greyseal

Say, "I live in Pinehurst," and many Seattle residents may not know exactly where you're talking about. Pinehurst is sandwiched in between Lake City and Northgate, and it also borders Maple Leaf. Pinehurst is residential, with mostly single family residences and families. I've noticed many who appear to be retirees as well. It's a pretty diverse neighborhood, and isn't as prone to some of the crime that is found in Lake City. Still, it has it's problems, too. I've had my car prowled twice, and once the window was broken. Nothing of value was in the car, and it was unclear what the prowler was after. Still, crime isn't a major concern for this area. We bought here because in the high-priced Seattle housing market, our options were limited. The homes here were affordable and nice, and the crime wasn't out of control. This was a starter neighborhood for us, and we've heard differing things about the local schools. This is bound to change, though, as the rumor is next year Seattle is going to change how students are allocated to local schools. We will see.

Anyway, overall, Pinehurst is a pleasant place to live; close to Seattle and all its amenities without really feeling like you live in the city.

Home to Nathan Hale High School, 30th is nevertheless not so busy that it isn't great for a nice walk. Lined by single family residences, it is a main road in the Lake City neighborhood. Close to Lake City Way, you have access to plenty of eateries and shopping, without feeling like you're living right there with all the traffic and car dealerships. Sometimes litter seems to be a problem in my opinion, but it isn't overly terrible, as residents do seem to try and keep things tidy.

NW 85th is right off I-5, so those that live in this neighborhood have easy access to the freeway, without feeling like they live next to the freeway. The street takes a dip as you go west from the freeway, so most of the freeway noise is above you, rather than blocks away from you. 85th runs through toward the west neighborhoods such as Ballard, and is lined by lots of residential, single family and apartments/townhomes. The street is busy without being clogged with traffic, and is pleasant to walk on if you want to visit one of the various shops/eateries you'll find along the way.

If you're feeling the need to travel to or from Ballard/Crown Hill over to Northgate, then Holman is a good choice. It isn't super-heavy with traffic, although it can get busy during rush hours. It intersects Highway 99, so you have quick access to the west sides of Seattle. There are lots of shopping opportunities, including famous Dick's Drive-In. It curves around past Crown Hill, and turns into another street (as they're wont to do in Seattle), which runs down into Ballard. So, overall, Holman connects a few nice neighborhoods in Seattle, and is fast than taking some of the larger avenues like 45th or 50th when going east to west and back.

Roosevelt is a nice, wide avenue that is nevertheless not overly busy, especially as it goes northward. It connects several desirable Seattle neighborhoods, including Maple Leaf and hits the edge of Green Lake. Along the way there are plenty of small businesses of all kinds, including eateries of all types. There are single family residences, apartments, townhomes, and some clusters of fabulous shopping areas. There are also some great pubs and low-key night life. A great part of Seattle that doesn't get a ton of attention, but is nevertheless highly desirable.

This is an almost-hidden little street that connects 25th Ave NE up through to 26th, and is secluded as a result of a lot of trees between the residences. It has both single family residences, townhomes, as well as apartments. It is right across the street from Lake City Park/Playfield, so there is usually something going on nearby. You can walk to the library from here, or over to Lake City Way for food and shopping. It's right off 125th, so you have access to the busline in seconds.

120th runs through Pinehurst, and has mostly single family residences. It's quiet, but not secluded; a great place to live if you have a moderate income, but still want to afford living in Seattle proper. Close to busy thoroughfare 125th, but you'd never know it because all the trees and greenery seem to shield it from the bustle. You can walk to grocery, drug stores, 2 parks, and the public library within minutes.

This is a nice and quiet residential street in Pinehurst neighborhood in Seattle, where you'll find plenty of families. It's OK for walking, although it has no sidewalks, and since it cuts through Pinehurst parallel with 125th Ave NE, it can get busy with cars. Larger hills sometimes means speeding cars, although I don't feel unsafe walking with my children on it. I would be less likely to let them walk alone. Overall it's pretty quiet considering it's proximity to the Northgate Mall and Lake City Way.

117th runs through the Lake City neighborhood, through Pinehurst, and up to Northgate. It's quiet and shady, with lots of greenery. The streets have round-a-bouts that prevent cars from ever going very fast, so it is safe for walking, even though it doesn't have sidewalks. It's a nice shortcut if you're trying to avoid traffic on Northgate Way; it gets you up to the mall area really quickly.

NE 145th is a main thoroughfare that intersects I-5 in North Seattle. It's right near the border between Seattle and Shoreline. There are many residential areas along the street, including apartments and senior housing. Recently, crime has been on the rise, and Seattle Police have reported gang activity. During the day, I feel fine taking my kids for a walk there, although I would stay away late at night, especially where it intersects Lake City Way. The further west you go, the nicer (in my opinion) it gets.

I've lived here for about 2 years, and have been surprised by how quiet it is within the residential areas bordering Northgate Way. Northgate Way runs from Lake City Way, up past the Northgate Mall with its recently renovated stores and eateries, and out past Highway 99. All along Northgate Way you'll find plenty of businesses, large and small, and it is pretty busy, especially where the street meets Interstate 5. Because the on-ramp is metered, it isn't the best place to get onto I-5. Not a bad area, although crime leaks up from Lake City Way.