Gatewood

A quiet West Seattle community with healthy business presence along the east and west side. The neighborhood is contained north and south by Graham St. and Thistle St. respectively. Fauntleroy and California take turns bordering the west (except farther north where it stretches to the Sound, almost forming the top part of the number one), and 35th Avenue on the east.

History

Specific history facts about the neighborhood are not easy to come by, but for a larger swath of West Seattle’s journey (http://bitly.com/gP4tFZ). If you have more poignant information about Gatewood, please feel free to add it as a comment.

Demographics and Income

A more even-distributed demographic could not be achieved, even on purpose. The median age is 40, roughly half the population of Gatewood is married; a good share of children are at home (~20%), and the representation of age groups is fairly even—infants to the elderly. The racial demographic is primarily White, with the Hispanics next in line. Income levels are above average, with salaries not following any distinct pattern within the neighborhood.

Culture

Gatewood has one foot in retreat and one foot in forward motion. In other words, many will settle here to escape the congestion of the city, however, some enjoy the close proximity (on the north side) to West Seattle’s social business scene, which begins around California Avenue and Morgan Street.

Real Estate

Home size distributions, under 2400 sq. ft., are virtually even. However, a large number of homes over 2400 sq. ft. is not realistic. Almost three quarters of residents are homeowners, confirming a lack of transience in the Gatewoodite. Even the semi-remote here have not escaped slumping home values, with the average loss (since 2007) being $130,000.

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

Topographically, Gatewood is very hilly, with strong elevation gain from the water. Despite, the layout is residential with small businesses lining California Avenue and 35th Avenue. The business density, however, does thin as one heads south.

One surprising aspect is the presence of several chain businesses like Blockbuster Video (http://blockbuster.com), McDonald's (http://mcdonalds.com), Pizza Hut (http://pizzahut.com), and Domino's Pizza (http://dominos.com). In a couple of spots around the vicinity, there is a brief feel of suburbia as you turn the corners. Similarities also exist with the Magnolia neighborhood (http://bitly.com/cWwQE0), having that "out of the way" vibe from a community that's close to the action of the urban center.

Some local businesses to highlight: Cafe Osita (http://cafeosita.com) - Superb little place for espresso and various food items and Eppler Flute Company (http://epplerflutes.com) - Makers of fine wooden Boehm-system flutes and custom wooden headjoints.

Schools

Three elementary schools give children plenty of options for education: Gatewood (http://gatewoodelementary.org) - An inclusive community of independent learners, capable of learning anything; YMCA West Seattle (http://bitly.com/e7LSPc) - Providing a friendly, comfortable environment for every age group since 1921; and Our Lady of Guadalupe (http://guadalupe-school.org) - Working in partnership with students’ families to create a nurturing environment.

Recreation

For even deeper serenity, the Orchard Street Ravine (http://bitly.com/eEQMIj) lies near the heart of the development. It is roughly a two acre forested site with a generous presence of blackberry bushes. On the West side, Pelly Place Natural Area (http://bitly.com/ifkZ1m) and Lowman Beach Park (http://bitly.com/gREwxc) provide additonal natural refuge.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

A massage or a medical test, what is your fancy? Chill (http://chillwestseattle.com) can get you that full body rubdown just before checking into LabCorp (http://labcorp.com) to determine what exactly has gone wrong with that aging body.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

The best bet for a place to express your spirituality? How about Mars Hill Church: West Seattle Campus (http://westseattle.marshillchurch.org) - Part of a multi-site congregation with the flagship location in Ballard (http://bitly.com/feMcz2) featuring the infamous teaching pastor, Mark Driscoll (http://marshillchurch.org/markdriscoll). One other, Peace Lutheran Church (http://peacelutheranseattle.org) with Pastor Erick Kindem.

Transportation Access and Tips

Those who enjoy options will like commuting to and from their home in Gatewood. Several arterial streets surround and intersect the neighborhood, with California Avenue and Fauntleroy being some of the most traveled. However, do not overlook SW Holden Street which heads east towards Highway 99 and 509. A SeaTac Airport (http://portseattle.org/seatac) pick up, in good traffic, can be accomplished (round trip) in under an hour. The major impediment, unfortunately, facing all neighborhoods in West Seattle, is traffic backup on the West Seattle Bridge.

Summary

All in all, this neighborhood is an ideal location for a quiet lifestyle. Close proximity to businesses means less commuting for daily needs. However, for those in Western Gatewood, travel into the city will require more of the clock as you meander less-arterial routes and hills. The lack of a larger green space is a downside, though Lincoln Park (http://bitly.com/fg1tR9) on the Sound is essentially included. A good location to settle down and raise a family, without giving up too much distance to Seattle's core.

The Gateway neighborhood in central-south West Seattle is sandwiched between Fauntleroy to the south and both Seaview and Fairmont Park directly to the north. Its eastern boundary is 35th Ave SW, and directly to the west lies the water.

This hilly residential area is one of the nicest areas of West Seattle, with property values soaring over those in neighboring communities. Mostly home to mid-career professionals, Gatewood is home to Gatewood Elementary School, which rates very highly among parents living in the neighborhood.

Lincoln Park, just off the southwestern edge of the neighborhood, makes this a great place to raise kids. Lincoln Park is home to the Colman Pool (a heated saltwater pool) as well as trails, playgrounds, and other attractions. Gatewood itself is home to several small community parks, including Solstice Park, Orchard Street Ravine, and Pelly Place Natural Area. Gatewood is one of the highest-elevation areas of West Seattle, providing residents with great views of the water from homes, commercial areas, and parks.

Besides plenty of green spaces, Gatewood is also home to the Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Parish, as well as two water towers serving as landmarks for community members. This family-friendly neighborhood has a few areas of shopping and dining establishments, though it is mostly residential.

Gatewood is located in the very hilly district of west Seattle. The highest point of the hilly area is the Gatewood district. It is adjacent to the High Point neighborhood. The intersection of 35th Avenue SW and SW Myrtle Street sits 520 feet above sea level, which illustrates the hilly nature of this area. The hill is situated among two large water towers and is also the location of Out Lady of Guadalupe School and Parish - which is on the peak of the highest known hill in west Seattle.

The surrounding neighborhoods of Gatewood are overlapping and quite close together. The Washington State Ferries dock in nearby Fauntleroy neighborhood and provide transportation for the residents of Gatewood. There is service to Vashon Island and to Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula. Running between Duwamish Head and downtown Seattle is a passenger-only ferry, no cars allowed.

There are numerous schools in the highly residential area of Gatewood and its surrounding neighborhoods of west Seattle including South Seattle Community College, West Seattle High School, Chief Sealth High School, Seattle Lutheran High School, Gatewood Elementary School, Madison Middle School, Denny Middle School, Roxhill Elementary School, Alki Elementary School, Lafayette Elementary School, Highland Park Elementary School, Sanislo Elementary School, Pathfinder Elementary School, Holy Family School Seattle, Holy Rosary West Seattle, Schmitz Park Elementary School, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.