Fauntleroy

Fauntleroy boasts green space and a waterfront that challenge coastal communities everywhere. A predominantly residential neighborhood that is situated in the southeast region of West Seattle. It spans from the north sides of Lincoln (http://bitly.com/fg1tR9) and Solstice parks (http://bitly.com/ebvIpG) to Roxbury Street, including a spine running down the coast along Marine View Drive. The northern half spans between Puget Sound and 35th Avenue SW.

History

Named after George Davidson's fianceé from Indiana, Ellinor Fauntleroy. John Adams, shortly after, acquired and developed 300 acres of land here. James Colman also bought up property, but more along the Fauntleroy Cove. He then recruited friends to come build summer cabins, which were eventually replaced by permanent homes. Adams, Colman and Edward Kilbourne then took action on developing Fauntleroy into a viable community, connected to the rest of West Seattle by streetcar. Fuantleroy Park (http://bitly.com/9kx6c2), on of Seattle’s few natural parks, was purchased from the Fenton family in 1972.

Demographics and Income

Families and couples in the prime of life, 30s & 40s predominantly, reside here. About a quarter of the population is comprised of singles, albeit wealthy ones. In fact, the average income for the entire neighborhood is well beyond the Seattle average. Caucasians make up the largest ethnic group, with a good percentage of couples, for Seattle, with children living at home - 22%.

Culture

A quiet environment, away from the hustle and bustle—apart, even from the congested pockets of semi-removed West Seattle. Two large parks, one with a beach front, means fitness and fun galore. Innovative people, wanting to keep a bit of distance from the crowd reside here. An obvious example is to locate the house across from the northern parking lot of Lincoln Park; a large, unique-looking wind turbine is erected in the front yard.

Real Estate

Fauntleroyians (if that can be said) have a passion for square footage. The largest percentage of homes are 1800 - 2400 sq. ft. Even the 2400 - 3600 sq. ft. homes comprise almost 22% of the neighborhood! Home ownership, obviously, is king. Renters, unfortunately, are a minority at 25%. Spacious, fancy homes due come with a cost, however. The recession has hit Fauntleroy especially hard with average house values dropping almost $200,000 since 2007!

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

Focusing nearby at the intersection of 45th Avenue and SW Wildwood Place, drives deep to the heart of Fauntleroy history. Formerly known as the end of the Fauntleroy Park streetcar route, this "end of the line" area is comically named "Endolyne". It features a couple of restaurants like Guadalajara (http://bitly.com/hvn1vz) and Endolyne Joe's (http://chowfoods.com/endolyne). In addition, for those interested in taking more time here, can stay at the Wildwood Bed and Breakfast (http://wildwoodseattle.com).

Residents, at least the ones with larger paychecks, can enjoy life on the water in the homes west of Marine View Drive. A sparsely populated location that proves one of the best getaways from city congestion without living hours away.

Schools

The Cove School (http://thecoveschool.com) is the only educational institution to speak of within Fauntleroy. The Cove is an independently owned and operated toddler preschool and pre-kindergarten. Their motto is to “discover each child’s genius.” Over a dozen other schools are located nearby in the Gatewood (http://bitly.com/dK5PGg) and Roxhill (http://bitly.com/e7Cls9) neighborhoods.

Recreation

To experience this community in all its glory is to frequent several locations, especially the natural beauty found here. Fauntleroy and Lincoln Parks have expansive wooded areas, especially in Fauntleroy Park. The plentiful picnic spaces, sports fields, playground, sidewalks, trails and gigantic Colman Pool (http://bitly.com/hrfUvT) on the beach sets Lincoln Park in a league of its own. Solstice Park, on the north side, features a p-patch, tennis court and some walking paths.

Need to get across the Sound and don't want to travel to the Seattle’s downtown terminal? The Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal (http://bitly.com/dVbs7H) whisks travelers to Vashon Island (http://vashonchamber.com) or Southworth (http://bitly.com/idxNA0). Just got engaged and looking for a unique Seattle-style venue for the big day? Check out the Hall at Fauntleroy (http://hallatfauntleroy.com) off of Barton Street. Mixing elegance and generous accommodations, this setting will not disappoint.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

Need an annual exam, for yourself or the kids? The best, and only, medical facility in Fauntleroy is the West Seattle Community Clinic (http://westseattlecommunityclinic.com). For dental work, the lone ranger dentist is Douglas E. Holmes DDS (http://bitly.com/gZKCj8).

Spiritual Centers and Churches

Moving on to spiritual health... Mars Hill Church: West Seattle Campus (http://westseattle.marshillchurch.org) is no doubt the premier congregation in the neighborhood. It is part of a network of several other campuses located around Puget Sound led by the infamous Mark Driscoll (http://marshillchurch.org/markdriscoll). Fauntleroy Church (http://fauntleroyucc.org), led by pastor David Kratz (http://bitly.com/hNHckB), have been fostering community among people of all races and cultures since 1908. Peace Lutheran Church (http://peacelutheranseattle.org) led by Pastor Erik Kindem (http://bitly.com/idOLsq). Peace is a multigenerational church with a focus on the ministry of reconciliation.

Transportation Access and Tips

Travel to downtown is simple, yet a bit lengthy with following Fauntleroy Way over the West Seattle Bridge. Travel to the airport is relatively short, with a distance of around ten miles. At times, making the trek over surface streets heading east may enable avoidance of the Bridge congestion. Driving east from Fauntleroy would give access to Highway 509 and 99, alternatives to Interstate 5 for north/south travel.

Summary

The community of Fauntleroy, gaining status by George Davidson’s marriage engagement over a century ago, continues to woo the people and culture of modern-day Seattle with not only the tranquility of its spacious parks, but also with the “off-the-grid” feel of the community at large.

Fauntleroy is somewhere I’d live in a heartbeat, if I could afford it. It’s quiet, near downtown and has awesome views of both Vashon and Bainbridge Island. In fact the Vashon Ferry terminal is in this area so if you want to visit the Island it’s where you go to get there. It’s like sitting in the cheap seats and seeing the show better than the high-paid tickets. Not that homes in the area or cheap, they will cost a pretty penny but the location is totally worth the cost. This area of Seattle is also really close to West Seattle so you’ll never be at a loss for stuff to do because West Seattle is packed with stores and shops and restaurants.

The area has an impressive YMCA and provides one of the entrances to Lincoln Park which is a great open spaced park, which provides trails and hiking for those wanting a little exercise. This area is the perfect place to have a family and is near enough to downtown to make life full of activity and peace.

Immediately to the south of Alki beach, and bisected by a number of West Seattle's most popular parks and natural areas, lies the historic Fauntleroy neighborhood. Nestled comfortably within Fauntleroy Cove, this quaint area frequently bustles with ferry traffic from neighboring Vashon Island and Southworth, and boasts spectacular views of the Olympics on a clear day. Nearby, the eponymous Fauntleroy Park offers acres of wooded trails for hiking, for those wishing to (briefly) escape the allure of the Pacific Northwest coastline. Immediately to the north, Lincoln Park offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities, though perhaps it is best known for being home to the infamous Colman Pool, which pipes in saltwater directly from the Puget Sound before it is heated to eighty-five degrees by a vintage gas-fired boiler. Directly outside the pool grounds, a path snakes along the beach north toward Alki, as well as south and into Fauntleroy proper, and is frequently occupied by cyclists, families and enthusiasts of all types on a sunny day.

Housing in and around the Fauntleroy area tend to reflect higher property and home values, largely due to the extended coastline and proximity to Alki and surrounding beaches, and convenient access to Vashon and Blake Islands. Median household incomes in Fauntleroy exceed the city average considerably. Potential renters and homeowners may be prepared to fork over a little bit more for their slice of beach-side security, but for ferry commuters and Boeing workers alike, the area provides a nice break from the fast-paced Seattle hubbub. Condos and apartments are by far the neighborhood standard, though the prospective homeowner is likely to find a number of nicer, older homes typically with three bedrooms or less. Buyers beware, though; if the sound of a plane or two (or three) flying overhead causes the hair on your neck to stand on end, you may wish to look elsewhere.

The coastline around Fauntleroy boasts a wide variety of fun activities and eateries for those seeking entertainment. Head to Endolyne Joe's for breakfast or lunch on 45th for a traditional diner-like experience at a unique little spot commemorating the place where the old streetcar station used to be. Afterward, head inland a few blocks to the Westwood Village mall for all of your shopping wants and needs, or peruse along the coastline boutiques if that's your fancy.

Fauntleroy is located along the western edge of West Seattle, giving it breathtaking panoramic views of Vashon Island, Bainbridge Island, and Puget Sound. This quiet residential area is favored by professionals who work downtown but want to escape the city.

Many of these families stay for many years; it has traditionally been very hard to find a house for sale in Fauntleroy. In the 1980s, this close-knit community formed the Fauntleroy Community Association, which is still quite active today. Fauntleroy is also home to the Fauntleroy YMCA and to the former Fauntleroy School, where you'll now find a rental auditorium, meeting rooms, and a childcare center.

Not only can you catch a beautiful sunset over the water, but Fauntleroy also offers plenty of green spaces for those looking to relax. Lincoln Park, a waterfront park on the northern side of the neighborhood, offers 135 acres of relaxation. Fauntleroy Park, located near the center of the neighborhood, is another popular weekend and summertime destination for the families living in the neighborhood.

Residents of this neighborhood enjoy easy access to other areas of the city, including downtown Seattle by car or bus and Vashon Island via the Washington State Ferries Teminal, situated on Fauntleroy Cove. Fauntleroy Way, a main road running through the center of the neighborhood, connects with the West Seattle Bridge for those heading downtown.

Fauntleroy Seattle is a neighborhood in the southwestern area of West Seattle. This neighborhood borders the Puget Sound and offers expansive views of Vashon Island and Bainbridge Island. Fauntleroy is a primarily residential area and offers a quiet community only a few miles from downtown. Many homes in Fauntleroy offer breath taking views of the Puget Sound. Finding one of these homes for sale would be a treasure. They just don't go on the market very often.

The neighborhood of Fauntleroy is close to the other Seattle neighborhoods like Westwood, West Seattle, and White Center.

The western shore is a great place to catch sunsets over Vashon Island, which lies a few miles west in Puget Sound. On clear days you can see the Olympic Mountains, which are about 40 miles further west. Like most Seattle neighborhoods, Fauntleroy also boasts ample green spaces, including 135-acre Lincoln Park on Fauntleroy's northern edge.