MichelleJ

Delridge is an interesting street. There are parts where it seems very solidly suburban and safe, and then just a few blocks later there will be an abandoned building or questionable looking business. I think this area is going through a transformation of sorts and there are still some rough patches. On the up side, there is a dedicated neighborhood association working to on area improvements so it really says something that the residents care about what is going on. There is also some new construction and new businesses going in including a lovely library and health care facilities. The community center is nice, and they are in the process of securing funds for a new playground. If you choose right you can have a relatively affordable place to live (by Seattle standards) in this area and good bus service, but I would probably avoid living right on Delridge itself if possible...

I've a good friend who lives on Thistle and I have to say that the area has changed a lot in the last few years. Many of the homes have been refurbished, or at least are being well taken care of which was not the case in the past. The increase in home values in Seattle, and the new West Wood Village shopping center area have had a positive impact on this street. This is a great place for families, especially first time home buyers or retirees looking to still live in Seattle but have a more affordable mortgage. Most of the yards are large with mature tress. My impression is that it is a friendly place and that the folks living here are all quite please with the changes going on in their neighborhood. There is a bit of traffic on this street, but its not bad compared to some of the other streets in the area. Overall, a very nice place to call home.

This is a major arterial running north/south in West Seattle. As such, there is a lot (and I do mean a lot) of traffic running up and down this street. It is unfortunate because there are so many adorable houses on 35th (adorable if you like older, quirky homes.) Recently police have begun monitoring traffic on this street to stop speeders, and there have been a few cameras installed at busier intersections to try and help calm traffic. Personally, I would probably opt for a house a few blocks in to try and buffer some of the traffic noise. There are some positives to 35th such as the mature trees, wide sidewalks, and easy access to the lovely Camp Long park. But I would worry about having kids or pets live right on this street. The amount of cars and the speeds some people travel would make me nervous!

Alaska Way in West Seattle is a pretty busy thoroughfare, but it puts you right in the heart of what is going on in West Seattle. Alaska is part of the West Seattle Junction (the intersection of Alaska and California) which is the main shopping district in the area. Here you will find a wide range of restaurants and shopping to keep you happy. There is everything from take out to nice sit down eats, designer boutiques to second hand stores. Traffic can be an issue, especially close to the Junction but it is a small price to pay for the great vibe of this area. Alaska is probably best for singles or couples, but there are pockets that have nice single family homes with great yards, still in close proximity to the action, that would be awesome for families. This a great place to live if you are trying not to drive as much...many places to walk to, great bus access. Overall, a really fantastic place to be!

Harbor is pretty industrial...there are more condos and apartments going in due to its proximity to Alki beach, but overall this is still a little rough around the edges. While the water is close by, there are not too many views from most of Harbor due to industry having built on the water side of the street. However, if you have a bike, or like to walk, you can get to some pretty nice places such as Alki Ave (and beach) and Luna Park (home to the delicious Luna Park Cafe.) Downside is that not only do you catch traffic heading to Alki but also industrial traffic as well. Developers are probably trying to sell condos on Harbor as being on Alki and/or having views. For my money I think there are probably other options. If you commute downtown or take the bus this area does offer you easy access to bus lines, a park and ride, and the West Seattle Bridge.

Fauntleroy is a main arterial in West Seattle and sustains a lot of traffic. While there are many residences on this street, both single and multi-family, I don't think this is a street I would choose to live on. Many people in West Seattle use this as their prime way to get off the peninsula and to the major freeways. It is also the primary way to get to ferry service. When the ferry lets off the increase in traffic is noticeable all along Fauntleroy. There is a major repaving project going on that is supposed to help calm traffic and provide more safe space for cyclists. It remains to be seen if this will really help. There are some positives such as access to buses and shopping/amenities so it is probably not a bad place if you rely on bus service to get around. You can pick up the express here to downtown. Definitely more of a street for single apartment dwellers and first time condo buyers.

Bonair is a tiny little street that comes right off of Alki Ave SW. It is mostly apartments and condos, some the worse for wear. While the places right on Alki are pretty swanky Bonair is still home to some less nice (and therfore affordable) places to live that still have you just about a block off the beach. Parking is definitely an issue, and many people try and use Bonair as away to cut up the hill and/or as a place to park when Alki Ave gets jammed with traffic. Since the street is narrow this can become an issue on busy summer days. But if you can deal with all of that it is a really good street to live on if want to be close to the beach and can't afford something right on Alki. Being a block off Alki also gives you a bit more privacy (although not much!) This would be a good place for young singles, but hard for families.

Alki Ave SW is truly one of the most beautiful streets in all of Seattle. Clinging to the curves of Elliot Bay, Alki Ave SW provides amazing views of both downtown and the Puget Sound. The vibe is definitely a seaside or beach neighborhood so you can expect things to get crowded on nice sunny days. There are a few original homes scattered along Alki but most of the housing is now apartments and condos taking in the million dollar views. There is a nice stretch of beach and many bars and restaurants to choose from. A walking and biking path along the water is an added bonus. There are a few downsides though (speaking from experience here...) The traffic on nice days can be frustrating if you are just trying to get home with a few groceries. Parking can also be tough so be sure you get a place that offers residents parking (your poor guests so plan on walking a ways or taking public transportation!) During the summer months there tends to be a spike in crime due to the spike in the number of people in the area. Nothing you don't see in other similar areas, but worth noting.

This street in Renton is populated mostly with condos and apartments. Back in the day they were just average quality, but they have definitely gotten nicer as Renton has become a more desirable place to live. Eagle Ridge Drive is pretty quiet as it doesn't really lead anywhere but into the neighborhood i.e. it's not a short cut or through-way to any other location. There are some nice trees and views from this street and you can walk to some neighborhood parks--it's hilly so you will definitely get your exercise! Most other amenities you will have to drive to, but they are not far. I would not say this is a neighborly place to live...when I lived there most people kept to themselves, but there were few problem neighbors and overall things were very quiet and peaceful. This street also provides easy access to both highway 167 and the 405 and so its a pretty good stop to live if you commute. Bus access is spotty, but that is not just a problem with Eagle Ridge but with most of Renton.

SW Genesee Street has many nice qualities, but it also offers a quite a bit of traffic noise. In general, the street is green and the homes well cared for. There are many condo buildings and apartments mixed in along with the houses. Genesee starting at Fauntleroy and climbing to California is often used as a short cut to the West Seattle Junction (shopping area) so there is always quite a bit of traffic heading up and down the street. Unfortunately many people do not adhere to the speed limit--when I lived there I used to hear people bottoming out at the bottom of our hill frequently. I would hesitate to have an outdoor kitty living on certain parts of this street! The surrounding area is nice and you can walk to many amenities. Overall, I would say this is a pretty good street to start on if you are looking to move into the area and can handle a bit of traffic noise.

45th Ave SW is a nice quiet tree lined street that runs through West Seattle. It is generally quiet with mostly local traffic and excellent access to buses heading downtown. This was a very friendly street with lots of interaction with neighbors including a strong neighborhood watch program. There are many young families here and always people out jogging and/or walking dogs. The area right around 45th Ave SW (especially in the Morgan Junction) is experiencing pretty rapid growth with lots of condos and new development. While this is likely to bring more traffic, it is also bringing more services including a new park, a new pizza joint, and a new pub. This neighborhood really has a nice vibe to it, and 45th Ave SW is definitely a nice place to be. It was out "starter" neighborhood and even though we have moved on we really miss it!

38th Ave SW is a great street to live on, especially if you like to walk to shopping and food! 38th Ave SW runs parallel to California Ave in the heart of West Seattle so you are never more than a few blocks away from great restaurants and shopping. The area is very walkable with wide sidewalks and minimal traffic. At the same time there is very easy access to major bus lines, including the express that takes you straight downtown. So, it is also a great street to live on if you work downtown. Most of the houses are in excellent condition and the area shows pride of ownership. Big yards and tree lined streets make this a nice place to walk with kids. You will run into lots of other parents and everyone is likely to say hello! A few major arterials cross 38th and if you live near one of those you may get a bit more traffic, but in general the street experiences mostly local traffic.