Seattle Neighborhoods

A newcomer to Seattle may not get it at first- the city may seem overwhelming without a sense of community. After further exploration and/or after me showing them around, distinct neighborhood communities start to emerge. This is my observation of the different neighborhoods & often how I describe them when asked by a buyer new to the area.

Belltown- It is vibrant with a bar and restaurant scene for a younger crowd that likes to walk to work. It’s an upscale zip code with newer condo projects such as the Four Seasons, Madison Towers and Olive 8 atop some of the city’s swankiest hotels.

Ballard- Almost feels separated from Seattle with it’s own bridge to enter & it’s own business district. Once an affordable part of town…now a larger population of professionals have made ballard more fashionable than affordable. On the water side of downtown Ballard the history of Ballard is visible with some cobblestone streets and older fishing buildings along the waterfront to the Ballard Locks. This older part of town also has a lively bar scene.

Queen Anne- the “City on the Hill” Once had a trolley car system up the steep hill of Queen Anne which gave the hill a San Fransicsco flair. Now Queen Anne with it’s beautiful city views and proximity to downtown has shifted from a blue collar to a white collar neighborhood.

Green Lake Area- including Phinney Ridge, Greenwood & Wallingford is an outdoors community. This area attracts those that like to enjoy a walk or jog around the lake…year round. Parts of this area are affordable but a buyer will have to sacrifice size for the entry priced homes.

Lake Union- here you can try living on one of the 450-500 floating homes. A floating home is built on a pier & a house boat is tied to dock (this means floating homes can have “basements’ that have portholes that provide an underground aquarium feel. The challenges are often financing & parking- also getting your groceries to your house is often by a dock cart.

West Seattle- has a small town feel and everything there one would need. The West Seattle bridge divides it from the rest of the city which adds to the small town feel. This area of roughly 100,000 people, is bedroom area for Seattle’s employment base. Alki is a great beachcomber beach lined with restaurants, and allows bonfires in certain areas. West Seattle still has a bit of grunge feel in the junction area (intersection of California Ave. SW and SW Alaska St.) and new professional mix. The schools on the North end of West Seattle are well rated.

Fremont- The VW-eating Troll under the Aurora Bridge speaks a bit to the history of Fremont. Once purely an artists area with whimsical/hippie shops & antique stores. Now there is the PCC Natural Food Market & similar new shops are in the center & high-tec buyers are moving in the new townhomes that pop up in every available lot.

U District-Right next to UW but not only for the student. University Way NE “The Ave” is a vibrant neighborhood with many restaurants, shops, movie theatre or live performance at the Neptune. The residential area of the U District is small and sought after.

Outlying areas also with a distinct sense of community-

Shoreline- Is a draw to families because of it’s own school district & strong communities. The beauty of the mountains, sounds and large trees are also add to its charm.

Mercer Island- Has a reputation of “snotty rich.” I have clients that found that to be completely untrue. They had a huge group of neighbors welcome them to the area. The price tag of the homes may keep you away though…the median price for a 3,000 square foot home is $1 million. There’s not much to do on the Island except bike around it:) You will find a small business center with your basic grocery store, coffee shops & banks.

Eastside (Redmond, Kirkland/Juanita, Bellevue..)- This area is for people looking for a little more rural setting, good schools, & quick access to outdoor attractions. Bellevue has quite a large city area & feel in the downtown with skyscrapers. Kirkland has a waterfront feel with the downtown located next to Lake Washington. Redmond is more of a relaxed rural feel with a more small yet spread out downtown. 2012 Redmond was voted 5th by Money Magazines, “Best Places to Live”