Whittier Heights

Depending on the time of day Whittier Heights can be quite and serene or busy and crowded, but either busy or slow it’s a great neighborhood in Seattle that provides ample opportunities for recreation and play. Loyal Heights Playground is usually bursting with moms with their little ones and even thought it’s not an elaborate play area it’s clean and has enough equipment so that a playground brawl doesn’t break out over the swings.

Because the traffic can be unbearable at times not a lot of front yard dwellers are in the area, but the houses are all well kept and the noise of a busy street isn’t causing a lot of for-sale signs to pop up in yards. This area is really close to the Ballard neighborhood so a lot of eateries and shops are close by, but the Whittier Heights Neighborhood isn’t without its restaurants, the Original Pancake House is in the area and it’s always a great place to stop by on a weekend morning. If you’re in the mood for a little more of a flair in your meal try Kasbah Authentic Moroccan Restaurant which is the best Moroccan food in all of Seattle.

Depending on the time of day Whittier Heights can be quite and serene or busy and crowded, but either busy or slow it’s a great neighborhood in Seattle that provides ample opportunities for recreation and play. Loyal Heights Playground is usually bursting with moms with their little ones and even thought it’s not an elaborate play area it’s clean and has enough equipment so that a playground brawl doesn’t break out over the swings.

Because the traffic can be unbearable at times not a lot of front yard dwellers are in the area, but the houses are all well kept and the noise of a busy street isn’t causing a lot of for-sale signs to pop up in yards. This area is really close to the Ballard neighborhood so a lot of eateries and shops are close by, but the Whittier Heights Neighborhood isn’t without its restaurants, the Original Pancake House is in the area and it’s always a great place to stop by on a weekend morning. If you’re in the mood for a little more of a flair in your meal try Kasbah Authentic Moroccan Restaurant which is the best Moroccan food in all of Seattle.

Making the southward turn on Holman Road gives way to 15th Avenue NW, ushering in the Whittier Heights' neighborhood. It's 24 blocks long, from 85th Street to around 61st Street and 16 blocks wide (at it's widest point), from 24th Avenue NW to 8th Avenue NW. It is dissected by several arterials, including 15th Avenue NW, NW 65th Street, NW 80th Street, 24th Avenue NW and 8th Avenue NW.

The community is sandwiched between the Loyal Heights and Greenwood neighborhoods, providing a vital connection between Northern Seattle and Ballard. In fact, the Ballard High School (www.ballardbeavers.org) is located within Whittier on NW 65th Street and 15th Avenue NW. We were part of a community that met in this high school for a couple of years, enjoying the modern amenities and location on a vibrant intersection.

Eating establishments are not hard to find, with many along 15th Avenue, including Lunchbox Laboratory (www.lunchboxlaboratory.com) and the Original Pancake House (www.originalpancakehouse.com). Our kids never leave hungry from the Pancake House, and the tables are very ideal for families with small kids. A few other dining options can also be found along 80th and 85th Avenues, like Wild Mountain Cafe (www.wildmtncafe.com). A smattering of others emerge on side streets, such as Delancey (www.delanceyseattle.com) on NW 70th Street. There are several bars and taverns, like the Waterwheel Tavern (www.thewaterwheellounge.com).

Open recreation areas are limited in Whittier Heights, but Salmon Bay Park (http://bit.ly/dkn4YJ) does provide some space to play and an area for kids. Loyal Heights Playground (http://bit.ly/c10dA8) includes a few more amenities, and a community center. However, it is technically in the hands of the Loyal Heights neighborhood.

Apart from the traffic-laden streets, substantial residences are buffeted between for a semi-serene existence. A friend of ours lives in the area, and his house and property did not feel "encroached" upon by the commuter volumes a few streets away.

Access to Interstate 5 is a bit long from here, but not as challenging as from parts of Ballard. Easy access to Magnolia, Queen Anne and even the city center via 15th Avenue make Whittier desirable for single young professionals, couples and even small families.

Whittier Heights, near the Ballard area of Seattle, is bounded by some of the city's most desirable neighborhoods, including Sunset Hill directly to the West. The neighborhood boundaries are roughly 8th Avenue NW on the east side and 15th Avenue NW on the west side, and from NW 65th Street to NW 85th Street.

Many homes in Whittier Heights date to before World War II and boast distinctive architectural features and well-kept yards. This mostly residential neighborhood is quiet, though shopping and business areas are within easy access. Although there has been a recent string of burglaries, leading some residents to worry that their neighborhood is heading for trouble, in general Whittier Heights is one of the safer areas of the city. Although 15th Avenue NW has never felt very comfortable for pedestrians, work is currently ongoing to make this street friendlier and greener.

Whittier Heights is home to an excellent elementary school, Whittier Elementary School, as well as Baker Park. Both of these factors makes this neighborhood a great choice for those with young children. Although some lament that Whittier Heights does not have a distinct personality, and lacks an active nightlife, it is ideal for those who are looking for easy access to downtown Seattle but don't want to live in the heart of the city.