Fremont

Fremont is one of Seattle's most artistic and eclectic communities. It is one of the trendiest areas of the city for couples, young professionals, and artists. Lying to the north of Queen Anne and east of Ballard, its neighborhood boundaries are the Fremont Cut of the Lake Washington Ship Canal to the south, Stone Way N. To the east, North 50th Street in the north, and 8th Avenue NW to the west.

The main roads through Fremont are Fremont and Aurora Avenues N., and North 34th Street. The Aurora Bridge, a main feature of the district, crosses the Ship Canal carrying traffic on Aurora Avenue. The famous Fremont Troll, an enormous concrete sculpture, lives under the Aurora Bridge. Other works of public art include a statue of Lenin, the Waiting for the Interurban statue, and the Fremont Rocket, a Cold War-era rocket. Fremont is known for offbeat parades and festivals happening year-round, especially the Annual Solstice Parade, frequented by nude cyclists. Don't let this stop you from exploring Fremont with your children, though – every other day of the year, Fremont is a family-friendly neighborhood.

For decades, residents of Fremont have referred to their neighborhood as "The Center of the Universe." Indeed, whether you live here or are visiting, you'll find a surprising array of eccentric shopping and dining opportunities.
Long a center of Seattle's counterculture, today Fremont's newly-built and high-priced condo buildings are attracting a more professional crowd. The district is also home to the offices of several technology corporations, including Getty Images and Adobe Systems, and Google, all of which are located along the Lake Washington Ship Canal at the southern edge of the neighborhood. Though some feel that the arrival of these businesses has undercut Fremont's bohemian edge, this neighborhood still has much of the spirit that it has been known for since the 1950s.

Although Fremont is known for the arts, there are also plenty of green spaces, including the B.F. Day Playfield, and the Burke-Gilman bike trail. Just east of Fremont is the large and ever-popular Gasworks Park. One of the best Sunday markets in Seattle happens year-round in Fremont. During the summer, there are also outdoor movies on weekend evenings.

Having a close resemblance to the shape of a staircase, Fremont’s “top step” is at NW Market Street, between 8th Avenue NW and 2nd Avenue NW. The next step runs along North 50th Street, between 2nd Avenue and Aurora Avenue. The third step runs along N 41st Street, between Aurora Avenue and Densmore Avenue North. The fourth and final step is 37th Street, between Densmore and North Pacific Street. The southern boundary is simply the water, a combination of Lake Union (http://bitly.com/es7BhB) and the ship canal (http://bitly.com/dniouN).

History

Small industries lining the north Lake Union shore ushered the beginning of Fremont’s existence. However, as quickly as it may have prospered, adding railroads and trolleys in the early 1900s, it waned from lack of interest (and money) for passenger transit in the 1930s. A minor rebirth occurred during the cultural revolution of the 1960s, bringing various types of artists. Then, with the tech boom, another surge came in the 90s. Adobe (http://adobe.com), along with its 500 employees, moved in to a building under the Aurora Bridge. Even more recently, Google (http://bitly.com/fiPRV3) has snatched up property just yards from the king of .pdf and Flash.

Demographics and Income

Calling all twenty and thirty somethings who have interest in tech or would deem themselves artistic—Fremont is for you! Over half the population is comprised of singles and about 30% is devoted to married couples. Most of the Fremont demographic is Caucasian. The median income is just a hair below the Seattle average.

Culture

Walking through the streets of Fremont invokes certain emotions. A quick panorama of the business district here can make you do a double-take. The eye-catching landmark is a 55-foot rocket (http://bitly.com/dYRhVZ) at the corner of Evanston and 36th bearing the inscription "De Libertas Quirkas" - which means "Freedom to be Peculiar". If that isn't enough to clue you in on the unique culture, then walk around the block and say, "Hello" to Lenin. Yes, Lenin. There is a 16 foot statue of Lenin (http://bitly.com/hdY3wW) next to the Taco Del Mar (http://tacodelmar.com). As I sat eating lunch with a friend next to this giant work of art, many emotions welled up. One of the first impressions is "What is this doing in Seattle?". It is obviously a controversial monument and one that sparks lively debate.

Let's head East a few blocks until we run into Troll Avenue North. After making our way under the Highway 99 Bridge we come face-to-face with the Fremont Troll (http://bitly.com/hwHzXu). Something more bizarre is that he's holding an authentic Volkswagen Beetle in his left hand. He was erected in 1990 for the purpose of discouraging drug deals.

Real Estate

The single family home and condominium, combined, only make up about 57% of the housing market in the “center of the universe.” Let your imagination run wild regarding the remaining balance—the 63% of housing which puts a basic roof over the heads of the transient, young artsy sojourner. Most houses are under 1800 square feet, so large families may find it worthwhile to look elsewhere for a multi-bedroom setup. Bringing no surprise: only 32% of Fremont residents own their home. Values are off by over $100,00 since 2007, falling between those of Wallingford (http://bitly.com/cO972f) and Greenwood (http://bitly.com/bTCLk1).

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

In addition to the bizarre culture, information technology is thriving here. Fremont has been called "The Center of the Universe". An expanding Google office has allowed them to live up more closely to this ideal. Adobe and the world headquarters of Getty Images (http://gettyimages.com) have also found their way to the waterfront in Southern Fremont.

Art is at the heart of this community and the food/beverage venues are no exception. The Red Door Pub (http://reddoorseattle.com) offers a generous selection of local brews. Hales Ales (http://halesbrewery.com), on the southwest side, features their own on-site brewery. Fremont Coffee (http://fremontcoffee.net) and Canal Street Coffee (http://canalstcoffee.com) dish ambiance with taste - one featuring a renovated residence with a maze of tables and semi-private rooms. The other, a high deck to oversee the activity on the Burke-Gilman trail (http://bitly.com/b9XkAC) and canal waterfront (http://bitly.com/gnCBYl). Other establishments to try out: Sambar (http://sambarseattle.com) - Creative cocktails, light bites and desserts in a cosmopolitan setting; Le Gourmand (http://legourmandrestaurant.com) - Chefs Bruce and Sara Naftaly, who believe cooking is an art and eating is a wonderful necessity; The Dish Café (http://thedishseattle.com) - The “breakfast institution,” serving meals as a family-owned business for over 10 years; LTD Bar & Grill (http://ltdbarandgrill.com) - The perfect place for food, drinks and sports entertainment; Chillies Paste Thai Cuisine (http://chilliespaste.com) - Newly opened, featuring a chef with 20 years experience of cooking Thai food; Brouwer’s Cafe (http://brouwerscafe.blogspot.com) - Serving up creative concoctions of beer, wine and hard liquor; Tandoozy (http://tandoozy.com) - Seattle’s only mobile Tandoor Food Stand, open in conjunction with Fremont’s Sunday Market; Silence Heart-Nest (http://silenceheartnest.com) - A vegetarian restaurant surrounded by love and joy; Dad Watsons (http://mcmenamins.com/dadwatsons) - A reminiscent of a classic British pub; and Baguette Box (http://baguettebox.com) - Where everything is about bread, made by hand.

You don't have to rent "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" when visiting or living in Fremont. The one-of-a-kind spirit wins again with Theo Chocolate (http://theocholocate.com). Get an inexpensive tour of the place that allows sampling of all Theo's products. The creativity extends even more to the festivals held here. The Solstice parade (http://fremontfair.org) tops the list with creative floats, wall-to-wall crowds and nude cyclists to bring in the first day of Summer. Warm nights from June to September feature Saturday evening outdoor movies (http://bitly.com/hVsDXR). This is not exactly a "drive-in" theater, but a "walk-in". Some even arrive early for a family-like picnic! The neighborhood puts out their own publication of a "walking tour", so be sure to pick up a copy (http://bitly.com/dPnDNR) at any of the major landmarks or businesses (I grabbed my copy from Lenin).

Schools

An eclectic assortment of education options, to say the least. Savor your intellect on these: Martin Blank Studios (http://martinblankstudios.com) - Discovering the beauty of Martin Blank’s ability to carve space and explore ‘flow’ in his studio; Seattle Language Academy (http://seattlelanguageacademy.org) - Helping individuals communicate effectively in more than one language, with a heart to increase cross-cultural understanding in the community; The Piano Nook (http://christinefeagin.com) - A place to learn beginning and intermediate level piano with teacher Christine Feagin; Pacific Crest School (http://pacificcrestmiddleschool.org) - A private independent Montessori Middle School focused on building self-worth and self-esteem in a safe community; The Pressley Violin Studio (http://pressleystudio.com) - One of the finest pre-college violin studios in the United States, setting the standard of excellence in violin pedagogy; KapKa Cooperative School (http://kapkaschool.org) - A passion to life-long learning, enabling children to believe in themselves, respect the views of others, follow their passions, and contribute to their world; Seattle Life Coach Training (http://seattlelifecoachtraining.com) - Owned and run by Richard Seaman, one of the nation’s top spiritual authors; and Stone Soup Theatre (http://stonesouptheatre.org) - Organized in 1996 as a neighborhood-oriented professional theatre, Maureen Miko derives vision from a favorite childhood story.

Recreation

The artistic bent of Fremont permeates the landscape, not only of food and education, but of recreation. Seattle Gas Works Park (http://bitly.com/ib57wy), admittedly, is one of the most unique outdoor spots around the Northwest. The remains of a natural gas plant provide a children’s haven, as they can meander through the brightly painted machinery of days gone by. A steep, grassy knoll with a spectacular view of the skyline and mountain ranges dominates the center of the park. Paths are plentiful, even along the waterfront. No water entry is allowed, as the lake sediment contains hazardous substances. Even a kite shop (http://gasworksparkkiteshop.com/) exists nearby for another layer of fun at Gasworks. Fremont Peak Park (http://fremontpeakpark.org) - A spot to enjoy mountain views, wander among tall trees and relax in a meadow. Ross Playground (http://bitly.com/gh6d3u) is a two acre plot with sports facilities (basketball, baseball and T-Ball) in the western portion of Fremont. The Burke-Gilman Trail (http://bitly.com/b9XkAC) runs along the ship canal, giving bicycle and walking access eastward into the University District (http://bitly.com/abtiNK) and westward into Ballard (http://bitly.com/feMcz2).

Medical and Wellness Facilities

Following closely on the heels of artistic expression is the holistic experience of health. Just as Starbucks may have a café on every corner, wellness facilities, even for pets, are but a short walk from any residence in Fremont. A few with honorable mention are: Seattle Acupuncture & Herbs (http://seattleacupunctureandherbs.com) - Acupuncturist Marina Smith addresses nutrition, lifestyle and emotional well-being for added balance; Chopstix Acupuncture (http://chopstixacupuncture.com) - Christian Hunt, licensed acupuncturist, has been administering this healing art in Seattle since 2003; Puget Sound Integrative Medicine (http://pugetsoundintegrative.com) - Owned by Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Sabrina Kimball; and Ancient Arts Veterinary Acupuncture Services (http://ancientartsvet.com) - Providing healthy, sustainable and nontoxic therapies for pets.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

The center of the universe must, of course, provide some answers for the deeper side of life. A handful of spiritual centers are planted around the neighborhood, including: Fremont Baptist Church (http://fremontbaptistchurch.org) - Associated with the Evergreen Baptist Association (http://evergreen-abc.org) and featuring Pastor Judy Gay; Church of the Apostles (http://apostleschurch.org) - A young, emerging Episcopal and Lutheran mission congregation; The Vine Christian Ministries (http://thevineministries.org) - Place where a diverse audience can receive encouragement, strength and healing; and Nalandabodhi (http://nalandabodhi.org) - An international organization that explores the ancient Buddhist science of mind as it applies to modern life.

Transportation Access and Tips

You may want to bring hiking shoes and ropes to traverse the steep terrain to the north. The neighborhoods are primarily located in that direction. Expect superb views of the canal and slopes of the Queen Anne area (http://bitly.com/9FJ1Dg). Be careful of the street layout throughout Fremont. It can be easy to lose your way, especially when traveling East-West. Interstate access can be a hassle, especially during high volume drive times. A few options to access I-5 are 45th Street, N 34th Street (changes into N Pacific Street), or taking Aurora either north or south. Close proximity to downtown (http://bitly.com/fwXJkP) gives commuters a several minute advantage each day. However, this drive time can be lengthened due to ship canal traffic, necessitating the raising of the Fremont Bridge, especially during warm weather months.

Summary

This neighborhood, dubbed "The Center of the Universe" is worth a visit. It is a vibrant place for singles, couples, and even small families to live. The atmosphere is edgy, but accepting. The analytical will feel challenged, but the "out-of-the-box" type will feel right at home.

You may think I am kidding when I say that Fremont is the center of the universe, but there is an actual street sign located in Fremont that boasts of this. At the same time, Fremont is also home to a troll carved in the rocks under the Fremont Bridge who jealously clutches a Volkswagon Beetle and stares at you through his shiny hub cap of an eye. Yes, Fremont is by far the most ecclectic and diverse of all neighborhoods located within seattle. Home to many starving artists because of its low cost of living, the creativity within this little community has definitely spilled out into the streets quite literally. A great place to explore with your significant other or even your children, Free=mont has wonderfully inventive little shops and fabulous cafe's each with their own little niche.

Fremont is an artsy and eclectic neighborhood located in the north-central area of Seattle. Overlooking Salmon Bay, the small community of Fremont bills boasts itself as “the center of the universe.” It is bordered to the east by the Wallingford neighborhood and to the west by the trendy Ballard neighborhood.

Known best for its offbeat and irreverent parades, parties and sidewalk art, Fremont is home to such Seattle landmarks as the Annual Solstice Parade. The parade is famous for its nude cyclists and quirky celebrations; the Fremont Troll Monument; and the neighborhood’s controversial 7-ton Lenin statue.

In order to get a true feel for Fremont a walking tour is in order and probably the best way to appreciate Fremont’s unusual artistic character. You must sample some of the neighborhood’s homemade microbreweries and bistros. True to its nature, Fremont’s culinary opportunities are both cosmopolitan and exceptional. Choices run the gamut, from traditional Asian cuisine and western vegetarian to Italian trattorias and upscale seafood restaurants. Lodging isn’t hard to find in Seattle and is within minutes from Fremont’s best attractions. There is so much to do in this area and it is all within walking distance or a short cab ride.

The people who live in this area are so friendly and very much relaxed. Nightlife hotspots are located within walking distance of many residences, but never keep the rest of the neighborhood up at night.

You will find many condos and a little over 1300 homes in the neighborhood. If you are looking for a little bit of everything in a neighborhood, Fremont is just that place.