Seattle is a city of distinct neighborhoods and we celebrate each areas unique differences. While some observations appear to be based on stereotypes, often stereotypes mirror reality.
Seattle has its own Department of Neighborhoods, and its not rare to have each neighborhood have their own summer celebrations.
We all know that money matters, but so do amenities, kids, pets, promixity to shops and restaurants and affordability.
What are some of the best neighborhoods for those who care about where they live and how this impacts ones lifestyle? Here is my pick for some of the best neighborhoods in the Seattle area.
Best Neighborhood for Dog Owners:
Anywhere there's an off-leash dog run is a good place for dog owners to live. There's an off-leash dog run in Magnuson Park, so anywhere around Sand Point would be an excellent choice for a dog owner. Also from Columbia City to Seward Park make it convenient to get to the off-leash area in Genesee. For a list of off-leash dog areas, see COLA's list of Dog Runs http://www.coladog.org/olas/index.html
Best Neighborhood for Kids
I think it's a great idea to raise kids in the city. Less boredom, less rednecks, more access to the arts and other amenities. Seattle Public Schools are fine, and there are more National Merit Scholars coming out of Public Garfield than there is out of private Lakeside, Bill Gates alma mater.
I like Green Lake for the proximity to recreation, Capitol Hill for its arts and hip Central Cinema and Northwest Film Forum and the wonderful Seattle Art Museum at Volunteer Park, Ballard for the proximity to the Ballard Locks and Golden Gardens.
Best Neighborhood for Art Lovers
Capitol Hill and Georgetown both have high concentrations of artists and artistic pursuits. I read somewhere that Capitol Hill has the highest concentration of artists in the entire U.S. Pioneer Square is, of course, fabulous, because of all the galleries and First Thursday.
Best Neighborhood to get a Good Deal on a house
I like the Delridge/Pigeon Point area of West Seattle. You can still get a cute house there under $400K. If you can't go over $300K, you can find homes in Brighton and Rainier Valley that are pretty cute for that price. If you want to live North, you'll have to go outside the city limits for that. Seattle real estate has gone down about 7% from it's high prices of last year, but that still leaves the average home around $475K.
Best Neighborhood for a View
Money no object: Magnolia
Less pricey: West Seattle
Best Neighborhood with Affordable Waterfront
There's really nothing in the City of Seattle. But if you don't mind taking a ferry, Bremerton has waterfront under $600K. You can also find lakefront waterfront in Kent, Auburn, Carnation, Duvall, Federal Way and other suburbs.
Best Neighborhood for Public Transit
As soon as the LINK Light Rail Line opens next Spring, Columbia City and Beacon Hill will be a short 10-minute ride to Downtown Seattle.
Best Neighborhood for the Eclectic Shopper
I love Ballard for it's wonderful mix of boutiques and non-chain shops. I also like West Seattle, in the Junction, and Broadway. Broadway and the U District has Red Light, with great costumes and vintage wear, and I like all the shoe shops in the University District.
Best Neighborhood for Hippies
Fremont
Best Neighborhood for Hipsters
Fremont
Best Neighborhood for Athletes
It's got to be Green Lake. You know if you walk or run around the lake, you've just moved your body 2.2 miles. You can also go kayaking, sailing or rowing, play tennis, go swimming, roller skating or bicycling.
Want more information about great Seattle neighborhoods? Visit www.SeattleDreamHomes.com
Comments
Fremont is also great for dog lovers - I take Max on a walk through the neighborhood every day and store owners give him treats, other pedestrians stop to pet him, and of course we can stop at Norm's for a bite to eat. I live on the edge of Fremont/Wallingford, so we can also easily get to Gasworks Park for a walk.
Great article!
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