Leschi

Leschi has a variety of comfortable dwellings which will doubtlessly accommodate anyone who is ultimately interested in moving to the area: lakeside condos to charming bungalows, contemporary to Tudor, bricks, and ramblers. Regardless of where you are or live, the gently winding roads that run around the lake ensure at least a partial glimmer form the reflection of the lake. Parks intermittently dot the area and settle between residencies to lend a respite from what could otherwise be a crowded sort of feeling.

Leschi is certainly known for its calm and idyllic scenery, but there are some very prominent businesses and restaurants in the area. I remember fondly visiting Daniel’s Broiler on the water which can be used not only as a point of interest but also as an allegory for the neighborhood at large. One of the premier steak house brands of the Seattle area, the menu is consistently about quality (and the prices certainly reflect as such), and the experience is one of luxury, style, and class. The lot was formerly a Ferrari dealership, so it’s appropriate that your meal should start with valet service. The wait staff is helpful, charming, and attentive. Appropriately, the view from the wall-sized windows is tranquil yet involved, a near-perfect interlude between conversation or waiting for your dish. Staring out these windows is indeed as if staring straight into the very soul and character of Leschi: beautifully calm, inviting yet not freely accessible.

If a friend painted a picture of a neighborhood with waterfront access, close to all major interstates, great parks, quiet living and a few "home run" restaurants - curiosity would spike. Leschi in East Central Seattle captures this photo and then some. It's gracefully tucked between Interstate 90, Lake Washington, Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and Cherry Street.

History

A landscape chiseled by earthquakes, glaciers, landslides and tsunamis: Leschi is named after Nisqually Chief Leschi http://bitly.com/eewVl0 (1808-1858). Logging activity paved the way for better access, in and out, of the community. Industry activity picked up with the convenience of processing trees shore-side as opposed to hauling them over steep hills to downtown Seattle (http://bitly.com/fwXJkP). After numbers had relocated to the east side of Lake Washington, and especially upon the completion of the floating bridge (http://bitly.com/gT5T45), material and population growth skyrocketed. However, despite the urbanization of Leschi, it has held true to its roots of natural beauty and a place to experience the grandeur of Northwest scenery (the Cascades, the lake, et al.)

Demographics and Income

Income levels are split, depending on which side of the community you reside. Anyone west of Martin Luther King Jr. Way will be drawing an average Seattle salary. On the opposite side is another story, especially in the south end where homeowners are cashing in six figures. This puts the overall Leschi median income well over the Seattle amount. Mostly middle aged couples and families reside here, forty percent of them are married. Around 23% of married couples have children living at home. The two dominant ethnic groups are Whites and Blacks, depending on which side of MLK Way.

Culture

Traveling west to east brings immense change in feel and scenery. A more urban and racially diverse environment exists in the western half of the neighborhood, while a less diverse and resort-like atmosphere dominates the eastern half.

Real Estate

Homes are not quite as maintained (overall), with more of an inner city-like vibe. Around 63% are homeowners, dwelling in structures of 1800 to 2400 sq ft. Home values have dropped by $200K in the last four years, which is no surprise for such a strategically located neighborhood.

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

An attractive "downtown" cluster of shops and restaurants lines the junction of Lakeside Avenue and Lake Washington Boulevard. Some of these include Bluwater Bistro (http://bluwaterbistro.com) - Started by Dan Anderson and Bart Evans who have a commitment to personable service and good food, Pert's A Deli on Leschi (http://bitly.com/f4rLoI) - A simple no-frills diner with a wide selection, and Daniel's Broiler (http://schwartzbros.com/daniels) - Claims to be Seattle's only USDA Prime Steakhouse. Catfish Corner (http://mo-catfish.com) - Featuring a nutrient-rich and healthy selection of catfish since 1985. All Purpose Pizza (http://allpurposepizza.com) - Opened by Kedra and Greg Scott who have a plethora of restaurant and pizza experience. Ruby Asian Dining (http://rubyasiandining.com) - A combination of Asian cooking, creating exceptional pan-Asian cuisine.

If you're up for some unique cuisine, the northwest corner of the neighborhood (Corner of Cherry and MLK Jr Way) plays host to Ethiopian restaurants. One in particular is Lalibela Ethiopian (http://bitly.com/hQfQx3) - Quick friendly service and tasty authentic cuisine. Another is Ras Dashen (http://rasdashenseattle.com) - Named after the highest mountain in Ethiopia. At Assimba Ethiopian Cuisine (http://bitly.com/abc3KR), I dove in with a group of friends and experienced the thrill of an evening sampling tasty vegetarian dishes with bare hands.

Accommodations

Staying overnight in Leschi can be a pleasant experience, provided you find a comfortable room. Knowing some friends who reside in the neighborhood is a plus, considering that only one bed and breakfast can be found: Leschi Garden Guest House (http://leschigardenguesthouse.com) - Offering comfortable and picturesque short term lodging, primarily on a monthly basis.

Schools

For those seeking a more unique education for their daughters, the Seattle Girls School (http://seattlegirlsschool.org) is within reach on the western side of Leschi. Garfield High School (http://ghs.seattleschools.org) - To build confidence in students to achieve academic excellence and become active citizens. Leschi Elementary School (http://leschischool.com) - Fostered on a belief of quality instruction and an environment promoting the active participation of learners. Canterbury Academy (http://canterburyacademy.com) - A project based, experiential academic environment for complex and curious students. Meter Music School (http://metermusicschool) - Offering private lessons, birthday parties, Kindermusik (http://kindermusik.com) and more.

Recreation

Leschi and Frink Park lie to the southwest. Leschi Park (http://1.usa.gov/hzcVaP), formerly an amusement park around the end of the 19th century, is eighteen acres of manicured bliss. Paths to walk, woods to explore, play area and boat moorage make it ideal for that next "staycation". Divided only by a road, Frink Park (http://1.usa.gov/ea8Uie) is a more primitive twin. Less developed by city standards, but a generous length of hiking trails. Powell Barnett Park (http://1.usa.gov/e7Hqzv), further north, may draw more young families with its modern play structure and wading pool (http://1.usa.gov/i78x2T).

The lake front and major bicycle trail interweaving the streets of Leschi, make for a fit community. However, many of these enthusiasts are probably on their way through from other parts of the city (like me). Once a month I ride my bike through this area to commute to a meeting south of Interstate 90. A bike trail traverses the heart of Frink and Leschi parks, even allowing cyclists to ride under the old cable car bridge. The spider-web like road design around the parks can easily disorient any rider or driver.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

While no official medical facilities are within Leschi, Harborview Medical Center (http://bitly.com/i5vBtu) is in Yesler Terrace (http://bitly.com/fTfA8Y) and Swedish Hospital (http://swedish.org) in Minor (http://bitly.com/fPUGhv) and the Central Business District (http://bitly.com/fwXJkP) are just a couple of miles to the west.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

During your stay (or residency) be sure to investigate a spiritual community: St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church (http://stmatthewmbc.com) - Featuring Reverend Dr. Thomas E. Tobin, Sr.; Evangelistic Center Church of God (http://evanctr.net) - Offering a ‘full cycle’ ministry of reconciliation and wholeness; and Walker Chapel AME Church (http://walkerchapelame.org) - Pastor David Aaron Johnson leads the charge to be a “beacon of hope for all.”

Transportation Access and Tips

Commuting to downtown is a cinch, considering the Interstate 5 and Interstate 90 junction are just blocks away. Surface streets prove even better much of the time. Leschi even keeps die hard Mariners (http://mariners.com) and Seahawks (http://seahawks.com) fans happy with a manageable game commute.

Summary

Leschi has found a variety of cultures within its borders, so anyone could sensibly settle in this shyly located neighborhood. The next time you pass through this community, make sure you make it down to the lake for beautiful views, friendly folk and well-deserved exercise.

The Leschi neighborhood, named after the Nisqually Tribe's Chief Leschi, is located on the shores of Lake Washington, with Interstate 90 to the South, Martin Luther King Jr. Way to the west, and E. Cherry Street to the north of the neighborhood. There are many parks in Leschi, including the well-known Leschi park on the lake, and Frink Park, featuring huge trees, natural trails, and a waterfall.

One of Seattle's older residential neighborhoods, the housing options seen on these tree-lined steets include everything from historic homes and million-dollar lakefront mansions to condo buildings. As you get closer to the water, the homes become more elaborate. Despite its pricey lakefront reputation, Leschi offers plenty of affordable housing options. Off the marina, there is a small shopping district with several restaurants and businesses catering to those living in the neighborhood.

Those who live in Leschi often stay for many decades in the same home. Popular among families with young children, retirees, and everyone in between, Leschi is a tight-knit community with many residents fighting to preserve its character. As a result, Leschi is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, and you're sure to see children riding their bikes or playing in the many green spaces residents enjoy here. For those living elsewhere in the city, the street-ends offer public access to the lake and a quiet refuge.

I find Leschi to be one of those unique areas that’s host both expensive waterfront homes, high and low priced apartments/condos and smaller homes with a diverse culture of people. Several restaurants, markets and shops are in the area, everything from fast food to the popular Daniel’s Broiler can satisfy your dining needs and Leschi Market is one of the oldest family-owned markets with an impressive wine sections.

Leschi is not like other Seattle neighborhoods, hopping with people out on the town; instead it’s more of a hang out area as it borders Lake Washington. Home to two parks Leschi Park & Frink Park. Unlike most parks in Seattle, Leschi Park is busy on a nice day but doesn’t seem to be overrun with walkers, joggers and other’s trying to burn off calories while taking some sun, at least it wasn’t on my recent visit. It’s really grassy with several picnic tables, a playground and tennis courts, it was also the home of the first Seattle Zoo before it moved to its current location. A small marina with about 200 slips is located near the park for small boats who want to cruise Lake Washington.

Where Leschi Park is grassy Frink Park is more like a wilderness oasis with Frink Creek and some ravines. Frink Park is going through some renovations with re-forestation projects taking place by a group of volunteers trying to protect the wetlands and trails of the Park. Volunteer work groups can often be found restoring trails.

One of the two Parks in the Leschi neighborhood is a nice way to spend some time, but not a lot seems to be happening in this area of Seattle.