Licton Springs
Ranked 35th best neighborhood in Seattle
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Great for
- Cost of Living
- Shopping Options
- Public Transport
- Parking
- Eating Out
Not great for
- Gym & Fitness
- Nightlife
- Pest Free
- Childcare
- Internet Access
Who lives here?
- Singles
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- Students
- Retirees
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
Reviews
Licton Springs
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"A rapidly improving gem of North Seattle"
Licton Springs is a beautiful neighborhood just north of Green Lake that is experiencing some of the most rapid and visible improvement in Seattle. Previoisly seen as noisy, a noise blocking wall installed on it's I5 border successfully made it one of Seattle's quiter neighborhoods. A brand new elemantary and middle school with excellent facilities dominate the southern end with new protected bike trails throughout. Work has begun on a pedestrian bridge to connect this neighborhood to Maple Leaf and the upcoming light rail. Rezoning is taking place on it's Western Aurora border, promising a more pedestrian friendly strip. With its small size and central northern location the most defining feature of Licton Springs remains it's great access to both the gems of North Seattle and downtown. Right in between the two most major North / South routes you are almost always < 15 minutes from downtown. Living in Licton Springs you are generally a short walk from Green Lake Park, the Greenwood Ave strip, the Maple Leaf strips and the Northgate Mall. And because of Licton Springs uniquely good sidewalk coverage for N of 85th, you actually can safely walk to them. In fact, due to Licton Springs small size, often times people living in Licton Springs are closer to these areas then some people that live in the headlining neighborhood! It's really one of the best places to live in North Seattle.
Pros
- Sidewalks
- Close to everything
- Close to North Seattle College
- Close to shopping mall
- Close to water recreation
- Easy access to Interstate
- More affordable
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Licton Springs
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
"Many Students living here"
There are many college students living here in Licton Springs. We have taken some classes out of interest at the North Seattle College. I found them to be satisfactory. Any community member can purchase classes there, you do not need to be in a degree program. This is good if you want to learn a new skill like personal finances and accounting. Or a hobby such as pottery. If you do want a degree, they have 2 year programs here. An interesting fact is they have a Swiss watch making program.
The housing in the neighborhood is small apartments and some single family homes. I dont think we would want to live here. There are too many students and not enough good restaurants or amenities nearby to make up for the cost of being close to the city. But I do like the HT Oaktree Market. It is a small supermarket with groceries from many countries, especially from Asian countries. The selection is not as good as stores on highway 99, but they do carry some Chinese items that are hard to find. The quality is also better than 99 Ranch. But they do have a bubble tea stand which is nice. Our daughter loves the tapioca bubbles.
The housing in the neighborhood is small apartments and some single family homes. I dont think we would want to live here. There are too many students and not enough good restaurants or amenities nearby to make up for the cost of being close to the city. But I do like the HT Oaktree Market. It is a small supermarket with groceries from many countries, especially from Asian countries. The selection is not as good as stores on highway 99, but they do carry some Chinese items that are hard to find. The quality is also better than 99 Ranch. But they do have a bubble tea stand which is nice. Our daughter loves the tapioca bubbles.
Pros
- Close to North Seattle College
Cons
- High traffic volumes on arterial streets
- Still developing
Licton Springs
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Shopping Options
- Parking
- Cost of Living
"Affordable neighborhood for students"
I have some friends who live out here because they are students at North Seattle College and dont want to pay a ton to live downtown. It seems like a pretty decent school, and housing is definitely more affordable there, even though its only just north of Green Lake. My friend looked at rent in Greenlake, but it was literally like $500 a month cheaper to live half a mile north.
This is a weird section of highway 99 thats lagging in development though. Its kinda sketchy sometimes. Theres like some run down used auto shops and weed stores. But its actually improving really quickly, so itll probably be a lot nicer in a year.
Oh its also close to Northgate Mall, so thats convenient if you like shopping. Or if you want to work at the mall to pay for your tuition, like my friend does.
The one thing my friend always complains about is that theres no big grocery stores in the neighborhood. But driving less than 10 minutes to Greenwood to Fred Meyers doesnt seem that bad.
This is a weird section of highway 99 thats lagging in development though. Its kinda sketchy sometimes. Theres like some run down used auto shops and weed stores. But its actually improving really quickly, so itll probably be a lot nicer in a year.
Oh its also close to Northgate Mall, so thats convenient if you like shopping. Or if you want to work at the mall to pay for your tuition, like my friend does.
The one thing my friend always complains about is that theres no big grocery stores in the neighborhood. But driving less than 10 minutes to Greenwood to Fred Meyers doesnt seem that bad.
Pros
- More affordable
- Close to North Seattle College
Cons
- Still developing
Recommended for
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Students
Licton Springs
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Eating Out
"Licton Springs An Area by Everything"
Proximity is key when living in Seattle. The city is a busy place so you want to be able to venture out, get stuff done and then get home in a reasonable amount of time. Licton Springs is that place. It’s by everything and still has a neighborhood charm.
On one side you have the Northgate area which host the Northgate Mall and all it’[s shops and restaurants. Then on another side you have Aurora Avenue or Highway 99 whichever its preferred name is. This Avenue also contains shops, chain stores and restaurants, more than anyone person would need.
But the area isn’t just some spot you cross through to get to Northgate or to Aurora Ave. Licton Springs is also known for being a natural spring which in itself is pretty cool. The area is also the home to North Seattle Community College which is a popular 2-year school with an impressive extended learn program. The houses in the Licton Spring area are nice and semi-affordable for Seattle and with its nearness to Northgate and Aurora it’s not a bad place to call home.
On one side you have the Northgate area which host the Northgate Mall and all it’[s shops and restaurants. Then on another side you have Aurora Avenue or Highway 99 whichever its preferred name is. This Avenue also contains shops, chain stores and restaurants, more than anyone person would need.
But the area isn’t just some spot you cross through to get to Northgate or to Aurora Ave. Licton Springs is also known for being a natural spring which in itself is pretty cool. The area is also the home to North Seattle Community College which is a popular 2-year school with an impressive extended learn program. The houses in the Licton Spring area are nice and semi-affordable for Seattle and with its nearness to Northgate and Aurora it’s not a bad place to call home.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Licton Springs
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Full of Boxed In College Students"
Licton Springs houses North Seattle Community College and as such is a magnet for the youthful residents—but it really takes a dive in catering to a spendthrift college student. While the community college certainly does attract or keep twenty-somethings, the way that Aurora borders the community on the opposite side certainly doesn’t help to diffuse them. Aurora always has seedy bars, and dirty restaurants dotting along its edges, but other than that, there is a distinct lack of commercial things to do and places to blow money in the area. Logically the population probably rides Aurora right out of town—or into town—to blow off steam on weekends and evenings. Effectively, Northgate mall is the beneficiary of Licton Springs’ retail opportunities.
Aside from an opportunity for high learning, the saving grace of Licton Springs is the park for which it is named. Historically, this park was a communal point for the natives to the area, and it continues to be today for residents who like to play in the sun and enjoy the springs, which were thought to have the power to heal. Licton Springs Park is a lazy little oasis in an area of otherwise constant activity.
Aside from an opportunity for high learning, the saving grace of Licton Springs is the park for which it is named. Historically, this park was a communal point for the natives to the area, and it continues to be today for residents who like to play in the sun and enjoy the springs, which were thought to have the power to heal. Licton Springs Park is a lazy little oasis in an area of otherwise constant activity.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
Licton Springs
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"A Neighborhood That Glories In It's Past"
The boundaries fall hard and fast from roughly Fremont Avenue (West) to North Seattle Community College http://northseattle.edu (East) and North 85th Street (South) to 107th Street (North). A strong Licton Springs community exists to foster residential harmony and maintain relational networks leading to sustainability.
History
This neighborhood needs to be experienced through the lens of history. The 19th century, unfortunately, was the end of an era for Licton Springs. Wetlands abounded here, teeming with wildlife and Indian tribes. Development of North Seattle thoroughfares such as the Seattle-Everett train line (http://bitly.com/fzItV8), Aurora Avenue, and other ventures sent this preserve into near-extinction. The name ‘Licton’ is derived from the Duwamish Indians, who called the springs Liq'tid (LEEK-teed) or Licton. Liq'tid means "red-colored,” from the red iron oxide that still bubbles.
Demographics and Income
Being sandwiched between two major arterial roads (Highway 99 and I-5) has brought a diverse population, and pockets of lower income families. However, this healthy transportation access is also a draw for downtown professionals who want some ‘cushion’ between work and home, without a gigantic commute (In good traffic, commutes to downtown range between 15-25 minutes). Licton Springs lags behind Seattle averages when it comes to income (proximity to Northgate http://bitly.com/iaAPf1may account for some of this).
Culture
A proud heritage, especially in regards to the park which they powerfully preserve and fight for. The younger demographic in Northgate (http://bitly.com/iaAPf1) and the presence of North Seattle Community College (http://northseattle.edu) have brought more ‘forward thinking’ to the area.
Real Estate
Peace and quiet is not dominant, unfortunately, in an area previously occupied by wildlife. Residents must deal with the heavy car volumes on Aurora, 85th Street, 105th Street and even on Wallingford Avenue. Homes surrounding Licton Springs Park enjoy some tranquility, but a few blocks in any direction dispel any quietness with a vengeance. The majority of homes are under 1400 sq ft., with less than half of the population identifying themselves as homeowners. Home values, as with most Seattle neighborhoods, have plummeted and struggle to stay around the $200K mark.
Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)
Restaurants and other businesses are not far away, mainly on Aurora Avenue (Highway 99). Craving for a blockbuster film on the big screen? A cluster of activity (Oak Tree Shopping Center http://4sq.com/fiu7fR) exists on 100th Street and Aurora, complete with an AMC theater (http://bitly.com/gEo24R), Starbucks (http://starbucks.com), and IHOP (http://ihop.com). Other establishments include: Mandarin Gate Restaurant (http://mandaringateseattle.com) - Delivery, catering and pickup of famous Mandarin dishes like the Peking Duck; Burgermaster (http://burgermaster.biz) - Owned by Phil and Mary Jensen since 1952, featuring locally grown grass-fed beef and the employment of all of their children; Cyndy’s House of Pancakes (http://bitly.com/eVsjEt) - Featuring foods like chicken fried steak with sausage gravy; Good Guys Pizza (http://goodguyspizza.com) - Hand-tossed pizza made with fresh and quality ingredients; Twin Garden Asian Restaurant (http://tgrestaurant.com) - Family oriented with an extensive food selection; Tropicos Breeze (http://tropicosbreeze.com) - Offering a wide variety of Latin American dishes; Jade Restaurant & Lounge (http://jaderestaurant.net) - Fresh, local produce that is cooked in pure vegetable oil to bring out authentic flavors of Chinese cooking;
Accommodations
If you don’t mind lower budget hotels, then finding a place to stay in Licton Springs is relatively simple. Here’s a rundown of choices: Columbus Motor Inn (http://columbusmotorinn.net) - Simple 1-bed rooms and suites for an affordable night’s stay; Days Inn North Seattle (http://bitly.com/h1aVPG) - Affordable rates with one or two queen bed rooms; and Travelodge North Seattle (http://bitly.com/hubyrj) - Extremely affordable night’s stay.
Schools
Interested in homeschooling your children or seeking a co-op for that very purpose? The Seattle Public Schools Home School Resource Center (http://seattleschools.org/schools/hrc) lies due south of the L.S. Park. The distinctive marking is the gigantic Native American mural on the East side of the facility. Don't allow the run-down appearance deter from investigating the program. Our children were involved here for two years, enjoying creative classes and resources for the home education experience. An energetic and relational physical education teacher revolutionized our son's perspective on exercise! The Early Learning and Development Center (http://eldc.org) is a private, not-for-profit preschool and child care center, established in 1981.
Recreation
Thankfully, however, a remnant exists in the form of Licton Springs Park http://bitly.com/hwJUWX (L.S. Park). This delightful setting must be explored in slow motion, taking in the "microfiche" form of days-gone-by. Don't panic, parents, a captivating play area will bring loads of fun to the kiddos. Revel also in the various hopscotch forms from different cultures embedded in the concrete.
Another artifact lies to the north in the form of Mineral Springs Park (http://bitly.com/hESnyO). This space features a new "spring" to honor the neighborhood's "claim to fame". Enjoy disc golf (http://pdga.com)? You'll feel right at home here with a full course. Feed your abstract side by strolling through the art walk.
Medical and Wellness Facilities
With the presence of the North Seattle Community College (http://northseattle.edu) and several medical facilities, including the Northwest Hospital Outpatient Center (http://bitly.com/h6b85i) near the campus - few academic and physical needs are overlooked. A couple of other medical-related institutions: Northgate Pain Control Center (http://northgatepaincontrol.com) - Featuring services including chiropractic and massage therapy; and Seattle Acupuncture Wellness Center (http://seattleacupuncturewellness.com) - A holistic acupuncture and wellness center serving North Seattle and the surrounding suburbs.
Spiritual Centers and Churches
No neighborhood is complete without the presence of a community of like-spirited people. What does Licton Springs have to show? Here’s a list: Blue Heron Zen Community (http://blueheronzen.org) - Helping each of us to answer the question, “Who am I?”; and Epic Life Church (http://epiclifechurch.org) - Operating by three principles: connect with God, develop relationships, serve the community.
Transportation Access and Tips
Access, pavement-wise, is no problem for residents and visitors of Licton Springs. The issues arise during high-traffic hours when Northgate Way and 85th Street are overloaded with vehicles. On the bright side, if Interstate 5 is backed up, Highway 99 is a fantastic second choice for reaching downtown Seattle. Surface streets are decent, especially for bicyclists (like me) who frequent roads like Fremont Avenue. Keep in mind that the closer to Northgate Mall (http://bitly.com/hXQDiv), the more congested the thoroughfare.
Summary
In short, Licton Springs is a neighborhood brimming with resources and pavement with the exception of a couple natural sanctuaries. Seeking to buy a home here should not be taken lightly, as many amenities and some lower income businesses have taken their toll.
History
This neighborhood needs to be experienced through the lens of history. The 19th century, unfortunately, was the end of an era for Licton Springs. Wetlands abounded here, teeming with wildlife and Indian tribes. Development of North Seattle thoroughfares such as the Seattle-Everett train line (http://bitly.com/fzItV8), Aurora Avenue, and other ventures sent this preserve into near-extinction. The name ‘Licton’ is derived from the Duwamish Indians, who called the springs Liq'tid (LEEK-teed) or Licton. Liq'tid means "red-colored,” from the red iron oxide that still bubbles.
Demographics and Income
Being sandwiched between two major arterial roads (Highway 99 and I-5) has brought a diverse population, and pockets of lower income families. However, this healthy transportation access is also a draw for downtown professionals who want some ‘cushion’ between work and home, without a gigantic commute (In good traffic, commutes to downtown range between 15-25 minutes). Licton Springs lags behind Seattle averages when it comes to income (proximity to Northgate http://bitly.com/iaAPf1may account for some of this).
Culture
A proud heritage, especially in regards to the park which they powerfully preserve and fight for. The younger demographic in Northgate (http://bitly.com/iaAPf1) and the presence of North Seattle Community College (http://northseattle.edu) have brought more ‘forward thinking’ to the area.
Real Estate
Peace and quiet is not dominant, unfortunately, in an area previously occupied by wildlife. Residents must deal with the heavy car volumes on Aurora, 85th Street, 105th Street and even on Wallingford Avenue. Homes surrounding Licton Springs Park enjoy some tranquility, but a few blocks in any direction dispel any quietness with a vengeance. The majority of homes are under 1400 sq ft., with less than half of the population identifying themselves as homeowners. Home values, as with most Seattle neighborhoods, have plummeted and struggle to stay around the $200K mark.
Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)
Restaurants and other businesses are not far away, mainly on Aurora Avenue (Highway 99). Craving for a blockbuster film on the big screen? A cluster of activity (Oak Tree Shopping Center http://4sq.com/fiu7fR) exists on 100th Street and Aurora, complete with an AMC theater (http://bitly.com/gEo24R), Starbucks (http://starbucks.com), and IHOP (http://ihop.com). Other establishments include: Mandarin Gate Restaurant (http://mandaringateseattle.com) - Delivery, catering and pickup of famous Mandarin dishes like the Peking Duck; Burgermaster (http://burgermaster.biz) - Owned by Phil and Mary Jensen since 1952, featuring locally grown grass-fed beef and the employment of all of their children; Cyndy’s House of Pancakes (http://bitly.com/eVsjEt) - Featuring foods like chicken fried steak with sausage gravy; Good Guys Pizza (http://goodguyspizza.com) - Hand-tossed pizza made with fresh and quality ingredients; Twin Garden Asian Restaurant (http://tgrestaurant.com) - Family oriented with an extensive food selection; Tropicos Breeze (http://tropicosbreeze.com) - Offering a wide variety of Latin American dishes; Jade Restaurant & Lounge (http://jaderestaurant.net) - Fresh, local produce that is cooked in pure vegetable oil to bring out authentic flavors of Chinese cooking;
Accommodations
If you don’t mind lower budget hotels, then finding a place to stay in Licton Springs is relatively simple. Here’s a rundown of choices: Columbus Motor Inn (http://columbusmotorinn.net) - Simple 1-bed rooms and suites for an affordable night’s stay; Days Inn North Seattle (http://bitly.com/h1aVPG) - Affordable rates with one or two queen bed rooms; and Travelodge North Seattle (http://bitly.com/hubyrj) - Extremely affordable night’s stay.
Schools
Interested in homeschooling your children or seeking a co-op for that very purpose? The Seattle Public Schools Home School Resource Center (http://seattleschools.org/schools/hrc) lies due south of the L.S. Park. The distinctive marking is the gigantic Native American mural on the East side of the facility. Don't allow the run-down appearance deter from investigating the program. Our children were involved here for two years, enjoying creative classes and resources for the home education experience. An energetic and relational physical education teacher revolutionized our son's perspective on exercise! The Early Learning and Development Center (http://eldc.org) is a private, not-for-profit preschool and child care center, established in 1981.
Recreation
Thankfully, however, a remnant exists in the form of Licton Springs Park http://bitly.com/hwJUWX (L.S. Park). This delightful setting must be explored in slow motion, taking in the "microfiche" form of days-gone-by. Don't panic, parents, a captivating play area will bring loads of fun to the kiddos. Revel also in the various hopscotch forms from different cultures embedded in the concrete.
Another artifact lies to the north in the form of Mineral Springs Park (http://bitly.com/hESnyO). This space features a new "spring" to honor the neighborhood's "claim to fame". Enjoy disc golf (http://pdga.com)? You'll feel right at home here with a full course. Feed your abstract side by strolling through the art walk.
Medical and Wellness Facilities
With the presence of the North Seattle Community College (http://northseattle.edu) and several medical facilities, including the Northwest Hospital Outpatient Center (http://bitly.com/h6b85i) near the campus - few academic and physical needs are overlooked. A couple of other medical-related institutions: Northgate Pain Control Center (http://northgatepaincontrol.com) - Featuring services including chiropractic and massage therapy; and Seattle Acupuncture Wellness Center (http://seattleacupuncturewellness.com) - A holistic acupuncture and wellness center serving North Seattle and the surrounding suburbs.
Spiritual Centers and Churches
No neighborhood is complete without the presence of a community of like-spirited people. What does Licton Springs have to show? Here’s a list: Blue Heron Zen Community (http://blueheronzen.org) - Helping each of us to answer the question, “Who am I?”; and Epic Life Church (http://epiclifechurch.org) - Operating by three principles: connect with God, develop relationships, serve the community.
Transportation Access and Tips
Access, pavement-wise, is no problem for residents and visitors of Licton Springs. The issues arise during high-traffic hours when Northgate Way and 85th Street are overloaded with vehicles. On the bright side, if Interstate 5 is backed up, Highway 99 is a fantastic second choice for reaching downtown Seattle. Surface streets are decent, especially for bicyclists (like me) who frequent roads like Fremont Avenue. Keep in mind that the closer to Northgate Mall (http://bitly.com/hXQDiv), the more congested the thoroughfare.
Summary
In short, Licton Springs is a neighborhood brimming with resources and pavement with the exception of a couple natural sanctuaries. Seeking to buy a home here should not be taken lightly, as many amenities and some lower income businesses have taken their toll.
Pros
- Close to shopping mall
- Easy access to Interstate
- Close to water recreation
Cons
- High traffic volumes on arterial streets
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Students
Licton Springs
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Public Transport
"Noisy, Busy, and Rundown Neighborhood"
The Licton Springs neighborhood of North Seattle is bounded by North 85th Street to the south, North 105th (also known as Northgate Way) to the north, and Interstate 5 to the east. Licton Springs is also called North College Park by some Seattle residents, a reference to the nearby North Seattle Community College, founded in 1970.
The neighborhood has long been defined by the busy Aurora Avenue North, which cuts directly through the center of the community in a north-south direction. Aurora has a reputation of being somewhat rough, defined by dive bars and rundown motels. After dark, I wouldn't want to walk along here alone. While the proximity of this thoroughfare means that shopping and dining is never far, a much better option would be the nearby Northgate Mall.
There are some apartments and modest homes in Licton Springs, though the neighborhood is not considered desirable due to the amount of traffic headed through here. One bright spot does exist in the neighborhood, however, and that is Licton Springs Park. For hundreds of years, Licton Springs was used by local Native American tribes as a spiritual gathering spot. The waters were believed to have healing properties. In later years, Licton Springs was a favorite picnic spot. In the 1960s, it officially became a public park.
The neighborhood has long been defined by the busy Aurora Avenue North, which cuts directly through the center of the community in a north-south direction. Aurora has a reputation of being somewhat rough, defined by dive bars and rundown motels. After dark, I wouldn't want to walk along here alone. While the proximity of this thoroughfare means that shopping and dining is never far, a much better option would be the nearby Northgate Mall.
There are some apartments and modest homes in Licton Springs, though the neighborhood is not considered desirable due to the amount of traffic headed through here. One bright spot does exist in the neighborhood, however, and that is Licton Springs Park. For hundreds of years, Licton Springs was used by local Native American tribes as a spiritual gathering spot. The waters were believed to have healing properties. In later years, Licton Springs was a favorite picnic spot. In the 1960s, it officially became a public park.
