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Lower Queen Anne has just about everything a city-loving professional could desire. If you want sweeping views, check out the rooftop of any apartment building, take a quick trek to the top of Queen Anne Hill, or visit the nearby Space Needle. If you want the bustle of Downtown, you'll have absolutely no problem using public transportation -- or your legs -- to get there. Even your craving for time at the beach can be quenched with a moment of peace at Myrtle Edwards Park.

Basically, if you are looking for an area that offers charm, variety and convenience, Lower Queen Anne never fails.

Despite its proximity to Downtown, LQA is full of green space for your enjoyment. I live near Key Arena, which puts me only minutes away from walking my pup at Seattle Center, the Olympic Sculpture Park/Myrtle Edwards Park, or Kinnear Park (which even has an off-leash area for dogs). I love having lots of grass to run her through and the ability to hear the waves of Elliott Bay crashing while I do it. Walking by the Space Needle, EMP museum and street musicians never gets old, either. Wherever you choose to be in this neighborhood, you’ll see something beautiful.

Grocery shopping is also amazing in this area. Safeway, QFC and Metropolitan Market are all close to home and encompass all of my grocery shopping needs. Even if what you’re looking for isn’t in the actual neighborhood, it’s nearby: Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Pike Place Market are quite accessible. As someone who likes to cook, this is huge.

One of my favorite things about this area is that I can enjoy great restaurants and nightlife, and still come back to a quiet apartment. Most of the fun is concentrated in a few distinct areas, and the rest of the neighborhood is generally peaceful. I love Queen Anne Beerhall, which combines long community tables and an impressive menu for an easygoing but memorable experience. If I want to get a little fancier, I like going to The Tin Lizzy Lounge for delicious cocktails in an intimate setting. For lunch, GoldinBlack is a highly underrated Korean restaurant with killer Bim Bap, and Racha’s Pad Thai is so good I have a hard time ordering anything else on their menu. If you can’t tell, I love food, and a big part of the draw of Lower Queen Anne is being able to get Mexican, Thai, Indian, Greek, Vietnamese, Seafood, Pizza, Japanese, German, and more without walking farther than a couple blocks.

There’s also plenty to do! With a dueling piano bar (Keys on Main), karaoke every night (Hula Hula), multiple movie theatres (SIFF Uptown, SIFF Seattle Center, IMAX), Key Arena (concerts, sporting events and more!), and several museums at Seattle Center, you’re never going to feel bored. Throughout the year, Seattle Center features ethnic festivals and seasonal displays that keep the area fresh even for residents. I’m personally looking forward to the ice skating rink opening up next week!

Every day, I feel so happy to live here. I can enjoy this city in so many ways – a quiet night in, a rooftop BBQ, a weekend of culture, a night of drinking, a culinary experience, a nice walk – all without going far from home. It’s a neighborhood you’ll love to live in, and remember fondly if life takes you elsewhere.