SeaJen

Although this is generally a residential street, there are a few little businesses on NW 170th, including the best little hidden-gem of a bar/restaurant I've found. I call it the Dog Bar, not because that's its name, which I can never remember, but because the sign has a cutout of a dog howling at the moon. It sits on the south side of NW 170th just off of 15th Ave NW. The food has been incredibly good every time I've been, and the cocktails are superb. The atmosphere is friendly and has a neighborhood feel, like they should know your name, even if you're not a regular. The street is remarkably quiet for sharing space between small businesses and residential homes. There is a ton of on-street parking, making maneuvering around oncoming traffic less than fun, but you can usually find parking within the same block you live (or are visiting).

Residents are close to downtown Ballard, where there are more great restaurants and quaint little shops. 15th runs all the way to downtown Seattle, though morning and afternoon rush hour cause so much congestion, its definitely worth using the public transportation system, which runs right down 15th. Homes in this area seem unusually high for being as far as it is from the city, but northern neighborhoods tend to have higher housing costs than those in the south end of King County.

Ballard High School is only a couple of blocks away, and a very large childcare facility with sports areas and a playground is right across 15th NW. The street also runs right into Salmon Bay Park on the east side of 15th Ave NW, a great place for kids and adults to play or relax.

Being in a heavily populated neighborhood, the area isn't that quiet, but it does calm down a bit the further you get from 15th Ave in either direction. Most of the blocks along NW 170th are nicely treed, though there are some that seem a little desolate in relation to surrounding areas. Overall, it's a relatively safe area, mostly quiet, and a pretty good place to raise a family.

This is a fantastic residential road that curves through the trees, offering each home its own little patch of seclusion. Turning briefly into East Alder, the road ends at the marina on Lake Washington, giving homeowners with boats quick access to water sports and leisure within walking distance.

The street offers almost direct access to downtown Seattle, and the Seattle Metro travels right down the road so residents don't have to battle city traffic and parking. Three of Seattle's best medical centers, Swedish, Harborview and Virginia Mason, are just on the other side of Cherry Hill providing some of the best medical care in the country. There are also several elementary and high schools in the area, not to mention Seattle Central Community College and Seattle University all within about five minutes.

Capitol Hill lies just to the northwest of this street, providing outstanding nightlife, fabulous restaurants and quaint boutiques and shops. The communities of Cherry Hill, Capitol Hill and Madrona also support several locally-sponsored events for kids, families and adults. There are several parks in the area to enjoy some recreation, sports and playtime for kids of all ages.

East Alder Street off of Lake Washington Blvd. winds through the trees, providing seclusion and peacefulness so you almost forget that there's a big city just over the hill. While there is no swimming in Lake Washington, the views it offers are nice, though I personally prefer sunsets over the water rather than sunrises. There are only a few homes nestled in among the huge trees on East Alder, but they're very well maintained. There's actually a bit of a stretch on the north side of the street that consists solely of huge leafy and evergreen trees, giving that much more of a sense of solitude.

While there are other routes to Lake Washington Blvd from Madrona and Cherry Hill, East Alder does provide one of the nicest drives, so the street can see more than just residential traffic. While it is a curvy road, it still doesn't take that long to drive to downtown, though Seattle Metro does have a few stops on this street, so residents can leave the car at home and not have to battle downtown traffic and parking.

There's a marina at the end of the road for residents with boats, making it a short walk from home to sailing or power boating and water sports.

East Terrace Street runs straight for a few blocks through Madrona before curving among huge leafy trees in quiet, residential neighborhoods. Traffic is minimal, since this is not a thoroughfare, but shops, schools and restaurants are close by for residents. The homes are nice single-family houses, well kept with nice yards and gardens. Being on the east side of Cherry Hill, the neighborhood is slightly protected from weather from Puget Sound, but only slightly. Lake Washington sits to the east of the neighborhood couching these homes between two very large bodies of water, though neither are suitable for swimming.

However, community centers and schools in the area, along with the many parks and playgrounds, offer more than enough family and kid-friendly entertainment and leisure activities. The nearby communities of Capitol Hill, Cherry Hill and Madrona offer local events and attractions for kids, families and adults. Capitol Hill also features some of Seattle's best restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There are many schools in the area ranging from Elementary to High School to Community Colleges and Universities. A few of Seattle's best medical centers, Swedish, Harborview and Virginia Mason, offer top-notch medical care.

Public transportation in the area to downtown Seattle give residents a break from driving and is usually plentiful on the east side of Cherry Hill and Capitol Hill. Though traffic does tend to be quite light in the area, mostly consisting of the people who live there and their visitors, since most of the main tourist attractions exist west in Seattle-proper.

Those unfamiliar with where Interstate 90 begins in Seattle, such as myself, often find it a little difficult getting on the freeway without a little driving around or going out of the way to a known on-ramp. However, I-90 traffic is a quicker way to the east side than the northern alternative, Highway 520. Both include Seattle's famous floating bridges over Lake Washington, and both tend to slow down a bit over the bridges. However, I-90 traffic does tend to recover more quickly than it's northern competitor.

The freeway is newer, wider and better maintained than Hwy 520, and offers Express Lanes, reducing traffic congestion even more. The tunnels under Beacon Hill are well lit and provide a little break from the monotony of freeway travel. There are also carpool lanes to ease traffic that much more during morning and afternoon rush hour.

Interstate 90 is the longest east-west interstate in the country. In Western Washington, it intersects Seattle with Bellevue, Issaquah and all of the beautiful communities in between.

Nestled among the trees that make up Seahurst Park, residents of 15th Place SW enjoy a peaceful solitude, mainly because the street isn't easy to find. A quiet cul-de-sac sprouting off of 16th Ave SW, the only people to ever come to this neighborhood are the people who live there and their visitors. While they do have the ultimate quiet and solidarity, it's a bit of a trek going to the grocery store, driving through the winding roads around the park to get to a main arterial road.

The homes, however, are well taken care of. Lawns and gardens are nicely maintained, and neighbors are generally pretty friendly. The main attraction, of course, would be Seahurst Park, which offers beach access to Puget Sound, acres of trees, and a couple of miles of walking and hiking trails. Of course, even the park is a little inconveniently located for this neighborhood, even though it's so close.

Normally, residents of the area have a pretty quick commute to downtown and the city's highways, but these homeowners need to tack on an extra 5-10 minutes just to get out of the neighborhood. Most find the inconvenience worth it, considering it a good trade-off for the lack of interruption from traffic and strangers.

SW 143rd St runs between two major thoroughfares: Ambaum Blvd. to the west and 1st Street South to the east. This curvy little road sees more traffic than you would expect for a mainly residential street, though there is a church in the middle, restaurants on one end and Fred Meyer on the other.

Although there are some big, old trees along this street, it still feels a bit dry and desolate. Neighbors don't usually interact with one another, but that's not really that uncommon for a big city or its suburbs. Residents in the area have a few local shops and businesses close by, as well as some nearby fast food and family dining establishments. The biggest attraction would be Seahurst Park, just a few blocks west of the street. Offering walking and hiking trails and acres of leafy and evergreen trees, the main draw is the beach access at the end of Seahurst Park Road.

There are a few good schools and other parks in the area for kids, though none within walking distance (or even bike-riding). There are other neighborhoods in the area that may be more conducive to families with smaller children.

A few big pluses for this neighborhood is the proximity of Highway 509, which takes commuters downtown in about 15 minutes, Highway 518, leading to SeaTac Airport and I-5, and the general quiet that makes up this up-and-coming community. Home prices are generally pretty affordable and traffic on the south end of the county are no comparison to the congestion you'll find on the north end.

There are a few nice homes along 14th Ave SW, along with churches and schools, making it a fairly safe and quiet neighborhood. Residents can enjoy the close proximity of Seahurst Park, which offers beach access, walking and hiking trails and a great spot for scuba divers. The street is also fairly close to highways 509 and 518 which lead to downtown Seattle (15 minutes) and SeaTac Airport (10 minutes) respectively.

The neighborhoods share the greenery of most Seattle streets, with large trees growing around the homes and lining the roads. Houses are very well maintained and neighbors are friendly in this area. The street is very safe for kids to play, with very little traffic, except on Sundays. The speed limit in the school zone keeps drivers slow, offering more of that safety feeling for parents.

There are a few other parks close by, as well as Burien Lake, though access is generally restricted to the homes surrounding the lake. But why play in the lake when the ocean is so close by?

Single-family residences dot both sides of 13th Ave SW, which winds around to the entrance to Seahurst Park, one of Burien's best parks. The street is very green and lush, and the homes have fairly well manicured lawns and gardens. The area is very quiet, even though it is the only entrance to the park.

Residents aren't far from Highways 509 and 518 which lead to downtown Seattle and the SeaTac Airport, respectively. Nearby Ambaum Blvd. provides a relatively quick route to West Seattle, where one can enjoy the more populated Alki Beach. Though with the same amenities at Seahurst Park, why they'd bother is not so clear.

Homes in the area are fairly reasonably priced, for the proximity they have to the city and major interstates. There are a few schools in the area for families with children, and public transportation on Ambaum Blvd. is plentiful, though it typically adds another 15 minutes to one's commute into the city.

Giving you a bit of a Stepford feeling, the stretch of 12th Ave. SW between SW 136th and SW 139th is lined with identical white, block apartment buildings. They aren't necessarily too close together, but sort of look like they were constructed in a haphazard fashion, giving kids ample room to play in the grassy "yards" in between the buildings. Although there are plenty of parking lots within the complexes, residents and their visitors park on the street, though it's wide enough that it isn't a bother driving through. The kids on their bikes, on the other hand, are something to watch out for.

The neighborhood is far enough away from the main thoroughfare, Ambaum Way, that it doesn't get much of the traffic noise. There are some suburb-like businesses and shops nearby like you would expect in most areas just outside of the city.

Aside from the whole Stepfordesque quality of the street, the neighbors are actually very nice and watch out for each other and their kids. Chelsea Park, on the east side of Ambaum, a couple of blocks from the Stepford Apartments (no, that's not what they're called) provides a place for families to get away from home to play without having to go too far.

Although it's nestled between a greenbelt and Hilltop Park, South 126th Street is a bit run down and desolate. The homes are adequate, but nothing really great. Most have a tree or two in the front or back yards, but the street isn't what you'd call "green". Hilltop Park is a bit scary, too, and is supposed to be shut down due to the drug deals known to go down there.

On the plus side, North SeaTac park is only a block away on S. 128th Street and provides a great playground for kids, terrific walking trails winding through a few acres of trees and sports fields for baseball, soccer, tennis and basketball. The street is also close to the Boulevard Park branch of the King County Library, which is a nice branch because it's seldom used and very quiet.

The neighborhoods on S. 126th Street between 20th and 24th Avenues are generally quiet, but the area is still trying to pull itself out of a crime-laden reputation and sirens can often be heard periodically day or night. Cell reception is spotty in the area, though improving. Residents do have quick access to Hwy 509 that leads to downtown Seattle in about 15 minutes, and traffic is generally not that bad, compared to other neighborhoods surrounding the city.

22nd Avenue, on the western border of Madrona is one of the greenest streets I've ever driven down. The huge leafy trees provide a canopy over the entire street, making you feel tucked into a secret part of the city. The houses along the street are pretty little single-resident homes. The street is a block west of a main arterial, so it sees very little traffic. Garfield High School and Garfield Community Center are close by for kids and adults to play and enjoy some sports and leisure recreation. There are a few really beautiful apartment buildings and some out-of-the-way restaurants that serve up some delicious international cuisine. More shops and restaurants can be found on 23rd Ave and some of Seattle's best are a few blocks away on Broadway, on Capitol Hill. The neighborhood is very quiet and the people are friendly. Bordering Capitol Hill and Cherry Hill, Madrona often enjoys the community-sponsored events in the area. I would recommend this street for families, since there are several good schools in the area, not to mention the plethora of public parks and playfields.

Sandwiched between Seattle Central Community College and Cal Anderson Park, Nagle Place is used primarily for on-street parking for students. This short three-block street provides back-door access to the school and a wide-open entrance to a terrific park for lounging, picnics or playing in between classes. There are a few homes just northeast of Nagle Place, but none on the street. Nagle Place is one block east of Broadway, where one can find some fantastic restaurants and shops, boutique grocers and some of Seattle's best bars and clubs.

Cal Anderson Park has some nice walking paths and a few sports fields for students and nearby residents to enjoy. The street, itself, is less treed that most in Seattle, though it does have a few on the park side of the road. Mostly pedestrian, the street generally only sees traffic when students are coming in to park for class, so it's a generally safe place to walk around.

The place I used to live on E. Roy Street was surrounded by green, leafy trees making it feel more like a residential street than it really was. Broadway curves and becomes East Roy, which then heads east. That section is dotted with beautiful apartment buildings that have more of a homey feel and ends at a park just north of Lowell Elementary School. To the west, there are coffee houses and shops within walking distance, not to mention the fabulous nighttime spots along Broadway. Capitol Hill is one of the more popular neighborhoods in Seattle, so rent and housing prices are a little high, but worth it considering the location and terrific restaurants, shopping and schools nearby. The part I liked best about living here were all of the trees along the street, making you feel secluded from the drastic difference you find a block away. The biggest negative was the lack of parking, since many residences don't have enough garage or lot parking for tenants. But public transportation is so close and gets you downtown within a matter of minutes. I always felt safe at night in my neighborhood, though it may get a little loud at times with nighttime revelers coming home from their excursions at one of the many Broadway clubs.

East Jefferson Street does have some lovely homes east of Cherry Hill, though there are several blocks just outside of Seattle to the east of I-5 that are dominated by Harborview Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle University and Garfield High School. Once you get past the schools and hospitals, the neighborhoods turn more residential and border the Powell-Barnett Park. This is a great park for kids and adults! Even if you don't live in the area, it's worth visiting. There's a large playground for kids, terrific walking trails, open fields and a basketball court. The park is bordered on the east side of the block by houses, but there is a greenbelt separating the park from the neighborhood. There is a great feeling of community and safety in the area. A couple of blocks west of the Powell-Barnett Park is the Garfield Community Center which has more for kids and adults, including a public pool, tennis courts and three baseball fields.

James Street turns into E. Cherry at the east side of downtown Seattle. The street runs through the Seattle University campus and just to the north of Swedish Medical Center's Cherry Hill campus. A few blocks away, the street borders Garfield High School and is about three blocks south of Madrona Elementary School. Suffice it to say, the neighborhood is a great place for families with kids. It even offers several parks, playfields and the large Madrona Park on Lake Washington for kids, adults and families.

Within a few block radius on either side, residents can often find shops, grocery stores, restaurants and little out-of-the-way diners and pubs. The neighborhoods between the colleges and Lake Washington are fairly quiet, pretty safe and quite green. People can typically feel safe walking around after dark.

Just a block north of Seattle University, Garfield High School and a Swedish Medical Center Campus, E. Columbia offers residents direct access to these as well as downtown Seattle to the west and the sprawling Madrona Park on Lake Washington to the east. The homes are mostly single-family residences, though you can find some rentals and apartment buildings blending into the scenery. Trees line the road, like most Seattle streets, and give shade from the sun in the summer and protection from the rain year-round! Several schools, including elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools, are close by for families with children. Parks and playfields are also no more than a block away for kids to play.

Capitol Hill shops and restaurants offer some of the city's best cuisine and boutique fare. The neighborhood has a sense of community, and often sponsors local events and activities.

East Marion Street takes a little southerly jog between 20th and 30th Avenues, but runs east-west over Capitol Hill and into Madrona. The street does provide direct access to downtown Seattle, but residents don't have the "big city" feel in these quiet neighborhoods. The greenery along E. Marion offers some nice natural beauty and the homes are pretty and well maintained, for the most part. Several schools in the area, including the Madrona Elementary School and Garfield High School offer families close access and increased safety for their kids. Several parks, playfields and the large Madrona Park on Lake Union are great for family fun and activities. The entire Capitol Hill area as well as Madrona offer a sense of community, and the neighborhoods often sponsor local events for families, adults and students of the nearby Seattle University.

Home prices in this popular neighborhood may be a bit high, though it's often possible to find rental homes in the area. Nearby shops and restaurants make this self-contained neighborhood a great choice to live.

From Seattle University to the sprawling Madrona Park on Lake Washington, East Spring caters mostly to students and young families. The schools and playfields in the Madrona neighborhood offer peace and quiet with some nice homes. Mostly rentals, considering the proximity of the college, it's a great place to raise children. There are also some fairly large homes that are useful for multi-student off-campus housing. Nearby restaurants, shops and grocery stores provide several amenities and activities for adults, too.

Capitol Hill is one of the most popular downtown neighborhoods in Seattle, so buying a home could be a little expensive. The area boasts some great nighttime activities and clubs, and the Capitol Hill community sponsors several family and not-so-family oriented events throughout the year.

Closer to Madrona, the street gets even greener with huge trees sprouting on both sides of the road. Between the two, the street is broken by a very large residential community.

East Union Street is one of the main thoroughfares that intersect downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill and Madrona. The homes are fairly nice, the neighborhoods are friendly in a "community" sense and there are a few schools, grocery stores, businesses and restaurants along the way. Seattle is a very pedestrian-friendly city, and those walking along E. Union take full advantage, not letting drivers get away with not yielding to them. Speed limits along this street are typically pretty slow because of the pedestrian traffic and may cause some congestion throughout the day.

The Madrona Elementary School and Madrona Playground make for great places to let kids play close to home. Being so close to Capitol Hill, one of the most popular residential neighborhoods in Seattle, home prices can be a bit high, but the neighborhoods are generally quiet and friendly. The street winds around to Lake Union, which doesn't have beach access per se, but does offer some nice views of the lake from the large Madrona Park.

Capitol Hill, in general, is one of the few remaining "community neighborhoods" in the city. And Broadway Ave. is the meeting place for most neighborhood events. They even have a web site, www.capitolhillseattle.com" to let residents and visitors know of upcoming events and activities as well as public service announcements. The population on the street ranges from students to business professionals to outrageous. For people-watching, this is the street to beat. The restaurants are mostly open air making it more of an interactive dining experience. The shops range from quaint to alternative. And the clubs are some of the best in the city. Capitol Hill, in general, is a little on the pricey side to live, but people that do live there wouldn't live anywhere else.

Just south of Hwy 520, East Miller Street is a short 3-block neighborhood with single-family homes and little restaurants and businesses. The street dead-ends at Seattle Preparatory School at the north end of Interlaken Park. Residents can enjoy Interlaken Park, Volunteer Park and Washington Park Arboretum, all within a few blocks. East Miller includes Seattle's own Pagliacci Pizza and Cafe Dharwin, as well as a medical clinic. A few blocks east, adults can play golf at the Broadmoore Golf Club. Access to I-5 and downtown is convenient, though commuters may suffer some traffic congestion during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Housing prices, like most on the north end of Capitol Hill, are pretty high, though the recent housing crisis has brought costs down to an almost-affordable level. The neighborhood does have more highway noise due to I-5 and Hwy 520 than most of the surrounding neighborhoods. Houses in the area range from huge and beautiful to nice, single-family residences.

East Lynn Street dead-ends on both ends by Interstate 5 to the west and Interlaken Park to the east. A predominently residential neighborhood, residents enjoy short trips to downtown, Lake Union and I-5. Several large parks in the area also provide kids and adults with recreational and leisure areas, including Interlaken Park, Volunteer Park and Washinton Park Arboretum. Adults can also enjoy Broadmoor Golf Club just east of Interlaken Park. The highway traffic may be a little distracting for those living close to I-5, but the noise dies down the further east you go. Houses are nice, though pretty expensive. A trip to downtown takes less than 10 minutes, unless your traveling during morning or afternoon rush hours, which may see quite a bit of traffic congestion. The parks are the major draw for families moving into the area, but the proximity to the highway and downtown are pretty nice perks, as well.

The north-south busy 15th Ave. East turns west into East Boston Street at the northwest section of Interlaken Park. Several large, quite expensive homes can be found in the area. The street is one of the main arterials in the neighborhood, branching off into smaller residential side streets. The entire area is very green and well manicured, providing a quiet, peaceful area just north of downtown Seattle. Aside from Interlaken Park, residents on E. Boston St. also enjoy the close proximity of the popular Volunteer Park and Washington Park Arboretum, as well as the Broadmoor Golf Club. They also have a short trip into downtown Seattle and quick access to I-5, though morning and afternoone rush hours may provide a bit of traffic congestion. The area is a great place to live and raise a family with so much greenery and natural beauty surrounding all of these neighborhoods.

Situated between Lake Union to the west and Lake Washington to the east, the neighborhoods in this area are generally quiet and reserved. Offering three huge parks; Interlaken, Volunteer and Washington Park Arboretum; residents with kids couldn't ask for a greener, more recreational area to raise a family. The Broadmoor Golf Club offers great recreation for adults, too. Like many of the streets in this area, East Newton Street consists of a leg between I-5 and Interlaken Park, then picks up again along the northeast corner of the park. Neighborhoods are quiet and green, though commuters may suffer some traffic congestion during morning and afternoon rush hours. A non-rush-hour trip to downtown is usually less than 10 minutes. Surrounding streets offer some great out-of-the-way pubs, restaurants and shops. Housing prices can get expensive, but the recent crisis has brought many down to almost-affordable levels.

East Howe Street runs from I-5 for three blocks, picks up for a block on the other side of Lake View Cemetary, and includes a residential section north of Interlaken Park. All of the sections of this street are very green and mostly peaceful, though there are some areas close to the interstate that get some of the traffic noise those further east don't have to suffer with. There are three huge parks in the area, Interlake Park, Volunteer Park and the Washington Park Arboretum, that provide excellent areas for kids and adults. Broadmoor Golf Club sits just east of the arboretum. Housing costs can be a little high for the homes on this little hill, and commuter traffic during morning and afternoon rush hours can get a little congested. The area is a nice place to live, right between Lake Union and Lake Washington. It's safe, clean, quiet and very green. A terrific place to raise a family and get away from the city, but keep it close by.

East Blaine Street is a broken up street that runs east-west in the Eastlake section of the city. Single-family homes line the road with lots of large, green trees. The sections of East Blaine Street run around Interlaken Park, as well as Lake View Cemetary. Volunteer Park is just a couple of blocks south, and east side residents can walk to the Broadmoor Golf Club and Washington Park Arboretum. Access to the interstate and local-access roads provide a short distance to downtown Seattle, though they can get a bit congested during morning and afternoon rush hours. Surrounding streets offer some great pubs, restaurants and shops for locals and the parks make great places to take the kids out to play. Housing prices can get a little extravagant, though the recent bubble did bring them down a bit. Neighbors are friendly and enjoy the solitude of the area on the hill, as well as the natural beauty that surrounds them.

East Garfield Street is a short 4-block stretch of residential homes at the south end of Interlaken Park, just a few blocks from the popular Volunteer Park. Housing prices have gone down, though the area sports some pretty high costs for homes. Bordered on the west by Lakeview Cemetary, the neighborhood is quite green and very quiet. A short distance from the Broadmoore Golf Club and Washington Park Arboretum, residents have plenty of natural beauty and entertainment within a short distance. The proximity to the interstate and downtown Seattle offers convenience for commuters, though traffic to and from both can get a bit busy during rush hour. Surrounding streets offer some nice, little out-of-the-way pubs and restaurants and a few little boutique shops.

East Highland Drive and the surrounding streets are heavily populated with single-family homes. The area used to be ridiculously expensive, considering all it was was a residential neighborhood, but the homes on the hill have dropped significantly in recent years (like so many others). People tend their houses, yards and gardens well, though you may find an overgrown house here and there.

The street runs directly into Volunteer Park on the west side, providing a great, very green play area for kids and adults. A couple of blocks north offers another large park, Interlaken Park. And the Broadmoor Golf Club sits to the east. Near the golf course lies the Washington Park Arboretum, where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the outdoor beauty of large native trees, flowers and plants alongside seemingly endless walking paths.

Occidental Park lies just on the other side of Pioneer Square, Seattle's old town. The buildings and architecture in this area are incredible and the outdoor structures and art provide downtown with some beautiful sights. Occidental Park sits between Washington and Main streets, offering a wide open area to walk, tables to sit, restaurants to eat and a varied array of shops up and down Pioneer Square. The park is also at the beginning of the Seattle Art Walk, a stretch of art galleries in the downtown area. Commonly used by both downtown workers and transients, the park can be a little intimidating after the sun goes down. Generally, there are plenty of people enjoying the night life offered by the restaurants, bars and clubs in Pioneer Square, though few are in Occidental Park, making it a little less populated than the surrounding streets. On-street parking is available, though prime real estate at all hours. For the architecture and layout of the park, it is very enjoyable. But the unsafe feeling does present a drawback.

Sunset Park is actually just an extension of North Seatac Park, separated only by South 136th Street. Both parks are popular for local residents and offer a kid's playground, tennis courts, dirt pike courses, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a frisbee disc course, picnic tables and incredible paved walking paths throughout the park. Conveniently located just off of Hwy 509, both parks offer adequate parking. The park is frequently used by sports leagues/teams and local families, though the surrounding neighborhoods may be a bit of a deterrent due to the questionable crime rates. There are no surrounding shops or businesses, the park being its own draw, but it does provide a great place to play and take your kids, or enjoy a nice walk through the dense forests that grow throughout the park.

Laurelhurst Park is just east of the U-District (University of Washington) and provides a great place for local residents to take their kids and enjoy the area. Offering a couple of baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a large play field, playground and the Laurelhurst Community Center, the park has something to offer everyone. For the most part, the park is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, though the Seattle Children's Hospital and Laurelhurst Elementary School sit to the north end. The park doesn't offer much parking, but the lot can be found at the south side off of NE 41st St.

Laurelhurst Park is a terrific spot for local residents to enjoy the outdoors, play and take their kids. It provides the huge trees and foliage that Seattle is known for, and offers a relaxing place to take a break close to home.

Denny Park sits at the north end of downtown Seattle. This little one-block park provides downtown workers a respite from the city. Downtown is already a pretty green area, but the park offers huge shade trees and short little walking paths for relaxation and solitude. The park is home to quite a few transients, but is considered relatively safe. The east side sports and open field and a basketball court for exercise buffs. Several travel motels surround the park, giving visitors and tourists a nice area to get out of the city while staying in the city. Within the free-ride area, downtown workers can hop a bus and take a 3-minute free ride to the park during their lunch break to get away from the monotony of the city. A few restaurants can be found in the area, providing lunch or a snack to enjoy in the park. There is no parking aside for pay-to-park lots and surrounding businesses, but it's a great place to enjoy if you're already downtown.

Alki is Seattle's most popular beach and offers everything a "beach town" could offer. Some terrific restaurants across the street include Duke's Chowderhouse, Sunfish and the Alki Bakery. There are a few little shops for clothing, kites and beach fare, and several quaint little beach houses leading up to the beach.

You can often see beach volleyball and frisbee games, scuba divers at the Junkyard, and sunbathers lining the beach on any given sunny day. The bike trail stretches all the way around the point and down Harbor Avenue where walkers, runners, bicyclists and rollerbladers take in the views of Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the most stunning view of the Seattle skyline than you'll find anywhere else. Traffic along Alki Avenue is regulated to 20mpg, and the area is very pedestrian-friendly.

Marymoor Park hosts some terrific events, such as the Jazz Festival and Cirque du Soleil, plus provides quite a few sports fields for baseball and soccer. The park is quite large and has several private areas for picnicing or family get-togethers. There is a rock climbing wall set up for the adventurous and play areas for the kids, as well as covered pavilions for sheltered gatherings. The park sits at the north end of Lake Washington, though there are no roads or parking close to the lake, so it's quite a hike to get there. The park is pretty conveniently located for west-siders to visit, just off of Hwy 520, though traffic in and out of the park during events can be a bit of a nightmare. There are, of course, many large trees and foliage, but quite a few open areas for playing and enjoying the sunshine (when we get it). Just outside the park, the city of Redmond offers some of the greenest neighborhoods in the city with some terrific restaurants and shops.

Seattle Center is what Seattle is known for. Home of the Space Needle, the large intercity park offers so much in terms of entertainment, culture and relaxation. There are a few theatres, such as Intiman Theatre and McCaw Hall for plays and shows performed by local and traveling acting companies as well as the Pacific Northwest Ballet Company. Key Arena hosts concerts, sports and other events. The main building includes the Seattle Children's Museum and, across the way, the Seattle Children's Theatre. There's a football field and an amusement park with rides for the kids. The EMP (Experience Music Project) sits on the east side along 5th Avenue. Though the outside of the building is incredibly ugly, the inside offers interactive fun and a pretty nice bar. On the south side of Seattle Center, the Pacific Science Center and IMAX Theatre shows off some amazing and educational displays that change periodically throughout the year. In the center of Seattle Center, the large International Fountain sits in the middle of an outdoor area where you can sit and relax, listening to the music that plays along with the fountain. Covered walkways protect you from the sun and rain, and the Seattle Monorail offers a quick, inexpensive trip down 5th Avenue to Westlake Center's shopping downtown. There is so much local art around the center to look at and appreciate, as well as the green natural beauty that Seattle is famous for. And, of course, the Space Needle towers above it all, offering Seattlites and tourists sweeping 360 degree views of the city, mountains, Puget Sound and surrounding islands. (The revolving restaurant, though a novel idea, has historically served up some of Seattle's worst cuisine, so be warned). There are several parking garages around the Center, some on-street parking on the side streets and a very large open parking lot on the east side of 5th Avenue.

I love Carkeek Park. Athough it's quite popular and usually pretty busy, the sheer size of the park ensures that you're going to have plenty of room to enjoy it. Families have picnics and reunions at the park, couples get married at this park, and there is absolutely no negative side to it. The walking and hiking trails seem to stretch forever through the incredible trees and foliage around the area. There is a playground for kids, plenty of parking, huge open fields and amazing views of Puget Sound. There is a covered pavilion with picnic tables underneath, as well as plenty of picnic sites in the open areas.

The entrance to the park winds through some immense trees, and the park has plenty of parking for visitors. Smaller field areas are available on the south side of the main park area for picnicing and playing frisbee with friends. Carkeek Park is about 15 minutes north of downtown Seattle.

Originally a coal plant, Gas Works Park came into existence as a recreation center in the early 60s, just in time for the World Fair that Seattle hosted a few years later. The park sits at the north end of Lake Union and sports a magnificent view of the Seattle skyline across the water. Gas Works Park, itself, hosts many annual festivals and events, making it one of Seattle's most popular parks. It has a large play area for kids, including some of the original piping from the plant, giving the park its character. A huge sundial is one of the central focuses for visitors to the area.

The park has seen its share of crime, however, families don't let that negatively affect their use of it too much. The lush green of most Seattle parks isn't that evident at Gas Works, either. Consisting mostly of a single rolling hill, the park is basically a large yard for kids and families to play. There is no access to the lake, since it has been deemed toxic and uninhabitable by people. There is a pretty good sized parking lot for visitors, and a rather interesting array of walking trails throughout the west side of the park.

Three Tree Point first drew me in for the terrific scuba diving locations. It's not that hard to get to, though the public beach accesses are limited. And, I suppose, for good reason. The residents of this neighborhood enjoy outstanding views of South Puget Sound and paid dearly to get it. Homes and lots in this area are huge and quite expensive. A line of them sit right on the beach, separated only by a fairly good sized back yard.

Since Three Tree Point isn't on the way to anywhere, as you can imagine, the neighborhoods are very peaceful and quiet. Like most of the Seattle area, trees grow in abundance and are very well kept by the homeowners. Front and back yard gardens are beautiful and provide a splash of color everywhere you look. If you can afford to live on the beach, this is one of the nicest and quietest neighborhoods in the city.

Seahurst Park isn't easy to find. You need to wind around the residential neighborhoods looking for the small park signs leading you to the entrance. But once you find it, you'll fall in love with this park. The long, winding road leading into the park is covered with a canopy of the huge trees that grow along the side and as far as your eye can see. A fairly good sized parking lot accommodates several visitors. You can either exit your car to strike off on one of the many nature trails or head down to the beach for some relaxation on the sand. There are a few parking spots at the beach entrance for those who like to watch the sunsets.

The beach access is a popular place for scuba divers, and there are fairly clean public restrooms near the beach. The park is usually quiet and serene, offering nature-lovers a great place to get out of the city without having to drive very far. There is also a ramp leading to the beach.

East Galer Street, on the east side of Lake Union, isn't a very long residential street, but has one of the most interesting 5-point-star shaped intersections in the city at the south end of Interlaken Park. The homes are relatively nice, single-family houses, and the commute into downtown Seattle takes about 10 minutes. Public transportation runs up the intersecting streets, making it convenient to leave the car at home.

The biggest draw to the area are Interlaken and Volunteer Parks that sandwich E. Galer Street between them, providing nice natural beauty to the area and lots of green. The street ends on the east side at the Broadmoor Golf Club. There's plenty of activities in the area for nature-lovers, not to mention the Seattle Asian Art Museum at the northeast corner of Volunteer Park. There are also a few schools in the immediate area, making this neighborhood a pretty good place to raise a family.

Maybe I'm biased, but I've lived in several areas of this fair city, and Queen Anne is, in my opinion, one of the best places, bar none. With incredible restaurants, quaint shops, unique markets and small local businesses, the neighborhoods are fairly self-contained, providing everything within a short walk. Schools, parks and recreation centers are found in abundance all over Queen Anne, making it one of the most family-friendly areas around. The entire hill is overpopulated with huge, leafy trees and evergreens, providing residents and visitors with a serene, natural beauty unlike you can find in most other places in this city. The proximity of downtown Seattle and the highways are perfect.
5th Ave. West is the last street on the west side that travels through the big, beautiful, old mansions in the southwest corner of Queen Anne. The street itself isn't anything to jump up and down about, but the homes and the views are spectacular. As you get closer to the top of the hill, the houses become more modest single-family homes, but are still nice with quite a bit of charm. Residents of the area enjoy so much, but pay for it. This isn't the cheapest place to live in the city, just the best.

The streets in the southwest corner of Queen Anne can be hit-or-miss, with some less-than-desirable and others just downright awful. That's the street, though. The houses in the area are stunning, and most offer spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline. On the lower half of the south side, the mansions are extravagant and expansive, most with the aforementioned views. As you get closer to the top of the hill, the homes become a little more modest, but are still nice single-family residences. All of the streets in this area are very green, lined with huge canopies of trees and summer gardens. A few of the intersecting streets, such as Galer, provide some nice places for shopping and dining, with a few local businesses and hidden gems for residents. At the top of Queen Anne and the base of the hill, you'll find more outstanding restaurants, shops, markets and entertainment sources. The hill itself is populated with many parks, and includes quite a few schools, making it one of the most family-friendly areas to live in in the city.

1st Ave West parallels Queen Anne Avenue all the way up the hill and down the other side, offering residents some of the city's best restaurants and shops within walking distance. The homes and apartment buildings in the area are surrounded by big leafy trees and evergreens, and many have well tended gardens providing a splash of summer color. There are many schools on Queen Anne, making it one of the most family-friendly communities in the city. There are parks at practically every turn, including the large David-Rogers Park on 1st Ave West on the north face of Queen Anne. The area is known to be very safe, and very community-oriented. Proximity to downtown and highways is all within ten minutes, and public transportation is plentiful enough to get you there so you don't have to navigate the busy Queen Anne Avenue yourself. There are quite a few blind intersections and roundabouts on 1st Ave. West making driving a little slow-going. On-street parking also narrows this already narrow street even more. The homes are nice and well maintained, though quite close together, giving you less privacy than you may want. The area is remarkably green, quiet and the businesses in the area may keep you closer to home most of the time.

Queen Anne has much to offer residents and visitors in the way of dining, shopping, food markets, parks, recreation centers, schools, pubs, playgrounds and incredible views. Most of the streets in the southwest corner of Queen Anne are rough, narrow and are typically clogged with on-street parking. 7th Ave. West is a bit wider, making it easier to navigate and get around, though public transportation is plentiful enough that you can relax on your way to the city during your commute. Starting just north of the expansive, gorgeous mansions that Queen Anne is famous for, the homes along 7th Ave. West are nice, modest single-family homes, some with views, most without. The street turns into a main arterial north of McGraw street all the way to the cemetary on the north face of th hill. There are some little restaurants and shops, like the Macirina Bakery and the Fountainhead Gallery that provide some entertainment for residents. Coe Elementary School and Childcare Center are just over the hill on the north side, giving local kids a large playground and sports courts and fields to play in.

Queen Anne residents on the west/southwest section of the hill have only a few main arterial north-south streets, of which 6th Ave. South is one. A nice wide street, it contrasts the majority of the streets in the area that are two-way streets limited to a single lane, and usually not very well maintained. The houses in the area are big and beautiful, however, making this area one of the most sought-after and expensive in Seattle. This street travels from the southern base of Queen Anne just over the top, ending at the cemetary. Along the way, you encounter gigantic mansions, great out-of-the-way hidden shops, restaurants and pubs, parks, schools, shops, markets and recreation centers. The street, like all of them on Queen Anne, is heavily populated with large, beautiful trees and beautifully tended gardens. As you get closer to the top of the hill, the homes become more modest, but are still very nice. Overall, one of the best places to live and raise a family.

Queen Anne is really my all-time favorite place to live in Seattle. Known for its old, gigantic mansions and amazing views, most neighborhoods still retain that community spirit. There are many restaurants, shops, recreation areas, parks, schools and local businesses to keep the area self-contained, giving it that much more appeal. 2nd Ave. West stops and starts all the way from the bottom of Queen Anne to the top. You can find huge, gorgeous mansions, beautiful single-family homes and some nicely renovated apartment buildings along this hilly street, though the road itself is a sharp contrast to the houses and natural beauty offered with all the huge trees and colorful gardens. One the the most chopped up, beaten, pot-holed streets in this neighborhood, on-street parking narrow this skinny little street even more than it already was, making driving through less than smooth. With it being a two-way road, you're constantly having to pull over to allow an oncoming car pass. The proximity to downtown, the highways and the terrific parks and schools on Queen Anne are almost enough to make you overlook the broken-down street you live on, though.

Queen Anne is best known for its huge mansions and sweeping views, though the closer you get to the top of the hill, the more subdued the neighborhoods become. That's what W. Crocket Street offers, with nice single-family homes on a very green street. The road is a bit narrow, and on-street parking doesn't help things much, but this is a very quiet street where you can relax, raise a family or just enjoy living in one of the best sections of Seattle - Queen Anne. Locals love the little pub, Targy's Tavern, on West Crockett Street, not for the service or the outstanding fare you can get there, but for the peaceful, community feeling at this local watering hole. Like many neighborhoods in the area, people love walking around their streets with the big trees, plentiful parks and terrific community atmosphere. The homes are a bit close together, offering little privacy, but are very well kept and charming.

This kid-friendly neighborhood is jam packed with homes, just on the outskirts of the mansion-laden neighborhood that encompasses the southwest corner of Queen Anne. The houses are still nice, well-kept single-family homes with huge trees, tons of greenery and a great community spirit. West Howe Street is actually broken up by McClure Middle School, the Queen Anne Community Center and the giant Queen Anne Park and Playfield. Residents also have quick access to amazing restaurants, shops, food markets, recreation centers and local businesses, as well as a quick 10-minute commute to downtown Seattle. Public transportation runs only a couple of blocks away, saving you from having to navigate the narrow residential streets. On-street parking narrows the streets further, and blind intersections keep your driving speed pretty low.

West Blaine Street is on the northern section of some of Queen Anne's largest and most beautiful mansions. The closer you get to the top of the hill, the more subdued the homes become - more single-family and less extravagantly-rich family. You still get the benefits of the area in terms of outstanding restaurants, shops, recreation centers and parks, without the obligation of taking a week to clean your house due to the size. Since W. Blaine Street goes through to Queen Anne Ave, residents can enjoy a 10-minute trip to downtown Seattle, plus they're only two blocks away from Galer, a main arterial that provides many bus stops for public transportation. Like most residential streets in the neighborhood, though, the street itself is less-than-desirable and on-street parking narrows the driving capacity to a single lane in some spots. There are several schools in the area, making this a great neighborhood to raise a family. Queen Anne hill is actually one of the best neighborhoods to live if you choose to stay in Seattle.

Unlike most of the east-west streets in the southwest Queen Anne neighborhood, West Lee Street follows the ups and downs of the hill, making it one of the hilliest streets in the area. The houses on this street are gigantic and beautiful, many on the south side with exceptional views of Seattle and Puget Sound. Parks, libraries, shops and restaurants can all be found within walking distance, and a trip into the city takes about 10 minutes, though you're far enough away to avoid the dirty city feel. Quite the opposite on this street, actually, with gigantic canopies of trees and colorful sprays of flower gardens in front of many of the homes. Parts of the area have less-than-desirable streets, with potholes, cobblestones and bad maintenance. A stark contrast to the homes in the area. There are quite a few schools, parks, playgrounds and recreation centers for kids, including the Queen Anne branch of the public library a block away. If you can afford it, this is a terrific area to raise a family, though with the close proximity of the neighbors, doesn't offer much in the way of privacy.

While West Comstock Street is in a very nice area, it's one of the rattiest streets in the neighborhood. With patchy cobblestone to potholed pavement, you're dodging holes in the road as much as you are the cars parked along the street. The houses, like the others in the area, are huge and beautiful, and most have amazing views of the city skyline and Puget Sound. The roads around southwest Queen Anne can be very narrow, and with all of the on-street parking, many are turned into single-lane streets. There are several parks and schools in the area for kids as well as the huge Queen Anne branch of the public library a couple of blocks away. Residents enjoy a 10 minute commute to downtown and public transportation is plentiful, so you can avoid navigating the narrow residential streets. Businesses, restaurants, shops and recreation areas are als plentiful at the top and bottom of Queen Anne hill, including many places you can't find in other parts of the city.

Highland Park and Westview Park typically see residents and visitors enjoying the views from this very green street. The parks, themselves, aren't large, but the views they offer attract people from all over the area. The houses in this neighborhood, like most on the southwest corner of Queen Anne, are gigantic old mansions with tons of charm. The more modern homes stand out next to the beauty and grace of these monoliths of a bygone era. Because the street cuts into the hill, homes on the north end are elevated, giving everyone access to the outstanding views of Puget Sound and the sunsets over the water. The road, itself, needs work, and the on-street parking make driving through a bit of an obstacle course. Residents enjoy the close bus stops and the monorail from Seattle Center to get them into the city. Terrific restaurants and shops at the base of the hill and the top of Queen Anne give the community enough to sustain itself without having to travel far.

West Prospect Street sports a very large playground and park for kids and adults. The houses, like most in the area, are the mansions that Queen Anne is known for, though the homes are very close together, also like most in the area. The streets in the southwest corner of Queen Anne hill leave quite a bit to be desired, and aren't very well maintained, which is a stark contrast to the homes that occupy the neighborhoods. Just at the bottom of the hill, residents can enjoy some of Seattle's best dining and entertainment with fabulous ethnic restaurants and Seattle Center. The entire southwest corner of the hill is also heavily dotted with huge trees and tons of summer color. There are a few schools in the area, making it convenient for kids to walk to school. Public transportation along Queen Anne hill and the monorail from Seattle Center make getting into downtown a snap. Because of the convenience of public transportation, on-street parking is usually packed with resident's cars making driving slow-going, and often reducing the streets to single lanes.

Queen Anne hill is known for its huge mansions and spectacular views. The concentration of these gigantic homes is very high in this neighborhood, and most of these old mansions are gorgeously maintained. The ones on the south side have incredible views of Puget Sound and the sunsets over the water. The entire street, like all of them in this area, are lush and green with giant trees and tons of color. If you can afford to live on Queen Anne, the southwest corner can't be beat, though the homes don't offer much in the way of privacy since they're very close together. Lot sizes are about average, and the entire lot is typically taken up by a sprawling house. Most of the lawns and gardens are very well manicured, though there are some overgrown areas. Home prices, as you might expect, are high, but the area is very family-friendly and offers convenient access to highways, downtown Seattle and some great dining, shopping and recreation parks and centers in the area.

Like most homes in the area, the ones on Olympic Way West are huge mansions interspersed with some large apartment buildings. The ones on the south side of the street have magnificent views of Puget Sound and the community at the base of Queen Anne hill. North side homes and apartments that are high enough also get the views, though sometimes its no more than a peek-a-boo or obstructed. Like all neighborhoods in the area, the street is incredibly green, with tall trees and flower gardens in the front and back yards of these homes. The street cuts through the hill, so some of the houses sit above the street, while others are right on the road. A somewhat winding access gets you to the main streets leading to downtown or the highways, though the small business community a few blocks away at the bottom of the hill affords residents some great shopping, dining and entertainment.

The majority of residences on West Olympic Place are apartment and condo buildings, though there are a scattering of single-family homes. Right across the street from these dwellings is Kinnear Park, which provides bike and walking paths and stretches from the southwest corner of Queen Anne hill up the west side. Not one of the major parks, like GasWorks and Discovery, it affords residents some natural beauty and quiet living, unlike many neighborhoods on the hill. On-street parking is always on a first-come-first-served basis, so public transportation or springing for a spot in your building's garage may be worth it. The neighborhood is close to the city, but not close enough that you feel you're living in the city. The section of lower Queen Anne on the west side offers quite a bit in the way of shopping, dining and entertainment in itself, making W. Olympic Place a convenient location to live, away from the madness of the city, but close enough to enjoy it.

Local businesses and apartment buildings give this neighborhood a community feeling. From the local grocery store, banks and restaurants, it's like a little city within a city. There's even a small movie theatre in the vicinity, as well as a huge events center (Seattle Center), giving residents and tourists plenty to do and see. There is, of course, a Starbucks close by, but almost just as popular, Dick's can be found on the corner of Queen Anne Ave and W. Republican, providing the only one in the Seattle area with an indoor dining area. This little section of Seattle does sleep, but its bedtime is pretty late and traffic can sometimes deter potential visitors to the area. Overall, it's a great place to live for those who like the convenience of city living without the overwhelming feel of living in the city.

W. Harrison Street has the feel of a small town, not far from a big city. For the Queen Anne area, it's a little busier than the residential areas on the hill, but it has quite a bit to offer. Ending at Elliott Ave on the water and Seattle Center to the east, this tiny 5 1/2 block street has some remnants of Seattle small business, cool apartment buildings and convenient access to the city, the waterfront and the events at Seattle Center. And a neighborhood wouldn't be complete without a Tully's and Starbucks battling it out within a couple of blocks from each other. Like most Seattle streets, the city tends trees and flowers planted in the public areas, giving Seattle its 'nature feel' even when in the heart of downtown. Public transportation is plentiful in this area, so residents and tourists don't have to battle the city traffic and expensive parking, though there is on-street parking in this area.

While there are a few apartment buildings on Thomas Street, the majority of Seattlites use this street for parking to Seattle Center events and visiting the other restaurants and businesses along this street. La Dolce Vita, an Italian restaurant, is famed for its amazing New Year's Eve dinners. The food is mouthwatering, the service is phenomenal and the wine is flowing. It's a bit pricey, but for that special occasion, it's worth it. For the after-work crowd, Buckley's Pub on Thomas Street is a great place to unwind after a long day, and their food isn't bad either. But, of course, the main attraction would be Seattle Center, the Space Needle and events at Key Arena, the Children's Museum and Intiman's Theatre. Residents of the apartments on Thomas often have to share on-street parking with visitors and tourists, though most apartment buildings have garages for residents. During the summer and Key Arena events, however, the street is usually bumper-to-bumper with cars waiting to fill the Seattle Center parking lot, making getting home more time consuming than usual. However, for living close to the city, it's a great place to live. For downtown workers, the monorail is within walking distance and provides quick access to Westlake Center.

While there are a few apartment buildings on Thomas Street, the majority of Seattlites use this street for parking to Seattle Center events and visiting the other restaurants and businesses along this street. La Dolce Vita, an Italian restaurant, is famed for its amazing New Year's Eve dinners. The food is mouthwatering, the service is phenomenal and the wine is flowing. It's a bit pricey, but for that special occasion, it's worth it. For the after-work crowd, Buckley's Pub on Thomas Street is a great place to unwind after a long day, and their food isn't bad either. But, of course, the main attraction would be Seattle Center, the Space Needle and events at Key Arena, the Children's Museum and Intiman's Theatre. Residents of the apartments on Thomas often have to share on-street parking with visitors and tourists, though most apartment buildings have garages for residents. During the summer and Key Arena events, however, the street is usually bumper-to-bumper with cars waiting to fill the Seattle Center parking lot, making getting home more time consuming than usual. However, for living close to the city, it's a great place to live. For downtown workers, the monorail is within walking distance and provides quick access to Westlake Center.

Although Boston Street is pretty much THE main east-west arterial at the top of Queen Anne, it's generally a fairly quiet street that really doesn't see that much traffic. Connecting the west side Queen Anne residents to the "business district" of Queen Anne, Boston Street is one of the few that have painted lines down the center of the street. Considered quite a safe area, there are many schools in the area, some small shops and businesses, grocery stores and specialty stores for locals of the community. The houses on Boston Street, though at the very top of Queen Anne hill, don't generally enjoy outstanding views that many on the south and west faces of the hill get, but they do enjoy the same tranquility, community spirit and quiet living. The homes on Boston Street, like most on Queen Anne, are some of the more expensive when it comes to city living. Just north of the city, popping into downtown takes 5-10 minutes and a commute via public transportation doesn't take that much longer for those that live on the hill and work in the city.

Nob Hill starts at Queen Anne High School and John Hay Elementary School at the south end, travels up the hill past John Hay High School and down the other side to Seattle Country Day School. Needless to say - terrific place to raise a family. The street is typically quiet, though, not surprisingly, there's a bit of school bus traffic and parents dropping off their kids. The houses and apartment complexes are very well maintained, but like most of Queen Anne real estate, can be quite expensive. Although the street goes to the top of the hill, most homes don't have views of the surrounding city, mountains or Lake Union, but the serenity of the family-friendly neighborhood more than makes up for the lack of landscape views. The area is generally very quiet on weekends, though the laughter and playing from the kids during the school day can usually be heard for a couple of blocks.

Personally, this is one of my favorite streets on Queen Anne, though I can't afford to live there. I used to live a couple of blocks away and loved taking walks along this street. The houses along Bigelow are beautiful and so well kept. The trees provide shade, protection and privacy, without growing out of control. Many of the houses have outstanding views of downtown Seattle, Lake Union and Mt. Rainier as the street curves around the southeast part of the hill. The neighborhood is so quiet and peaceful, and neighbors in the area are friendly and pleasant to hang out with. There are several parks, schools and recreation centers in the area for kids, and the street is one of the best for a leisurely walk to take in the sights. Traffic is minimal, and residents usually have no problem finding on-street parking, though many homes are equipped with garages. Like all residents in this particular area, popping into downtown Seattle, up to the north end via Hwy 99 or out of town on I-5 or I-90 is about a 15-minute trip. Shops and grocery stores are less than five minutes away at the top of Queen Anne and at the bottom of the hill. There are also some very good restaurants, diners and specialty food marts in the area, as well.

Dexter Ave. branches off of 7th Avenue downtown and runs parallel between Aurora Ave and Westlake Ave along the east side of Queen Anne before intersecting with Westlake at the Fremont Bridge. In the downtown area, it's just another typical northern downtown road with businesses, a few shops and condo buildings that continues that way until about the half way point of Queen Anne hill. Then the businesses become fewer and there are more homes interspersed along the street. Many have some nice, big trees in their backyards and, being off the beaten path of Aurora or Westlake, they see a degree of privacy that other surrounding arterials miss. However, the area isn't that great, although the proximity to downtown is nice. For the most part, the homes aren't that well cared for and some are in need of serious repair and overgrown. There are some exceptions, but one house on the block tends to ruin it for the rest of them. A few get a nice view of Lake Union from their back doors, but the elevation isn't quite adequate enough for a Seattle skyline view. There is still a bit of traffic, so it's not necessarily the best place to send your kids outside to play, but it never really gets congested like other commuter roads.

Like many streets in the Seattle area, N. 65th St. is very hilly in areas, with many residential neighborhoods intersecting this high-traffic road. Providing quick access to Green Lake and Hwy 99/Aurora Ave., residents off of this street can enjoy relaxing recreation within five minutes, or a jaunt downtown within 10-15 (during non-peak hours).

The area offers a bit of nature, with trees lining the streets, for the most part. Though not as abundant in natural beauty as other neighborhoods, residents in the area do keep up their homes, yards and gardens nicely. The street is interrupted by Green Lake, picking up again on the east side with more homes, though fewer hills. On the west side, there's a little jog in the road at the Phinney Ridge intersection, which may confuse some newcomers or visitors to the area. For the most part, the neighborhood is very residential, though there are some little restaurants, bars, coffee shops and retail shops along the road.

You'd think West Green Lake Way N. would just provide access to parking for those visiting Greenlake or Woodland Park, but the street is actually surprisingly busy with commuting traffic that don't end up stopping at either of those places. The street is gorgeously lined with gigantic trees, providing a canopy of shady cover for sunny days, and a natural umbrella for the other 347 days of the year (joking...)

There is access to the parking lot for visitors of the lake and park, as well as Hwy 99, 63rd Ave for those headed to Ballard and East Green Lake Way N. that travels around the east side of the lake.

The few homes in the nearby area enjoy the other side of these huge trees, providing privacy and solitude from park, lake and zoo visitors.

Greenwood Ave has quite a few specialty shops, restaurants and attractions for tourists and Seattle natives. The buildings on the street aren't award-winning caliber, like some of the downtown buildings, but they're nice and well maintained. The street has an abundance of leaf trees that provide shade in the summertime and a feel for nature in the middle of a city. The street is also fairly wide, with parking on both sides, offering a main thoroughfare for businesses.

The neighbordhoods off of Greenwood Ave are quiet residential havens, with quick access to downtown Seattle and freeway traffic.

It also offers a fairly good alternate route for north or southbound traffic when Hwy 99/Aurora Ave is backed up (with fewer lights, to boot).

The Alki beach in the summertime often teems with kids and families. There is so much to do in the area: beach volleyball, scuba diving, picnics, miles of biking and walking trails, rollerblading, dining, shopping, sunbathing, but don't play in the water. It's cold.

The shops and restaurants along the Alki beachfront offer a fun place to wile away an afternoon, and the area is remarkably clean and well patrolled for a public beach. Traffic along Alki Ave is slow-going with speed limits set at 25 miles per hour for the entire stretch. Pedestrians make sure that you obey the traffic laws, too, since the area is very pedestrian-friendly and they'll pop out in front of your car with no notice. Parking is a bit of a nightmare, and residents just off of Alki Ave are constantly sharing their on-street parking with visitors to the area.

Alki is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon in solitude or with your family. There is plenty to do and people-watching in the area is always entertaining. The only negative is the addition of the condo buildings that now line Alki Ave on the way to the beach, giving the area a bit of the Miami retirement villiage feel. There are still some adorable little beach houses, though, that will hopefully never go away.

Shoreline has such dense evergreen foliage, making the entire area very pretty and seemingly attractive to settle down. The proximity of I-5 makes you think that you're close enough to downtown Seattle for a quick trip into town when you feel like it. You have Northgate Mall just a few blocks away to the south, giving the illusion of a great, nearby shopping experience. The homes are close together and there are several small and a few large parks in the area, where you think your kids can safely play.

However, some of the nicer homes are priced unusually high, and many of the less attractive houses are used as rentals. The apartment complexes in the area are hit-or-miss as far as quietness and safety is concerned. Traffic on I-5 in the Shoreline area is backed up during rush hour, with the section of the freeway acting as a bottleneck between Seattle and Everett. Traffic in the Northgate area isn't much better and lasts quite a bit longer than the rush hour traffic on the freeway. There are also many schools in the area, providing a seemingly fertile playground for creeps a little too interested in the kids. Families should keep an eye on their children, not assume that a quiet residential street is a safe place to let kids run around unattended.

Shoreline actually has quite a bit going for it, but there are still some major drawbacks and home buyers should consider all of the factors very carefully.

A half dozen railroad tracks separate the east and west halves of Interbay. Residents on the extreme west side of Queen Anne border the Interbay neighborhood, along with the entire east half of Magnolia, making at least part of Interbay a nice place to live. Actually, the section of Magnolia covered by the Interbay neighborhood consists of many very steep hills, though there are some nice residential streets. A few enjoy some terrific views of Puget Sound, the downtown skyline and Mt. Rainier on a clear day.

The main conception of Interbay is the railroad yards and the very unusual location for a golf course (though not a very good one). It's also considered that the main area is 15th Ave. West which has terrible traffic most of the time, but provides an alternate route to downtown Seattle for Magnolia and Ballard residents.

Aside from some apartments residing over restaurants, stores and businesses, there are no homes in this area, but it is one of the most colorful and entertaining areas in the city. The cultural charm of the buildings, artwork and parks is phenomenal and you'll be hard pressed to find better Asian cuisine in the city than in some of these small restaurants that line the little 4-block square that makes up the International District. There are a few little shops, but the majority of the retail in the area is Uwajimaya, a huge grocery store where you can find the most unusual food products I think I've ever seen. The employees of nearby Amazon.com infiltrate the International District daily, enjoying the food, sights and culture of the area.
Access into the International District from downtown couldn't be easier. A 4-minute bus ride through the underground bus tunnels is free and takes you directly to the International District with a minimal number of stops along the way. If you're driving from the city, 5th Ave. provides a straight shot into the district and there is usually plenty of parking. Eastsiders have easy access to Interstate 90, and those who live outside of the city can quickly access I-5 or Hwy 99.

South Queen Anne offers an extension of the community-centered shopping at the top of the hill, and throws in some fun after-hours entertainment, as well. While there are some houses in the area, most of the residences consist of secure apartment buildings. The main arterial streets are generally quite busy and pretty congested, and street parking is hit-or-miss most of the time. There are a few small pay-parking lots and a very large parking garage for visitors to Seattle Center events. The shops close to Queen Anne Ave have undergone some renovations a few years ago, giving the area a more contemporary look. Some of the restaurants in the area are not to be missed, such as Phu'ket, Pagliacci's Pizza and, a Seattle staple - Dick's.

City planners didn't plan on the popularity of the Northgate area. Nearly any time of the day will find congestion in the area. With direct access to the interstate, the street running north of the mall is constantly packed, lending itself as a terrific area to open a restaurant. There are actually quite a few very good restaurants in the area, though for non-residents, it's almost not worth the effort of navigating the area to visit them. There are also several other malls around Seattle that are easier to get in and out of. There are some other great shops and the area does have the Seattle greenery that most streets in the area offer, making it seem less a desolate concrete jungle. Parking is plentiful with a huge parking lot for the mall and another very large parking lot for shops and department stores outside of the mall. Homes in the area are standard single-family houses, some nice, some in need of repair, and many rental houses. Neighbors are usually nice, though the residential neighborhoods aren't the safest for kids, with predators constantly canvassing this and the Shoreline area.

The Phinney Ridge neighborhood is actually bigger than most people think. Mostly populated with homes crammed in right next to each other, the main streets and intersections also sport a few boutiques and small-community retail businesses. To outsiders, residents of Phinney Ridge seem very aloof and standoffish, including the business owners. It's almost like the area tries to extend the eccentricity of Fremont, but doesn't. Many people who live in this area are avid outdoor fanatics, loving everything from water to mountain sports. And the area is conducive to their passions, bordering Green Lake, which offers over 2 miles of walking trails around the lake and surrounded by a park and several recreation facilities. Woodland Park Zoo is also to the southeast of the Phinney Ridge neighborhood, providing the residents with a very green feeling, lots of huge trees and sometimes a not-so-pleasant smell when the wind blows just right. The homes are pretty, single-family houses, a bit expensive, but offering quick access to the highway and downtown Seattle.

While there are some shops and businesses in this area, most of them are not that old and probably won't stick around for long. Most of the South Lake Union area doesn't lend itself to shopping or socializing. There are a few motels in the area for business travelers, giving them access to downtown within a few blocks.

The best section is the extreme southeast corner of Lake Union, where some of Seattle's best seafood restaurants are located. Duke's Chowderhouse serves up award-winning clam chowder, the Blu Water Bistro offers dining with a view and Daniel's Broiler has private dining and a gorgeous bar.

Many of the streets in the South Lake Union area provide access to commuters who live in Ravenna, Queen Anne and Ballard or downtown workers using I-5 to and from work. Typically, Mercer Street is very busy during morning and afternoon rush hour and may take you up to 30 minutes to travel five blocks.

The only positive thing about South Park is how close it is to downtown. Other than that, it's one of the most run-down neighborhoods in King County. With the permanent closure of the South Park bridge, the neighborhood businesses are going to lose many of the lunchtime crowds from Boeing and other businesses across the river. The homes and businesses are very simple and/or industrial, and the proprietors make anyone that doesn't live there feel like an outsider. The whole area gives off a Deliverancesque quality. Homes are generally inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. Most are very run down, not well taken care of and the area is not really in very high demand. The main 'business' area feels very dry and dusty, and the neighborhoods, while populated with a few trees, many are brown and dry.

There really aren't many homes in the Westlake area of Lake Union/Queen Anne, but those that are there enjoy some giant trees enveloping them against the traffic on Westlake Ave to the east and Aurora Ave to the west. Mostly, the area is filled with nautical and marine businesses, some great restaurants on the lake and one of Seattle's longest running pool halls - Jillian's. Westlake Ave doesn't really see much traffic and most people don't even know there are homes up in all of those trees, offering a degree of privacy to the residents. Public transportation is good in the area, offering a cheap, quick trip into the city. There is no beach on Lake Union, but there are some pretty great spots to watch the fireworks shows over the lake during the 4th of July and New Years.

There is nowhere on Queen Anne hill that isn't a coveted place to live. And the housing prices reflect the desirability of the neighborhoods. Many of the streets on the southwest area of Queen Anne have outstanding views of Puget Sound, which is pretty much what the residents are going for that choose to spend top dollar to live there. The apartment complexes on Queen Anne are smart and well maintained, contributing to the neighborhood they reside in, rather than detracting from it. The homes in the area tend to be on the large and incredibly beautiful side, though you can find some cute, little houses here and there. The streets on Queen Anne are all incredibly green with trees lining the roads and flower gardens in the front yards. The proximity to downtown is a huge draw for the area residents, where public bus stops are close by and the monorail at the Seattle Center is just at the bottom of the hill. Neighborhoods are generally very quiet and residents, while pleasant, generally keep to themselves, unless you're blocking their view.

Between Ballard and Phinney Ridge, Whittier Heights adopts none of the charm of either of those neighborhoods. Nothing really stands out about the area. The main streets that run through - 15th Ave. NW, NW 65th St. and NW 80th St. - are less green than most of the other streets in the area, giving the whole neighborhood kind of a dusy, desolate feel. There are many many homes in the area, jammed close together, and quite a few businesses, restaurants, shops and bars, though nothing that would really attract anyone that didn't live nearby. Whittier Heights offers a quick trip into downtown Seattle, but the price you pay for living there is a lack of privacy, heavy traffic during rush hour on the main roads and a neighborhood without much personality. Not a bad place for generic America, but if you're looking for a place to live that fits your lifestyle, it isn't here.

The Green Lake area really has quite a bit going for it. It's got some beautiful homes, a very large lake and recreation park, and some great restaurants and boutique shops.

It's also got its share of drawbacks. The area is very trendy, which means that everyone wants to live and visit. The homes, while beautiful and mostly well maintained, are very close together offering very little privacy to residents. Woodland par, the recreational area and Green Lake itself are visited year round, rain or shine. Traffic can be quite annoying, especially to residents. And people visiting the area are often confused since the streets wind around the lake and follow no real structured layout. There are some fantastic restaurants in the area, though customers generally have to compete for on-street parking with other diners, shoppers and local residents.

Back when Georgetown consisted of a couple of shops and a few blocks of cute single-family residences, it was a great place to live. A quick commute to the city, but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet. Since then, the industrial district of Seattle has overtaken the Georgetown neighborhoods, making it less of a great place to live and more like the tiny house that refuses to sell in the middle of progressive buildings. The neighborhoods are few and far between, but they are still pretty well maintained, aside from the apartment complexes which haven't been updated or kept-up since they were built. The residents of the area deal with quite a bit of traffic that came with the growth of business and industry in the area. Boeing Field, South Seattle Community College and several warehouse and wholesale businesses don't really lend the area to a family-friendly environment.

Fremont is known for its totally ecclectic lifestyle. From the annual Fremont Fair and Parade to the Farmer's Flea Market, there is so much fun to be had in this little section north of the city. As advertised, Fremont claims to be the Center of the Universe and has a street sign to prove it.

The two most popular streets in Fremont are Fremont Ave and North 34th Street. The majority of the businesses, shops, restaurants and attractions are all within walking distance within this great neighborhood. Originally, popular among artists, Fremont has become one of the premier places to live in the city. The greenery of the area, due to the huge trees and their density, provides such natural beauty. The sense of community is unrivaled (though Capitol Hill comes close).

There are many local artists that have their work displayed along the streets of Fremont. The neighborhood is also where the movie "Say Anything" was filmed. Just on the outskirts of the neighborhood, underneath the Aurora Bridge, sits the Fremont Troll, a huge statue carved out of the stone beneath the bridge, holding a Volkswagen bug and greeting the visitors to the neighborhood.

Year-round, Fremont is full of fun and exciting things to do and see, amazing little shops and fabulous restaurants. Housing is moderately priced, but completely worth it. In addition to the fantastic attractions in the downtown area of Fremont, GasWorks Park, just to the east, provides a great place for kids to play, an outstanding view of the Seattle skyling, and a phenomenal place to sit and watch the fireworks over Lake Union and the Space Needle on the 4th of July and New Years.

Downtown Seattle, like many cities, offers some of the area's best shopping, dining and entertainment. Sections of the city are clearly outlined, such as the shopping district, financial district, old-town Seattle and the after-hours hotspots. There is so much do do and see in downtown Seattle, you can easily spend a week and only scratch the surface. For most Seattlites, there are terrific new and old attractions that they may never see, though the downtown area is full of hidden gems.

Shoppers can experience some huge shopping and department stores, such as Nordstrom, Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Westlake Center, Pacific Place and, of course, Pike Place Market. There are also hundreds of specialty shops lining every street in the shopping district and on every street corner.

For dining, there are some great lunch and dinnertime restaurants, like Elephant & Castle, Wild Ginger, Purple, Ruth's Chris, The Met and The Brooklyn. Whatever you're in the mood for, Thai, Mexican, French, Italian, American, Indian or Chinese, you'll find some absolutely mouthwatering cuisine in downtown Seattle.

As for attractions, downtown Seattle's loaded with them. Besides the aforementioned Pike Place Market, a must-see for any tourist and Seattlite alike, you have Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony, The Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Convention Center and a plethora of fun activities and sights - the Underground Tour, Pioneer Square and some of the most fantastic architecture around. There are also some old, and absolutely beautiful theatres, including the 5th Avenue Theatre, The Moore Theatre and the Paramount Theatre.

Nightlife is teeming in the city, with hundreds of clubs, bars, lounges and after-hours hotspots. If clubbing isn't your thing, the Art Gallery Walk in Pioneer Square is phenomenal.

Like any city, though, Seattle has its drawbacks. Housing is expensive, traffic is horrible, the noise is constant and crime occurs daily during the day or night. Downtown is most commonly visited for it's shopping, dining and attractions as well as the people who work in the city, though there are some brave, rich souls who find downtown living suits them just fine.

The Broadview neighborhood offers some terrific areas to live, and some not-so-great areas. On the north, south and west side of the Broadview neighborhood, you'll find some pristine, gorgeous homes with views of Puget Sound or the seclusion of huge, dense trees. Carkeek Park, arguably one of Seattle's best Parks, is just to the south of Broadview, giving residents public access to the beach, great family picnic and play areas and tons of hiking trails. North-end residents receive the quiet peacefulness of a forest-like setting with the Seattle Country Club in their backyards. And west-side residents, while they don't have access to the best beaches in Seattle for swimming, playing or fishing, do get that fresh ocean wind coming off of the sound.

The east side does provide quick access to the shops, restaurants and local businesses along Hwy 99/Aurora Ave., however they also have the traffic, noise and unpleasant aspects of the area to go along with it. Home prices in the entire Broadview neighborhood are quite expensive, regardless of the area you live in, ranging from the high $400s to $1-$2 million. There are some nice homes around Bitter Lake with docks and lake access, which are slightly more secluded than the rest of the east-siders, though traffic getting out of the area can be a bear sometimes and commuting the 5-6 miles to downtown Seattle can take upwards of 30-40 minutes during rush hour.

Hearing of a shooting in the Belltown section of Seattle has become almost commonplace in recent years. The area of the city is fun and vibrant, though apartments and condos in the area are astronomically expensive. Since it's nearly in the heart of the city, a few high rises have close or indirect views of Puget Sound, the Space Needle and other buildings within the city.

There are some great nightlife spots in Belltown and the architecture of the area, though not as nice as that of Pioneer Square and old Seattle, is fun and ecclectic. Many "famous" clubs and nighttime hangouts can be found in Belltown, such as the Crocodile Cafe, Belltown Billiards, the Re-bar and Venom, making Belltown one of the most attractive areas for night crawlers and club-hoppers.

There are also some terrific little restaurants in Belltown that serve up some absolutely delicious cuisine, not to mention some of the best cocktails you'll find in Seattle. Overall, a great place to shop, eat and play, but not what I'd choose for a home.

Arbor Heights has been in the process of receiving a face-lift in the past few years, with new shops and homes being buit. Not quite West Seattle and not quite White Center, Arbor Heights enjoys a kind of seclusion, even though the area is packed with houses. Ending at Marine View Drive to the west, most homes are on the verge of having some of the most outstanding views of Puget Sound, but they also don't have to deal with the beach and ferry traffic that those with the views have. Homes are fairly close together and residential blocks tend to cram as many as they can in a short 1-block area. Neighbors are very friendly and the sense of community isn't completely lost. The neighborhood is also home to a couple of very nice, large parks, great for kids and families. Just to the west is the Fauntleroy Ferry terminal, great for taking a trip to the penninsula or Vashon Island. Housing prices have seen a jump in recent years due to the improvements made to the area, though that was right before the housing crash, so homes may be a little more affordable. This neighborhood, while enjoying is solitude, does provide a very residential-like drive for commuters or families headed to the city or out of town, though the trade-off for its location, parks, recreation and peace and quiet may be worth it.

Beginning to the north at S 112th St. with the Glen Acres Country Club/Golf course and ending just after S 136th St., 12th Ave. South is a long residental neighborhood with several single-family homes, churches and a few businesses scattered here and there. The residents enjoy close proximity to several parks, including the North Seatac Park, Arbor Lake Park, Seahurst Park and Salmon Creek Park, all within a 5-minute drive. Locals also have quick access to local highways and interstates for out-of-town trips, or a 20-minute drive to downtown Seattle. The street is generally lined with trees and many of the yards have flower gardens providing some summer color, though there are some bare sections of the street. Mainly residential, the street does not have any stoplights and very few stop signs at its intersections, though traffic is minimal. The area is known for being less-than-desireable due to crime rates, though the surrounding Burien area is doing its best to improve the city with new construction, community activities and an updated look.

This street is a long residential street that begins at Glen Acres Country Club/Golf Course to the north and travels through Burien just past 136th St. South. Lined with trees, residents of the area have many parks to enjoy within a short distance. The street is a little hilly in areas, but not so steep that winter driving is inhibited. Homes along the street are priced fairly reasonably, though the area has seen its share of crime. The city of Burien is doing its best to improve and upgrade the area, however this street is on the outskirts and will probably be one of the last to see any real improvement. Residents are close to the shops and restaurants of Buriend, enjoy a 20-minute drive to downtown Seattle and have quick access to Highway 509, which can take them quickly to I-5, I-405 or other local highways.

South 124th Street in Burien has so many trees, it's almost hard to see the houses that line the road. Residents are within walking distance of the large Arbor Lake Park and a short driving distance to the even larger Seahurst and Salmon Creek parks, which offer beach access. The street is lined with trees providing shade in the summer and protection from the rain in the winter, spring, fall and summer months (I mean, we're still in Seattle!) The curve of the road and its seclusion from the main sections of the city provide privacy and very little traffic. The street isn't used as a thoroughfare for any except residents, making it a safe place for kids to play (though not IN the street!) Home prices are very reasonable for the area, and residents have a quick 20-minute drive to downtown Seattle. Highway 509 offers quick access to Interstate 5 both north and southbound and Interstate 405 to the eastside. The downtown and shopping areas of Burien are closeby, as well as several small parks, schools, hospitals, restaurants and grocery stores.

South Bailey Street is an extension of Michigan Street after the interstate exchange. A few cute and very green residential streets branch off of Bailey to the south, and the road ends at the north end of Boeing Field. A mostly industrial street, you can also find a misplaced church and a few fast food establishments along the way. The street is mostly used as an alternate access road from the SODO/Georgetown area to Beacon Hill. Not very pedestrian-friendly, cars tend to speed along the road and the curves make it a less-than-desireable place to find yourself walking. The street doesn't provide on-street parking, but if you have business in the area, most of the businesses have parking lots. Residents close to South Bailey Street can find the Georgetown Playground, with a soccer field and large play area for children, the Georgetown campus of South Seattle Community College, and Boeing Field.

Carleton Ave. South is part of a 4-block residential area in the middle of the Georgetown industrial district. The neighborhoods are very green and lush, with flower gardens planted in most front yards providing some summer color. This little residential area offers the Georgetown Playground a few blocks to the north, with a soccer field and large play area for kids, the Georgetown campus of South Seattle Community College and the Department of Transportation to the west and Boeing Field directly to the east. A drive to downtown Seattle takes only ten minutes, and access to local and interstate highways is only a few blocks away. Traffic is minimal, though Carleton Ave. South is probably the least desireable street in this quaint residential area. The street is about twice as wide as the surrounding streets, making the trees and flowers so far apart, it makes the street feel almost dry and desolate. Carleton Ave. S. houses the majority of the apartment complexes in the area, detracting from the cute single-family homes that also line the street. Most of them, however, are so overgrown, at least one looks like the plants have cut off access to the front door! If you're looking to live in this area, there are better streets within a block of Carleton. The nice thing about the street is the roundabouts, which also have trees and flowers planted in them giving more natural beauty to the area.

Filled with older homes, the street is very green. Many homes don't have garages, so on-street parking is prevelent. Warsaw St. provides access to Boeing Field to the east, which may contribute a bit to the noise in the area, though the airport is not nearly as heavily used as SeaTac International Airport. The homes in this cute little 4-block residential section of Georgetown offers the South Seattle Community College campus, the Georgetown Playground to the north and quick access to the highways and interstates for out-of-town travel. Residents also enjoy a quick 10-minute trip to downtown Seattle via several alternate routes. The houses in the area are cute, single-family residences, though there are some apartment complexes. The homes along Warsaw street may be a little less cared for that a few of the other streets, but they look lived-in and inviting.

Of all of the streets in this quaint 4-block Georgetown neighborhood, Flora Avenue South was appropriately named. The canopy of trees as you drive down the street provides shade from the sun or protection from the rain, and adds to the natural beauty of the area. The homes are a bit on the older side, but are very well maintained and have an abundance of trees and flowers planted at each residence. The drawback to the area is the noise from Boeing Field, but the positive aspects may be worth a look at this section of Georgetown. Downtown Seattle is a 10-minute drive away, South Seattle Community College is two blocks away, the Georgetown Playground offers a soccer field and a very large play area for the kids, and access to the highways and interstates is all within two minutes from home. Traffic is non-existent and many homes don't have garages, so on-street parking is prevelent, though not too crowding. The greenery of this street seems a bit misplaced due to the proximity of the industrial district of Seattle, but a nice welcome to the neighborhood.