hudsonite

Apart from the Space Needle (http://spaceneedle.com), Pike Place Market (http://pikeplacemarket.org) stands as the iconic landmark for Seattle, if not the entire Puget Sound region. From flying fish (http://pikeplacefish.com) to the “Pork’n Beans” pig statue, named Rachel (http://bitly.com/awnJKN), the market is a diverse collective of commerce from around the Emerald city, inspired by virtually every culture. Found at the heart of the waterfront, the Pike Market neighborhood is a parallelogram of pleasure—contained between Lenora Street, 2nd Avenue, Union Street and the Seattle Waterfront.

History

Having opened on August 17, 1917, primarily as a farmers produce market, Pike Place has seen a number of threats to its existence. However, in the 1980s a nonprofit group, the Pike Place Market Foundation was formed by the PDA (Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority - http://bitly.com/d9rYhq). The PDA has been instrumental in preserving social and economic order in and around the market. The first Starbucks Coffee (http://starbucks.com) store, having opened in 1971, located to within one block of the market in 1977. Entertainers of all sorts descend upon the market daily, having done so since the 1960s. The fishmongers, of course, with their reputation for chucking Salmon and other varieties when purchased. This technique is not native to the fishmongers, as they used to walk to the fish table to retrieve the salmon for each order. More or less, it became an act of efficiency that gradually birthed its own trademark.

Housing/Demographics/Culture

Pike Place Market is home to around 500 people, with around 90%, interestingly, being low-income seniors. A senior center exists to serve around 900 people with a variety of helpful programs. A few other low-income services exist around the neighborhood to assist children and families around the city. Much of the Market’s culture revolves around tourism, with thousands passing through each year, giving it a reputation of its own. Downtown professionals find pleasure in exploring the variety of restaurants, many with expedient service—a must with short, corporate lunch hours.

Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Houses

The sheer volume of people filling the neighborhood (vendors, tourists and corporate professionals) makes it a goldmine to own a food or drink service. Restaurants are found around almost every corner, with some being difficult to locate. One such unassuming place is The Pink Door (http://thepinkdoor.net) in Post Alley. A homespun Italian-American “netherworld”, even featuring a trapeze artist. Several other notable restaurants: Etta’s (http://bitly.com/cNVwMa) - The classic “Market Brunch”, Virginia Inn Restaurant and Bar (http://virginiainnseattle.com) - A casual bistro, Post Restaurant & Lounge (http://postinthemarket.com) - A romantic atmosphere catering to a wide audience, Campagne (http://campagnerestaurant.com) - Southern France-based cuisine, Steelhead Diner (http://steelheaddiner.com) - Casual atmosphere with chef Kevin Davis’ cuisine, Matt’s in the Market (http://mattsinthemarket.com) - Gourmet food with a view, Alibi Room (http://seattlealibi.com) - Cocktail lounge featuring seafood and pizza dishes, and Pan Africa Restaurant and Bar (http://panafricamarket.com) - Delicious African dishes.

The Pub scene at Pike’s Market is also strong, featuring: Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub (http://kellsirish.com/seattle), The Pike Brewery (http://pikebrewing.com) - Family owned brewing company, and The Showbox (http://showboxonline.com/market) - Hosting great independent music with the intimate Green Room lounge.

Coffee has its roots here with Starbuck’s first store (http://bitly.com/9DwA5W), which is not the original location, but close to it, nonetheless. Not a lot of other cafes exist around the market. Here’s a brief list: Seattle’s Best Coffee (http://seattlesbest.com), Cafe D’arte (http://caffedarte.com) - Italian traditional artisan coffee, Seattle Coffee Works (http://seattlecoffeeworks.com) - Family-based store that began in 2006, Caffe Ladro (http://caffeladro.com), and Tully’s Coffee (http://tullys.com).

Shopping and other Amenities

This, other than the restaurants, is where the Market shines. The lined daystalls, filled with products ranging from rings to flowers to clothing, bring an indoor-outdoor shopping experience much like that of a third world country. Warm weather brings additional vendors to set up shop along Pike Place. In addition to the daystall merchandise, several more-established shops can be found inside the Market building. Samples of other stores around the Market are: Savor Seattle Food Tours (http://savorseattletours.com) - Sample the multiple tastes around the city, Nordstrom Rack (http://nordstrom.com), Shoefly (http://shoefly.com) - Hot selection of shoes for men and women, Pike & Western Wine Merchants (http://pikeandwestern.com) - Find that perfect wine for any occasion, Alhambra (http://alhambranet.com) - Women’s clothing and accessories, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (http://beechershandmadecheese.com), Dragon’s Toy Box (http://dragonstoybox.net) - Educational and other high quality toys from around the world, Seattle Antiques Market (http://seattleantiquesmarket.com) and the Chocolate Box (http://sschocolatebox.com).

Schools and Recreation Facilities

Schools are not that prevalent in Pike’s Market, consisting mainly of child care facilities. However, several recreation options await. Here are a couple: Steinbrueck Native Gallery (http://steinbruecknativegallery.com) - Indigenous art of the Northwest coast and the Market Theater (http://unexpectedproductions.org). A great social green space is Victor Steinbrueck Park (http://bitly.com/9dimqP), north of the market. A popular hangout during warm months, crowded with teenagers, business people and couples—even featuring free WiFi. Another great “natural” area is Waterfront Park (http://bitly.com/9bXImm) - filling the area between piers 57 to 59. The Seattle Aquarium (http://seattleaquarium.org) is a fabulous place to discover the wonders of marine life in the Northwest and abroad.

Medical Facilities

The lack of a major hospital within Pike Market is no cause for concern—the other side of Interstate 5, just blocks away, features Virginia Mason (http://virginiamason.org), Swedish (http://swedish.org), and Harborview (http://bitly.com/dhPLZL) medical centers. There is only a handful of medical and dental offices exist within the Market’s neighborhood. Here is a sampling: Pike Market Medical Clinic (http://neighborcare.org), The Seattle Integrative Center (http://seattleic.com) - Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Ageless Acupuncture (http://agelessacupuncture.org), and Pike Place Dental (http://pikeplacedental.com) - Holistic Dentistry.

Housing for Seniors

As mentioned at the beginning of this review, hundreds of low-income seniors call Pike Place Market home, with the majority residing at the Pike Market Senior Center (http://pikemarketseniorcenter.org). The Downtown Food Bank (http://bitly.com/aRQpeD) is also located here since many of its patrons are over 50 years of age.

Access

Those residents with careers located in downtown Seattle can hit the snooze button multiple times; getting to the office is a cinch. The Financial District’s distance from the Market could almost be measured in feet, so no vehicle required if work is located in one of the high rises. Commuting to Boeing (http://boeing.com) in South Seattle will have more of a challenge, though still possible without a car. When trying to reach the Boeing site in Everett or crossing Lake Washington for jobs on the East side, this will require much more patience. The easiest way to access I-5 South is via Howell Street. To head north, Olive Way is ideal. Highway 99 is a great alternative when the Interstate is bogged down. The bus and light rail tunnels are just five blocks east, making public transit transportation the logical choice around the city.

Summary

Whether it’s flying fish, street musicians, the original Starbuck’s store, exotic cuisine, or just a great tourist spot—Pike Place Market delivers. Walk the market and the surrounding streets, observing the wide range of visitors to Seattle; let this be a vivid testimony of the value and cultural breadth of this Northwest metropolitan area.

An extremely diverse neighborhood, featuring a predominantly Asian population that woos locals and tourists with tasty venues. It is also a popular lunch destination for urban professionals, seeking to escape high-rise confinement. The boundaries, north to south, are simply between Yesler Way and South Dearborn, with a slice removed by Interstate 5 on South Jackson Street. It spans west to east from 4th Avenue South to 12th Avenue South, again, with a section carved out to the north, beginning at South Jackson Street, on the east side of the interstate.

History

Large numbers of Chinese, Japanese and Filipinos immigrated to Seattle in the early 1900's. The highest concentrations settled in the International District (I.D.). World War II changed the face of this area, predominantly with the exodus of the Japanese to camps in Idaho and the influx of African Americans seeking jobs. New Southeast Asian residents emerged after the Vietnam War, establishing Little Saigon, east of the Interstate.

Demographics and Income

It is no surprise that over fifty percent of this community is Asian, with the next largest representation being Black. Whites and Latinos occupy the remaining, small slice. Domestically, most homes do not have children - just 10.5%. About equal numbers of residents are married, as are single - roughly 35%. The eye-opener is the distribution of singles, gender-wise. Over 27% of the population are single males, with only 7.5% being single female. The greatest age densities are those in their 30s, 40s, and 70s+. The affluent do not flock here, with the average income being only $12,255 (according to Zillow http://bitly.com/9NlAx5).

Real Estate

Interestingly, almost everyone living in the International District are renters. A mere 3.1% own a home, with most dwellings being condos. Home values are generally lower here, with the median list price being $230,000 (http://bitly.com/cCdN56).

Culture

This neighborhood not only contains rich diversity, it celebrates and proclaims it. Chinatown is the fulcrum, with Nihonmachi (or Japantown) a couple blocks away. Little Saigon, a prosperous Vietnamese American business district near 12th Avenue and Jackson Street, is on the east side of the Interstate. The Filipino population is represented, but lack a particular "identity" in this area. Even so, they still have a significant contribution to this cultural mecca of Seattle.

Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Houses

The eating establishments, if you will, are the crown of the I.D. To list every venue would be laborious and lengthy, so a condensed version of restaurants is as follows... First, in Little Saigon, Tamarind Tree (http://tamarindtreerestaurant.com), Sichuanese Cuisine Restaurant (http://sichuaneserestaurant.com), The New Hong Kong (http://thehkrestaurants.com) - Featuring fresh dimsum everyday, and Malay Satay Hut (http://malaysatayhut.com). In Japantown, The Tenoch Mexican Grill (http://tenochmexicangrill.com) - Serving only lunch at this location, New Star Seafood (http://newstarseafood.com), Kayne-Izakaya & Shochu Bar (http://kaname-izakaya.com), Kau Kau Barbeque (http://bitly.com/cU4GXu) - Asian barbeque, and Jade Garden (http://bitly.com/9kIRGG) - Dim Sum and other varieties. In Chinatown, Harbor City Restaurant (http://bitly.com/9W07ME) - Dim Sum with fast service, Sea Garden (http://bitly.com/9DxwW2) - Quality Chinese cuisine, Chinagate (http://chinagate.cwok.com) - Top Ten Seattle Times Dim Sum, Honey Court Seafood Restaurant (http://bitly.com/9DlEFU), Pho Hoa (http://phohoa.com) - Noodle soups, and Seattle Crawfish King (http://seattlecrawfishking.com) - Cajon Seafood. As far as coffee is concerned... Gossip Espresso and Tea (http://gossip-tea.com) - Specializing in bubble tea, Oasis Tea Zone (http://bitly.com/bQphx2), Starbucks (http://starbucks.com), and Tully's (http://tullys.com).

Shopping and other Amenities

One of the premier attractions, when it comes to shopping, is Uwajimaya (http://uwajimaya.com). This place goes beyond being an Asian grocery store, with iconic status, even with tourists. Other businesses include Kobo (http://koboseattle.com) - A Japanese artisan gallery, International Examiner (http://iexaminer.org) - Northwest Asian American newspaper, Rocket Pictures (http://rocket-pictures.com) - Corporate & entertainment motion picture company, Hop Thanh Supermarket, Viet Wah (http://vietwah.com) - Asian grocery importer, and MacPherson Leather Company (http://macphersonleather.com).

Schools and Recreation Facilities

A variety of schools exist in the I.D., including ACLF (http://aclfnorthwest.org) - A nonprofit that trains and supports leadership of Asian Pacific Islanders, Chinese Wushu & Tai Chi Academy (http://yijiaowushu.com), Vuu's Beauty School (http://vuubeautyschool.com), Hengda Dance Academy (http://hengda-dance.com), Puget Sound Community School (http://pscs.org), and the Chinese Information and Service Center (http://cisc-seattle.org). Forms of recreation are the Pink Gorilla (http://pinkgorillagames.com) - Gaming center, China Town Community Center (http://sasc.countmein.com) - A variety of sporting and craft activities, and Hing Hay Park (http://bitly.com/9JiW4m).

Medical Facilities

No major for-profit hospitals exist within the International District. However, Harborview Medical Center (http://bitly.com/dhPLZL) is less than a mile to the north. The largest nonprofit Asian community health center in Washington, International Community Health Services (http://ichs.com), is near Dearborn and 8th Avenue. Other facilities, most of which are Asian medicine varieties, include the Washington State Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Center (http://acupunctureomd.com) and a few private practices scattered around the community.

Access

Getting around Seattle from the I.D. couldn't be more convenient. Being located on the south side of downtown, nestled into the Interstate 5 and Interstate 90 interchange, having arterials in every direction - residents' only challenge is traffic. The train station is just blocks away, with the airport just 20 minutes away. Even Qwest Field (http://qwestfield.com) and SafeCo Field (http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com) are an easy reach by foot.

Summary

This neighborhood is a treat for the Seattleite and tourist, with surprising delights for the pallet, eyes and ears. In addition to the seemingly unending variety of restaurants and cultural businesses, Asian festivals continue to draw crowds from around the state, with the Chinese New Year being one of the largest celebrations. When considering the next dining experience, why not investigate the exotic tastes this Asian village has to offer.

A combination of Wedgwood and View Ridge, Wedgeview Ridge encompasses a large area in northeast Seattle, west of Warren Magnuson Park (http://bitly.com/9tQbGM). Almost resembling an upside-down version of Texas, it is hemmed in (roughly) by NE 65th Street on the south, Lake City Way/30th/35th Avenue NE on the west, NE 105th Street on the north, and Sand Point Way NE on the east.

History

The View Ridge community is one of the last founded neighborhoods in Seattle, having been settled in 1936, then annexed into the city around 1942. Wedgwood began to take shape during World War II, with a fair percentage of defense worker housing being constructed. One notable landmark is the P-Patch Community Garden on the western side, Seattle's oldest and largest, established in the 1960s. The Jesuits had planned to relocate their Seattle University campus from First Hill to this community, but the Stock Market Crash of 1929 quickly thwarted any progress.

Demographics and Income

View Ridge - Predominantly white with 61.3% of residents being married. Approximately 26.7% of households have children. The 40s age group is the largest, representing 17.5% of the population (2,447). Another populous age demographic are those over 70, representing 15.6% of the neighborhood. Most males and females are involved with various middle or upper management occupations, boosting incomes well over $100K in some cases, especially with both spouses employed. The median household income in View Ridge far exceeds the Seattle average of $45K. The wealthiest portion is within Sand Point Country Club and to the south. The lowest income families are on the southeast side, closer to Sand Point Way NE.

Wedgwood - Whites, like in View Ridge, have the majority. However, Asians seem to have a larger presence. There are less married couples, with 54.9%. Almost an identical percentage of homes with children, when comparing the neighborhoods. One notable difference between the two, is a younger age representation in Wedgwood, with 19% of its residents in their 30s. The population falls sharply after the 40s age range, with even smaller numbers of seniors. The median age is 38, four years younger than for View Ridge. A much larger representation of males are in management than their female counterparts. The largest incomes are found in the eastern, north-central, and southwestern sectors of the area. Maximum salaries approach $110K, lower than those of View Ridge.

Real Estate

Both neighborhoods continue to experience declining home values. Wedgwood, the more "affordable" neighborhood, has an average housing cost $90K less than View Ridge. Between 70% and 80% of residents, in both neighborhoods, own their homes. Homes in View Ridge are, by average, larger. Homes currently on the market, range in price from $235K to $2 million, with the latter amount represented in eastern View Ridge market. Quiet, residential streets and close proximity to Magnuson Park (http://bitly.com/b742rg) and the University of Washington (http://washington.edu), make these neighborhoods a choice place to settle despite the readings of market values.

Culture

Middle and upper class demographics dominate here, providing that "American Dream" atmosphere within Seattle city limits. However, the large income families and couples will tend to be "at the office" more, stripping energy from the "Dream" by way of availability. A good number of Jewish residents, especially in View Ridge, also sweeten the cultural pot.

Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Houses

The highly residential nature means certain aspects will suffer. Those certain aspects happen to be public establishments such as restaurants. This is not all bad news, as a short commute to the University District (http://bitly.com/abtiNK), Green Lake (http://bitly.com/cYMKu3) or Wallingford (http://bitly.com/cO972f) enables the joint use of these neighborhoods' large variety of eating establishments. With that said, View Ridge and Wedgwood do offer a few tasty choices. Here are some of the selections... Black Pearl (http://bitly.com/9QGau9) - Chinese cuisine with delivery, I Love Bento (http://bitly.com/cFMvRL) - Inexpensive Japanese cuisine and Seven Season Cuisine (http://7seasseattle.com) - Featuring all the flavors of China with online ordering and delivery. Phayathai Cuisine (http://phayathaiseattle.com) - Family owned Thai restaurant, established in 2007. Thai of Wedgwood (http://thaiofwedgwood) - Thai food without the MSG, Wedgwood Broiler (http://wedgewoodbroiler.com) - Lounge serving up great meat dishes and sandwiches, including breakfast on the weekends. Wedgwood Ale House & Cafe (http://wedgwoodalehouse.com) - 18 draft taps, seasoned burger patties, great Philly Steak sandwiches, and even family dining with a kid-friendly menu. Cafe Javasti (http://javasti.com) - Serving up Batdorf & Broson Coffee, along with Golden Moon teas and an amazing crepe selection. Fiddler's Inn (http://3pubs.com/Fiddler.html) - Delicious pub serving appetizers, soup/salad, sandwiches and unique pizza combinations. Top Pot Doughnuts (http://toppotdoughnuts.com) - A down-to-earth coffee house, featuring their own hand-roasted coffee and in-house, hand-forged doughnut line. Grateful Bread Baking Company & Cafe (http://gratefulbreadbaking.com) - An independent bakery featuring Cafe Vita coffee.

Shopping and other Amenities

A bird's eye view of shopping and other businesses that enhance life in the neighborhood. Highlighting a few, beginning in the north, and working clockwise around the two neighborhoods... Mode Studios (http://modestudios.com) - Featuring Bob Bonniol, a video, lighting and interactive designer with world-wide acclaim. Train of Thought (http://trainofthought.net) - A graphic design, advertising and marketing communications agency. PCC Natural Markets (http://bitly.com/aXfv2j) - Natural foods grocery and more. Seattle Audubon Society (http://seattleaudubon.org/sas) - An organization dedicated to leading a community that values and protects birds and the natural environment.

Schools and Recreation Facilities

Educational institutions and recreational choices are not in short supply. Here is a sampling of schools and a few recreational centers... Sound Circle Center for Art (http://soundcircle.org) - Training of Waldorf teachers and resourcing the Waldorf communities in the Northwest. The World of Meditation Center (http://worldofmeditation.com) - A safe space to become aware of and nurture one's potential, Bob Vivant School of Cooking (http://bon-vivant.com) - Offering demonstration and hands-on classes for a wide range of interests, Our Lady of the Lake School (http://ollseattle.org), View Ridge Swim and Tennis Club (http://vrstc.org) - Large family outdoor swimming and tennis facility, and The Mountaineers (http://mountaineers.org) - An organization offering a wide range of activities like hiking, snowshoeing, climbing, backpacking and more. The Seattle Musical Theatre (http://seattlemusictheater.org), View Ridge Elementary School (http://bitly.com/d5HKJM), Thornton Creek School (http://bitly.com/ani8Rn), Concordia Lutheran School (http://concordialutheranschool.com), Eckstein Middle School (http://ecksteineagles.org) - Fostering a community of life long learners, University Prep (http://universityprep.org) - Outstanding academic programs for grades six through twelve, and Wedgwood Elementary School (http://wedgwoodelementary.org). Two major outdoor spaces to highlight are the Sand Point Country Club (http://sandpointcc.com) and View Ridge Playfield (http://bitly.com/brisO2)- Features basketball, soccer amenities, play area, and water fun for kids.

Medical Facilities

The premier institution, just blocks from the boundary of View Ridge, is Seattle Children's Hospital (http://seattlechildrens.org). Several small health offices are sprinkled throughout the two neighborhoods. Some of these include ONE Integrated Therapies (http://oneintegrated.com) - A single space in which to find multiple means of well-being, Wedgwood Center for Natural Medicine (http://wedgwoodnatural.com) - Provides a wide range of resources for holistic health, My Whole Life (http://mywholelife.net) - Life Coaching services, and Wedgwood Acupuncture & Botanical Medicine (http://wedgwoodacupuncture.com) - Complimentary and alternative health care with excellent holistic healing arts.

Communities for Seniors

The "gray-haired" residents have certainly not been overlooked, with several options for living arrangements. Here are a highlighted few... Viewhaven Homes (http://viewhavenhomes.com) - Senior care with health monitoring, Morningside Residence (http://morningsideadultfamilyhome.com) - Adult family home which provides a safe environment with supervision, and Spada Homes (http://spadahomes.com) - Assisted living care in real homes.

Access

Arterial driving is fairly good, but getting on the interstate can be a slow process for some, especially for residents on the eastern side of View Ridge. Commute times, therefore, can be up to ten minutes longer into downtown. Major streets like NE 65th, NE 75th, 35th Ave NE, Sand Point Way NE and Lake City Way are most efficient for local driving. Cycling these two neighborhoods, especially for work commutes, is a good option, but the rider must beware of very hilly terrain.

Summary

A gigantic residential setting, Wedgeview Ridge (Wedgwood + View Ridge) is a superb place to raise a family, own a home as a grad student, or retire. Close proximity to the University of Washington (http://washington.edu) and Downtown Seattle, geographically at least, enable any resident to quickly show off the well-known urban facets to visiting friends or family. Even though purchasing real estate here may not fit every wallet, the community still has much to offer visitors - especially the ability to offer an uncongested parking spot for Husky football games (http://gohuskies.com).

A no frills neighborhood sandwiched between Roxhill and Highland Park in West Seattle. There is not one particular feature that makes South Delridge stand out from among other locations, but it does make for an affordable entry point into this part of the city. A slender shaped community with Delridge Way slicing it in half. The boundaries are SW Roxbury Street on the south, 26th Avenue SW on the west, Holden St./SW Orchard Street on the north, and 16th Avenue SW on the east.

Demographics and Income

The average age among residents is 34, making for a younger neighborhood. Roughly half are married, but only 28% have children. The median household income is $36,849, which is lower than the Seattle average. View source of this data at Zillow (http://bitly.com/bAoiR6).

Real Estate

Home values (Ones currently for sale) range from around $150K to $550K, with most being below $400K. The lower values could be due to close proximity with a shopping village and some industry.

Culture

With affordable housing, entry-level urban singles and lower income families find opportunity here. Low income multi-ethnic groups also reside here. Of course, the working middle class is not to be overlooked in South Delridge.

Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Houses

There are not a lot of choices when it comes to beverages and dining. Fortunately, some White Center establishments have spilled over into the neighborhood. Here are a couple to highlight... Taqueria Guaymas (http://tacosguaymas.com) - A 17 year old establishment, focusing on a diverse range of Mexican meats, Cafe Rozella (http://caferozella.com) - An artsy cafe steeped in the 20's era, and Mac's Triangle Pub (http://www.facebook.com/MacsTrianglePub) - A traditional feel with great food.

Shopping and other Amenities

A few businesses call South Delridge home. Here are a few of them, starting in the south... Center Tool Rental (http://bitly.com/9G7opi) - For over 35 years, you can still find a tool for any job, Pacific Coast Marble & Granite (http://pacificcoastmarble.com)- Custom made granite masterpieces for the home, E-Green Landscaping & Materials (http://egreenlandscaping.com), Companion Pet Portraits (http://companionpetportraits.com) - Artist, David Walega, makes paint and photography portraits of your pet, Aldrich Construction Services (http://aldrichconstructionservices.com), and Cuzzins Mobile Detail (http://cuzzinsmobiledetail.com).

Schools and Recreation Facilities

The recreation piece is slim, unfortunately, in South Delridge. Besides taking your legs to the streets and sidewalks for training, 24 Hour Fitness (http://24hourfitness.com) is about all to go on. Schools are more plentiful, including... The Community School of West Seattle (http://communityschoolwestseattle.org) - An institution committed to anti-bias practices, and Art With Heart (http://artwithheart.org) - Helping high-risk children and youth with emotional stress. The largest educational facility in the neighborhood is Chief Sealth International High School (http://seattleschools.org/schools/chiefsealth).

Medical Facilities

Despite a strong presence of medical offices, a unique care center exists for students at the high school on the west side, Chief Sealth High School Health Center (http://bitly.com/da3QmT). More specialized clinics can be noted, namely West Seattle Highline Eye Clinic LLP, on the northeast side of the Westwood Village Shopping Center (http://bitly.com/9LnvHw). On the southern edge of the neighborhood is a center which aids women with unplanned pregnancies, a non-profit organization, Birthright International (http://birthright.org).

Access

Mentioned earlier, Delridge Way SW slices through South Delridge. This arterial serves as the north/south pipeline, enabling residents to access the West Seattle Bridge or head into southern suburbs and ultimately Sea-Tac International Airport (http://portseattle.org/seatac). Looking to the longitudinal spectrum, SW Henderson Street/SW Barton Place and SW Roxbury Street serve up the best routes for reaching western neighborhoods and Highway 509. Not having direct freeway accessibility makes for some headaches when trying to use the only two local bridges (West Seattle and Highway 509) to reach I-5.

Summary

Even with a lack of robust amenities and recreational options, South Delridge is still part of the vibrant West Seattle culture. A shopping center next door, eight parks within a ten minutes' drive, close proximity to Sea-Tac airport, and a reasonably inexpensive home base for many Boeing employees give this collective some clout.

Named after a city in Italy, Ravenna lies to the north of the University District and Laurelhurst. It's (Ravenna/Bryant) boundaries fall on Roosevelt Way and 20th Avenue NE in the west, NE 85th Street in the north, 30th Avenue / 35th Avenue / Sandpoint Way NE in the east, and NE 45th Street in the south.

History

The Duwamish Native Americans occupied this area until white settlers arrived in the 1800's. A railroad ran through the area, much of what is now known as the Burke-Gilman Trail (http://bitly.com/b9XkAC). Cowen Park (http://bitly.com/9UlzXK) stood as an old growth forest until the early 1900's, then mysteriously was deforested.

Demographics and Income

The neighborhood is predominantly white, with much of the population comprising of university professors and graduate students. In fact, Ravenna Boulevard has been known as "Professors' Row". A small contingency of other ethnicities reside here, with Asian being the largest. Hispanics and Blacks follow with even smaller representations. Any other racial variations are just a blip on the screen for this community. Income levels, as would be expected in a mostly White area near a renown university campus, are those of middle to upper-middle class. Salaries range from around $70K to $122K, except for a the area in and around the University Village Shopping Center (www.uvillage.com). This could be due to a higher presence of apartments in this area. A friend of mine resides here, paying very affordable rent in Seattle, I might add.

Real Estate

The value of detached houses in Ravenna/Bryant ride closely with the Seattle Average. A major rift occurs when comparing townhome values, which are almost $100K apart. Homes currently on the market range in price from $250K to $1.7 million, according to Zillow (http://zillow.com).

Culture

An academic feel, no doubt. Students from the University of Washington (http://washington.edu) can be seen virtually everywhere, especially in the southern half of the neighborhood. Driving along Ravenna Boulevard brings a more distinguished, Ivy League feel. The University Village Shopping Center draws upper class patrons from all over Seattle. On football weekends, Husky fans proliferate the pubs and restaurants.

Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Houses

Beginning in the south, with the University Village Shopping Center (http://uvillage.com), will give plenty to consider. Here are a few within the confines of the U. Village... Blue C Sushi (http://bluecsushi.com), Boom Restaurant - Japanese/Asian (http://boomnoodle.com), Starbuck's (http://starbucks.com), Delfino's Pizza (http://delfinospizza.com), Johnny Rockets - 50's diner (http://johnnyrockets.com), Pallino Pastaria - Italian (http://pallino.com), Sonrisa Modern Mex (http://sonrisamodernmex.com), Pasta & Co - Ready-to-eat meals (http://pastaco.com), and Specialty's Cafe and Bakery (http://specialtysdirect.com). Some other establishments in the southern half, not located within the shopping center, are Thai Dusit (http://thaidusit.net), The Coffee Drop Cafe - Opened June 2010 (http://coffeedropcafe.com), and Zoka Cofee Roaster & Tea Company (http://zokacoffee.com). Looking north, another list of great venues... Third Place Books (http://thirdplacebooks.com), Top Pot Doughnuts (http://toppotdoughnuts.com), Grateful Bread Baking Co. Cafe (http://gratefulbreadbaking.com), Crepe Cafe & Wine Bar (http://bitly.com/ct2YaQ), Garlic Jim's Famous Gourmet Pizza (http://garlicjims.com), Pied Piper Ale House (http://bitly.com/9vO2Ab), Casa D'Italia (http://casaditaliaseattle.com), Frank's Oyster House and Chamagne Parlor (http://franksoysterhouse.com), and Gaudi - Taste of Spain (http://gaudiseattle.com).

Shopping and other Amenities

Besides the upper echelon shops of The University Village, Ravenna and Bryant do dish up a plethora of businesses for any lifestyle. For cycling enthusiasts, try out the Bicycle Center (http://bicyclecenterofseattle.com). Convenience is the word at Counterbalance Bicycles (http://counterbalancebicycles.com), right off the Burke-Gilman Trail. For those inspiring to be chefs, there is Cook's World (http://cooksworld.net). The Acorn Street Yarn Shop (http://acornstreet.com) can help with any material sewing project. The Metropolitan Market (http://metropolitan-market.com) offers high quality food items, from A to Z. A creative spot for a special occasion, such as a birthday, is found at the Queen Mary Tea Room (http://queenmarytea.com). Hotels are not as common as the bed and breakfasts. For instance, consider Chambered Nautilus Bed and Breakfast Inn (http://chamberednautilus.com), Academe Arms Guest House (http://academearms.com), or University View House - Vacation Rental (http://universityviewhouse.com). The Travelodge Hotel (http://travelodgesseattleuniversity.com) and Silver Cloud Inn (http://silvercloud.com) are more institutional choices for accommodations.

Schools and Recreation Facilities

The most prominent natural setting within the neighborhood is Cowen Park (http://bitly.com/9UlzXK). Despite the large acreage of wooded beauty, complete with ravine, the park offers sports facilities and a play area for kids. For skating enthusiasts, Dahl Park (http://bitly.com/bxs7eH) opened for business in June 2010. A scaled down park, convenient for quick family outings, is Froula Park (http://bitly.com/9RhSUM) on the west side. Looking for more organized indoor activities for toddlers? Check out The Little Gym (http://thelittlegym.com) featuring activities like karate, cheerleading and dance for Preschool and Grade School children. Wedgwood Co-Op is a place for intellectual stimulation for preschoolers (http://wedgwoodcoop.org). University Prep (http://universityprep.org), an independent school with an attention to high-end academics via a diverse and inclusive community. Other schools include Northwest Montessori (http://northwestmontessori.org), Eckstein Middle School (http://ecksteineagles.org), Roaring Mouse Creative Arts Studio (http://roaringmouse.org), Roosevelt High School (http://rhsseattle.org), The Perkins School - Grade School (http://perkinsschool.com), Thrive Art School (http://drawingschool.com), Bertrand Chez Vous - Culinary Tours (http://bertrandchezvous.com), Kumon Math and Reading Center - in the University Village (http://kumon.com), Seattle Languages - Fully accredited language institute (http://seattlelanguages.com), and the Center for Yoga of Seattle (http://yogaseattle.com).

Medical Facilities

The close proximity to places like the University of Washington Medical Center (http://uwmedicine.washington.edu) and Seattle Children's Hospital (http://seattlechildrens.org) can virtually cover all health care needs. However, to name some other locations of medical-related offices... Active Foot & Ankle Clinic (http://activefootandankle.com), Rain City Rolfing (http://allankaplan.net), Sweet Skin Spa (http://sweetskinspa.com), Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital (http://hhvh.net), Virginia Mason Sand Point Pediatrics (http://bitly.com/aeOwgI), and Seattle Skin & Laser (http://seattleskinandlaser.com).

Access

A number of arterials pass through Ravenna and Bryant, including 15th Avenue NE, 25th Avenue NE, NE 45th Street, Sand Point Way NE, NE Ravenna Boulevard, NE 55th Street, NE 65th Street and NE 75th Street. There is no direct access to Interstate 5 within the neighborhood, but can be indirectly reached via 45th or 70th. The location of this community is ideal to reach all areas of Seattle, and then some.

Summary

Even with the occasional headaches (Namely, traffic issues) that come with living close to a large university and popular shopping center, the Ravenna/Bryant neighborhood still delivers quality residential living. The area north of 55th Street, especially, has family-friendly housing and quiet neighborhoods. Professors and graduate students are not the only demographic finding solstice here, but singles and couples working outside the confines of public education. Whether for the purpose of locating a home or further exploring Seattle treasures, this neighborhood is sure to please.

A middle class corridor built between 23rd Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr Way (MLK). It is bounded on the north and south by East Madison Street and East Yesler Way, respectively. One of the most narrow neighborhoods in Seattle, no doubt.

Demographics and Income

According to City Data http://bit.ly/aFj8NH, almost half of the population is Black. The other half is a mix of Whites, Hispanics, Asians, and a host of others. The average age is around 30, making it one of Seattle's younger communities. Income levels generally range between $40K and $77K, with the lower income residents in the south. Most of the population of Mann is employed in service occupations, with another share involved in business or financial careers.

Real Estate

Again, according to City Data http://bit.ly/aFj8NH, the average estimated value of a detached house was $505,721, lower than the Seattle average. However, these are 2008 values, so current numbers are invariably less.

Culture

Having roots in both the more progressive Capitol Hill area and the Central District make for an interesting blend of practices and values. A younger, white, and more professional population exists to the north, with more blue collar families,racially mixed, to the south.

Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Shops

Being spatially-challenged does not hold back Mann from quality food and drink establishments. From the most notable to the seemingly undiscovered, here's a sampling of what exists... Catfish Corner (http://mo-catfish.com), Assimba Ethiopian Cuisine (http://bitly.com/abc3KR), Twilight Exit (http://twilightexit.com), Crush (http://chefjasonwilson.com), The Harvest Vine (http://harvestvine.com), The Essential Baking Company (http://essentialbaking.com), Meskel Ethiopian (http://bitly.com/9aWMcT), Cafe Selam (http://bitly.com/ajP6Yc), First Cup Coffee (http://bitly.com/bbhUyJ), Cortona Cafe (http://cortonacafe.com), and Bottleneck Lounge (http://bottlenecklounge.com).

Shopping and other Amenities

Highlighting some of the unique businesses around the Mann neighborhood... Glue (http://gluenow.com) - A publishing company, Quicksilver Metalsmithing (http://pcquicksilver.com), R. David Adams Flowers (http://rdavidadams.com), Dilettante Chocolates (http://dilettante.com), Organysmo - Graphic Web and Design (http://organysmo.com), and Rue de Lyon - Artistic gifts (http://ruedelyongifts.com).

Schools and Recreation Facilities

A few of the educational and fun-filled centers around Mann... Seattle Film Institute (http://seattlefilminstitute.com), The Islamic School of Seattle (http://islamicschoolofseattle.com), Garfield High School (http://ghs.seattleschools.org), Garfield Community Center (http://bitly.com/aXJDal), Medgar Evers Pool (http://bitly.com/aPqF1i), Douglass-Truth Library (http://bitly.com/9yefeW), and the Meredith Matthews East Madison YMCA (http://seattleymca.org). There are no notable parks in the neighborhood, with the closest being Powell Barnett Park (http://bitly.com/c7R0ro) on the southeast side.

Medical Facilities

A few offices for health and body enhancement are in Mann, but larger medical complexes are to the west, predominantly the Swedish Medical Center (http://swedish.org), within close proximity of about one mile. A few health places, however, that are available within the neighborhood... Seattle Naturopathy - Acupuncture and Birth Center (http://snabc.com), Glow Natural Health Center, PLLC (http://glownaturalhealth.com), and Grow Aware - Stress reduction (http://grow-aware.com).

Access

Getting to and from Mann is fairly straightforward, despite its embedded location. The arterials, Madison Street, MLK, Yesler Way and 23rd Avenue, provide bountiful accessibility to both Interstate 90 and Interstate 5. Yesler, Cherry-James, and Madison all give seamless routes into downtown, a nice finishing touch to the local and regional commuting scene.

Summary

Despite its small size and limited amenities, Mann is highly residential. Some claim to fame for Mann is its Garfield High School (http://bitly.com/c6gBk1) alumni, including Jimi Hendrix (http://bitly.com/azPmaU), Quincy Jones (http://bitly.com/aTzv2C), Brandon Roy (http://bitly.com/9PS8N9), and others. Having a large representation of both Blacks and Whites gives Mann the potential for deeper racial reconciliation, especially with a history that includes Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson speeches delivered at Garfield High. Whatever transpires, this community is a rich and vibrant collective, with a strong balance between seclusion and accessibility.

A gorgeous neighborhood located in the extreme northeast corner of central Seattle (Area south of Union Bay). Its boundaries are Lake Washington Boulevard to the west, East Madison Street to the south, Lake Washington to the east, and Union Bay to the north.

Demographics

Predominantly white, due mainly to extreme wage earners living in the Broadmoor community (http://bitly.com/demhPL). Residents boast high-earning careers in the legal and management sectors are quite at home here. For more specific demographic data, go to http://bitly.com/bTEYAw.

Income

As stated above, high-paid professionals are prolific in this part of town. The Broadmoor area contains families earning around $190,000. A small, four block, triangle between E. Madison Street and McGilvra Boulevard East boast salaries over $200,000. Along the northeastern and eastern coast, incomes drop sharply into the $60K range. Regardless, Madison Park still holds the record for one of Seattle's most wealthy neighborhoods.

Real Estate

As one might guess, after reading the paragraph on income above, that housing in this area would be expensive. In fact, according to www.city-data.com, the average value of detached houses in 2008 was $1,399,869. Less expensive, multi-unit housing exists on the east side, near the lake. These units are far more affordable and have drawn a younger crowd.

Culture

The Broadmoor Golf Club (www.broadmoorgolfclub.com) and community account for over half of the size of Madison Park. Consequently, an upper-class feel permeates. Being out of the way, the neighborhood is more quiet and relaxed. The Washington Park Arboretum (http://bitly.com/aK39zN), just to the west of the golf course, further buffers any connection to the outside world. Isolation is not the buzzword on the eastern side, with several restaurants lining East Madison Street, near the park, for daytime and evening socialization.

Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Shops

Room is made for a few tasty spots, including Mad Pizza (www.madpizza.com), Madison Park Cafe (http://bitly.com/dAMak4), Cactus (www.cactusrestaurants.com), Bing's (www.bingsbarandgrill.com), Madison Park Bakery (www.madisonparkbakery.com), The Attic (www.atticalehouse.com), Thai Ginger (www.thaiginger.com), Starbucks (www.starbucks.com), and Tully's Coffee (www.tullys.com).

Shopping and other Amenities

Quite a few businesses, interestingly, have set up shop in Madison Park. Some of these include Marshall's Cleaners (www.marshallsonline.com), Wells Fargo Bank (www.wellsfargo.com), Windermere Real Estate (www.windermere.com), Bert's Red Apple Market (www.redapplemarkets.com), Tim Walsh Salon (www.timwalshsalon.com), Studio Karri L (www.studiokarril.com), Seattle's Best Headshots (www.seattlesbestheadshots.com), Madison Park Hardware, Children's Shop (www.theoriginalchildrensshop.com), and Sign Shares Seattle (www.signshares.com).

Schools and Recreation Facilities

This is where the neighborhood shines, having been named after the waterfront park, Madison Park (http://bitly.com/bQqURF). Alone, this space could entertain residents well with its beach area, rental facility, play area, tennis courts and even a co-op (www.madisonparkcoop.org). On the west side is Mc Gilvra Elementary (http://bitly.com/dhReka).

Medical Facilities

A number of smaller facilities exist around the neighborhood. Here are a few of interest: Sima Medical & Cosmetic Clinic (www.longeviteclinic.com), Madison Park Physical Therapy (www.therapeuticassociates.com), Gary Grenell PhD - Psychologist (www.garygrenell.com), Madison Park Electrolysis (www.madisonparkelectrolysis.com), Acupuncture Clinic Northwest (www.acupunctureclinicnw.com), and Madison Park Veterinary Hospital (www.madisonparkvet.com). Unfortunately, there is no hospital, but just minutes down Madison Street, to the southwest, is Swedish Medical Center (www.swedish.org). Also, the University of Washington Medical Center (http://bitly.com/arG8LD) is to the north in the University District.

Retirement Living

A quiet community, such as Madison Park, brings opportunity for the retired individual. The Park Shore Retirement Community (www.prcn.net/park-shore) offers desirable amenities for seniors, including independent living, assisted living, nursing care and memory care. Located right on the water, a room with a view is not out of the question. Having the Fiske Genealogy Library (www.fiskelibrary.org) nearby can grant hours of interesting family-roots' research.

Access

Just minutes from downtown and easy access to Highway 520 make for less time spent on non-arterials or large distances of staring at freeway signs. However, the darker side of commuting from or to Madison Park is the higher traffic periods during the day. Avoid these, and driving is a cinch. If sitting behind the wheel during rush hour is unavoidable, a long "creep" could be in store, depending on the direction and distance. Regardless, for local commuting, enough side streets exist for reaching that destination, mixed with navigational savvy.

Whether moving towards a goal of residing in or planning a visit to, Madison Park holds treasures for a wide audience. Of course, if salary allows, obtaining that dream home could one step closer to reality.

A neighborhood which as experienced much change over the last century, having seen an influx of coal miners, ship builders, and now young professionals in a variety of industries. Madrona is located roughly halfway between Interstate 90 and Highway 520. Boundary-wise, it is East Denny Way in the north, Puget Sound in the east, East Cherry Street in the south, and Martin Luther King Jr. Way (MLK) in the west.

Demographics

Over the decades, Madrona has seen an influx of Chinese and African Americans. In recent years, however, the numbers have been favoring the whites. The Caucasian population is approaching 75%, and after 2010 census data is released, it may not be surprising to see that percentage even higher. The Black population predominantly has settled west of 34th Avenue. There is a smattering of Asians and Hispanics, but they make up far less of the demographic. A wide range of age groups live in the neighborhood, with the median age being around 39 years old. These statistics, along with many other details are found at http://bitly.com/bsZ2g2.

Income

Income levels correlate closely with demographic breakdown, with lower income households to the west and the south. Higher paid residents live east of 34th Avenue, with the most affluent dwelling around Madrona Park. The difference in salary level is almost $130,000, dropping sharply around the East Columbia Street and 31st Avenue intersection.

Real Estate

Housing values here ride higher than the Seattle average, due to the affluence of the eastern side of Madrona. Many homes are still valued at $400,000 and above, even breaking the $1 million mark. View a map of housing values at Zillow (http://bitly.com/aF2chm). For more tabular data on Madrona housing, go to Trulia (http://bitly.com/dpfHVN).

Culture

Nicknamed, "The Peaceable Kingdom", for the diverse representation of residents. It carries a slower pace of life, possibly brought on by its "out of the way" location on the lake. A more in-depth experience of the neighborhood can be had at http://madrona.wetpaint.com/.

Restaurants, Pubs and Coffee Shops

Interestingly, much of the restaurant density lies along 34th Avenue. Places like Cupcake Royale (http://cupcakeroyale.com), St. Clouds Restaurant (http://stclouds.com), Hi-Spot Cafe (http://hispotcafe.com), Dulces Latin Bistro (http://dulceslatinbistro.com), and Madrona Eatery & Ale House. A couple of dining experiences near MLK and Cherry are Lalibela Ethiopian and King Creole BBQ ((http://kingcreoleseattle.com). An urban winery to savor is Wilridge (http://wilridgewinery.com), on the north side of Madrona Park.

Shopping and other Amenities

The highest concentration of commerce is near Union and 34th. Some businesses you can peruse are Madrona Market & Deli (http://madronamarket.com) - open 356 days, Glassybaby (http://glassybaby.com) - an artistic lighting store, Norman Courtney Studio (http://normancourtney.com) - a public art studio, Fetch Pet Care (http://fetchpetcare.com) - complete pet care, Buggy (http://shop-buggy.com) - Nearly new clothing for babies, kids, and expecting mothers, Al Doggett Studio (http://aldoggettstudio.com) - restoration and sale of art, and Gina Jonas Calligrapher (http://ginajonascalligrapher) - a wide variety of calligraphy services,

Schools and Recreation Facilities

A wide variety of schools and recreational institutions exist around Madrona. Here is a list of several, YWCA (http://ywcaworks.org), Spectrum Dance Studio (http://spectrumdance.org), Harvard Avenue School (http://harvardavenueschool.com) - toddler, preschool and pre-kindergarten education, Les Enfants de Seattle (http://lesenfantsdeseattle.com) - French immersion preschool, The Cascadia Group LLC (http://cascadiagroup.com) - Human resource development coaching, Conscious Body Pilates (http://consciousbodypilates.com) - private pilates and personal training studio, Community Day School Association (http://communitydayschool.org) - day care enrichment programs, Madrona Elementary School (http://seattleschools.org/schools/madrona) - elementary school with student-centered environment, Epiphany School (http://epiphanyschool.org) - focused on respect, responsibility and resourcefulness, and St. Therese School (http://stthereseseattle.org) - a Catholic elementary and middle school with a rich diversity.

Medical Facilities

It is slim pickings for doctors and medical offices, but there are a couple wellness centers like Kismet Salon (http://salonkismet.com) and Grow Aware (http://grow-aware.com). Larger and more comprehensive medical offices are found to the west, like Swedish Medical Center (http://swedish.org).

Access

The east-central location of Mardrona requires more non-arterial commuting. Reaching Interstate 5 is easily accomplished by taking Cherry Street, which turns into James Street. Finding the on-ramp is just a matter of turning northwest onto 7th Avenue. Make sure to jog to the left, after a couple of blocks, or the ramp is lost and turning back to re-access costs extra minutes and a small migraine. Driving to the east side of Lake Washington involves a few minutes of steering southwest towards Rainier Avenue. Continuing south on Ranier Avenue, if Interstate 90 is undesirable, will lead to Renton. Here, after the road turns into Highway 167, Interstate 405 is accessible for a journey to Bellevue and Kirkland.

Summary

A community of diverse culture, people and amenities. A neighborhood such as Madrona is what makes living in or visiting the west coast of Lake Washington a treat. Why not head here for a latte at Hi-Spot Cafe, making sure not to miss the park and waterfront, which comprise much of Madrona's "fingerprint".

A blue collar community, with proximity to Boeing (http://bitly.com/fGtAJX) and other industries along Highway 99 and 509. It is bordered on the north by SW Holden St, Highland Park Way SW and West Marginal Way SW. On the east side, Highways 99 and 509 shore up most of the boundary, along with Olson Place SW and 1st Avenue South. The south side is bordered by SW Roxbury Street, followed by 16th Avenue SW on the west.

History

In 1870 pioneers tried their hands at a number of trades until logging caught their attention. Logging roads were key in connecting with the outside world, along with a streetcar that connected Highland Park with the rest of Seattle. The neighborhood, along with White Center (http://bitly.com/cApUIh), were a bit “out of the box” compared with other Seattle neighborhoods. Wartime (I & II) brought labor, focusing on the industry along the Duwamish River.

Demographics and Income

Highland Park is fairly diverse, with multiple ethnic groups making up roughly half the population. Whites are still the largest demographic, but that is quickly changing. The inexpensive labor at local industries is drawing more foreign-born workers, especially with the lure of short commutes. Annual incomes vary, with lower levels to the south. The area south of the park, near Highway 509 contains the population with the least in their wallet, only $29,000 per year. Comparably, one section on the western side of Highland Park contains families with incomes around $72,000.

Culture

The diversity creates a unique cultural experience, wrapped tightly with Seattle’s progressive mindset and laid back attitude.

Real Estate

Homes in Highland Park are affordable, having taken a hit during the recession. Values have dropped by $130,000 since 2007, the height of the market. View the current real estate data at Trulia (http://bitly.com/b9bImE). Single family homes are most prevalent, with 68% making up the market. Almost 65% of residents own their dwelling, much higher than the 48% Seattle average. This spike may be possible because of the smaller-sized nature of houses in Highland Park. The median home size is only 1,300 Sq. Ft.

Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)

Not a lot of choices here. The neighborhood edges up to White Center on the southwest, providing many amenities across the street. However, Highland Park does not possess too many of their own. One notable establishment in the northwest corner is Zippy's Giant Burgers (http://mysp.ac/cDlnGV) - Opened in May 2008, using 100% chuck that is ground on site each day.

No pubs or bars are generally found within Highland Park, but again, to the south in White Center, several can be found. One of the closest establishments is Mac's Triangle Pub (http://macstrianglepub.com) near Delridge Way and Roxbury Street.

Some other establishments include: Rootcraft, LLC (http://rootcraft.com) - Naturally inspired custom carpentry; Salvation Army (http://salvationarmy.org) - Advancement of the Christian religion through education and the relief of poverty; and Gamestop (http://gamestop.com) - Selling new and pre-owned games/gaming systems.

Schools

Highland Park Elementary (http://seattleschools.org/schools/hpel) - To create lifelong learners instilled with positive self-images. One other institution within Highland’s borders: Community Day School Association (http://communitydayschool.org) - Largest provider of after-hours child enrichment within Seattle Public Schools.

Recreation

The only park within the community is the gigantic Westcrest Park (http://bitly.com/bhjcDR), sprawling 81 acres with an off-leash dog area, playground, four miles of hiking trails, and picnic sites. It even features a platform to take in the Seattle skyline. The West Seattle Reservoir (http://bitly.com/hJxfP2) is also located here.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

Anyone with a medical emergency may have grounds for concern as no medical facilities are to be found within the neighborhood. There is, however, some hope for someone ailing from a toothache... ABC General Dentistry is on the south side, along Roxbury.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

Even if there is no assistance for physical ailments, spiritual guidance is plentiful. Here’s a few reasons why: Paradise of Praise Ministry (http://paradiseofpraise.org) - Designed to transform the soul, mind, body and spirit of mankind and Westwood Christian Assembly (http://wcaseattle.org) - Led by Pastor Tom Colby and associated with the Assembly of God (http://ag.org).

Transportation Access and Tips

Bus service runs along the perimeter, providing a couple of routes into the city and to Boeing (http://boeing.com). Traffic gets heavy on these arterials, especially when heading north to the city in the morning. The international airport, SeaTac (http://portseattle.org/seatac), is just a few miles south on Highway 509.

Summary

Close proximity to Boeing, downtown, and the airport are a plus in this neighborhood. The affordable housing and presence of a large dog and kid-friendly park also helps. Living among lower income families and having industry in your backyard, however, may not appeal to many. Despite this, Highland Park, is close to much of the West Seattle beauty and could be a smart choice in living for a young couple or family just getting started.

A community on the up-and-up. Immense transformation has occurred in the last few years, bringing advances in traffic control, green construction, bike and pedestrian safety, and general living conditions. Strides have also been taken to publicize these enhancements, evident from a well-maintained website (http://highpointneighborhood.org). You can even ‘fan’ them on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/eDzA4x). High Point spans from the southern edge of Camp Long (http://bitly.com/fadFa0) in the north, to Othello St. and Holden St. in the south. The west to east breadth is 35th Avenue to Delridge Way, respectively.

History

Not much is published regarding the history of High Point, though their website does claim to be populating that link “soon.” What is known, as mentioned in part above, is that the face of the community has greatly changed. Before the turn of the millenium, much needed to be accomplished with respect to the infrastructure and housing layout. Even now, grand measures are being taken to expand the updating, bringing the neighborhood into the 21st century.

Demographics and Income

According to city-data.com (http://bitly.com/apQS4n), income levels within the neighborhood range from $17,000 to $72,000. These numbers indicate "poverty" of some residents, existing next door to middle class families. The western side is comprised primarily with households bringing in sub $30K in yearly income. The southern part is the hotbed, in regards to wages, with household averages around $60K and $70K. Seattle’s typically ‘White’ demographic is broken here with an almost equal representation of Blacks, Asians, Hispanics and Whites. Generous representations of single parents, mainly women, with a sizeable younger demographic (possibly from the greater numbers of children at home). In fact, the median age in High Point is seven years below the Seattle average.

Culture

Taking a presumptuous stab: the diversity, low income families, new government-assisted housing, and the influx of middle class singles/couples make for a tasty cultural recipe. Along with low income, single parent homes, unfortunately, comes crime. Too many people battling over too few resources, especially with the opportunity to live in an updated home. On the bright side, High Point’s geographic location (the epicenter of West Seattle) poises it for unparalleled opportunity as a crossroads-oriented community.

Real Estate

Twenty years ago High Point would have appeared much different, thanks to the Seattle Housing Authority (http://seattlehousing.org), which began a major overhaul of the residential housing. One of the goals has been to allow middle and low income families to co-exist. The first phase of the project was completed in 2007, with work continuing on latter phases. It has been one of the larger, if not the most, ambitious residential revamps in the Seattle area. The rapid rebuild of housing units has not lacked quality. Many units feature high energy ratings, including green construction. Streets have been narrowed and blocks shortened to discourage car traffic and encourage transport on foot or by bike. Roughly 35% own their residences, so a substantial number of transient renters dominate the mindset of the neighborhood. Values have plummeted, with an over 20% drop in home prices since 2009. A great opportunity for new blood to move into the area, but a dire period to have bought at the top of the market and be sitting on an upside-down home.

Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)

Easting establishments and small businesses are sparse, but again, reachable by crossing into other local neighborhoods. A look at the main public businesses: Olympia Pizza & Pasta (http://bitly.com/eqAkG8) - Open since 1972, with pizza being prepared the Greek way; Del Taco (http://deltaco.com) - An inexpensive taco franchise; Joanie’s Catering (http://joaniescatering.net) - Owned by Joan Allen, a Seattle native and well-versed not only in culinary arts, but in presenting a memorable ambiance; and Red Star Pizza (http://redstarpizza.com) - A highly-trained crew dedicated to professional preparation, local ingredients, a renew/reuse mentality, and a reluctance to be managed off-site.

Schools

While education, unfortunately, follows the greenback, some schools are available to High Point residents. Here is an active list: Proyecto Saber (http://bitly.com/fQqA2p) - A middle school focused on the Latino community, particularly in math tutoring; West Seattle Elementary (http://bitly.com/fodOeW) - A diverse school body dedicated to fostering learning not only in academics, but in the arts; Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School (http://guadalupe-school.org/OLG) - Working in partnership with each student’s family to foster a challenging, yet supportive environment for academic achievement, service and leadership training; Northwest Montessori School (http://northwestmontessori.org) - The first established Montessori school in Seattle providing a non-competitive multi-age classroom environment; and Learning for Life 123 (http://learningforlife123.com) - A child care program promoting social, emotional and intellectual growth within a Spanish bilingual environment.

Recreation

The topography is steep, even claiming the highest spot in West Seattle at over 500 feet. Several recreation areas are just minutes away in surrounding neighborhoods (Camp Long http://bitly.com/fadFa0 and the West Seattle Recreation Center (http://bitly.com/hWUs1T) . High Point was not overlooked, however, with green space, having their own play field (http://bitly.com/cWlaiK) in the southwest corner. It features sports facilities, and quality play equipment for children.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

Following on the coat tails of public schools, medical choices are slim. Here’s what can be found: Highpoint Medical and Dental Clinic (http://bitly.com/ek37XI) - Offering a variety of medical/dental services for people of all ages, with a strong drive towards preventative medicine; and Navos (http://navos.org) - Mental health solutions grounded in a a broad community of care.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

The diversity piece has penetrated more than skin deep. A couple of spiritual centers confirm this fact: Vietnamese Thien-Baptist Church (http://thienanvn.org/ta) - A deep-rooted Vietnamese congregation and Highpoint Lighthouse Samoan AG (http://bitly.com/gHcDa7) - A Samoan congregation led by Pastor Natia Paaga, which is part of the Assemblies of God Denomination (http://ag.org).

Transportation Access and Tips

Accessing the rest of the Emerald City is not as tedious as other West Seattle locations further west and south. Being equidistant between the West Seattle Bridge and Highland Park Way, feeding to Highway 99 and 509, at least gives route options to residents. Of course, during high commute times, neither of these "exits" are ideal. Hence, the painful commuting reality of living west of the Duwamish River (http://bitly.com/9vZ9KQ) is still felt here.

Summary

The time and resources having been poured into High Point are not in vain, as there is "high" hopes for further development and an emergent economy, boasting diversity found no where else in Seattle except for in the Central District.

The area of West Seattle remains a strong player in residential living with close proximity to the urban core. Fairmount Park, just to the west of the West Seattle Recreation Center and stretching from the West Seattle Bridge to Graham Street, holds the baton for another lap around discovering quality Emerald City communities.

Demographics and Income

Statistics for Fairmount Park run almost hand-in-hand with Seattle averages. Half of the residents are married, with about 18% of these couples having children living at home. The ethnicity is primarily white, with incomes just a hair above the city medium. A good size constituency of seniors still call this neighborhood home. The majority, however, are found in the highly educated singles and DINKs (Double Income—No Kids) who are in their 30s and 40s.

Culture

A busy, progressive population, who live for the weekends. Many must endure countless minutes in traffic for work commutes, so time in the neighborhood will be precious. Since many do not have children, nightlife and outdoor adventures will reign supreme and define their weekend warrior profile.

Real Estate

The breakdown in home ownership versus renting is essentially even. Single family homes and condos comprise most of the residential dwellings. The home with abundant square footage is not prevalent here, with 75% being under 1800 sq. ft. Owners can breathe a little easier, as other Seattleites pay more for their property taxes. Values still sing a downward trend, having lost 25% since late 2007.

Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)

Besides being a great location to raise a family, Fairmount Park boasts three arterials (California Avenue, Fauntleroy Way, and 35th Avenue) filled with amenities that make this neighborhood worth the stay. Some of these include Kokoras Greek Grill (http://kolorasgreekgrill.com) - Authentic Greek dishes, served in a tavern-like atmosphere; Pho Than Brothers (http://thanbrothers.com) - Specializing in rice noodle soup and cream puffs; Fresh Bistro (http://herbanfeast.com) - A full-service restaurant featuring dishes using only ingredients from local farms; Talarico’s (http://talaricoswest.com) - East coast pizza and Italian dishes; Diva Espresso Bar (http://divaespresso.com), and Luna Park Cafe (http://lunaparkcafe.com) - Great breakfast food, milkshakes and more—established 1989.

If it is nightlife you seek, featuring superb local ales, then check out Elliot Bay Brewing Company (http://elliottbaybrewing.com) - Founded in 1997: inspired by the community-oriented establishments of old Europe. For a more relaxed environment, consider the West Seattle Wine Cellars (http://wscellars.com) - A wide selection of wines from all over the word, featuring tastings.

For coffee locales: C & P Coffee (http://candpcoffee.com) - Serving Lighthouse Roasters’ fine espresso and a rotating selection of beer and wine; Uptown Espresso (http://uptownespresso.net) - Home of the velvet foam; Diva Espresso (http://divaespresso.com) - A history dating back to 1992, featuring six locations and a roasting facility called “Highlands Coffee Company”; Verite Coffee (http://veritecoffee.com) - Translated “truth”, an independent coffee house supporting the arts; Easy Street Records and Cafe (http://easystreetonline.com) - An in-store coffee experience with an almost endless food menu; and of course, Starbucks (http://starbucks.com) and Tully’s (http://tullys.com).

A few local, unique merchants to note: Curious Kidstuff (http://curiouskidstuff.com) - Selling non-violent toys, books, music, art, etc. Also, a good selection of green toys; Again & a Gain (http://againandagain.net) - Everything baby, kids and maternity that is earth, animal and kid friendly; Seattle Yarn (http://seattleyarn.com) - Everything yarn... enough said; Mountain to Sound Outfitters (http://m2soutfitters.com) - Seattle’s full-service ski/board, paddlesports, skate and rack shop; and Avalon Glassworks (http://avalonglassworks.com) - A glass blowing studio and art glass gallery.

Schools

Montessori School of West Seattle (http://westseattlemontessori.com) - Individualized teaching from experienced professionals: established in 1985; Little Art School & Gallery-the Original (http://littleartschool.com) - Founded in 1990 by Teri Laffan, a professional artist and educator; Seattle Integrated Martial Arts (http://simamartialarts.com) - Opened by Bob Heinemann—promoting fitness health, open mindedness, community, personal responsibility, and personal growth; aCPR Class (http://acprclass.com) - A company that trains individuals in the basics of emergency service like CPR and First Aid; and Epiphany Learning Strategies (http://epiphanylearnings.com) - Developing leaders in a variety of contexts.

Recreation

Having close proximity to Camp Long (http://bitly.com/byXg6y) is a plus, but Fairmount Park does claim its own green space. Fairmount Playfield (http://bitly.com/9VzEHz) provides play space for kids, along with sports fields for all ages. Another recreational perk for this neighborhood is having the West Seattle Family YMCA (http://seattleymca.org).

Medical and Wellness Facilities

Enough exists in Fairmount to cover your back when accidents occur: West Seattle Convenient Care (http://westseattleconvenientcare.com) - Quick access to medical attention without the wait of an emergency room; Highline Hand Therapy (http://highlinehandtherapy.com) - Treating a variety of hand/arm injuries with over 30 years experience; Visiting Angels of Seattle (http://ginasangels.net) - Providing in-home care for seniors; DRTRI (http://drtri.com) - Dr. Michael Ross provides comprehensive care for sports injuries; West Seattle Endodontics (http://westseattleendodontics.com) - An ultra-comfortable environment for oral surgery [even provide movie glasses!]; and Gerhard M. Zanolli, M.D. (http://drzanolli.com) - Child, adolescent and adult psychiatry.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

Staying within Fairmount Park is a plus when it comes to attending a spiritual center—the neighborly feel and ability to walk to services/meetings in the Summer. However, selection is limited... West Seattle Calvary Chapel (http://calvarychapelwestseattle.com) - A circa 1995 planted congregation, with a strong emphasis on Bible teaching; and West Seattle Nazarene Church (http://nazarene.org) - A Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, tracing its roots to an anniversary date of 1908.

Transportation Access and Tips

Getting in and out of Fairmount Park is relatively easy, with its borders along arterial streets like Fauntleroy Way, California Avenue, and 35th Avenue SW. Even a work or pleasure commute into the city is not too overwhelming, though traffic-dependent, via the West Seattle Bridge. The central location makes this neighborhood an ideal launching point into exploring the rest of West Seattle.

Summary

As mentioned above, the more northern and eastern location gives Fairmount Park the upper hand on shorter commutes to downtown and less traversing over non-arterial streets—one of the many reasons this community is a good choice when visiting or deciding on a vicinity to move into.

The area of Beacon Hill, known more specifically as Mid Beacon Hill, sits neatly between South Columbian Way, Martin Luther King Jr. Way (MLK), South Graham Street and Interstate 5. For more details about the Beacon Hill area, check out my reviews on North Beacon Hill (http://bitly.com/9r2WI0) and South Beacon Hill (http://bitly.com/dklbTw).

History

Originally coined “Greenish-Yellow Spine”, then was referred to more officially as Holgate and Hanford Hill in the late 1800s. It ceased to carry the name of Boeing Hill a couple of decades ago, following the flight of workers to the suburbs. One notable structure, having been built in 1883, is the Turner-Koepf House—a National Register (http://nps.gov/nr) property

Demographics and Income

Beacon Hill, today, consists primarily of Asians, largely due to this suburb migration of Boeing employees. There is, however, a small influx of whites, drawn by the racial diversity, unique culture and opportunities for justice in South Seattle. Roughly half of the residents are married, with 30% of homes containing children. A younger neighborhood, Beacon Hill has an almost uniform representation of ages under 50 years old, with the largest group being the thirty-somethings. The median household income is nearly identical to the Seattle average of $45,736 (http://bitly.com/9qBazZ).

Real Estate

The single family home dominates the Beacon Hill landscape, with almost half the structures built around the middle of the 20th century. Over 70% of the residents own their homes, making for a fairly established community. House values have continued to drop, bringing the median price to $279,000, as of September 2010 (http://bitly.com/cJaK15).

Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses and other Amenities)

Predominantly residential, Beacon Hill (at least the area of the neighborhood focused on during this review) does not offer a whole lot in the area of small businesses. A couple of places to eat include Huarachitos Mexican Taqueria (http://huarachitos.com) and Willie's Taste of South Bar-B-Que (http://williestasteofsoul.com). Random businesses found in the community include: Redbird Sports (http://redbirdsports.com) - Custom Golf Equipment; Italian Town and Country (http://italiantownandcountry.com) - Family business promoting independent travel to Central Italy; Washington State Chefs Association (http://washingtonstatechefs.com) - Connecting chefs, suppliers, students, educator and lovers of food; Inverse Studio (http://inversestudio.com) - The work and products of Jeff Crandall, poet and artist; Explorers 3 (http://explorers3.com) - Providing adventure and experiential global travel; and International Bicycle Fund (http://ibike.org) - Nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable transport.

Accommodations

Due to the residential nature of Beacon Hill, hotels are non-existent. Georgetown (http://bitly.com/bA6JVX), west of Interstate 5, would be the first place to look for lodging. Of course, downtown Seattle is a short drive to the north with an almost endless supply of rooms for travelers.

Schools and Recreation Facilities

The recreational component consists of Dearborn Park (http://bitly.com/adcGF8) and the Chief Sealth Trail (http://bitly.com/ba6Ojq). Several educational institutions exist here, with most being on the west side of the community—here is a running list: Saint George Parish School (http://saintgeorgeseattle.org) - A diverse and supportive community with strong Catholic values; Cleveland High School (http://seattleschools.org/schools/cleveland) - An Option School for grades 9-12; Maple Elementary School (http://seattleschools.org/schools/maple) - A Blue Ribbon School with phenomenal views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier; Community Day School Association (http://communitydayschool.org) - An affordable child enrichment program, integrated with nine Seattle public schools; and Dearborn Park Elementary (http://seattleschools.org/schools/dearborn) - A school respecting the wealth and vitality of the cultural traditions of Beacon Hill.

Medical Facilities

The big claim-to-fame for medical offices in Beacon Hill is the VA Hospital (http://pugetsound.va.gov) on the north side. Other places to speak of include: Moms with MS (http://momswithms.org) - Support community started by Kristin Bennett and Southgate Medical Clinic (http://bitly.com/9xnTNi) - Dr. Robert A. Velasco.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

A fair number of churches exist here: Chinese Baptist Church (http://seattlecbc.org), St. Marks Lutheran Church, Seattle Presbytery (http://seattlepresbytery.org) - Center for the PC USA churches around Puget Sound, Saint George Parish (http://stgeorgeparish.com) - Welcoming faith community comprised of diverse peoples, Seattle Church (http://seattlechurch.net) - A Non-Denominational church “family”, Bethany United Church of Christ (http://bethanyseattle.org) - A Christian Community with an eye towards social justice, and Seattle Chinese Alliance Church (http://scacseattle.org) - A bilingual congregation with Cantonese and English services.

Access

Transportation is a win-win, with Seattle Light Rail (http://soundtransit.org) and quick I-5 accessibility, which can be reached via 15th Ave S or S Graham Street . Main arterials like MLK and Ranier provide good alternative routes to the north or south, connecting with I-90 for East side commutes. Drive times to work average around 28 minutes—brought on by many having to commute over Lake Washington for East side careers.

Summary

Beacon Hill, having changed names three times over the years, could be seen as having identity issues. However, a strong residential base disproves this theory, uncovering a diverse population with much to contribute locally and to the greater Puget Sound region.

The Epicenter of Seattle Culture

A place more commonly known as "Capitol Hill" (http://bitly.com/d6epY5), Broadway is the most densely populated neighborhood in Seattle with a progressive culture. It's boundaries are East Howe Street in the north, except for a sliver that runs to East Lynn Street along Interstate 5. In the east, 15th Avenue is the edge of the community, which runs along the Lake View Cemetery (http://lakeviewcemeteryassociation.com) and Volunteer Park (http://bitly.com/9SSYKt). The southern boundary consists of East Madison Street, East Union and East Pike. The west is simply bordered by, you guessed it, Interstate 5.

History

There is uncertainty about where Capitol Hill coined its name. Some believe it was to “woo” the state legislature to relocate from Olympia to Seattle. The founder, James A. Moore, did name the area after his wife’s hometown neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. Others believe Moore’s motive was a combination of these. Other names given to Broadway at one time were Broadway Hill and Catholic Hill, due to a large Roman Catholic population at one time.

Some of Seattle’s wealthiest reside here, particularly at “Millionaire’s Row” along 14th Avenue. Block parties are common, with a neighborhood-wide event in July having been hosted each year since 1997. A wide variety of architecture can be found, not only among residential houses and historic landmarks, but even with the commonplace apartment buildings.

Numerous historical sites and structures are located in Broadway, with some of the most well-known being the Harvard-Belmont Landmark District (http://bitly.com/fOof0C), the original Cornish College of the Arts building (http://bitly.com/hhus9V), Volunteer Park - a favorite of mine (http://bitly.com/9SSYKt) and Lake View Cemetery (http://lakeviewcemeteryassociation.com).

Demographics and Income

Singles, singles, singles. Broadway is home to numerous twenty and thirty-somethings who have not yet said, “I do”. Married couples do exist here, but only around 20% of the population. Of those couples, only a trace are raising children. Thus, large families may want to take heed when considering Broadway as a place of residence.

Transient is the buzzword in this section of Seattle. It boasts on being the most densely populated neighborhood in the city, and for good reason—apartments! Everywhere you turn, with the exception of the upper class areas around Volunteer park, humans are vying for a parking spot near their leased domicile.

Income is nothing to write home about, unless, of course, the residential streets of Broadway are highlighted. These families are definitely bringing home the bacon, with incomes easily in the six figures. A selected few may even shyly admit to being millionaires. However, wealth is the exception, not the rule for most of the neighborhood. Unmarried young professionals, seeking to get their foot in the door of a career or simply trying to survive by waiting on tables are a more common lot. The ethnic representation is predominantly white, but other races are gaining a voice.

Culture

As mentioned, Broadway is notorious for nightlife, particularly street parties. The younger demographic, mixed with copious drinking venues, is a recipe for endless social opportunities. The grunge scene emerged here in the early 1990s, notably through the music of Nirvana (http://bitly.com/evin0M) and Kurt Cobain (http://bitly.com/hyo5PG). Artistic roots still run deep today, though other music styles have come in to share the limelight.

In addition to the party and music scene, Broadway is home to prominent Seattle coffee houses. Specific locations will be featured under the “Local Business Tour” section below. Another “claim to fame” is the large gay and lesbian population. Many businesses claim to be gay friendly, as do certain churches. The liberal Seattle environment emanates, primarily, from the Broadway neighborhood—a place where progressive ideas and lifestyles are birthed.

Real Estate

Multiple apartment complexes occupy the area, especially west of Broadway East (the street). Residential housing becomes more prominent to the west, closer to Volunteer park where many larger, upscale homes have been built.

Home values have dropped considerably in recent months, with the average value hovering around $300,000 (According to Zillow). Only 19% of residents own their home, confirming the transient nature of this Seattle community.

Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)

Good eating is to be found in Broadway, the most eclectic variety in the Emerald City. One of our favorites, B & O Espresso (http://bo-espresso.com), serves up tasty dinners and out of this world desserts. They even can do wedding cakes! Formerly a coffee shop where where Pearl Jam birthed their name. Other places of dining interest are Tango (http://tangorestaurant.com), Rosebud Restaurant & Bar (http://rosebud-restaurant.com), Ayutthaya Thai Restaurant (http://ayutthayathai.com), Via Tribunali (http://viatribunali.net), Quinn's Pub (http://quinnspubseattle.com), The Tin Table (http://thetintable.com) with the Century Ballroom for dancing (http://centuryballroom.com), Table 219 (http://table219.com), and the list goes on.

In addition to great dining, coffee shops abound here. A few to mention are Bauhaus Books & Coffee (http://bauhauscoffee.net), Stumptown Coffee Roasters (http://stumptowncoffee.com), Faire Gallery Cafe (http://fairegallerycafe.com), Online Coffee Company (http://onlinecoffeeco.com), Caffé Vita (http://caffevita.com), Top Pot Doughnuts (http://toppotdoughnuts.com), Cafe Dharwin (http://cafedharwin.com), Victrola Coffee Roasters (http://victrolacoffee.com) and several others. For the sweet tooth, try Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream (http://mollymoonicecream.com). Other places featuring ice cream and the like are: Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream & Tea Room (http://bluebirdseattle.blogspot.com), Cupcake Royale (http://cupcakeroyale.com), and Old School Frozen Custard (http://oldschoolfrozencustard.com) - A family favorite of ours.

Pubs, though they may seem a “dime a dozen” in Seattle, are worth noting in Capitol Hill. Here are a few: Madison Pub (http://madisonpub.com) - Featuring no cover charge; Elysian Brewing Company (http://elysianbrewing.com) - Founded in 1996 with three locations around the city; Quinn’s Pub (http://quinnspubseattle.com) - Owned by Scott and Heather Staples and featuring 14 beers on tap; Chop Suey (http://chopsuey.com) - Featuring lots of live music; and Barca (http://barcaseattle.com) - Enjoy a diverse selection of beers, wine, vodka and specialty drinks;

Accommodations

Even if no place existed within Broadway for overnight lodging, its close proximity to the urban core would provide an abundance of options just minutes away. Fortunately, there are some accommodations within the neighborhood. Here is a sampling: 11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast (http://11thavenueinn.com) - A charming 1906 vintage bed and breakfast; Seward Suites (http://sewardsuites.com) - A re-imagined experience in a 1907 era building, complete with private garden,fire pit, and coveted views of Puget Sound; Bed and Breakfast Inn Seattle (http://seattlebednbreakfast.com) - A European style inn, allowing guests full access to the kitchen for preparing meals; Fox Glove Guesthouse (http://foxgloveguesthouse.com) - A 1905 Arts and Crafts house featuring that era’s decorative style; Gaslight Inn (http://gaslight-inn.com) - A quality bed and breakfast featuring rich woodwork, views of the city, and even an in-ground heated pool; Bed and Breakfast on Broadway (http://bedandbreakfastseattlewa.net) - Featuring four quaint rooms with private baths; Alternative Suites International (http://asuites.com) - Temporary or long-term housing source for Seattle and around the Nation; and The Bacon Mansion (http://baconmansion.com) - An 8,000 square foot Edwardian-style house, adorned with 1909-era charm.

Schools

Following the generous nature of Broadway, when it comes to amenities, schools are not disregarded. Too many institutions exist to be featured, so again, a broad stroke list: Bright Water School (http://brightwaterschool.org) - Waldorf education that provides an artistic and compassionate approach, in addition to the academics; Bertschi School (http://bertschi.org) - An independent elementary school provided an intellectual, imaginative and character-building education; Lowell Elementary School (http://seattleschools.org/schools/lowell) - Features various programs for specialized assistance, including a nationally recognized Low Incidence Special Education program; ALPS Language School (http://englishintheusa.com) - Accelerated language performance system with small classes; Harvard Avenue School (http://harvardavenueschool.com) - Offering a high quality education for toddler, preschool and pre-kindergarten children; and The Northwest School (http://northwestschool.org) - Offering a curriculum for grades 6-12 with an international perspective, fostering creative thinking.

Recreation

Outdoor recreation can be fulfilled at Volunteer Park (http://bitly.com/9SSYKt), featuring a beautiful conservatory (http://bitly.com/eMSR1M), a children's play area, and a reservoir. The park is also home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum (http://bitly.com/aVafFZ). Near the southern end of Broadway is Cal Anderson Park (http://calandersonpark.org), featuring several amenities, including a fountain, texture pool, promenade paths, children’s play area, wading pool, lighted sports field and several oversize chess boards. A couple of easy-to-miss green spaces include Thomas Street Mini Park (http://bitly.com/e8konb) - An ideal place for reading that book while taking in rare Seattle sun; John and Summit Park (http://bitly.com/gv5Nd6) - A newly designed space, featuring a community P-Patch; and Tashkent Park (http://bitly.com/dJdICC) - Named after a city in Uzbekistan, the park features picnic tables, a wooden arbor, benches and a sculpture.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

For anyone in dire need of medical assistance, it is good to know a sound clinic or hospital is nearby. The advantage to Broadway’s downtown-vicinity location provides streamlined access to top-notch doctors, clinics and hospitals. Though not directly within the neighborhood’s boundary, but close enough, is the Swedish Medical Center (http://swedish.org) - The First Hill campus is part of the largest nonprofit medical provider in the Northwest region. No claim to fame medical institution for Broadway? Think again. The Virginia Mason Medical Center (http://virginiamason.org) is an award-winning nonprofit organization with a network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Puget Sound. If having two hospitals, almost within walking distance, is not enough, how about a third just a stone’s throw from the southern boundary of the neighborhood? It is a fact in which Broadwayites can revel—Harborview Medical Center (http://bitly.com/dhPLZL) - One of the best trauma centers on the West Coast. A few other medical resources within the community of Broadway: Pacific Medical Center (http://pacificmedicalcenters.org) - A patient-focused institution, providing assistance with more than 150 caring providers; The Polyclinic (http://polyclinic.com) - One of the largest multi-specialty clinics in the Puget Sound area; The Pin Cushion (http://www.thepincushionclinic.com/) - Affordable acupuncture in a community setting; Felix Marcial, DDS (http://doctorfelix.com) - Dr. Felix carries an abundance of knowledge and experience to encounter virtually all teeth/mouth conditions; and Paul Huddleston & Associates, DDS (http://yourseattlesmile.com) - Striving to enable each patient to achieve complete dental health through technological innovation, prevention and ongoing education.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

Every great neighborhood not only exhibits physical qualities, but ones rooted in the mental and spiritual capacities of the people. Broadway serves up quite a variety of spiritual havens, designed for holistic development. Enjoy this brief rendering of spiritual options: Grace Seattle (http://www.graceseattle.org/) - A place devoted to assisting Seattle in becoming more like the city of God; Seattle First Baptist (http://www.seattlefirstbaptist.org/) - Liberating the heart, engaging the mind, embracing the world; Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral (http://www.saintnicholascathedral.org/) - One of the oldest Russian Orthodox parishes outside of Russia; Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption (http://www.assumptionseattle.org/); and Bodhiheart Sangha Buddhist Meditation Center in Seattle (http://www.bodhiheartsangha.org/) - Featuring two resident teachers, Venerable Dhammadinna and Tenzin Jesse (http://www.bodhiheartsangha.org/teachers.shtml).

Transportation Access and Tips

Getting to and from Broadway could not be more convenient, for tourist and local alike. The Interstate, hugging the community from the west, has a handful of on-ramps/off-ramps. Traversing between downtown proves to be a constant success via several arterial options, such as Denny Way, Madison Avenue and Pike Street. Need to get to the East side? This can be handled by heading south on either Interstate 5 or a southern arterial to hop on Eastbound Interstate 90. Even students looking for a little cushion between campus find haven living here, with attainable cycling times across the water to the University of Washington campus. One of the commuting challenges could be a work commute to the northern or southern suburbs, depending on the time of day. However, if downtown is the daily destination, then multiple options surface for reaching the “desk.”

Summary

Take time to explore this vibrant neighborhood, which in many ways, sets the pace of Seattle's liberality. Even though most residents are under the age of 45, it can be an active playground for any adventurous soul striving to leave their mark, along with the others dwelling in this influential community.

The Central Business District (CBD) occupies a large area on each side of Interstate 5, unique to typical Seattle neighborhoods (http://streetadvisor.com/user/hudsonite). The I-5 corridor typically has a "Berlin Wall" effect, with distinct differences on each side of the freeway. It's boundaries are roughly Olive Way and Pike Street to the north, 12th Avenue to the east, James Street to the south, and the waterfront to the west. The feel of the CBD is compact, due to Seattle's greater downtown area being restricted by hills (on the north and east) and water (on the west).

History

A miraculous rebirth occurred after the Great Seattle fire of 1889 (http://bitly.com/es9KsP), which destroyed the CBD. The city emerged more glorious, indicating the strength and determination of its inhabitants. The panic of 1893 (http://bitly.com/ehGNTY), a severe economic depression, deeply effected Seattle. The Klondike Gold Rush (http://bitly.com/eCBj22) brought about not only an end to the depression, but an influx of creative and innovative people. One man, James E. Casey, began UPS (http://ups.com) with $100, which he had borrowed from a friend. Other companies, like Nordstrom (http://nordstrom.com) and Eddie Bauer (http://eddiebauer.com) surfaced, which helped bolster the economy, growing it into what it visibly represents today.

Demographics and Income

It is no surprise that most of the demographic is comprised of transient individuals or couples, mainly in the 25-40 year old age range. Income levels, unfortunately, do not follow the “day” population demographic of suited professionals. In fact, the average income is well below the Seattle average, dipping beneath the poverty level on the Southwest side. Almost half of the residents are single, and virtually no children for the married portion. Divorcees are alive and well in the CBD.

Culture

The epicenter for commerce, conventions, and tourist accommodations. Not a day passes without running into an out-of-town visitor, whether they are attending meetings at the Convention Center (http://wsctc.com/), enjoying a vacation or honeymoon, or preparing for an Alaskan cruise (http://bitly.com/gYy7RK). The flip side of the visitor is the “suit” or the bum. Many homeless look for means to survival, taking advantage of the wealth on these streets. It’s a sad picture, but one which continues to plague Seattle.

Real Estate

Looking for a single family home in the CBD? Not one can be found among this concrete and steel jungle. Condos are about it, with 80% being rented. Most domiciles are under 1400 Sq. Ft., so don’t count on an abundance of storage. Values have had roller coaster-like tendencies, fluctuating almost $200K!

Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)

Restaurants can be mentioned by the dozen, but initial places to explore would include one of our favorites, Wild Ginger Asian Restaurant (http://wildginger.net) - An Asian dining experience inspired by a trip to Southeast Asia by owners, Rick and Ann Yoder. Others include: Ipanema Grill (http://ipanemabraziliangrill.us) - A restaurant saturated in “Rodizio,” a Brazilian style of enjoying dinner among friends; Benihana (http://bitly.com/e6sRCQ) - Where every meal [Japanese] is a show; Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery (http://rockbottom.com/seattle) -A wide variety of dishes with beer brewed on site; McCormick & Schmick's Seafood (http://bitly.com/idSX3G) - An extensive Pacific Northwest seafood menu with daily chef specials; Licorous (http://licorous.com) - Specialty drinks and liquor, along with a distinctive small plate menu; and The Honeyhole (http://thehoneyhole.com) - Serving delicious sandwiches and several choices of local ales—all since 1999.

Nightlife is no challenge for the CBD, with places like The Triple Door (http://thetripledoor.net), PF Chang's China Bistro (http://pfchangs.com), Dragonfish Asian Cafe (http://dragonfishcafe.com), Urbane Restaurant and Bar (http://urbaneseattle.com), and several others.

Living up to Seattle’s reputation of a coffee shop on every corner, and then some, the CBD has on overwhelming selection of places to grab a cup of “joe”. There is, of course, the usual Starbucks shops—a welcome site for some and an eyesore for others. Looking to the east side of I-5: Victrola Coffee (http://victrolacoffee.com/) - An ever-expanding venue with a passion for jazz and ambience; Bauhaus (http://bauhauscoffee.net/) - Set in a historic structure, features large windows and even bookcases for an intelligent feel; Kaladi Brothers Coffee (http://kaladi.com/) - Coffee with an Alaskan heritage, featuring a revolutionary roasting process which requires arctic air; and Stumptown Coffee (http://stumptowncoffee.com) - Originating in Portland, OR, this place features uniquely-styled seating, a full roasting facility, and training room. Highlighting coffee stops on the west side: Seattle Coffee Works (http://seattlecoffeeworks.com) - Two types of counters: An express bar for the get it and go crowd, and a “slow bar” for the more contemplative coffee drinker (the coffeeaholic); Fonté Coffee & Wine Bar (http://fontecoffee.com) - The Northwest’s finest micro-coffee roaster, selecting the top 1% of beans and having them shipped within hours to the store; and Stella Caffé (http://stellacoffees.com) - An Italian-based shop with acute attention to coffee brewing, trusting in a demographic for this experience.

Merchandise stores are almost innumerable—too many to mention, with most located west of the Interstate. Pike street offers the greatest density for shoppers, culminating, of course, at the market. 4th and 5th avenues drum up special beats, especially for the business traveler and tourist. Having an upper-hand on hotels gives any entrepreneur the edge in the CBD.

Accommodations

Multiple hotels stand in the area, mainly used by the convention center. A few are: Red Lion Hotel (http://seattleredlionfifthavenue.com) - A newly rennovated facility on 5th Avenue, Fairmont Olympic Hotel (http://fairmont.com) - A combination of superb customer service and eye-catching architecture, Sheraton Seattle Hotel (http://starwoodhotels.com) - Comfortable rooms with the deep-reaching reputation of the Sheraton family, Hilton Seattle (http://hilton.com) - Welcome to the most forward-thinking hotel company on the planet, or Crown Plaza Seattle (http://cphotelseattle.com) - 415 rooms strong with claim to the Torchbearer Award—while enjoying close proximity to all the sights and sounds of the Emerald City.

Schools

While walking among the concrete and steel “jungle” in this neighborhood, the first thought in a person’s mind is usually not focused on the education system. However, students have much to celebrate by way of the resources available to them via Seattle’s central nervous system: Seattle University (http://seattle.edu) - A renown campus with strong programs in law, business, engineering and art; O’Dea High School (http://odea.org) - Quality Catholic education among a diverse economic, racial and ethnic student body; Bakke Graduate University (http://bgu.edu) - Offering theological education with a combination of seminary training and an emphasis towards urban challenges and a global constituency; Foundation for Early Learning (http://earlylearning.org) - Seeking to close the gap on the number of unprepared, educationally, children; and Diane’s Market Kitchen (http://dianesmarketkitchen.com) - Explore Pike Place market (http://bitly.com/hOKEcJ) through the food, especially in a hands-on cooking class.

Recreation

With so many buildings packed into the CBD, it can be difficult to know where to begin. The tallest, having the most floors of any building west of the Mississippi, is the Columbia Tower (http://bitly.com/aJORuw). The view from the tower is astounding, topping that of the Space Needle (http://spaceneedle.com). Other well-known establishments are Benaroya Hall (http://seattlesymphony.org/benaroya/), Nordstrom's flagship store (http://nordstrom.com), Seattle Central Library (http://bitly.com/at1xtb) - With it’s unique window architecture, Seattle City Hall (http://bitly.com/c1irBH), Seattle Art Museum (http://bitly.com/9KbHrF) - Complete with “working man” statue at entrance, Washington State Convention Center (http://wscc.com) - An enormous space for big-scale events, and Westlake Center (http://westlakecenter.com) - A haven for shoppers and center for holiday entertainment.

Despite the urban density, a couple of parks do exist, though with limited green space. The Westlake Park (http://bitly.com/bQTXAp) is a spacious area across from the Westlake Center. Freeway Park (http://bitly.com/crf9zC) helps to connect the Convention Center to First Hill (http://bitly.com/hrbpeS). It features an attractive water structure and can be a peaceful setting to meet a friend or to enjoy a sack lunch.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

The medical facilities in the CBD are outstanding, with Virginia Mason Hospital (http://virginiamason.org) - Having received recent awards for doctors and services and Swedish Medical Center - First Hill (http://swedish.org) - The uncontested, premier health facility of Seattle. Others include: The Polyclinic (http://polyclinic.com) - One of the largest multi-specialty clinics in Puget Sound, with over 150 primary care physicians; Aurora Medical Services (http://auroramedicalservices.com) - Providing a wide range of women’s reproductive health services; Seattle Children’s Hospital - Respiratory Therapy (http://bitly.com/eHvZxm) - Assisting children and families who require specialized treatment for breathing; City Center Massage (http://massageseattle.net) - Owned and operated by Julie Onofrio, LMP, having been in the profession since 1989; Group Health Downtown Seattle Medical Center (http://bitly.com/fcTHEp) - Offering choice and flexibility with doctors, pharmacies and other services; Advanced dentistry at Century Square (http://advanceddentistryatcenturysquare.com) - Dr. Andreea Larhs and her staff provide patient-centered approach to dental care; and Specialty Dentistry (http://drbutson.com) - Accomplished dentistry with a gentle touch.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

Even though comprised, primarily, by traditional congregational churches, the CBD still delivers a variety of spiritual options for travelers and locals. Here are some of the options: Plymouth Congregational Church (http://plymouthchurchseattle.org) - Over 100 years of social justice, implanted in a diverse congregation; First Covenant Church (http://firstcovenantseattle.org) - Seeking to make a difference in the neighborhood, with over 100 years of history; Seattle First Presbyterian Church (http://firstpres.org) - A community of disciples who passionately love God, one another and their neighbors; St. James Cathedral (http://stjames-cathedral.org) - An inner-city parish with an outreach to many on the edge of poverty and loneliness; and Trinity Parish Church (http://trinityseattle.org) - Known for its historic stone architecture and ornate stained glass windows.

Transportation Access and Tips

Public transportation takes on a unique role with the urban density, featuring a bus and light rail tunnel (http://bitly.com/fLNeCf) far below street level. In fact, the new light rail (http://soundtransit.com - completed in 2009) now runs all the way to Sea Tac International Airport (http://portseattle.org/seatac). Hybrid and electric buses also utilize the tunnels, but also run on the surface streets. The King County Metro Transit (http://metro.kingcounty.gov), as it is called, is free within the downtown area.

Car traffic, though increasingly discouraged by Seattle’s administration, provides convenient transport. The challenge, however, lies in the parking availability. If staying downtown for under two hours, then the best bet is finding a spot on the street where you can pay with the ease of a credit card. Watch out, though, as a few places still use the coin-operated meters. If willing to walk a few blocks (possibly uphill), then park under the Alaskan Way Viaduct (http://bitly.com/ftOMSK), keeping in mind that parking here is also limited to two hours. For those who may want to transport their bike or hop on a local bus to complete the journey, then consider parking in the surface lot just north of the Experience Music Project (http://empsfm.org/) in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood (http://bitly.com/e5Lnjf). If you arrive by 10am, you can park all day for $6.00! Access to the Interstate is a breeze from anywhere in the CBD, including a choice of I-5 or I-90 (to head East). Highway 99 is an efficient way to head to West Seattle and the airport when the Freeway is backed up. Beware drivers of manual transmission cars, as downtown hills are steeply graded!

Summary

Thousands of tourists and business travelers explore the CBD each year, enamored by Seattle's unique natural setting, the unusual culture, and steep-graded streets. It is no wonder that this city continues to remain prominent in the global community.

A quiet community, nestled on the coast, between the Genessee, Fairmount Park and Gatewood neighborhoods. Seaview's boundaries are SW Edmunds Street on the north, California Avenue on the east, the intersection of 48th Avenue and Beach Drive on the south, and Puget Sound on the west.

Coveted property, for obvious reasons, lies along Beach Drive. This is a gorgeous drive, on the way to Alki Beach. Most of the neighborhood is residential, with many businesses along California Avenue. Places to highlight are C & P Coffee (www.candpcoffee.com) and Chittenden Bed & Breakfast (www.chittendenhouse.com - located in the southern portion of Seaview).

Recreation options are plentiful in surrounding areas, but the Morgan Junction Park (http://bitly.com/b0RAWW) is within Seaview's jurisdiction. It is a simple space, across from a pub and host to many events throughout the year, having just been dedicated in June 2009.

Access is a challenge, with many surface streets to traverse before reaching the West Seattle Bridge or Highway 99 (Southern route towards South Seattle or Sea Tac Airport). Serenity is king, however, especially along the coast, which is separated by a wooded section. For those seeking refuge from the noise and chaos of the city, this is the place to settle.

The South Beacon Hill area is bounded by South Graham Street on the north, Martin Luther King Jr. Way (MLK)/Renton Avenue South on the east, Ryan Way on the south, and Interstate 5 on the west. A few decades ago this location was filled with Boeing employees, but over the years migration to outlying suburbs has allowed lower income families to move in. Also, the racial diversity has changed, primarily housing Asians, with a large number of Blacks and Hispanics. In fact, almost 44% of the residents are born abroad.

Business activity, which predominantly means restaurants, is found in and along MLK. A wide range of cuisine, as would be expected from a diverse population, is offered. A few examples are Thai Palms (www.thai-palms.com), Tienda Mi Pueblito, The Cajun Crawfish, and Pho My Chau Restaurant. A place worth noting near Beacon Avenue South and South Graham Street is Willie's Taste of Soul Bar-B-Que (www.williestasteofsoul.com).

There is not much to discuss in way of parks and recreation. However, the Chief Sealth Trail, which cuts north to south through the neighborhood, brings opportunity for exercise on a pedestrian safe route.

One extra feature to note is the inclusion of NewHolly (formerly Holly Park). A small neighborhood on the north side of South Beacon Hill that has had new housing developments since the mid 1990's.

This affordable neighborhood, with the benefit of Seattle's Light Rail taking residents either downtown or to Sea Tac Airport, poises South Beacon Hill as an important contender when it comes to residential areas in the Northwestern United States.

The definition of Beacon is, "An intentionally conspicuous device designed to attract attention to a specific location." (According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beacon) Formerly known as "Boeing Hill" because of the sheer numbers of Boeing employees who resided there. Now, years later, the "Hill" is occupied predominantly by Asians, with close runnings of Whites and Blacks. It lies between South Dearborn Street and South Columbia Way, then spanning west to east from Interstate 5 to Rainier Avenue (at it's widest point).

A couple of points of interest in North Beacon Hill: On the south side, Jefferson Park (http://1.usa.gov/f1uNqx) is home to an executive golf course (www.premiergc.com), a community center, and a Lawn Bowling facility (www.seattlebowls.org). Another place, with world renown, is the headquarters for Amazon (www.amazon.com). It occupies most of the old Pacific Medical Center (http://pacificmedicalcenters.org) building on the northern edge of the neighborhood.

If golf and lawn bowling do not appeal, then take time to investigate the Doctor Jose Rizal Park (www.bitly.com/aHWs9j), with spectacular views of downtown. It also features an off-leash dog park, play area and picnic sites. The Beacon Hill Playground (www.bitly.com/cw0tW1), a few blocks south, is also kid-friendly with a wading pool, play area, basketball and tennis facilities.

To satisfy those hunger pains, especially with diverse tastes, restaurants here can deliver. A good Vietnamese establishment, which Yours Truly has tried, is Pho Hai Yen (http://bitly.com/fg7tq3) near Rainier Avenue and Dearborn Street. It has friendly service and a quiet atmosphere, at least for lunch. Dozens of ethnic places line Rainier, mainly in the northern half of the community.

Close proximity to downtown (http://bitly.com/fwXJkP) is quickly drawing young professionals to the area, desiring a cultural melting pot. Also, it does make commuting fairly simple and effortless, except for employees who work on the East Side of Lake Washington (http://bitly.com/dXcYNZ).

Friends of ours can attest, along with our own adventures in the Beacon Hill district, that almost endless opportunities to savor taste and activity are to beheld.

A neighborhood, with an artistic flair, nestled into a highly industrial area. It can be easy to miss this eclectic mix of residences and businesses. It is bounded on the north by South Brandon Street, on the west by the Duwamish River (http://bitly.com/9vZ9KQ), on the south by Perimeter Road South (at Boeing Field http://bitly.com/fGtAJX), and on the east by Interstate 5.

History

If geographic surroundings were similar to about 100 years ago, residents of Georgetown could often be seen ladeling water from their houses—perhaps a motorboat or two when heavy winter rains encroach the Emerald City. However, thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers, the center of the neighborhood now lies one mile inland. This due to the straightening of the Duwamish River in the early 1900s. Carrying the label of the birthplace of King Country, the Georgetown area was claimed by Luther Collins in September 1851. The possession of the area was not without struggle, as native tribes assembled a resistance in 1855, leading to a sizeable conflict.

A few claim-to-fame facts: Rainier Beer found its beginnings in Georgetown, started by John Clausen and Edward Sweeny; Seattle’s first railroad began here in May 1874; Meadows Race Track hosted the first powered airplane flight in Seattle (1910) and Seattle’s first municipal airport built and named Boeing Field (1928).

Demographics and Income

A diverse, yet lower income neighborhood with most of its population being in their 20s, 30s and 40s—most are twenty-somethings. Not surprisingly, many residents are not married (due mainly to the industrial location). Another obvious component: the percentage of single males, ~34%. Asians and Hispanics are the next largest racial groups, behind Whites. Those with higher incomes live in the north, and the lower income households south of Boeing Field.

Culture

Smaller wallets did not put a stop to creativity for Georgetown residents, confirmed simply by creative businesses that have popped up in recent years. An artistic cohort is alive and well in this industrial-shadowed community. Check out some examples of these expressions in the “Local Business Tour” section below.

Real Estate

Less is more and age is vintage, right? Georgetown swears by it with most homes not making it to 1400 sq. ft. Homes were built, on average, in 1919. This is 30 years below the Seattle average. Want real estate that swims “upstream?” Invest in a Georgetown house and watch your value surge. One of the only neighborhoods where values have steeply climbed since the beginning of 2010, homes have gained almost $200,000!

Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)

Traffic and noise are to contend with, but the venues make up for it. Samples of "out-of-the-box" dining include Stellar Pizza (http://stellarpizza.com) - Occupying the Bertoldi building, and featuring daily-made dough and pizza sauce; The Corson Building (http://thecorsonbuilding.com) - A home, restaurant and community dedicated to food and its direct connection to celebration, community, and culture; Slim's Last Chance Chili Stack (http://slimslastchance.com) - An exclusive 21 and over venue featuring weekend live music; Tiger Lounge (http://tigerloungeagogo.com) - Bistro, coffee and martini lounge; Pig Iron Bar-B-Q (http://pigironbbq.net) - An overwhelming selection of fall-apart meats with a passion for hot rods and motorcycles; Ingallina’s Box Lunch (http://ingallina.com) - Box lunches with same day free delivery; Calamity Jane’s (http://calamityjanes.biz) - A restaurant and meeting house inspired by the real Calamity Jane (1852-1903)—serving a wide swath of dishes for every palette; Smarty Pants (http://smartypantsseattle.com) - A 21 an over sandwich and soup bar; Via Tribunali (http://viatribunali.net) - Literally built in Naples, after having shipped pieces of a 100 year old pizzeria back from Italy; Daimonji Sushi Grill (http://daimonjisushi.com) - Creative chef dishes with personable and quick service; and the list goes on...

Some surprising finds, other than the restaurants, are Screaming Flea Productions, Inc. (http://sfpseattle.com) - Award winning television company specializing in non-fiction, documentary, entertainment and corporate production; Fall Line Winery (http://falllinewinery.com) - An artisan producer of elegantly-styled wines, using fruit from the most prized vineyard sites in Washington State; and Bike So Good (http://bikesogood.com) - Offering inexpensive bicycle service and repair; A number of coffee shops can be found, such as Alki Bakery (http://alkibakery.com) - A quality family-owned bakery since its beginning at Alki Beach in 1985 and Fonte Coffee (http://fontecoffee.com) - The finest independent coffee roaster in the Pacific Northwest, founded by Paul E. Odom in 1992.

Schools

Want education with a twist? Check out the old and new here: Stucco Italiano (http://stuccoitalianoinc.com) - Owned by Aaron Cohen, an expert in wall finishing techniques who teaches this distinct Italian tradition; School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (http://sancaseattle.org) - A non-profit dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of children via the creativity of acrobatics and circus arts; Seattle Drum School (http://seattledrumschoolgeorgetown.com) - All ages enjoy instruction in drums, bass, guitar, piano, brass and more; South Seattle Community College (http://georgetown.southseattle.edu) - Focusing on programs in industry, apprenticeship, and safety & health training; The Flight Academy (http://theflightacademy.com) - Pilot training, trips and an unlimited simulator; Galvin Flying (http://galvinflying.com) - Flight training of over 17,000 pilots since 1930; Rainier Flight Service (http://rainierflightservice.com) - Strategic focus, besides flight instruction, in scenario-based techniques for the purpose of risk management; and Wings Aloft (http://wingsaloft.com) - Over 33 years offering rental planes and in-flight pilot training.

Recreation

Families in the area enjoy the amenities at Georgetown Playground (http://bitly.com/bKGI5a), complete with play area, wading pool, soccer field, half basketball court, and softball field. Other recreational-like places: Jet City Crossfit (http://jetcitycrossfit.com) - Offering varied, intense and functional workouts; and Oxbow Park (http://bitly.com/hYTrTF) - Features a play area and P-Patch, but the real attraction is the Hat ‘n Boots structure (http://bitly.com/fIm3PH) designed by Seattle artist, Lewis Nasmyth in 1953.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

Clinics per se are not available in Georgetown, but a couple of facilities which could be helpful are: Swedish Home Care Services (http://swedish.org) and North American Rehab (http://www.northamericanrehab.com/) - Not a walk-in business, but a supplier of rehab products. For immediate medical attention, the best bet is getting to the VA Medical Center (http://va.gov) in North Beacon Hill (http://bitly.com/9r2WI0).

Spiritual Centers and Churches

Four spiritual communities dot the northern half of the neighborhood... Society of St. Vincent de Paul (http://svdpseattle.org/) - Part of a worldwide organization of lay Catholics who help low income families, the homeless and seniors with basic needs; Korean Central Baptist Church of Seattle (http://bitly.com/fhSNjd); Georgetown Community Church (http://on.fb.me/hpwDwk); and New Direction Missionary Church (http://spag.es/eAlpoK).

Transportation Access and Tips

Quick access to major routes such as I-5, and Highway 99 & 509 reduce the feel of "isolation" in Georgetown. Roads connecting to South Park (http://bitly.com/gfrk0K) and the Beacon Hill (http://bitly.com/gG2SA0) give superb local access. Any Boeing Field employees seeking a short commute, inexpensive housing and an artistic population will feel right at home.

Summary

While Georgetown is not an area for the faint of heart, it does provide a fairly comfortable city dwelling despite the industrial submersion. Carrying a rich history and showcasing many “firsts,” it is a neighborhood to be contended with. An extremely creative and edgy crowd continue to transform it, pushing the envelope on human innovation.

Making the southward turn on Holman Road gives way to 15th Avenue NW, ushering in the Whittier Heights' neighborhood. It's 24 blocks long, from 85th Street to around 61st Street and 16 blocks wide (at it's widest point), from 24th Avenue NW to 8th Avenue NW. It is dissected by several arterials, including 15th Avenue NW, NW 65th Street, NW 80th Street, 24th Avenue NW and 8th Avenue NW.

The community is sandwiched between the Loyal Heights and Greenwood neighborhoods, providing a vital connection between Northern Seattle and Ballard. In fact, the Ballard High School (www.ballardbeavers.org) is located within Whittier on NW 65th Street and 15th Avenue NW. We were part of a community that met in this high school for a couple of years, enjoying the modern amenities and location on a vibrant intersection.

Eating establishments are not hard to find, with many along 15th Avenue, including Lunchbox Laboratory (www.lunchboxlaboratory.com) and the Original Pancake House (www.originalpancakehouse.com). Our kids never leave hungry from the Pancake House, and the tables are very ideal for families with small kids. A few other dining options can also be found along 80th and 85th Avenues, like Wild Mountain Cafe (www.wildmtncafe.com). A smattering of others emerge on side streets, such as Delancey (www.delanceyseattle.com) on NW 70th Street. There are several bars and taverns, like the Waterwheel Tavern (www.thewaterwheellounge.com).

Open recreation areas are limited in Whittier Heights, but Salmon Bay Park (http://bit.ly/dkn4YJ) does provide some space to play and an area for kids. Loyal Heights Playground (http://bit.ly/c10dA8) includes a few more amenities, and a community center. However, it is technically in the hands of the Loyal Heights neighborhood.

Apart from the traffic-laden streets, substantial residences are buffeted between for a semi-serene existence. A friend of ours lives in the area, and his house and property did not feel "encroached" upon by the commuter volumes a few streets away.

Access to Interstate 5 is a bit long from here, but not as challenging as from parts of Ballard. Easy access to Magnolia, Queen Anne and even the city center via 15th Avenue make Whittier desirable for single young professionals, couples and even small families.

Walking the streets of Belltown late at night on any given weekend could fool anyone into believing they were on the "strip" near a college campus. This place has rightfully earned top seat in Seattle for late night bar activity. In fact, recently, police forces have beefed up numbers to patrol the area on weekends due to fights. However, do not be alarmed, because most of this activity happens during early morning hours. It is safe to visit the neighborhood during the day and early evening.

Where exactly is Belltown? It forms a triangle, more or less, being bordered on the north by Denny Way (Except a slice along the water that includes part of Myrtle Edwards Park), the west by Puget Sound, the south by Olive Way and the east by Interstate 5.

History

Named after William Nathaniel Bell (http://bitly.com/bqcRuP), the neighborhood has been built on artificially flattened land from a regrading project (http://bitly.com/aONYnk). Belltown has emerged as a trendy collective, much different from its roots as a semi-industrial arts district. Two generations of “Film Row” existed here, including both silent films and “talkies”. There are just a few remaining structures, including the McGraw-Kittenger Case Building which used to house MGM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MGM).

Demographics and Income

Large families may not quickly seek out Belltown as a place to live, with only three percent of households having children. Singles, predominantly males, account for 54% of the population. The median age of 39 can be deceiving, considering the intense weekend party scene. The majority of residents are in their 20s to early 30s, with Whites being the largest ethnicity. Incomes are almost $10,000 less than the Seattle average.

Culture

The social scene, as indicated above, is intense. Many people in their twenties and thirties flock here, enjoying virtually no commute to the office. For some young adults who do not reside here, Belltown becomes an after-work destination before going home at night. Rightly so, with its vast array of eating establishments, pubs and entertainment spots. The high presence of apartment and condo high rises set the stage for a youthful, transient, and thrill-seeking community.

Real Estate

At an average 835 Sq. Ft. per home, most men and women are not buying (30%) or renting (70%) for stay-at-home existences. Virtually all dwellings are condos or apartments, with the exception of eleven single family homes. Home values have dropped sharply since June 2007, losing over $100,000.

Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses and other Amenities)

Restaurants seem to emerge overnight here, with at least 50 in the area (http://bitly.com/9uXoEU). A favorite of my family's is the Old Spaghetti Factory (http://osf.com) on Elliott Avenue, just up from the Olympic Sculpture Park (http://bitly.com/9CZk4J). It is housed in an older brick building, giving it that "industrial" feel. Three nightlife destinations which are popular are The Lava Lounge (http://mamas.com/lavalounge), The Rendezvous (http://rendezvousseattle.com) and The Crocodile Cafe (http://thecrocodile.com). Other restaurants and pubs include: Boat Street Cafe (http://boatstreetcafe.com) - The food of French grandmothers made of the freshest local ingredients; The 5 Point Cafe (http://the5pointcafe.com) - The longest run family eatery in Seattle; Petra Mediterranean Bistro (http://petrabistro.com) - Authentic tastes of Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, Turkey and more; Mistral Kitchen (http://mistral-kitchen.com) - A 5,000 Sq. Ft. dining mecca featuring the creations of Chef Belickis; Cafe Amore (http://tasteofamore.com) - Serving authentic Italian cuisine with the highest quality ingredients; Spitfire (http://spitfireseattle.com) - A Bar and Grill serving a tasty variety, boasting room for viewing sporting events and hosting parties; and Tandoori Hut (http://tandoorihutofseattle.com) - A family-owned establishment, featuring the finest Indian cuisine.

For those on a budget, or want to merely enjoy a good cup of coffee, will enjoy their choice of several coffee houses. A couple of my favorite are Top Pot Doughnuts (http://toppotdoughnuts.com) and Uptown Espresso (http://uptownespresso.net). Others include: Bedlam Coffee (http://bedlamite.com), Cherry Street Coffee House (http://cherryst.com) - A Middle Eastern flair to the coffee experience, and Motore Coffee (http://motorecoffee.com) - Exceptional coffee, espresso, pastries, tea, panini, beer and wine. A good list of art stores and galleries can be found, again at http://belltown.org, including the Art Institute of Seattle (http://artinstitutes.edu/seattle). Many other shopping categories exist also. In the software realm, Belltown protects the rights to the RealNetworks (http://real.com) headquarters. Others include: SEO Increase (http://seoincrease.com), Browsera (http://browsera.com), Avanade (http://avanade.com), and CampusCE (http://campusce.com).

Accommodations

Hotels are no strangers to Belltown, nor is the quality contained within them. A running list of several in the area: Edgewater Hotel (http://edgewaterhotel.com) - Seattle’s only luxury waterfront hotel located on Pier 67; Seattle Marriott Waterfront (http://bitly.com/9OSBoT) - Across from Pier 66—a 345 room, 11,000 sq ft meeting room grandiose experience; Four Seasons Hotel (http://fourseasons.com/seattle) - 147 rooms of amenity-packed bliss, located on Puget Sound; The Moore Hotel (http://moorehotel.com) - A 100+ year tradition of affordability and comfort, not lacking charm—not to mention the adjoining theater (http://stgpresents.org); Hotel Andra (http://hotelandra.com) - Featuring water, woods and stone elements—with Scandinavian design; Warwick Seattle Hotel (http://warwickwa.com) - A 230 room paradise, featuring splendid views of the Space Needle; Mayflower Park Hotel (http://mayflowerpark.com) - An inviting European elegance, built in 1927; The Westin Seattle (http://bitly.com/a5av4N) - An 891 smoke-free tower, situated between the Seattle Convention Center (http://wsctc.com) and Pike Place Market (http://pikeplacemarket.org); Hotel Max (http://hotelmaxseattle.com) - An uncanny artistic accommodation; Pan Pacific Hotel (http://bitly.com/bIye2n) - One of the top 25 luxury hotels in the United States; and Emerald City Suites (http://emeraldcitysuites.com) - Professionally decorated, right down to the martini glasses.

Schools and Recreation Facilities

Recreation is close at hand, with the Olympic Sculpture Park (http://bitly.com/9CZk4J) and Myrtle Edwards Park (http://bitly.com/bFhWJN) in the northwest corner of the community. Bikers and walkers enjoy this coastal green space, which extends along the waterfront for over a mile. The Seattle Center (http://seattlecenter.com), including the Space Needle (http://spaceneedle.com), is located to the north. Gardeners smile at the presence of a P-Patch near Cottage Park (http://bitly.com/9qOKNX), which is also on the block that includes the last eleven single family homes in downtown. A wide variety of education institutions season Belltown, including: Argosy University (http://argosy.edu/locations/seattle) - Offering degrees in Psychology, Education, Health Sciences and more; Mars Hill Graduate School (http://mhgs.edu) - Studies in Counseling Psychology, Divinity and Christian Studies; La Scuola Italiana (http://scuolaseattle.com) - Affordable Italian language instruction with small classes (8-10 students); Antioch University Seattle (http://antiochsea.edu) - Exclusive focus on adult learners, with a small student body of 900 students; and Cornish College of the Arts (http://cornish.edu) - One of only a handful of performing and visual arts colleges in the nation, boasting nonprofit status.

Medical Facilities

Looking towards health, Belltown, as with other amenities, offers a wide range of body-enhancing services. Here’s a bird’s eye view: UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinic (http://bitly.com/9l4CWn) - A long list of services, with the quality expected from the UW Medicine family; Oriental Medical Center (http://orientalmedicalcenter.com) - Founded by Dr. Yajuan Wang in 1992, specializing in acupuncture and herbal therapy; U.S. Health Works Medical Group (http://ushealthworks.com) - Helping employers control work-related injury costs with quality medical care; and Path (http://path.org) - A nonprofit organization that provides the appropriate health technologies for breaking cycles of poor health.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

In recent years, vibrant spiritual communities have emerged in the neighborhood: The City Church (http://thecity.org) - An autonomous, self-governing local church with a diverse congregation founded by Wendell Smith; Mars Hill Church/Belltown Campus (http://downtownseattle.marshillchurch.org) - An explosively growing church, founded by Seattle Native, Mark Driscoll; Church of Mary Magdalene (http://churchofmarymagdalene.org) - A Christian ministry with homeless women; Downtown Cornerstone Church (http://downtowncornerstone.org) - Building churches, one city at a time; Gethsemane Lutheran Church (http://urbanfaith.org) - Offering aid and services to those most in need since 1885; and Christ our Hope Catholic Church (http://christourhopeseattle.org) - Centered on volunteers, service, outreach and inclusion.

Access

Sometimes referred to as the “Denny Triangle” (http://dennytriangle.org), Belltown has a plethora of options when it comes to entering or leaving the neighborhood. The obvious “giants” are Interstate 5 and Highway 99, when commuting north or south. The interstate can be reached via Olive Way (northbound) or by Howell Street (southbound). Highway 99 is obtainable either at the corner of Bell Street and Western Avenue or, to the north, at Aurora Avenue and Denny Way. Many of the surface streets are in fact arterial passages, for reaching any destination within or outside of the city limits. The mass transit system (http://metro.kingcounty.gov) is exceptional, with several bus routes above and below the surface. Recently, the light rail service (http://soundtransit.org) enabled an unhindered ride to Southern Seattle, Tukwila (http://bitly.com/f1jESZ) and even the Sea-Tac International Airport (http://portseattle.org/seatac).

Summary

Residential living consists primarily of high-rise condominiums and apartments. A great option for singles and young married couples, but not especially for families. Even though housing accommodations are not ideal for all seasons of life, Belltown still offers a plethora of venues and activities for singles and families alike.