SEATTLE-CENTRAL West of I-5
Queen Anne |
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One of Seattle's most historic and scenic neighborhoods, Queen Anne offers the best of all worlds. Upper Queen Anne has a majority of single-family dwellings, many in the turn-of-the-century Queen-Anne style (after which the neighborhood reportedly received its name). Lower Queen (part of Uptown) is more densely populated with condos. The neighborhood is sprinkled with specialty shops, local eateries, and pubs. A busy Community Center atop Queen Anne features a pool and community programs. Kerry Park, well known to photographers, offers fantastic views of Downtown Seattle and Elliot Bay. With close proximity to downtown, fabulous views, and a community feel, Queen Anne is a highly desirable place to live. Rentals are at a premium and homes rarely stay long on the market. |
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Magnolia |
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Well known for its natural boundaries and limited traffic, Magnolia is situated on a peninsula only five minutes from Downtown Seattle. It has an almost island-like quality, but is easily accessed by three bridges. This comfortable, quite area provides a wide variety of living accommodations: mid-century and contemporary style homes, mansions and small houses, townhouses, and condos. Many of its hillside properties offer breathtaking views of the city skyline, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Olympics. Magnolia's business district, "The Village," features a variety of shops and restaurants. A library, community center, and marina are found in Magnolia as well. A 534-acre Discovery Park, Seattle's largest park, is a neighborhood treasure offering an urban-wilderness experience. |
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Eastlake |
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One of Seattle's oldest and best-defined neighborhoods, Eastlake sits east of Lake Union, south of the University District, west of I-5, and north of downtown. It is a pleasing mix of single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and houseboats, many with incredible water views. The houseboat community (Eastlake's special feature) has a real personality of its own. "Bohemian houseboats" of the 40's and 50's have evolved into "floating homes," and high-end condominiums and homes are replacing older models. Nearby Fairview Park offers a small boat hand launch, p-patch, picnic tables, and a beautiful lake view. The neighborhood's main thoroughfare, Eastlake Avenue, is lined with small businesses, shops, restaurants, taverns, and art galleries. |
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Westlake |
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Westlake is a relatively narrow neighborhood, being only a few blocks between Lake Union and its western limit Aurora Avenue, beyond which is Queen Anne. To the south is South Lake Union and to the north is Fremont. Its main thoroughfares are Dexter and Westlake Avenues. Housing options in Westlake include single-family homes, condominiums, and houseboats. Many Westlake properties offer incredible views of Lake Union. |
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Downtown Neighborhoods |
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Downtown is the epicenter of Seattle's culture and commerce. Area amenities include 600 restaurants, 15 theaters and performance venues, 7 museums, 77 art galleries, and 1,800 retailers – most found within walking distance. Its vibrant urban lifestyle continues to grow in popularity, rapidly attracting new residents. Housing prices vary somewhat between neighborhoods. The following are among Downtown Seattle's most popular neighborhoods. |
• Map of Downtown Neighborhoods | |
One of Seattle's oldest neighborhoods, Belltown (or Denny Regrade) is also one of its most dynamic. A transformation has occurred over the past decade as an assortment of young professionals, middle-aged empty nesters, and others have relocated here. Belltown is an urban oasis – complete with p-patch garden, historic Cottage Park, and the spectacular Olympic Sculpture Park. Belltown's "in-city" location, upscale condominiums, trendy shops, and sophisticated eateries exemplify urban living at its best. Popular musical venues like the Crocodile Café, Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, and the nearby Moore Theatre showcase local and national talent. Belltown has quickly become THE happening place in Seattle after dark. |
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Chinatown-International District, home to Greater Seattle's Pan-Asian communities, is a diverse and lively south Downtown neighborhood. It is the only neighborhood in America where Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Southeast Asians live and work together, side-by-side. Family-owned restaurants, unique specialty shops, and numerous social service agencies characterize this historic neighborhood whose central hub is the Chinese pavilion in Hing Hay Park. The area's cultural gem, the Wing Luke Asian Museum, is a nationally acclaimed, Smithsonian-affiliate museum. Annual popular community events include the Lunar New Year Celebration, generally occurring in January or February, and the Summer Festival, commencing the second weekend of July. |
• Map of Chinatown-Int. District | |
The Denny Triangle is situated north of the Retail Core and is roughly delineated by Olive Way, I-5, Denny Avenue, and 5th Avenue. The name "Denny" honors one of Seattle's founding families whose vision helped shape the fledgling city. Today an exciting new vision, blending transit, retail and residential, is transforming the neighborhood into an Urban Center Village. Over 400 businesses, both new and established, are found here including restaurants, small grocery stores, hotels, professional services, and retail stores. The Paramount Theatre, circa 1928, is a local landmark. Residential options include condos. |
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Although part of the West Edge, Pike Place Market is unique and easily distinguished as a separate entity. Some 10 million visitors a year come to Pike Place Market, the nation's oldest working market, to soak up the sights and sounds of this lively area. Stalls of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, flowers, and local arts and crafts line the Market while unique shops and restaurants offer exotic wares. Street musicians, performers, and "fish throwing" vendors delight the crowds. The Market's location provides easy access to the attractions along the Waterfront where condominium buildings provide a more European ambience, along with upscale housing prices. |
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A 20-block Pioneer Square features historic buildings, art galleries, unique retail stores, restaurants, and clubs offering exciting nightlife. It is close to Safeco Field, Qwest Field, the Convention Center, and the Historic King Street Train Station. Housing options include condos. A tight-knit, residential and business community actively addresses neighborhood issues and promotes events such as monthly art walks and the Concert Series at Occidental Park. This centrally located park features benches, bocce courts and chess tables, as well as totems, history panels, and a pergola. |
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At the heart of it all, encircled by the other downtown neighborhoods, is the Retail Core. As its name implies, this is a prime shopping destination and it offers well-known department stores, upscale national and international retailers, and shopping centers featuring specialty stores and designer boutiques. Dining establishments, from five star to fast food, will please any palate. Twenty or so hotels provide accommodations for downtown visitors. A number of office and residential developments are located in the neighborhood as well. |
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North of the downtown core, at the south tip of Lake Union, is the neighborhood of South Lake Union. Its residential projects offer lofts and condos, many with spectacular views of Lake Union and Downtown Seattle. The neighborhood features cafés, restaurants, markets, shops, galleries, streetcar service to the downtown core, and more. The Center for Wooden Boats, a neighborhood treasure, provides rentals, classes, and hands-on-experiences for would be sailors. The South lake Union Discovery Center hosts annual events like the Summer Cinema on the Lawn and the Block Party in August. |
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Uptown is located north of Belltown and includes lower Queen Anne. A decade ago, rentals dominated the housing market, but as condos grow in popularity the owner occupancy rates continue to rise. Uptown has a self-contained feeling – like a "little town in a big city." Various businesses such as grocery stores, ethnic restaurants, coffee shops, and trendy lounges are found throughout this very walkable neighborhood. Seattle Center, the entertainment hub of Uptown features a myriad of activities. The Seattle Repertory Theatre and a movie theater also offer entertainment options. Bayview-Kinnear Park, with play equipment, benches and tables is a great place to relax. |
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Although parts of the West Edge are among Seattle's earliest districts, oldtimers may not recognize this recent designation for the district bordered by Western and Third Avenues and Cherry and Lenora Streets. By any name, the West Edge has much to recommend it. Restaurants, galleries, a variety of unique stores and boutiques are found here. The Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, and the historic Moore Theatre are among neighborhood notables. Pike Place Market, a Seattle institution is part of the West Edge, as well. The Harbor Steps host the popular summer "Out to Lunch" concerts and the annual West Edge Sculpture Invitational. High-rises, some featuring luxurious penthouse townhomes, are among the housing options. |