Capitol Hill
Fremont
Green Lake
Lake City
Laurelhurst
Madrona
Maple Leaf
Phinney Ridge
Queen Anne
Ravenna/Bryant
Richmond Beach
Richmond Highlands
Sheridan Beach
Sheridan Heights
University
View Ridge
Wallingford
Wedgwood
PLEASE SELECT A NEIGHBORHOOD FROM THE MAP OR FROM THE LIST TO THE LEFT
Capitol Hill, Washington
Capitol Hill is one of Seattle's early prestigious neighborhoods, with its big houses and large park. First named City Park, it was later renamed Volunteer Park. Other parks to be found in this neighborhood are Stevens, Broadway and Miller.
This is a diverse neighborhood, abuzz with activity. The most common age group is 25-40 years old; otherwise, it is pretty evenly divided. Restaurants, unique gift shops, expensive boutiques and large supermarkets are all found in abundance on Capitol Hill. Also, the Seattle Film Festival is held here at the Egyptian Theater in the summer.
The housing styles are quite mixed, from the many "view-condos" to the older neighborhood mansions on the north of Capitol Hill. Among the turn-of-the-century neighborhoods and the condos at the bottom of the Hill you will find people who have been living in the same residence for over 30 years; in certain areas there is obviously a great deal of neighborhood stability.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
30,150
Median Age
33.5
Median Household Income
$25,375
Rent/month
$723*
Average Home Value
Residential = $480,000
Condominium = $156,000
Fremont, Washington
A Mill town in the past, Fremont became home for many during the Depression Era. It saw a rise in popularity during the counterculture movement of the 1960's, and eventually settled into a middle class working neighborhood during the decades following.
It is comprised primarily of single-family houses with older apartments, as well as some newer ones, especially in upper Fremont. There are also more multi-family dwellings here than in Wallingford and Phinney Ridge, with some of some of the area's older houses, as in southern Wallingford. You will find pre-1900 Victorian houses--some of which are nicely restored--and some early 1900's houses. The early houses, which were not built in developments, tend to be scattered around.
Fremont is artistic and what might be called a 'walking neighborhood' with its public art, galleries and restaurants nearby. It tends towards the urban largely because of its proximity to the water, city and transportation.
Community events include the Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade in June (with an average attendance of 90,000 people), and the Fremont Neighborhood Tour. Fremont celebrates Fat Tuesday on the same day as Mardi Gras. There is also a craft and flea market by the Fremont Bridge on Sundays, from May through December.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
9,444
Median Age
34
Median Household Income
$28,760
Rent/month Greenlake/Wallingford/Fremont
$810*
Average Home Value
Residential = $302,000
Condominium = $146,000
Green Lake, Washington
Once a middle class neighborhood, Green Lake has grown into one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Seattle. The Lake itself was once a glacial lake on its way to becoming meadowland before Seattle settlers bought it. The area was annexed by Seattle in 1888, however, before it ever became a residential neighborhood.
At the center of this neighborhood is Green Lake itself. The surrounding 2.8 mile paved trail is excellent for biking, running and in-line skating. There are also facilities for golf, tennis, soccer, baseball and basketball. You can swim at the indoor pool, windsurf on the lake or rent a kayak, paddleboat or canoe. All that you could want is at your doorstep, from recreation to restaurants.
Green Lake continues to thrive today, largely as a single-family neighborhood in character, populated predominantly by bungalows with some Tudors and multi-unit apartments. Many of its 1920's and 30's bungalows still retain their period details-original tiled fireplaces, hardwood floors and covered porches.
Crew races are held on the Lake, as is the famous Milk Carton Derby (in which contestants build a boat completely out of milk cartons and then race them on the Lake, provided they still float). During Christmastime, Green Lake residents also light luminaries, usually candles in paper bags.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
12,187
Median Age
35.4
Median Household Income
$32,816
Rent/month Greenlake/Wallingord/Fremont
$810*
Average Home Value
Residential = 261,000
Condominium = 227,000
Lake City, Washington
Located east of both Interstate 5 and Lake City Way on the northwest shores of Lake Washington, Lake City is a composite of bustling commercial areas and tranquil residential plots. Its hillside homes on the east side of this neighborhood boast sweeping views--the lakefront property overlooking Lake Washington is quite upscale--though there are also numerous more affordable properties throughout.
Lake City has access to Interstate 5 (particularly the southern end of the neighborhood), which leads directly to the core of Seattle and employers such as Boeing, the medical complexes and downtown government offices. Boeing also has a site to the north in Everett, also accessible via Interstate 5. Traveling east along Lake City Way through Bothell, the Lake City neighborhood accesses the Technology Corridor, an area boasting a large concentration of high technology industries, including Microsoft, Immunex, Advanced Technology Laboratories and Eldec.
During Seafair in August, the Lake City neighborhood hosts Pioneer Days, which includes the second largest Seafair parade.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
27,079
Average Household Income
$61,588
Laurelhurst, Washington
Laurelhurst has long been at the crest of the "up-scale", one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the area. Located south of Ravenna-Bryant and east of the University District, its residents form a tight knit community with a strong Community Center and local Parent Teacher Association. Laurelhurst is relaxed, yet sophisticated, featuring true Northwest architectural beauty. Its home styles are diverse, but tend primarily towards the traditional--Tudor, colonial and some craftsman styles. A bit older than View Ridge, it was developed in the 1920's, an early suburb when suburbs were still close to the city core. It is a quiet neighborhood in close proximity to Seattle. This neighborhood of spacious homes is well manicured; many houses boast views of the Cascade Mountains to the east or sport docks if on the west shore of Lake Washington. Many families move here specifically for the Laurelhurst Beach Club, a favorite for children during the summer. Local schools include Laurelhurst Elementary, Eckstein Middle School and Roosevelt High School. Laurelhurst is close to the University of Washington, with good access to the Burke-Gilman Trail. As in View Ridge, you will find small parks and playfields scattered throughout the area, including Laurelhurst Park. The population is diverse, from career couples, to families, to retired couples. Neighborhood community events include an annual salmon bake held on the first Thursday in August.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
7,433
Median Age
38
Median Household Income
$52,137
Rent / month
$438
Average Home Value
$305,200
Madrona, Washington
Madrona is located to the west of Lake Washington, midway between State Route 520 and Interstate 90. The neighborhood is divided by 34th Avenue, with the more pricey houses found to the east (by the shores of Lake Washington), and the lower/middle priced property to the west, towards Seattle's Central District.
Madrona is known as the 'peaceable kingdom' because, similar to Capitol Hill, it is so ethnically diverse. Along with its ethnic diversity it sports diverse architecture, with housing styles ranging from small bungalows to lakeside mansions.
Neighborhood amenities include Larkins and Madrona Parks, as well as Madrona Elementary School. Community events include April home tours, the May Fair (a community party) and the annual neighborhood cleanup in the fall.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
11,474
Median Age
34.4
Median Household Income
$49,309 east
$25,000 on west
Rent / month
$750 east
$500 west
Average Home Value
$201,854
Maple Leaf, Washington
Located north of the University and south of Northgate, Maple Leaf was selected as the Neighborhood of the Year years back, chosen out of the entire United States. This quiet neighborhood has seen a switch from being predominantly a middle class, family community to a retired community; currently, it is shifting back towards younger families. Demographically, it has a diversity of people, in true Seattle style. The Northgate Mall borders Maple Leaf to the north and is a big employer for retail work.
Housing styles are varied, with a mix of both the old and new. In south Maple Leaf, houses are a bit older, dating as far back as the turn of the century, with the majority being built in the 1920's-40's, with some in the 50's.
Among its strengths are two public elementary schools, Sacajawea Elementary and Olympic View Elementary, as well as two private schools. The neighborhood, in fact, holds an annual rummage sale in August at Olympic View Elementary School, which raises money for the community through matching grants. Maple Leaf Park and Playground and Sacajawea Playground are also neighborhood assets.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
7,748
Median Age
36.3
Median Household Income
$35,134
Rent / month
$480
Average Home Value
$130,150
Phinney Ridge, Washington
Phinney Ridge is one of the more established neighborhoods in Seattle, with older mid-size residences, as well as small houses. The Ridge itself is located between Ballard and Woodland Park, with many homes bordering on the Woodland Park Zoo to the south.
It is quiet, and quite residential, with less of the higher density, urban-feel that some of its neighbors to the south have. Houses here date from the early 1900's, with a large number from the Bungalow period in the 20's. Though more sparse, you can also find older Victorians and transitional-style houses.
You can walk most anywhere in Phinney Ridge, including the neighborhood art galleries and Green Lake, which is just down the hill. Both sunsets and the Olympic Mountains can be seen because of the western views of Phinney Ridge.
This mixed population of professionals and retired couples is in transition, with a move towards younger families and singles, though it still maintains a diversity of ages.
The Phinney Neighborhood Association is particularly strong, with an active community center that runs programs for all ages. The Phinney Neighborhood Center has an inexpensive membership, with which one can borrow tools, take classes on such topics as home repair and go on Phinney Ridge home tours. This neighborhood also has well established community centers for the elderly. You will find something happening nearly every month in this neighborhood hub.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
14,773
Median Age
35.4
Median Household Income
$32,924
Rent / month
$460
Average Home Value
$134,475
Queen Anne, Washington
Rising nearly 500 feet high above downtown and the Denny Regrade, Queen Anne Hill is more populated than many Washington cities. It is, in fact, several different neighborhoods in one. A predominantly younger crowd resides in 'lower Queen Anne' by the Seattle Center to the south, for example, while established North Queen Anne residents mix with transitory students from Seattle Pacific University. Central Queen Anne is known as the Counterbalance (Queen Anne Avenue North from Roy to Galer streets), so called because an actual counterbalance was used to get trolleys up the south side of the Hill in the 1890's.
It is a stable neighborhood with residents having lived in this working class area an average of about 17 years. The housing styles are derived from early lumber barons' fondness for Queen Anne architecture, after which they then named their neighborhood.
There are about 2,000 businesses to be found on the Hill, with the main shopping area, composed of small stores and supermarkets, found on the top of Queen Anne.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
30,000
Median Age
36
Median Household Income
$32,853
Rent/month
$782*
Average Home Value
Residential = $406,000
Condominium = $235,028
Ravenna/Bryant, Washington
The Ravenna-Bryant neighborhood is located just north of the University of Washington, and maintains a residency of largely upper-middle class, though its roots are strictly blue collar. The University is a major neighborhood employer, with University affiliates as resident tenants and owners. The neighborhood's proximity to Interstate 5, however, opens it to a much larger employment base, with access to the downtown Seattle core.
The housing styles range from pre-Depression small Tudors, to bungalows and craftsman-style homes, to a modest number of newer construction interspersed throughout. Larger Tudors can be found on the hill, while at the lower elevations smaller homes, such as simple craftsman bungalows, are found. The eastern Lake Washington side of Ravenna-Bryant boasts view homes with mountain, territorial and cityscape views.
With its proximity to the University District, Ravenna-Bryant could be called an older 'walking neighborhood,' particularly with its access to the Burke-Gilman Trail, used by University employees year-round for commuting. Ravenna-Bryant has small neighborhood coffee shop areas, as well as the growing University Village shopping facility, which is increasingly becoming a destination point.
Ravenna Park is one of Seattle's oldest parks. It once had stands of fir that rivaled California's sequoias. All in all, Ravenna-Bryant is a very green neighborhood. Currently, a $6 million project is underway to restore Ravenna Creek--which has been underground in the sewer system for about half a century--and bring back spawning salmon from Lake Washington.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
6,887
Median Age
37.15
Median Household Income
$32,468
Rent / month
$500
Average Home Value
$138,000 (census)
$250,000+ (conventional wisdom)
Richmond Beach, Washington
Richmond Beach is located along the Shoreline coast, at the far northwest border of King County. The area was settled in the late 1800's, and as a neighborhood became well established in the 1960's. Now, Richmond Beach is quiet, very residential, with much community stability. It boasts large lots and an excellent school system. Like the Shoreline area itself, it is "close to everything."
The housing stock was built beginning in the late 1950's up to the present, with the bulk going in during late 1960's. The housing styles include ramblers, ramblers with daylight basements, splits, tri-levels, multi-levels and large family homes. There are also houses with water views or in proximity to water views. You will find that lots are bigger here than in Seattle and, in general, a better buy for your money than the metropolitan neighborhoods.
Amenities include many which are attractive to families: parks (including Richmond Beach County Park on Puget Sound), a nationally acclaimed school system, sports leagues and a library. Richmond Beach is largely a "bedroom community," with most residents employed at such companies as Boeing in both Seattle and Everett, the Eastside software companies and various downtown government jobs.
You will find shopping along major thoroughfares; with the convenient access to Everett and Seattle via Highway 99 or Interstate 5, many people also do their shopping at Northgate or Alderwood Mall, or along Aurora Avenue.
Richmond Highlands, Washington
In addition to convenient Interstate 5 access, Richmond Highlands also has a quiet neighborhood character with plenty of trees and big lots. This area was first settled around the turn of the century and is at the heart of Shoreline, bordered by Aurora Avenue to the east and the waterfront neighborhood of Innis Arden to the west. Established in the 1960's, it is very residential and "close to everything."
You will find shopping in the Richmond Highlands vicinity; shopping is also on major thoroughfares and at Northgate or Alderwood Mall. A big draw for residents is the commute and the community stability. Richmond Highlands also boasts large lots and an excellent school system.
Housing styles include ramblers, ramblers with daylight basements, splits, tri-levels, multi-levels and large family homes. Some houses have views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains to the west.
Like Richmond Beach, amenities include many that are attractive to families: parks, a nationally acclaimed school system, sports leagues and a nearby library. Richmond Highlands is also largely a "bedroom community," with most residents employed at such companies as Boeing in Seattle and Everett, the Eastside software companies or various downtown government jobs.
Sheridan Beach, Washington
Sheridan Beach is oriented to Lake Washington, sandwiched between its northernmost shore and Bothell Way and located within the City of Lake Forest Park. It is a neighborhood well established since the 1960's with community stability and a quiet residential character.
Sheridan Beach has a high concentration of families and a strong school system which includes Brookside Elementary, Briarcrest Elementary, Kellogg Middle School and Shorecrest High School. The Beach Club is the social center in the summer for those who live in that area. In addition, there is the local Civic Club.
Shopping is found on major thoroughfares; the rest of the area is very residential. Towards the northeast there is the Lake Forest Park shopping center on Bothell Way and Ballinger Way. Here you will find such stores as Starbucks, Great Harvest Breads, Albertsons and Hollywood Video. From the neighborhood it is an easy commute downtown; most of the residents are self-employed or work in Seattle.
Sheridan Beach boasts large lots and housing styles ranging from 1500 square foot ramblers with daylight basements to 1.5 million dollar waterfront estates. Other styles include ramblers, splits, tri-levels, multi-levels and large family homes, many of them owner-occupied. There are also lakefront properties available on Lake Washington in the Sheridan Beach area.
Sheridan Heights, Washington
Located on the west side of Bothell Way and within the City of Lake Forest Park, Sheridan Heights is another neighborhood oriented towards Lake Washington. Nestled above the waterfront properties of Sheridan Beach, Sheridan Heights was established in the 1960's and maintains a very residential flavor. Its strengths are an easy commute and a stable, quiet character.
Housing styles range from ramblers, ramblers with daylight basements, splits, tri-levels, multi-levels and large family homes. Some houses boast Lake Washington views. Lots tend to run larger than those in Seattle, a better buy for your dollar.
Shopping is found on Bothell Way and Ballinger Way, which are both major thoroughfares; the rest of the area is very residential. Sheridan Heights is one of those "close to everything" neighborhoods; many residents also do their shopping at Northgate in North Seattle or Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood.
Some residents work in local service industries, though with the convenient access to both Seattle and Everett, most work elsewhere. Major employers include the Boeing sites in both Seattle and Everett, the software companies of the Eastside (including Microsoft) and downtown government jobs.
University, Washington
The University District, or 'U District,' has a population of over 20,000 residents, about half of whom are students. The most well-known area of the University District is the 'Ave' (actually University Way), a smorgasbord of ethnic eats and hip, street-wise shops.
As one moves southwest towards the University, more multi-family units are found. Single-family houses are found in more abundance to the north.
Community events are, quite obviously, driven by the University of Washington campus.
The University Street Fair, Greek Week and the opening day of boating season are all held in May; University sporting events are also very popular, such as U.W. Husky football in the fall.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
21,951
Median Age
24.05
Median Household Income
$16,497
Rent/month
$673*
Average Home Value
Residential = $288,000
Condominium = $133,375
View Ridge, Washington
This is an upscale neighborhood, home to many University professors and staff, located next to the waterfront Magnuson Park and the Laurelhurst neighborhood.
View Ridge is bordered by the Burke-Gilman Trail to the east, a paved trail which runs north from Seattle along Lake Washington, through Kenmore and into Bothell and Woodinville's Sammamish Slough Trail on the Eastside, where it eventually meets up with Redmond's Marymoor Park. You will find neighborhood playfields and parks scattered throughout, including View Ridge and Bryant playfields.
The Neighborhood has annual community club meetings as well as monthly meetings and plenty of events for those involved in such activities as Little League and Boy Scouts. Schools include View Ridge Elementary, Eckstein Middle School and Roosevelt High School. The View Ridge Swim and Tennis Club is located here, as is Sand Point Country Club.
View Ridge, which was developed predominantly in the 1940's, features styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, often with expansive views. There is a diversity of ages and a high level of education; most of the residents are professionals employed downtown at the University and the medical complexes. View Ridge is only minutes away from Interstate 5, the downtown core and the University of Washington; it is also close to Highway 520, which connects to the Eastside.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
13,290
Median Age
40.2
Median Household Income
$43,000 north
$35,932 south
Rent / month
$545
Average Home Value
$188,875
Wallingford, Washington
Located within biking distance from the University of Washington, Wallingford is a quiet, easygoing middle class neighborhood. With the influence of the University, and its proximity to the University District and Fremont, it has a distinct artistic bent.
Separated from the University District by Interstate 5, Wallingford is an easy commute from both Interstate 5 and Aurora, and is also conveniently situated near the State Route 520 bridge with its access to the Eastside of Lake Washington. It is one of the closest neighborhoods to Seattle.
Wallingford was one of Seattle's early residential neighborhoods, with houses dating from the late 1880's. These include old Seattle bungalows, as well as a few restored houses among the corner grocery stores which still grace its streets. Though the population tends towards younger families, Wallingford also has well set-up community centers for the elderly.
It is a 'walking neighborhood,' where you can go from home to park to restaurant. It has shops, trendy restaurants and theaters. It also has its own library and is a 1/2 mile from Green Lake. Woodland Park is nearby, which includes the Zoo. Like Fremont, it tends towards the urban because of its proximity to the water, city and transportation.
Wallingford overlooks Lake Union, the Seattle skyline and Gas Works Park, a popular kite-flying park and the site of one of Seattle's best fireworks display gatherings on July 4. Community events also include the Seafair Wallingford Kiddies Parade and the Wallingford Wurst Festival in September.
The following statistics are as of March 2001
Population
12,203
Median Age
31
Median Household Income
$29,070
Rent/month Greenlake/Wallingford/Fremont
$810*
Average Home Value
Residential = $293,000
Condominium = $244,925
Wedgwood, Washington
Located slightly northeast of Ravenna-Bryant and north of View Ridge, Wedgwood is much like its neighbor Maple Leaf to the west in flavor. Its residents are primarily professional in this largely middle class neighborhood, and most commonly work either downtown, a ten minute commute, or at the University, a five minute drive.
The housing styles are largely 'Balch-built' Cape Cods--named after their builder who worked during the 1940's. Typically, they are one story with a basement, roughly 1800 square feet with hardwood floors. Balch-builts are very solid homes, most of which are owner occupied in Wedgwood.
Wedgwood is a community with shops, grocery stores and mom and pop stores scattered throughout. A further asset to this neighborhood is the Burke-Gilman Trail, which is only a few blocks away, and which many people use not only for recreation, but for commuting.
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