. It has planned these, among other commercial spaces, to support an influx of biotechnology firms. Meanwhile Eastlake, replete with its coveted houseboats along east Lake Union - the filming location of the Tom Hanks comedy "Sleepless in Seattle" -- rests idly by. It has been doing so since the early 1900s, watching the trendy hubbub southwest of its quietude. It's a little diamond in the rough in the city that people don't think about. But diamonds, of course, will cost you. At the time of this writing a two-bedroom, two-bath house - mostly Craftsman -- in Eastlake ranges from the high $500,000s to the mid-$600,000s. Many houses are being converted to duplex and four-plex condominiums, which, like their townhome kin, start in the low $400,000s and might even get into mid-$500,000s and higher for new construction. You might think a houseboat more your style: the "end slips," homes farthest from shore, run into $1 million easily. "And that would be a tear-down and fixer-upper." High prices have driven some families out of the area, even though a smattering of private schools (Spruce Street School, Morningside Academy and New Discovery School) and one K-8 school are nearby. South Lake Union, soon to be home to thousands of über-hipster-neobubble-heads, is all about apartment and condo living: Two-bedroom, two-baths are running $700,000 to $900,000. Equivalent apartments rate $1,500 to $2,000 a month, on average. The good news is many of these dwellings come with built-in businesses, such as the Whole Foods Market tucked beneath Vulcan's ambitious 2200 Westlake Avenue, or Café Venus and Mars Bar (stop in for a brew after taming the rock-climbing wall at the nearby REI flagship store). Vulcan's South Lake Union Discovery Center (101 Westlake Ave. N., (206) 342-5900, www.discoverslu.com) has a full-time staff waiting to tell you more. While perhaps quieter than its spastic Lake Union neighbor, Eastlake offers some old-fashioned staples to city living. Serafina and Pomodoro Ristorante are notable for continuously popular Italian fare, while Louisa's Café & Bakery honors your latté-and-muffin regimen without an ounce of caprice. (Louisa's is a favorite of writers looking for tasty distractions.) Le Fournil, farther up toward the University Bridge, serves authentic French pastries and bistro-style sandwiches. But let's say you find yourself working 9-to-5 at one of many biotech or other research centers in South Lake Union, and you brought your own lunch. No problem: Take it to South Lake Union Park, soon to be remade by the city into the ultimate sweet spot of civic frivolity. South Lake Union and Eastlake are almost frighteningly close to Interstate 5 and Aurora/Highway 99, both about 10 minutes away by car or bus. Downtown by car is roughly the same in time from either location, perhaps a little longer from Eastlake Avenue East near the University Bridge. Buses 70 through 73 serve Eastlake and South Lake Union with equanimity and will have you downtown in roughly 10 minutes. That being said, the city's planned streetcar from South Lake Union to downtown terminals will make many of those buses redundant. Restaurants
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Nestled just north of Queen Anne Hill at the edge of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Burke-Gilman Trail, the heart of Fremont is its pedestrian-friendly retail core. Recent development has ushered in a surprisingly upscale shopping scene, as well as a lively collection of options for dinner and drinks. The neighborhood's independent streak stays strong, however, and you'll have to look hard to find national chains like Starbucks and Baja Fresh, which are far outnumbered by independent shops like Sonic Boom Records, Les Amis and Bitters Co. as well as lively nightlife magnets The Red Door and ToST. With its clearly defined center and 10-minute-by-car access to downtown, it's little wonder that Fremont is one of Seattle's more desirable addresses. More laid-back than Belltown and less edgy than Capitol Hill, the neighborhood attracts a range of residents with its large numbers of apartments, town homes and duplexes and select few early 1900s Craftsman-style homes. A slew of events and festivals such as Oktoberfest, the Fremont Fair, outdoor summer movies and the weekly European-style Fremont Sunday Market help foster the area's free-spirited community culture. It's been a hot area for a long time, and properties rarely stay on the market for more than 30 days. It's artsy and it's funky and people are attracted to that. Prices for a two-bed, two-bath home range from $400,000 to $760,000, with town homes and condos selling at only slightly less. Average rentals hover in the $800 to $1,500 range. For those craving slightly less eccentricity, there's Phinney Ridge, extending north from Fremont along a 350-foot ridge with views of water and mountains on either side. Mellower and less self-consciously hip, the area has been slower to gentrify than its southerly sister and answers Fremont's zany energy with a sleepy charm. If you own a dog, love dogs, or think you might enjoy gazing at other peoples' dogs, Phinney Ridge is the neighborhood for you. Retailers like Herkimer Coffee, gift shop Allusia and hip Mexican restaurant El Chupacabra that line Phinney Avenue (the 'hood's main commercial stretch) often leave bowls of water on the sidewalk year-round and hand out treats to visiting canines. This casual, relaxed atmosphere also makes the ridge family-friendly - a designation reinforced by amenities like the Woodland Park Zoo, beloved burger joint Red Mill Burgers and easy proximity to Green Lake. Although mixed-use developments, condos and brick-faced apartment buildings stud the top of the hill, Phinney's slopes are dominated by 1940s and '50s-era bungalows and Craftsman-style residential homes, says Steven Brown, an associate broker with Windermere. Residences here often boast spectacular views of the Olympics and Cascades and - with a median sales price of $424,000 - can be had for slightly less than in trendier neighboring areas. Rentals are relatively reasonable too, averaging $650 to $1,200. Both Fremont and Phinney Ridge are centrally located and served by the route 5 bus, which goes straight downtown. Fremont residents can take bus routes 28, 26, and 74 to Seattle Center. Aurora Avenue is easily accessible to both areas, although I-5 can be a longer haul, especially during rush hour and on weekends, when street traffic can stall the two-mile trek along 45th or 50th streets. RestaurantsNightlifeShopping
Green Lake is a draw for Seattleites of every ilk. Walkers and runners, people on wheels, rowers and fishers, families and hopeful singles rub shoulders on the 2.8-mile social circle that surrounds the lake itself. Protesters opposed to President Bush but in favor of rabbits and geese share space with musicians and the lake's famous "bubbleman," a delight for passing children and a terror to small dogs. The Bathhouse Theater and an open-air stadium for fans of rowing and boat shows open up the lake to public events as well. The lake is ringed by restaurants and other walk-friendly businesses, including some of Seattle's best athletic stores and a sea of less-appealing chain eateries. Still, proliferation means no shortage of choices for hungry wanderers, and holdouts like Spud's Fish and Chips remain landmarks among the newer grills and taco shops. Coffee shops abound, and few things are more pleasant year-round than to walk the lake with a treat from Chocolati, hot or cold as needed. The popularity of the lake must be a trial to residents who just want to - well, to reside. But businesses and residents have come to a wary coexistence, and there's no denying that the flood of revenue the lake's visitors bring have made this community highly attractive to visitors and residents alike. Greenwood, on the other hand, cultivates a brand of homey hip that isn't easy to preserve among Seattle's rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods. Development has been in favor of urban pedestrians, welcoming small businesses and a layout that feeds a strong sense of community. Within the last five years, both the local elementary school and the library have been remodeled. Although not - as its name might suggest -- a true green zone, Greenwood is home to Carkeek Park, where beaches fill with families on sunny days and with determined photographers when the mist curtain is up. A new interurban trail that will someday run from Fremont to Shoreline is slowly finding its footing as well. Shopping in Greenwood has historically meant antiques, and although the options have grown as the community has - now including the Space Travel Supply Co., a must-see for anyone with even a touch of sci-fi in their blood - the selection still leans toward needs, rather than wants. Cultural offerings include the Taproot Theater, with a "pay as you can" night for every show. Or step lightly at Sonny Newman's Dance Hall and tango or waltz the night away. The average two-bedroom house in these neighborhoods goes for around $400,000, though you'd be lucky to find a home along Green Lake itself for less than a million, and the immediate area near the lake is dominated by lovely and expensive brick dwellings. Prices in some areas of Greenwood, on the other hand, reflect the fact that much of the neighborhood's development overlies a peat bog, which still plagues residents with drainage issues, cracking streets, and sinking buildings. Greenwood's 1950s bungalows are yielding more and more space to condominiums and apartment housing, making the neighborhood financially friendlier to those who can't afford Seattle's rising housing prices, but clogging the streets. It takes nothing more than a sunny day to back up traffic around Green Lake for blocks. Proximity to Aurora, however, puts residents of both neighborhoods within easy range of anywhere they'd like to go. Restaurants
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Kirkland's crown jewel is its waterfront. Lake Washington Boulevard runs along the eastern shore of Lake Washington and features boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and parks with docks and volleyball courts. During the summer, the boulevard bustles with people of all ages, from tan 20-somethings playing volleyball to rollerblading moms pushing baby strollers to powerwalking retirees. During the rainy winters you can find residents cozied up in any number of hangouts, particularly those with fireplaces, like Kahili Coffee, Tully's Coffee, and Hector's Restaurant. In addition to the parks that run along Lake Washington Boulevard, Kirkland boasts a bustling boat dock where residents spend the summers launching speedboats and parasailing. Bridle Trails State Park offers 482 acres of horse trails and jogging trails and Juanita Bay Park houses a bird sanctuary, a beach, and a wide dock that's perfect for daydreaming while watching the boats go by. Bastyr University, the premier naturopathy university in the country, nestles deep in St. Edward State Park, amid 316 acres of bike trails and walking paths. And those are just the big parks. There are dozens of smaller parks scattered throughout the neighborhoods, each with its own special charm. Kirkland's other big draw is its art scene. There are at least a dozen art galleries in the waterfront district that all pitch in to host an art walk every second Thursday. In addition, the Kirkland Arts Center sponsors an annual three-day arts and culinary festival called Summerfest, complete with offerings from the region's many boutique wineries. The Arts Center itself is housed in a picturesque Victorian brick building, and students can study everything from ceramics to life drawing, directly from working artists with extensive pedigrees. The bad news is that it costs a pretty penny to live in this suburban paradise. Kirkland used to be a place where urban Seattleites moved when the nesting urge kicked in. First-time property buyers could snag a nice-sized lot and a cute 1960s house for a reasonable price. Those days, however, are long gone -- it's now a haven for those who made their fortunes in the tech boom. High-end condos have sprouted up along the main arteries (particularly in the Juanita Beach area), the waterfront is famous for its $1 million-plus mansions, and its charming Craftsman bungalows and cool split-level ranch houses are now averaging around $450,000 apiece. In fact, thanks to the sprawling suburban ideal, it's hard to even find small houses here. Three- or four-bedroom houses are the norm (in Kirkland) - there aren't many two-bedroom homes out there." Rental properties aren't much more affordable. A one-bedroom apartment typically runs between $900 and $1,500, depending on your proximity to the waterfront. Public transportation is readily available, with King County Metro Park & Ride lots stationed along the Interstate 405 corridor and numerous bus stops along the main roads. You can reach downtown Seattle in just less than 30 minutes by bus, and if you happen to work at Microsoft, well, it's easy to get there, too. As are all Eastside residents, Kirkland dwellers are delicately attuned to the health of the Highway 520 bridge. When all is well on the bridge, it's a breeze to get downtown by car; when the bridge is suffering from congestion, though, you must choose between going south to I-90, north to Lake City Way, or even further north to the I-405/I-5 interchange. Still, it's a small price to pay for living in such a nice place. Heck, once you get here, you just might find that you don't really need to go downtown, after all. Restaurants
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Most of the stately homes here were built in the early 20th century and they're on the large side, are well maintained and boast gorgeous yards. The village of Madison Park (where Madison Avenue meets Lake Washington) is filled with great dining options, clothing and gift boutiques, and a Red Apple grocery store is brimming with good wines and cheese. Volvos and baby strollers abound. It's no surprise that this is a neighborhood where the cost of a three-bedroom home can verge on seven figures. Madison Park and other high-end neighborhoods continue to show strong sales in both condos and homes. The average sold price here being $485,000 for condos and $1,113,000 for homes." Condos and new developments aren't as plentiful in this neighborhood as in others, but expect to pay at least $500,000 for a two-bedroom condo here if you can find one. There are some older apartments scattered about as well, starting at around $750 for a one-bedroom, but the vast majority of properties are single-family homes. To experience Madison Park, just take Madison Avenue from downtown and head east. You'll pass over Capitol Hill and then down into Madison Valley, where the mix of homes and families is far more diverse and housing is slightly more affordable. Seattle's lovely Washington Park Arboretum will begin on your left -- a 200-acre preserve of gardens, ponds, fields and walking trails that's one of Seattle's best places to visit. You'll pass Broadmoor, the exclusive gated community and country club. As Lake Washington comes into sight, you're officially in Madison Park. Commuting from Madison Park is a breeze. Just follow Madison west over Capitol Hill and you'll be parking downtown in as little as 10 minutes. The route 11 bus can add a half hour or so to the downtown commute but it's a popular alternative with frequent service. And Microsoft employees have the added advantage of driving through the Arboretum to Montlake and hopping onto Highway 520 just before the floating bridge begins, avoiding much of that drive's Seattle-side congestion. Though many residents prefer to send their children to one of the nearby private schools (Lakeside or Bush), McGilvra Elementary on 38th Avenue East is consistently rated one of the city's finest public schools. There is no public middle school or high school in Madison Park, so most students take the short commute to Garfield High School. Though Madison Park isn't a nightlife destination, the neighborhood has a lot to offer. The Madison/Capitol Hill Farmers Market(or "Mad Cap Hill," as locals call it) is a rich shopping experience. On any hot summer day, throngs of swimmers and sun lovers can be found around Madison Beach, on Lake Washington. Madison Park's selection of charming wine bars, restaurants and cafes also can't be beat. Breakfasts at the Madison Park Café are popular, and the tapas and Mexican food of Cactus are some of the city's best. Just skirting the edge of the Arboretum is Nishino, consistently rated one of the city's best (and most expensive) sushi restaurants. The laid-back Attic Alehouse is the neighborhood's melting pot, where young University of Washington students and the city's elite can both appreciate a cold frosty beverage and a bite to eat. Restaurants
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Like many of Seattle's close-in districts, Madrona and Leschi are undergoing transformation. Their west-facing hillsides were traditionally home to middle-class African-Americans, but over the past 10 years have attracted white professionals and families drawn by (formerly) low housing prices and proximity to downtown. Yet the area has been spared much of the hostility that has accompanied development in the Central District, perhaps because it has always included wealthier, whiter enclaves near the lake and historically black residents to the west. The juxtaposition has had its tensions-long ago the Black Panthers drilled on the Madrona Playfield, for instance-but community leadership succeeded in overcoming the most rancorous divisions. Today, the character of the area is changing, yet residents remain proud of its diverse heritage. Local housing includes gracious Queen Anne, Victorian and Craftsman houses lining the ridge, and more humble bungalows and mid-century residences along the western border shared with the Central District. Near the lake, striking architect-designed homes range from mock medieval mansions to Northwest variations on the International style. Reflecting this historic east and west division, the real estate market features an unusually broad array of prices, with two-bedroom, two-bath homes starting at $375,000 and topping out at well over one million dollars. With a median price of almost $738,000, there are few if any bargains left, but a walkable urban lifestyle has kept properties selling briskly. Rents average $1,500 a month for a two-bedroom apartment-but compared to Madison Park to the north, Madrona and Leschi's prices can still look reasonable. Downtown is 25 minutes away by bus and even less by car, and the area's geographic location between I-5 and Highway 520 eases commutes to points farther east. Home to mostly single-family residences, Madrona nonetheless boasts restaurants ranging from funky to chic, with the venerable Hi-Spot lining 'em up weekend mornings for fresh-baked scones and green eggs and ham. The artsy main drag along 34th Street is only five blocks long, yet it's home to numerous studios, cafés, and shops-even the designer cupcakes of Cupcake Royale and award-winning Wilridge Winery, based in a resident's cellar and closed to the public. Nearby, Madrona's public library branch sits in a renovated firehouse across the street from an innovative K-8 public school. In front, the Richard Beyers sculpture "Peaceable Kingdom" depicts a life-size lion, wolf, sheep and lamb coexisting, embodying the spirit of a neighborhood known for its tolerance. Leschi has served as a recreational hub for Seattleites since the 1890s, when a cable car from downtown brought urban dwellers to a lakeside amusement park, casino and zoo. Surrounded by historic beach cottages, its two-block business district today feels like a laid-back beach resort. A small independent grocery, bike shop, marina and deli make this a popular spot for boaters and cyclists. Diners savor stunning Lake Washington and Cascade views at upscale meat purveyor Daniel's Broiler and neighborhood hangout Blue Water Bistro. But the jewel in the Madrona-Leschi crown is its linked trio of Frederick Olmsted-designed parks: Frink Park is a densely wooded ravine winding down to the lake from a dramatic viewpoint high above; charming, old-fashioned Leschi Park showcases a rolling expanse of lawn as well as old sequoia and tulip trees; and 31-acre Madrona Park features a swimming beach with lifeguards in summer, a lakefront jogging path and a lushly wooded hillside with hiking trails. Sewn together by leafy Lake Washington Boulevard, these scenic spaces embody the Olmsted ideal: islands of nature amid the urban fray, easily accessible and available to all. RestaurantsNightlifeShopping
Magnolia is unique. As you drive across one of the three bridges that it's accessible by, the scenic four-square-mile peninsula feels like a secluded island community - yet it is directly adjacent to the Ballard Locks and Queen Anne Hill. The natural beauty of the area is astounding. The city's largest park remains the greatest draw: Discovery Park offers virtually untouched forest, 534 acres of trails, and views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Birdwatchers flock there to spy the families of rare eagles, falcons, and herons that make their homes in the forested areas. The park also contains two historic landmarks: the oldest lighthouse in Puget Sound, West Point Lighthouse; and Fort Lawton, one of the busiest staging areas for WWII soldiers headed to the Pacific, and a former prisoner of war camp. Residents, however, tend to flock to the south end for the smaller Magnolia Park, where they play tennis and have picnics against postcard worthy backdrops. Given all these natural amenities, it's no small wonder that Magnolia homes are among the most expensive in Seattle. There are homes listed for as high as $8.9 million in the area." These homes, usually posh Tudor-style houses with breathtaking views, are worth every penny to buyers who can foot that bill. The median price is about $800,000." Rentals, however, are on par with the city at large - expect to pay between $900 and $1,100 for a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment averaging 1,000 square feet. No matter what price paid, the residents love the small-town feel of Magnolia, where neighbors know neighbors, and community spirit runs rampant. Magnolia residents show this community spirit by serving, in droves, on local committees and conservation boards, as well as attending the special events, which happen regularly throughout the year. Gearheads adore the Magnolia Village Auto Show, which brings numerous collector cars to the area in the early spring. The Magnolia SummerFest and Art Show showcases local artisans and vendors in a festival setting. And the holidays are a treat - neighborhood businesses throw an open house party for residents the Friday evening before Thanksgiving, with refreshments and general revelry, and there is an annual lighting ceremony for the neighborhood tree. Residents also spend time wandering McGraw Street, the main drag, and the retail portions of Fisherman's Terminal (the marina home of the Alaska Fishing Fleet) - both of which provide the neighborhood with fabulous restaurants with even more fabulous waterfront views: the pricey Palisade, known for its Sunday brunches; tasty burgers at Maggie Bluffs, and fresh nigiri at Sanmi. The area also provides basic necessities-although most residents have to go outside the neighborhood, to Ballard or Queen Anne, for groceries, hardware, and the like. The area has slightly limited bus services, but there is easy access to Ballard, Queen Anne, and downtown. Once there, you'll have to transfer to get anywhere else in the city. Commuting can be difficult; residents have to drive through downtown to catch I-5 or through Ballard to get access to Highway 99, which can add as much as 30 minutes to a rush hour drive. Still, most residents wouldn't trade anything for the camaraderie and vistas of Magnolia, understanding full well that their island getaway home comes at a price - that of convenience. RestaurantsNightlifeShopping
Since it opened in 1950, Northgate Mall has set the standard for development focused around the automobile, with other strip malls and pedestrian-oblivious development soon following - but that's about to change. An infusion of new elements -- sidewalks, green space, retail and entertainment options, crosswalks and even sidewalk art - will soon transform Northgate Mall into a pedestrian-friendly open-air shopping and restaurant zone, a la University Square. Add the already-completed Northgate Library, community center, and landscaped park to the mix and you've got a neighborhood on its way up. Now is a good time to jump on for the ride, while housing is still relatively affordable. You won't find early-1900s Craftsman homes like in pricier Seattle neighborhoods, but you can choose between modest houses from the 1940s and '50s and newly constructed homes and town homes. The average price for a two-bedroom, two-bath house is around $382,000. A two-bedroom townhouse will set you back about $235,000. Prefer to try before you buy? Apartment rentals generally range from $600 to $1,000 per month. Schools are a big draw for settling down in this neighborhood. Area elementary schools include Olympic View, Sacajawea and Olympic Hills and local high schools include Nathan Hale, Ingraham, and Roosevelt. Two highly respected private schools - University Prep and Lakeside - are also nearby. And all those kids have plenty of space to run around: In addition to the new green spaces in the works, Northacres Park has a ballfield and a small wooded off-leash dog park and Pinehurst Park has a children's play area and a small playfield. Northgate doesn't have trendy restaurants in cute little houses like you'll find in other Seattle neighborhoods -- but if you're not afraid of dining in a strip mall, you can find a wide variety of food options. Expand your eating radius to include Lake City and you can enjoy Toyoda Sushi, Chiang's Gourmet and La Casa Del Mojito. And in neighboring Maple Leaf, you'll find such city favorites as the Maple Leaf Grill and Judy Fu's Snappy Dragon. Shopping is the entertainment that Northgate was built for. Between Northgate Mall and the strip malls nearby, you can find whatever you need: electronics at Best Buy, camping gear at GI Joe's, or decorations for your tiki party at Display and Costume. Budget shoppers will rejoice: Target, Ross, TJ Maxx, and Discount Shoe Source are all within a block or two of each other. You can stock up on groceries at the neighborhood QFC and head up to Central Market in Shoreline. In the summer, trek to the local Lake City Farmers Market. If Northgate doesn't have what you need, it's easy to get where you need to go. Bus service is frequent and convenient, with Northgate Transit Center serving as the hub of the bus activity. Several buses serve downtown, with the 41 leaving every four or five minutes during peak commute times. Northgate is conveniently located near I-5 and Aurora Avenue, which makes it easy to get to and from other Seattle neighborhoods. You can hop on the express lanes and get downtown in as quickly as 15 minutes. You have easy access to the rest of Seattle when you need it - which will be less and less, as Northgate keeps growing and improving. Restaurants
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A grand dame of Seattle's residential districts, Queen Anne is divided into "Upper" and "Lower" by an eponymous hill rising 456 feet above Puget Sound. At one time, early residents ascended the hill on a counterweighted trolley system; today, they conquer it in German or Japanese luxury sedans and gleaming SUVs. But defiant pedestrians should fret not: There are many staircases cut into the famous hill, suitable for strolls in any season. As one may expect of any hilly neighborhood with panoramic views of its city, finding an affordable house on Queen Anne can be a contentious affair. Whether it's a nice courtyard or nicely landscaped yard it's pretty competitive these days. Depending on the price range, things can escalate into the 10 percent range if it's really a hot property." Flanked by views of the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east, Upper Queen Anne boasts some of Seattle's finest Craftsman bungalows, Victorian four-squares and, of course, Queen Annes. Two-bedroom, two-bath homes start around $500,000 and may peak near $1 million. Condominiums and town homes of similar configuration, more popular in Lower Queen Anne, aren't much less: $350,000 and $450,000, are respective starters. A two-bedroom apartment, Upper or Lower, will often run $800 to $1,500 a month. A local boutique owner says, "It's a dog-walking, buggy-pushing neighborhood". For the last five years, Kerr says his home and gift boutique has kept Queen Anne marriages "smooth" with tasteful last-minute baublery. And it is the married, gentrified professionals with kids who dwell in Queen Anne's expensive houses and walk its storied streets. Young ones have three K-8 schools from which to choose, and McClure Middle School readies them for the big leagues. Locals match their dining budgets to a range of styles on Upper and Lower: Macrina Bakery and Café offers rustic pastries to hungry day-shoppers; the newly minted Q serves American tapas; casual 5 Spot Café offers quarterly regional menus; and chic Canlis is nationally renowned. From the urban sophistication of Crow to the immaculate Thai aromas of Orrapin, the entire hill feeds the hungry masses between any number of world-class arts events at Seattle Center's multiple live venues in Lower Queen Anne. Music-history lovers have lost entire afternoons in Paul Allen's Experience Music Project, or risked abduction by aliens at his Science Fiction Museum, while sports fans can always pop a few veins cheering on the Storm or Sonics at good old-fashioned KeyArena. Queen Anne's location just north of downtown is appealing, but traffic, street lights and a mere handful of routes to Interstate 5 and downtown sully what otherwise would be a commuter's dream. It's about 10 to 15 minutes from Upper by car and 20 minutes by bus. From Lower, shave off a good seven to eight minutes in either mode. Commute times to Interstate 5 are about the same as to downtown. The hill swarms with buses, most notably routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 13 through 18. Restaurants
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Shopping Ravenna / Roosevelt / University District
Rentals in the area vary wildly in price, but you can expect to pay between $900 and $1,250 for an apartment with two bedrooms and /one bath. Not surprisingly many of the houses3;are owned by landlords renting to students, but you can find single family homes selling for an average of $486,000. The quieter Ravenna and Roosevelt areas, with their neighborhood watch groups and close-knit blocks, are attractive particularly to families with children, and the public schools in the area boast some of the strongest reputations in the district for academics. This reputation, has produced a healthy home value appreciation in relationship to the rest of the city, with a 2005-2006 average sale price of $527,000 for a single family home. Parking can be an issue, depending on where you live. Most streets in the University District are metered, and the residential areas often require a parking zone pass. Commuting is easy, as the areas are neatly situated along the I-5 corridor, adjacent to the end of 520. Once past the snarl of traffic that can congest University Avenue, it's 15 minutes to the Eastside and about 45 minutes to Tacoma. The areas are well-served by Metro, which offers local and express buses for easy travel to downtown, Capitol Hill, Ballard, and neighborhoods north. The three main commercial and retail areas are tailored for wandering. University Avenue, lovingly known by locals as "the Ave," is the main drag for students, where bubble tea vendors and teriyaki joints nestle next to poster shops, bookstores (most notably, the venerable University Bookstore), and used clothes boutiques like Buffalo Exchange and Red Light. On the other side of campus is the chicly-styled University Village, which, while anchored by the essentials (supermarkets and pharmacies), is geared towards upscale retailers, a kind of "little Bellevue Square." Roosevelt Way, which begins at 65th Street, is capped by Roosevelt Square (housing a Whole Foods supermarket) and stretches down with funky cafes, shops, and the film-nerd utopia that is Scarecrow Video. Other strolling opportunities abound, if shopping isn't on the agenda. Residents take full advantage of the area's parks. The Washington Park Arboretum covers 230 acres, and Ravenna Park offers a half-mile of woods, ravines, and picnicking and sports amenities. People-watching is a popular pastime at the annual University District Street fair. This fair, featuring hundred of vendors and street entertainers, takes over the Ave each May, and is considered to be the kick-off for Seattle's summer festival season (and by some locals, considered the area's "kiss-off" to the students for the summer). Verdant with trees, scholarship, and lawns designed for family barbecues, the University District, Ravenna, and Roosevelt manage to strike a balance between colorful and calm. Restaurants
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The catchword for both areas is community. Involvement is high. Mount Baker's Community Club has been active since the turn of the century, providing residents with meeting space, events, services, and scholarships. Seward Park is the seat of Seattle's Jewish life and has been for more than 90 years--the oldest synagogue in Washington state, Bikur Cholim-Machzikay Hadath, is located there, and the demographic reflects this: the area is rich with Jewish families who occupy family homes passed down three generations. Although the areas are adjacent to some rougher spots of Seattle (and they too have a history of crime, cleaned up with widespread gentrification in the 1980s) they now feel like a place one could raise a family. This is family-friendly feeling bolstered by, the fact that 3; you will find a wide variety of price ranges, enabling both first time and high-end home buyers opportunities to buy homes. These reasonable prices, are around $708,050 average sale price, combined with the civic kinship have, indeed, made Mount Baker and Seward Park very attractive to families. Rentals are medium-high, in the range of $900 to $1,300 per month for two bedrooms - with many rentals being for entire homes instead of apartments. But for peace 'n' quiet and a relatively effortless commute, the areas are hard to beat. Both areas are close to downtown and located close to I-90 for eastside travel. Basic needs can be acquired in the teensy commercial areas, but if you are looking for exciting shopping and entertainment, you'll find the pickings a bit modest. Aside from a few small shops and a PCC, you'll find locals gathering at Sweet and Savory, which serves up a fine sandwich, or sucking down the authentic Italian at Pizzuto's. The Seward Park Clay Studio is another landmark, offering ceramics class for all levels. But all in all, it's quiet and sleepy. This doesn't mean that Mount Baker and Seward Park are boring 3; well, at least not if you're sporty and wholesome. There are numerous opportunities to get outside and get moving in the neighborhood. Scores of rowing clubs and regattas are based on Mount Baker's beach, which also offers fine swimming. The park at Seward Park is 300 acres of old growth forest, trails, and docks, great for hikers seeking a glimpse of herons or eagles, hobby fisherman casting a lazy afternoon line, or joggers and bikers training for local 5K fun-runs or triathlons. There are abundant playgrounds addled with hooting children and well-used dog-walking spots. Sunny Saturdays call to mind Georges Seurat's "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of la Grande Jatte," packed with families enjoying the rewards of the quiet and sleepy, taking full advantage of their relatively undiscovered little green gem. RestaurantsNightlifeShopping
"We were an independent town until we were forcibly annexed by Seattle in 1907," they'll tell you, as if they were in attendance then. "And if we were to secede now," they'll continue, "we'd be the fifth largest city in Washington. Free West Seattle!" While the fervor for emancipation can be a bit strange, this one neighborhood really runs the full gamut of moods and personalities, deserving the feeling that it truly is a "city within a city": from gorgeous Alki with its rustic beach resort feeling, to the more modest Delridge, to the rougher edges of White Center. West Seattle is a great community with a variety of restaurants, grocery stores and parks." He continues on to say that a buyer's dollar "stretches farther as compared, for example, to many North Seattle neighborhoods." There is an eclectic variety of homes in the area; within a single block, it is possible to find a traditional mid-century bungalow standing next to an ultra-modern condominium development. Rental prices vary wildly, depending on the particulars of each area of West Seattle. For example, one could score a huge two-bedroom in White Center for less than $700 a month, while a similar two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment off Alki Beach can climb into the $900 - $1,100 range. As for owning, those buyers' dollars procure a lot. There are many opportunities for homes with Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain views with an average sale price of $473,023 and a median price of $409,250. Transportation is a little tricky since West Seattle isn't necessarily convenient to anything but itself. The West Seattle Bridge can get hairy during rush hour and can back up onto and off of I-5. But at most other times, it is just a quick trip to downtown. Parking is easy in all the residential areas aside from Alki, which brings hordes of Seattleites from all areas to sun on the strip of beach. Cooler months are easier there, but the restaurants and shops on Alki's main street draw crowds year-round. Numerous metro buses serve West Seattle, and May through September many commuters hop the water taxis across Elliott Bay to downtown. For all that's available right there, however, many residents stay put for their entertainment and shopping. The beaches at Alki and Fauntleroy are among the best in the Pacific Northwest. Lincoln Park and Longfellow Creek have great trails and more amazing views. For more everyday needs, California Avenue is packed with restaurants and shops - and there are great finds all over West Seattle: the milkshakes at the Luna Park Café, the views at the decadent (and spendy) Salty's on Alki, taking a weaving class at Basic Green Box, or browsing vinyl at Easy Street Records. Summertime also brings the three-day Seattle Music Fest over to Alki, where locals muscle in next to the rest of the city residents to see world-famous acts. With so much on hand, it's easy to see why residents have such cultish dedication to their neighborhood - and it's easier still to understand why Seattle won't let go of West Seattle anytime soon. Restaurants
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Laidback and family-friendly, Wallingford has one of Seattle's hottest real estate markets, yet still maintains an undiscovered feel. Life in Wallingford ambles along at an easy pace, with residents greeting each other warmly while gathering for lazy Sunday brunches at Julia's and Jitterbug or attending the latest independent film at the Guild 45th Theater. As neighboring Green Lake becomes increasingly upscale, Wallingford is still the kind of place where Birkenstocks outnumber Manolo Blahniks a million to one. But don't let the neighborhood's easygoing nature fool you. Residents here are known for their activism - whether it's thinking globally (they hold weekly showings of left-leaning documentaries in the basement of a neighborhood church) or acting locally (they recently banded together to keep the city from bringing summer concert crowds to the neighborhood). Like a proud mama bear, Wallingford folks won't shy away from a fight if they happen to feel their neighborhood's idyllic vibe is threatened. Perhaps it's this paradoxical mix of anything goes liberalism and staunch stubbornness that has kept the area's commercial strip decidedly down to earth. An eclectic string of shops and restaurants line 45th Street between Stone Way and I-5, where you'll find quirky independently-owned spots like Kuan Yin Teahouse, Wild World Books & Maps and Flourish Greetings & Giveables. Even relative newcomers like chic gourmet food specialty shop Bella Cosa, flashy Thai restaurant May and deluxe cocktail lounge Wonder Bar have quietly adopted the neighborhood's mellow vibe, rather than making the area feel slick or polished. But if lively 45th Street gives Wallingford its energy, it's the offbeat charm of Gas Works Park that provides the area with its soul. A 20-acre piece of land that hosted an industrial refinery until the 1950s, the Lake Union waterfront park incorporates the former plant's rusty towers and machinery into its design. No more than a 20-minute walk from anywhere in Wallingford, Gas Works boasts with rolling hills, well-kept grass and winds that are perfect for kite-flying - as well as hard-to-beat views for Fourth of July fireworks. Not surprisingly, Wallingford's architecture is unpretentious - primarily characterized by tastefully restored vintage Craftsman homes and cozy bungalows. Tree-lined streets and plenty of skyline views add to the neighborhood's appeal, as do easy access to both Aurora and I-5. It's popular because it's a destination itself with a neighborhood-congregating place, but it's also so close to downtown. Perhaps the most centrally located of the city's northern neighborhoods, Wallingford is well-served by metro busses 16, 44, 26, 31, 46, 74 and 82. One drawback is congestion along the main drag, 45th Street, which has taught savvy residents to stick primarily to side streets. While Wallingford was once an affordable working class neighborhood, a late-80s boom sent prices skyrocketing, according to HistoryLink.org, an online guide to Washington state history. Today, the median home price is $570,000, with the priciest properties going for more than $1 million. Its close proximity to the University of Washington also makes the neighborhood a popular spot for graduate students and others looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the U District - most find apartments in the $700 to $1,200 range or rental houses running from $1,100 to $1,800. Restaurants
NightlifeShopping Appreciation of Single Family Homes by Neighborhood The 2006 numbers are not available yet but in 2005, single-family homes in King County appreciated at 16%- the highest rate since 1990. Almost every neighborhood saw prices increase by more than 10%. The median price for a single-family home was just over $370,000. Notes: The appreciation was calculated on a price-per-square-foot basis. Median sales price means half of all homes sold for more and half sold for less. The neighborhoods are King County assessor work areas. Downtown Seattle is considered a commercial district, which is why figures for it are not included in this chart.
Source: Seattle Times analysis of King County assessor's data, Northwest Multiple Listing Service
Source: Seattle Times analysis of King County assessor's data, Northwest Multiple Listing Service Appreciation of Condos by Neighborhood Again the numbers aren´t in yet for 2006, but in 2005 Condominiums appreciated 13.5 percent a square foot in King County. That was slightly below the 16.3 percent appreciation rate for single-family homes. The median sales price for condos was considerably less than for single-family home ($215,000 compared with $371,380) but more expensive per square foot ($211 compared with $207). The map below shows condo appreciation rates for 41 areas in King County from 2004 to 2005. The area with the greatest appreciation in 2005 was Central District/Madison Park at 23.9 percent, while the slowest was Ravenna/Wedgwood at 0.2 percent.
Source: Seattle Times analysis of King County assessor's data, Northwest Multiple Listing Service | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||