Seattle Neighborhoods

Ballard

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Ballard is situated near the Northwestern part of Seattle's waterfront and the Scandinavian vibes make it an attractive neighborhood. The revamped streets in the downtown core offer upscale Soho, New York-type shopping. And the neighborhood’s Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are a popular destination for families. This neighborhood offers a strong family vibe. And their farmers’ market on NW Market Street is offered year-round every Sunday. Their blog is called: My Ballard.

Belltown

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Belltown is a popular neighborhood for those looking for condos or apartments near downtown Seattle. It is located at the base of Queen Anne hill. Most high rise units offer sweeping views of Puget Sound and the neighborhood is just a short walk to downtown restaurants and bars. Within Belltown there are several local eateries and bars as well as the popular movie theatres: Cinerama and Big Picture. You can walk easily to Seattle Center from Belltown. Their blog is called: Belltown People.

Capitol Hill / First Hill / Central District

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A walker’s paradise, Capitol Hill offers condos, apartments and homes with sprawling views of downtown Seattle. It is a great neighborhood for those who enjoy the nightlife and want to be just a stone throw away from downtown Seattle. The gay-friendly neighborhood is eclectic and attracts a youthful and diverse vibe with a new family twist. It is also home to two popular parks: Cal Anderson Park and Volunteer Park (where the Seattle Asian Art Museum and a lovely garden Conservatory are located). The neighborhood is also where you can walk down the tree-lined streets on “Millionaire Row” off Harvard Avenue on the North end. And the acclaimed Elliot Bay Bookstore is now situated on Capitol Hill (they moved from Pioneer Square to Capitol Hill in 2010). The well-known Broadway Avenue offers restaurants, bars and shops. And the South end of the hill is known as First Hill or “Pill Hill” thanks to all the hospitals and high-end medical specialties. The Central District is South of First Hill and is ethnically diverse. Capitol Hill has its own neighborhood blog. Their blog is called CHS Capitol Hill Seattle.

Downtown / Pioneer Square / Chinatown

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Pioneer Square is near Seattle's financial district and offers condos and apartments for those looking to live in or near the heart of downtown Seattle. The area offers turn-of-the-century brick buildings. Pioneer Square was known as the original downtown until a fire destroyed it in 1889. Pioneer Square is within walking distance of downtown Seattle shopping and the Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum and the Harbour Steps. It is also close to Qwest Field and Safeco Field and the Amtrak station off Jackson Street. The neighborhood is popular with those liking walking tours during the day and the bar and tavern scene at night. Their blog is called the New Pioneer Square. The International District / Chinatown is ethnically diverse and offers unique shopping and dining experiences and the famous Uwajimaya grocery store. It’s also located near the Jackson Street commuter bus / train lines.

Eastlake / South Lake Union

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Located just off Lake Union several apartments, condos and homes here have views of the lake. Lake Union is populated with boats and seaplanes and even floating house boats. Around the lake you will find cyclists, runners and walkers. The Burke Gilman Trail is nearby too. The Seattle Lake Union Trolley runs on the south end of the lake and Amazon.com’s new offices are situated on the Southern tip of the water. Plus the popular outdoor store REI is nearby. More about Eastlake can be found here. And the South Lake Union (SLU) blog offers the latest news about the growing SLU neighborhood.

Fremont

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The Fremont neighborhood attracts a different crowd. It is home to a 53-foot tall rocket ship, a Lenin statue (originally from Slovakia) and the popular Fremont Troll under the Fremont Bridge. Dave the Cobbler is here and so are several tattoo parlors and boutique shops as well as antique shops. Fremont is now the place for several technology companies based in Seattle. Fremont has declared itself: “The Center of the Universe.” It’s an artist’s mecca with the Fremont Solstice parade every June and nearby Gas Works Park is a popular place to fly kites near the North end of Lake Union. Fremont’s Sunday farmers’ market is a bargain hunters dream. Their blog is called Fremont Universe.

Georgetown / Sodo

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Located near the train tracks and Boeing Field the Georgetown / Sodo neighborhood is rich in history of alcohol and brothels in the old days. In a new revival the area has townhouses sprouting up amidst the noise of airplanes. The residential streets in the area are more serene and the community is artistic. Sodo also known as South of Downtown is close to Starbucks corporate and the Link Light Rail. There are several restaurants, bars and shops in the area too. Their blog is called Blogging Georgetown.

Photo: Westenders

Green Lake

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The Green Lake community thrives with outdoor enthusiasts, athletes and animal lovers. Just a block away from the lake are quiet, tree-lined streets offering vintage-style craftsman homes. The neighborhood is also close to the Woodland Park Zoo. There are several running races hosted around Green Lake each year and the easy to bike, run, walk, rollerblade trail is perfect for all ages. The lake also offers tennis courts, volleyball courts, a rowing center and indoor swimming pool. If you like the outdoors this neighborhood is for you. Their blog is called: My Green Lake.

Greenwood / Phinney Ridge

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The Greenwood & Phinney Ridge neighborhoods practically meld into one area. In fact they share one chamber of commerce. The shopping and hip stores offer a vibrant community too. And it is home to the Greenwood Seafair parade. It is also the location of the popular and original Red Mill Burgers. Their neighborhood shopping blog is called Phinneywood and the neighborhood blog is called Phinney Ridge and Greenwood.

Madison Park / Madrona

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The Madison Park and Madrona neighborhoods are perfect for families. Even the restaurants here offer family-friendly meals. It is also home to the high-end stroller pusher. Madrona park is popular with families and offers a multi-level playground for different age groups. The Madrona Eatery and Ale House is super popular for those wanting a family friendly atmosphere. And the beautiful Washington Arboretum is located here too. Their blog is called: Madison Park Blogger.

Photo: Bridge and Tunnel Club

Magnolia / Interbay

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Magnolia’s homes are situated near a bluff with sweeping Puget Sound views. The streets are quiet and the community has beautiful gardens. The sought after Discovery Park is so quiet and peaceful you wouldn’t know you were just outside a big city. The park is popular with trail hikers and trail runners and you will see several cyclists on the roads and Interurban trail. Their blog is called the Magnolia Voice.

Photo: Friends of Discovery Park

Northgate / Lake City / Olympic Hills

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Northgate is in transition with large shopping areas like the Northgate Mall helping to revitalize the neighborhood. There are several single-family homes in the area too. Northgate news is covered here. And Lake City’s hub is Lake City Way NE a popular short cut for commuters to downtown Seattle. The neighborhoods in Lake City are mid-century modern to bungalows and ramblers. Lake City has been involved in a large restoration effort planting trees on the streets and adding sidewalks to give the area a more residential feel from the main core of auto malls and strip malls. Their blog is: Outer Limits the Lake City Blog. The Olympic Hills neighborhood is part of South Lake City with several diverse homes from older to newer construction.

Photo: Benjamin Lukoff

Queen Anne

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Queen Anne is broken into lower and upper areas. The upper area features large homes with sweeping views along tree-lined streets. Just below Queen Anne hill is Seattle Center known as lower Queen Anne. The homes here have a vintage vibe and for that reason offer homes with character that are highly sought after. It is also home to Kerry Park, which offers spectacular views of the Space Needle and the Seattle skyline. Several restaurants and shops on Queen Anne Hill are within walking distance of most homes. Their blog is called: Queen Anne View.

Rainer Valley / Beacon Hill / Seward Park

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Rainer Beach and the Rainer Valley include ethnically diverse neighborhoods that are growing in popularity due to its close proximity to Seattle. The area is multilingual and synagogues are near schools. The neighborhood has a popular swimming pool for families. And the cuisine in this area offers around-the-world choices. Their blog is the Rainer Valley Post. Beacon Hill is located in Southeast Seattle. The neighborhoods are broken into North, South and Mid-Beacon Hill. This community on a clear day features gorgeous views of Mount Rainer. Craftsman-style homes abound here. And the Sound Transit Light Rail station is located at Beacon Avenue South and South Lander Street. Their blog is called the Beacon Hill Blog. Seward Park is bounded on the East by Lake Washington with several single-family homes. The park of the same name is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and the area hosts popular triathlons. More information on the Seward Park neighborhood can be found here.

University District / Roosevelt / Ravenna

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This district is home to the University of Washington. It teems with college life and is a popular biking area on the nearby Burke Gilman Trail. And the Roosevelt neighborhood is making a comeback with a laid back, simple vibe. Lining the streets are mediation, astrology, yoga and massage practices. It is also home to the popular U-District farmers’ market on Saturdays, year-round. And the very first Whole Foods in Seattle is located there. Their local blog is called: U District Daily. Ravenna surrounds the University of Washington (UW) and is known for its stately homes and yearly Candy Cane Lane Christmas light show in mid-December. The nearby University Village shopping center is a shopper’s paradise and the area is filled with cyclists and UW students on the Burke Gilman Trail. If you enjoy watching collegiate sports in person this neighborhood keeps you close to the college sports action happening at the UW. And one of the country’s best medical centers is located here, the University of Washington Medical Center. Their blog is called the Ravenna Blog.

Wallingford

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Wallingford is a family friendly neighborhood located at the Southern edge of Green Lake in North Seattle. The neighborhood is centrally located between the U District, downtown Seattle and North Lake Union. It offers craftsman style homes and is the site of the original Dick’s Drive-In, an affordable hamburger and shake lovers place. The community in Wallingford is friendly and the award winning restaurant Tilth is located here. The boutique shopping there is charming too. Their blog is called: My Wallingford.

West Seattle

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West Seattle is located near popular Alki Beach with sweeping views of Seattle across the water. The beach is popular with runners, cyclists and beach volleyball players. For those that enjoy the beach town vibe a townhome or condo on the strip might be your cup of tea. And the residential areas are great for families. The area is a quick commute across the West Seattle Bridge to downtown Seattle. And walk-on passenger ferry service is offered to downtown Seattle in the spring and summer months. Their blog is called the: West Seattle Blog.

Photo: Jeff Wilcox