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As printed in the 2004-2005 Greater Seattle InfoGuide
Ballard
Velkommen to Ballard! This historic neighborhood founded by Scandinavian fishermen and mill workers takes pride in its Scandinavian roots. Each May the community hosts the Norwegian Constitution Day Parade (Sytten de Mai). Ballard is home to the Hiram M. Chittenden locks, which connects Lake Washington to Puget Sound. The locks, along with its fish ladder and beautiful botanical garden are a popular destination. Downtown Ballard is undergoing revitalization as many older buildings are being restored and new businesses are opening. The Ballard Art Walk, held the second Saturday of each month, showcases local artisans. Ballard’s lively nightlife draws music fans to local establishments like the Tractor Tavern.
Belltown
One of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, Belltown (or Denny Regrade) is also one of its most dynamic. A transformation has occurred over the past decade as an assortment of young professionals, middle-aged empty nesters and wealthy Seattleites have relocated to this area. No longer a gritty, inner-city neighborhood, Belltown has become an urban oasis-complete with P-patch garden, newly opened Cottage Park, and spectacular 8.5 acre Olympic Sculpture Park due to pen in 2006. Location, beautiful up-scale condominiums, trendy shops and a variety of sophisticated new eateries make Belltown and example of urban living at its best. Popular musical venues like the Crocodile Café, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley and the Moore theatre showcase local and national talent. Belltown has quickly become the happening place in Seattle after dark.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s seven hills, names as an early candidate for Washington’s sate capital. The original mansions housed numerous city founders during the opulent turn of the century. Visitors to the 1901 Alaska Yukon and Pacific Exposition beheld Seattle’s grandeur from atop Volunteer Park’s water tower. Today, people still enjoy the Park and the view. Capitol Hill has several neighborhood business districts comprised of unique stores offering unusual and specialty items. Local restaurants feature an array of ethnic foods and drink. Historic churches, museums, colleges and theaters are an important part of this vibrant neighborhood. Capitol Hill is a northwest cultural crossroads – mixing young people, senior citizens, artist and professionals.
Columbia City
Columbia city is a landmark district and many of the buildings, which are on the National Historic Register, have been restored. Locally known as the “Neighborhood of Nations,” due to its cultural diversity, Columbia City has been identified as one of the most tolerant and comfortable communities in America. The neighborhood contains many small shops and restaurants, a newly opened cinema, and perhaps some of the best real estate deals in town. The Farmers Market, held from May to October, and Beat Walk, a monthly live music showcase hosted by local restaurants, list among the many things to do here.
Downtown
Downtown is the epicenter of Seattle’s culture and commerce. Its vibrant urban lifestyle continues to grow in popularity with both the working-class and the wealthy. By 2014, city planners anticipate 14,000 new housing units in the neighborhood. People are moving back into Downtown Seattle to take advantage of the area’s more than 500 restaurants, 15 theaters, 77 art galleries and 1800 plus retailers – all mostly found within walking distance. While nearly 20% of the available housing is owner occupied, most properties are rentals.
Eastlake
Eastlake, one of Seattle’s oldest and best-defined neighborhoods, is situated east of Lake Union, south of the University Bride, West of I-5 and north of Mercer Street. It is a pleasant jumble of businesses, house-boats, single family homes, apartments, and condos, many of which have incredible views of the water. Eastlake’s bohemian houseboat character is quickly changing as high-end condominiums and homes replace older models. The area along south Lake union is home to a growing biotech community, including the Fred Hutchinson Research Center. A new 12-acre maritime them lakefront park is slated to open in 2006. The Lake Union Civic Ochestra and the Center for wooden boats are also located here.
First Hill
First Hill is composed of a mix of high-rise condominiums, historic homes, classic apartment buildings, state-of-the-art medical facilities and exclusive social clubs-all with distinctive urban flair. A majority of residents walk or bus to work n this pedestrian and transit friendly neighborhood. First Hill is one of Seattle’s major employment centers, supporting over 21,000 jobs. The influx of workers actually doubles the First Hill community’s population during the workday. Most jobs are in the field of healthcare, which is no surprise since three of Seattle’s major hospitals are located here-thus First Hill’s nickname “Pill Hill.” The Frye Art Museum, the Sorrento Hotel, St. James Cathedral, and Seattle University are also found in the area.
Fremont
"Welcome to the Center of the Universe," say residents of Seattle’s most artistically eccentric community. Fremont is a popular neighborhood to live in and to visit. The Sunday Fremont Market, outdoor free movies in summer, and the Solstice Parade are just some of the many reasons people come to Fremont. It has a hip and whimsical personality, with funky shops and restaurants. This area is a mecca for local artists and features some of Seattle’s most famous public art including Waiting for the Interurban, the Fremont Troll, and the Statue of Lenin. Seattle’s third oldest professional theatre, the Empty Space Theatre is located here, as is the History House, a unique project that allows Seattle neighborhoods to share their histories.
Green Lake
Green Lake is a highly desired neighborhood that curls around its namesake, north of Fremont and east of Wallingford. The lake, considered the “Central Park” of Seattle, attracts thousands for visitors daily who walk, job, bike, skate, rent boats, or just hangout. Other neighborhood amenities include the Evans Pool, Bathhouse Theatre, Green Lake Community Center, and a Pitch and Putt Golf Course. House styles tend toward bungalows and Tudors. Condo and some multi-unit apartments are also available.
Phinney Ridge
Phinney Ridge is located on the steep ridge separating Green Lake and Ballard. This is a quiet, single-family neighborhood with a mix of long-time residents and young professionals. The Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Association sponsors classes and a variety of community events. The neighborhood is also home to the Woodland Park Zoo.
Greenwood
Located north of Green Lake and the Woodland Park Zoo, and west of Aurora Avenue (Hwy 99), Greenwood is one of the last affordable neighborhoods in North Seattle. Narrow streets are quiet and tidy, with an interesting architectural mix from brick Tudors to 1950’s style ranch homes to split-levels. Revitalization projects include increased pedestrian-oriented areas and development of Greenwood Park. Unique shops, along with restaurants of every ethnicity are found in and around Greenwood Avenue.
Maple Leaf
Maple Leaf is home to about 20,000 people. It features many neighborhood businesses and restaurants, good schools, a ballpark, and a community club that sponsors events throughout the year. The Northwest Puppet Center is also located in Maple Leaf. It attracts visitors with workshops, museums, and over 250 performances annually.
Laurelhurst
Situated on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Washington is the much sought after neighborhood of Laurelhurst. Once a seasonal campground of the Duwamish, today the area is comprised of large, stately, and well manicured homes, many with panoramic views of the Lake and Mt. Rainier. Laurelhurst is conveniently located near the University of Washington, the University Village Shopping Center, and Children’s Hospital. The Laurelhurst Park and Community Center serves as a gathering place, offering programs and special events.
Leschi
Leschi is located between the Mount Baker and Madrona neighborhoods along the shores of Lake Washington. In the late 1800’s an amusement park, serviced by a cable-car system running between Leschi and Pioneer Square, was located here. The park is long gone, but people still enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this neighborhood. Its hillside terrain optimizes the views of the Bellevue skyline, the Cascades and Mount Rainier. Leschi is comprised of a mix of homes ranging from multi-million dollar lakefront properties, to classic turn-of-the-century homes, to many far more modest houses.
Madison Park/Madrona
Snuggled between the Washington Park Arboretum and Lake Washington, are the two communities of Madison Park and Madrona. Madison Park features grand, expensive homes and lakefront estates. A quaint commercial area included upscale eateries and shops. Local merchants usually know customers by name in this close-knit neighborhood. Madrona is much more diverse area – economically, ethnically, and architecturally than its neighbor. Known as the “peaceable kingdom,” its diversity is a source of pride for the community. East Madrona, with its waterfront locale, is home to the higher end real estate, while West Madrona offers a mix of middle and lower price houses.
Madison Valley
Nestled between Capitol Hill and Madison Park is Madison Valley, a diverse neighborhood with a healthy and harmonious mix of income, race, religion and age groups. There is a thriving business district with small shops, boutiques, consignment shops and restaurants. Economically, the neighborhood is still affordable, though that is quickly changing. Residents enjoy easy access to downtown and nearby Washington Park Arboretum.
Magnolia
Magnolia is situated on a peninsula only minutes from Downtown Seattle with Queen Anne to the east and Ballard to the north. This area is surrounded on three sides by water and is accessible by three bridges, giving it an island-like quality. Many of its hillside lots provide great views of the city skyline or Puget Sound. It’s a comfortable, quiet neighborhood with a mix of mansions, ranch homes, condos and apartments. Its business area is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest park, is located here and offers an urban-wilderness experience.
Montlake
Montlake is bounded on three sides by water: Lake Washington to the east, Lake Union to the west and Lake Washington Ship Canal to the north. It connects to the University District via the Montlake Bridge and accesses Seattle and the Eastside via SR-520. Here you’ll find quiet, tree-lined streets flanked by well-tended properties including historic homes, bungalows, and stately, older mansions. A number of businesses, shops, and restaurants are located in Montlake. The neighborhood is close to the University of Washington, the Washington Park Arboretum, and the Seattle Yacht Club. It is home to the Museum of History and Industry. Recreational opportunities include the Montlake Community Center, Montlake Tennis Courts and McCurdy Park.
Mount Baker
The Mount Baker neighborhood is a mix of parklands, lakefront, wooded hills and quiet residential streets. One in a series of affluent communities nestled along the southwest shores of Lake Washington; it lies on the hills south of I-90 and borders Rainier Valley. Mount Baker Park is a great place to escape the city’s bustle or to watch the Seafair hydroplane races on Lake Washington. The Mount Baker Community Club, one of the nation’s oldest continuously active community clubs, sponsors annual events and activities for residents.
Pioneer Square
This 20-block area of Downtown features historic buildings, art galleries, unique retail stores, restaurants, and clubs offering and exciting nightlife. It is close to Safeco and Qwest Fields, and the Convention Center. Housing options include rentals and condos. New moderate-income, affordable housing units are being developed in the area. A tight-knit, downtown community actively addresses neighborhood issues and promotes events such as the concerts in the park series and monthly art walks.
Queen Anne
Upper Queen Anne has a majority of single-family dwellings, many in the classic Queen-Anne style. Lower Queen Anne is closer to the Seattle Center, and is more densely populated. The neighborhood is sprinkled with specialty shops and local eateries. The popular Kerry Park, with its outstanding views of Downtown Seattle, is located here. The proximity to downtown and fabulous views makes this a highly desirable place to live. Rental units are at a premium, and homes rarely stay on the market long.
Ravenna
Ravenna is located directly north of the U-District within close proximity to many amenities including the University of Washington, University Village Shopping Center, I-5, Ravenna Park and the Burke–Gilman Trail. This neighborhood is comprised of well-educated people, many of whom are active in the local community association. Small bakeries, family restaurants, and unique shops draw locals and visitors alike. The neighborhood’s tree lined streets feature a variety of house styles including bungalows, Tudors, and Craftsman homes.
Seward Park
Seward Park, located east of Rainier Valley on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Washington, is a quiet lakeside neighborhood with the best views of Mount Rainier in the city. Many beautiful turn-of-the century homes and large distinctive new homes populate the lakefront ridges while more modest homes are found farther from the water. Seward Park, the neighborhood’s namesake, is the area’s crowning jewel featuring nearly 300 acres of old-growth timber, bike and walking trails, art studio, fish hatchery, native plant garden, and amphitheater which hosts a concert series each June and July.
University District
The neighborhood surrounding the University of Washington campus is often described as youthful and vibrant. Molded by the presence of the University, it features an intellectual and artistic lifestyle. The Henry Art Gallery and Burke Museum are located here. The Ave (University Avenue) is a popular place to hang out, shop and eat. University Village, below the University, is a shopper’s mecca. The University District neighborhood is a mix of single-family homes interspersed with rental homes and small apartment buildings for student housing.
Wallingford
Pedestrian and bus-friendly Wallingford is known for its craftsman style bungalows, residential gardens, quiet streets and unique shopping district. An array of distinct shops and restaurants can be found, often housed in one of the historic buildings from the 20’s. Seattle’s landmark hamburger joint, Dick’s Drive-In is located here, along with the city’s only coffee brew pub. Gas Works Park is perfect for kite flying and enjoying the best city skyline view in town from the newly constructed Wallingford steps.
West Seattle (including Alki, Fauntleroy and Admiral)
West Seattle occupies the peninsula southwest of downtown Seattle, pleasantly removed from the city by topography and the Duwamish Waterway. West Seattle boasts several distinct neighborhoods, all offering small town charm.
Several business districts, along with the 400,000 sq. ft. Westwood Village provide an array of shopping opportunities. “The Junction,” the retail heart of West Seattle at California Avenue and Alaska Street, is experiencing a renaissance with new shops, restaurants and markets. Small WWII era homes and a growing number of condos surround the area. At the tip of West Seattle, the Alki neighborhood is known for its beachfront promenade and sweeping views of the Seattle skyline. Condominiums here are in great demand. Fauntleroy, at the peninsula’s southwest side, offers views of Puget Sound and the Olympics. The Fauntleroy Ferry terminal connects to Vashon Island and Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula. The Admiral neighborhood, containing a number of fine old homes, sits at the crest of the peninsula overlooking both Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Alki Beach, a public golf course, 40-acre Schmitz Park, and Lincoln Park featuring Seattle’s only saltwater swim pool are local recreational gems. The Log House Museum and ArtsWest, a community theater and art center, provide a cultural focus. Annual events include the Street Festival in July and Jazz Festival in September. Washington’s second largest Farmers Market is held here on Sundays (May through November).
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