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The Gateway neighborhood in central-south West Seattle is sandwiched between Fauntleroy to the south and both Seaview and Fairmont Park directly to the north. Its eastern boundary is 35th Ave SW, and directly to the west lies the water.

This hilly residential area is one of the nicest areas of West Seattle, with property values soaring over those in neighboring communities. Mostly home to mid-career professionals, Gatewood is home to Gatewood Elementary School, which rates very highly among parents living in the neighborhood.

Lincoln Park, just off the southwestern edge of the neighborhood, makes this a great place to raise kids. Lincoln Park is home to the Colman Pool (a heated saltwater pool) as well as trails, playgrounds, and other attractions. Gatewood itself is home to several small community parks, including Solstice Park, Orchard Street Ravine, and Pelly Place Natural Area. Gatewood is one of the highest-elevation areas of West Seattle, providing residents with great views of the water from homes, commercial areas, and parks.

Besides plenty of green spaces, Gatewood is also home to the Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Parish, as well as two water towers serving as landmarks for community members. This family-friendly neighborhood has a few areas of shopping and dining establishments, though it is mostly residential.

Atlantic, in the Central District, is located in the southern part of the city. The Atlantic area of Seattle is one of the oldest parts of the city. This triangular neighborhood is bordered by East Yesler Way to the north, Martin Luther King Jr. Way to the east, and Rainier Avenue to the west. This diverse neighborhood has large populations of African American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander American residents.

Atlantic is best known for Judkins Park, in the northeast part of the neighborhood. This community park has a playground, play pool, and baseball fields. The neighborhood is also home to the Atlantic Street Center, founded in 1910 and providing medical, educational, and social aid to families in the community.

Some of the communities around Atlantic include North Beacon Hill, the International District, and Yesler Terrace. Residents of Atlantic enjoy easy access to the restaurants of the International District, the nightlife of Pioneer Square, sports at Qwest Field and Safeco Field, and shopping downtown.

Like many of the surrounding areas, Atlantic suffered a decline in the later half of the twentieth century. However, by the 1990s development had begun again, and today Atlantic is an up-and-coming residential neighborhood in the heart of the city. As it gets more popular, you can expect housing prices to rise, though for now it's an affordable and convenient neighborhood. If you're looking to move to Atlantic, Seattle, avoid the busy thoroughfares, as they can get crowded during rush hour.

Yesler Terrace, Seattle's first public housing community, was built in 1939 in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Before Yesler Terrace was built, the area was known as Profanity Hill or Yesler Hill. Occupying 28 acres, there are currently about 1,200 people living there, in housing owned by the Seattle Housing Authority. Most housing in Yesler Hill consists of two-story row houses. There are large populations of both Asian American and African American residents.

Yesler Terrace has long been known as Seattle's slum or ghetto due to its low-income population and historically high crime rate. While the area is rich in cultural diversity, this subsidized housing neighborhood is one of the most impoverished in the city.

Because of safety concerns and because the buildings are growing older, the entire community is being redeveloped. The plan for Yesler Terrace is to turn the area into mixed-income housing with a diverse group of residents and a range of amenities within easy access of Yesler Way. The new plan for Yesler Terrace includes market-rate and subsidized housing and at least eight acres of parks and green spaces. While there is not currently any opportunity for shopping, dining, or working within Yesler Terrace, redevelopment plans call for offices and retail space within the community.

It is believed that through redevelopment, Yesler Terrace will become safer, greener, and more sustainable. However, it will take about 15 years to redevelop the community. This project is still in the planning stages, so it remains to be seen whether the environment of Yesler Terrace can be improved.

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

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

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

The Western slope of Queen Anne hill, bounded by 15th Avenue West on the western side, Queen Anne Ave N. to the east, and Alaskan Way to the south, is one of the most beautiful places to live in Seattle. Since Seattle's earliest days, the hillside has been a popular place for the building of large mansions, many of which can still be seen today.

By the 1880s, West Queen Anne was already settled enough to call for the Queen Anne School, which opened in 1890. Today, this historic building, located on 5th Avenue West, has been repurposed as luxury condos. Although there are plenty of new condo buildings being built in west Queen Anne, the many older mansions and historic buildings mean the area has retained much of its original charm.

Residents of West Queen Anne enjoy beautiful tree-lined streets and several small but well-kept parks, including West Queen Anne Playfield. Those who move to Queen Anne tend to stay here for many years, though the area is also quite popular with young families. Many homes in Queen Anne are priced over $1 million, though residents here do enjoy expansive views of Elliott Bay. The largest homes on the hill tend to be on the Southwestern slope.

Although West Queen Anne is mostly known as a residential neighborhood, it was also the location of the first television broadcast originating in the Pacific Northwest, from the facilities of KRSC (later bought by KING-TV) in 1949. There are also plenty of shops and gourmet restaurants, making West Queen Anne an in-demand neighborhood.

Westlake is named for its location on the western shores of Seattle's Lake Union. Bounded by Aurora Avenue on its western edge, this shoreline community is known for trendy high-rise condos and some of the best shopping and dining opportunities in Seattle. Some of the many attractions packed into the small neighborhood of Westlake include the pool hall Jillian's and an Outback Steakhouse.

Not to be confused with Westlake Center, located in the downtown retail core, Westlake is a waterfront community where you are likely to spot houseboats and seaplanes. Many of the activities happening in Westlake are centered on the water, from the seafood restaurant McCormick and Schmick's to large fisheries and piers jutting into Lake Union. Watch the seaplanes taking off from the Kenmore Air seaplane terminal, or the local fishermen on the piers. In the movie "Sleepless in Seattle," the character played by Tom Hanks lived in one of these houseboats.

The main roads through the area are Dexter Avenue and Westlake Avenue; both tend to carry heavy traffic during rush hour, but are relatively open at other times of the day. From the Westlake neighborhood, it's a short bus trip to downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, and many other attractions.

The Wallingford neighborhood, a few miles north of downtown Seattle, is bordered by Stone Way N on the west, Lake Union to the south, Interstate 5 to the east, and NE 60th Street to the north.

Many Wallingford residents consider QFC, at the corner of 45th and Wallingford Avenue, to be the center of their neighborhood, thanks in part to its large neon sign reading "WALLINGFORD." Along North 45th Street, the main route through the neighborhood, you'll find the original Dick's Drive-In Restaurant, along with numerous other shops, banks, theaters, and shopping destinations.

The southeast corner of Wallingford is near the University District, so you'll find lots of bars, restaurants, and stores targeted to college students here. In fact, much of Wallingford feels like a college town, but with a bit more grown-up appeal, making it ideal for young couples looking to settle down and start a family. Because of its proximity to the University District, many college students also choose to settle here.

Wallingford is full of beautiful historic bungalows, most of which are well-kept, with carefully manicured lawns and flowering gardens. This friendly and safe neighborhood is known for great schools and lots of pedestrian activity, even in the residential areas, giving the area a very relaxed and inviting feeling.

There are plenty of green spaces in Wallingford, including the Wallingford Playground, the Meridian Playground, and the Burke-Gilman Trail. Woodland Park is just off the northern edge of Wallingford, and Gasworks Park is at the southern tip. Many Wallingford community organizations host well-known annual outdoor events, including the Wallingford Kiddie Parade, part of the Seafair festivities.

The University District, also known as the U-District, is the home of Seattle's University of Washington. Students, numbering nearly 40,000, easily outnumber non-University affiliated residents of the University District, making the U-District a college-centered area of the city. If you visit the University District, you'll find the area overrun by college students at nearly any time of the day or night, giving the area a young vibe. There is plenty of housing around the U-District, particularly apartment buildings and large homes that are typically rented to groups of students.

Three miles north of downtown Seattle and just off Interstate 5, main roads through the University District include NE Ravenna, NE 45th Street, Roosevelt Way NE , Brooklyn Avenue NE, 15th Avenue NE, and University Way NE. The University District is bordered by Lake Washington to the south, providing students and others in the UW community with easy access to water activities.

You'll find plenty of shopping and inexpensive dining options, both on "The Ave" (University Way NE) and at the University Village shopping center. As you might expect, the U-District is home to dozens of cafes, hip coffeehouses, and college bars. Thanks to its proximity to UW, the University District is also home to many outdoor events, public art installations, and theaters, as well as the Burke Museum and Henry Art Gallery, both located on the University of Washington campus.

Parking can be expensive, especially on the campus itself, though street parking is readily available further from the campus. Traveling from elsewhere in the city to the University District is easy thanks to its location along Interstate 5; the area is also served by many bus routes.

Sunset Hill is a small and exclusive residential neighborhood in the northwest corner of Ballard. Although many Seattle residents consider Sunset Hill to be part of Ballard, those living in Sunset Hill consider themselves to be a community all their own. Sunset Hill is home to the Sunset Hill Community Association, founded in 1922.

The community was named after Sunset Hill Viewpoint Park, known for its picturesque views of Shilshole and Elliott Bays and the Olympic Mountains. The popular Golden Gates park at the north end of the neighborhood provides even more opportunity for escape. In addition to this beach park, many of the attractions in Sunset Hill are based on the water, including the Ballard Locks and Shilshole Marina.

These lush and scenic parks are truly an oasis, not that anyone need escape the surrounding areas. The homes in Sunset Hill are some of the most beautiful, well-kept homes you'll see anywhere in the city. Here, residents enjoy tree-lined streets and a suburban setting, not to mention expansive ocean views. Some of the best sunsets in the city are found from vantage points in this neighborhood.

While Sunset Hill is close to downtown, it feels like worlds away. Things in Sunset Hill simply move at a slower pace. Though the neighborhood is one of the most expensive in the city, those living in Sunset Hill tend to be very welcoming to outsiders.

Located in South Seattle on the Duwamish River, South Park is one of the most undesirable areas of the city. Crime rates have historically been quite high here. Surrounded by industrial areas, both the land and the nearby river have been known for contamination. Although some first-time homebuyers find South Park to be an affordable neighborhood, it's important to realize why the area is not more desirable.

South Park has historically been connected to Georgetown, its neighbor to the north, by way of a bridge over the Duwamish River. In the end of June, 2010, the bridge closed permanently, leaving South Park cut off from the rest of the city. Many neighborhood businesses are worried about the loss of clientele in the coming months. Most residents of South Park are low-income minorities, many of whom feel that they have been forgotten by Seattle's elites.

Traffic in South Park tends to be heavy thanks to the concentration of industry and commercial areas here. Most shopping is located on 14th Avenue South, a main thoroughfare in South Park. In the past few decades, the hispanic population of South Park has soared, and this is reflected in the shops and restaurants found on 14th Avenue.

Those living in South Park find that housing is inexpensive, but the homes are simple and tend to be rather run down. Modest fixer-uppers and small brick homes certainly have a "lived-in" appearance. Although some believe the neighborhood to be up-and-coming, it is likely that with the permanent closure of the South Park bridge, the neighborhood will only continue its decline.

South Lake Union is a trendy neighborhood with a great mix of urban convenience and lush green spaces. South Lake Union, on the shores of the beautiful Lake Union, is bounded by Denny Way to the south, Interstate 5 to the east, Aurora Avenue (or Highway 99) to the west and Lake Union to the north. There are many commuter thoroughfares cutting through South Lake Union, making this one of the busiest areas of the city. Though traffic can be heavy during rush hour, at other times of the day these streets make South Lake Union one of the most conveniently located neighborhoods in the city.

South Lake Union, known as SLU by residents, offers a convenient location close to everything downtown has to offer. Within South Lake Union, you'll find plenty of parks, a Whole Foods market, and plenty of new and stylish high-rise condo buildings to call home. This community offers plenty of outdoor activities, including Lake Union Park and Denny Park.

Some of the most creative businesses and organizations in Seattle are located here, including REI's flagship store, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Cornish College of the Arts. Recent development plans mean South Lake Union is poised to become a hub for science and biotechnology research in Seattle. Many of these companies are housed in landmark buildings constructed in the early decades of the twentieth century, giving much of South Lake Union a uniquely historical feeling.

South Beacon Hill, at the south end of southeast Seattle's Beacon Hill, is a quiet and safe residential area. Although many Seattleites simply call the whole area Beacon Hill, South Beacon Hill refers to the section south of S. Graham St., including the community of Holly Park. This neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 5 and Boeing Field to the west, Martin Luther King Jr. Way to the east, and the city line to the south.

While North Beacon Hill was built up in the early 1900s, most of South Beacon Hill is newer. The neighborhoods here grew following World War II due to an influx of Asian immigrants, with immigrant communities settling on the southern slope of the hill. Today, the neighborhood is still one of the most diverse in the city.

South Beacon Hill is home to a Link Light Rail Station for easy access to the airport and to downtown Seattle. There are also multiple bus routes running through the neighborhood. Beacon Ave South, a main thoroughfare running through the neighborhood, is a wonderful community both for families with childen and for retirees. Those looking for housing in South Beacon Hill should stick to the northern end of the neighborhood, which tends to be safer.

The Seward Park neighborhood of southeast Seattle is named for Seward Park, one of the largest and oldest parks in the city. The 300 acre park is home to beautiful old growth trees, beaches, picnic areas, an ampitheater. and many miles of biking, walking, and hiking trails. The area first became a city park in 1911, and occupies all of Bailey Peninsula, jutting into Lake Washington. Although it is one of the most popular parks in Seattle, it is very spread out, so it never feels crowded.

The Seward Park neighborhood grew up around the western edge of the park. Seward Park is very diverse, with large populations of African American and Asian American residents. The neighborhood is home to the oldest synagogue in Washington, and has long been known as a center of Orthodox Jewish life. Most of Seward Park is a quiet residential neighborhood, filled with large historic homes. Most families living in Seward Park stay here for many years, and the community is very friendly. Besides beautiful homes, there are also many small shops and ethnic restaurants here. Both the park and the surrounding neighborhood are known as safe and quiet places for families, couples, pets, and retirees.

The Rainier Beach area of southeast Seattle is bounded by Renton Ave South and 51st Ave South to the west and the shore of Lake Washington to the east. The various communities in this mostly residential neighborhood include Columbia City, Brighton, Dunlap, Rainier View, and Mt. Baker. The main roads through the area are Rainier Avenue and Renton Avenue.

Though it has a location on the shore of Lake Washington, Rainier Beach is not one of the more desirable areas in the city. It has a reputation of being somewhat run-down, mostly because of a serious increase in crime over the decades following World War II. However, the last ten or twenty years have seen dramatic improvements in safety. Today, many of Seattle's first-time homebuyers look to the area for reasonably-priced properties. If you're looking for a home in the area, stick to the northern end of Rainier Beach, which tends to be safer.

The area is home to many different ethnicities and has a very diverse feel. Although not known as a shopping destination, there are many shopping areas catering to locals. Those living in Rainier Beach also enjoy easy access to the rest of the city through multiple bus lines and the Rainier Beach Station for the Link Light Rail. There are some nice green spaces in the area, including Kubota Gardens, a unique Japanese garden, as well as Lakeridge Park and the Fred Hutchinson Playground.

Pioneer Square is the oldest neighborhood in Seattle. Once the heart of the city, the Pioneer Square area burned to the ground in the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. After the fire, the area was rebuilt with stately buildings of brick and stone, many of which are still standing. Soon after it was rebuilt, the street level was raised by one story. If you want to see the old storefronts, take the popular Seattle Underground Tour. Pioneer Square is also home to Smith Tower, which was the tallest building west of the Mississippi when it was built in 1914.

Located just to the southwest of the downtown business core, Pioneer Square is roughly bounded by Alaskan Way S. to the west, 5th Avenue on the east, South King Street on the south and Yesler Way to the north. Today, this historic district is home to restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, and nightclubs. If you're in search of a one-of-a-kind gift or a hidden treasure, Pioneer Square is the place to shop. There are also plenty of green spaces, including Pioneer Place Park, home to an iron pergola and a Tlingit totem pole.

Although it has a bit of a rough reputation because of the large homeless population congregating here to make use of the many social services here, the Pioneer Square neighborhood is quite charming, with a lot of character. Long known as "Skid Row," where vice has long been tolerated, in recent decades the area has witnessed a resurgence, with classy bars and galleries moving in. You may not feel comfortable walking alone here at night if you're not used to the city, but the area is quite safe in the daytime.

Though Pioneer Square is a great shopping area, I wouldn't recommend living here. There are no single-family homes, only condos, and they are typically some of the most expensive per square foot in the entire city. Because the area is easily accessible by public transportation, I recommend living elsewhere in the city.

Many tourists' favorite spot in the city, Pike Place Market is a top shopping destination for locals and visitors alike. One of the oldest public farmers' markets in the United States, Pike Market is over a hundred years old, and operates every day of the year. At Pike Market, you'll find fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, bouquets of flowers, handmade crafts, and much more. Pike Place Market is known for fish vendors who throw the fish back and forth, as well as street entertainers performing near the shopping stalls. Pike Place Market is also home to the very first Starbucks and dozens of cafes and restaurants.

Pike Place overlooks the waterfront of Elliott Bay and is in the heart of downtown. Besides plenty of businesses, Pike Place Market is also home to Victor Steinbrueck Park, a beautiful waterfront park that provides a welcome respite from the busy shopping areas nearby. Whether you're a local or a tourist, make a whole day of your trip to Pike Market. Though it gets busy on the weekends and any sunny summer day, it is well worth fighting the crowds. You'll find Pike Market on Pike Street along the watefront. Though best known as an open-air shopping center, there are also several buildings with unique boutiques and shops built into the very steep hillside.

The Northgate neighborhood is named for Northgate Mall, a major shopping mall at the center of the community. The Northgate area has many major arterials, including Roosevelt Way NE, Aurora Avenue (also known as Highway 99), NE Northgate Way, and 130th Street. Interstate 5 also runs through the neighborhood, with the mall and most other shopping areas located on the west side of the freeway. Some of the sub-neighborhoods often grouped with Northgate include Maple Leaf, Licton Springs (or North College Park), Pinehurst, and Haller Lake.

The first covered mall in the United States, Northgate Mall is home to Macy's, Nordstrom, and other major retailers. It is surrounded by numerous strip malls and other shopping destinations. Besides the mall, Northgate is also home to the North Seattle Community College and the Sheihk Idriss Mosque, a unique architectural landmark and the first mosque in the city.

Over the past few years, many major residential and commercial developments have been started. Although it has not traditionally been seen as a residential area, new condo and apartment projects visible from the freeway. are seeking to change this. Northgate is expected to expand rapidly over the next few years as Seattle residents move outward from the city.

The north end of Queen Anne Hill is bordered by 15th Avenue West and Elliott Avenue West to the west and Aurora Avenue North (also known as Highway 99) to the east. The southern boundary of North Queen Anne is roughly W. McGraw Street. To the north lies Fremont, just across the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

North Queen Anne is safe and quiet residential neighborhood. It has long been popular among Seattle's affluent citizens, who prized the area for its breathtaking views. Many historic mansions in the area are now considered official landmarks. Housing in the area tends to be expensive, including million-dollar mansions with views of Lake Union, downtown Seattle, and other areas of the city. This is one of the most in-demand residential areas of the city. Although the area has traditionally been composed of single-family homes, new condos and townhouses are going a long ways towards making North Queen Anne an affordable neighborhood.

North Queen Anne is also home to Seattle Pacific University, a private Christian college. Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and David Rodgers Park are also in the area. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and nightlife hotspots, though many North Queen Anne residents enjoy the convenience of downtown Seattle for shopping and dining.

North Delridge is a neighborhood in West Seattle roughly bounded by the West Seattle Freeway and 35th Ave (some say all the way to Fauntleroy Way SW) to the west, the West Seattle Bridge to the north, and W Marginal Way SW (or the water) to the east. The main road through the neighborhood is Delridge Way SW.

Many residents prefer to identify themselves by sub-neighborhood; few recognize North Delridge as a cohesive community. Some of the sub-neighborhoods included in North Delridge are Pigeon Point, Youngstown, and Riverview. Pigeon Point at the north end of the neighborhood was built surrounding a steel mill; real estate listings often call Pigeon Point homes 'North Delridge' housing to get around this historical stigma. Cottage Grove is the area immediately west of the golf course, while Youngtown is just north of Cottage Grove, although the boundaries are rough at best.

Most of North Delridge is either residential or open space. Housing options here include modest single-family homes, condos, and apartments. The area's most distinguishing feature is the West Seattle Golf Course, one of the best courses in the Seattle area. The Youngstown neighborhood is home to both Longfellow Creek and the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on Delridge Way.

North Beacon Hill is part of the well-known Seattle neighborhood of Beacon Hill. The northern part of Beacon Hill is roughly bounded by Interstate 5 to the west, Interstate 90 or downtown Seattle to the north, and the city line to the south. To the west lie Martin Luther King Junior Way S. and Rainier Avenue. Major roads through the area include 15th Ave S, 23rd Ave S, Beacon Ave S, and S Spokane St.

Its hillside location provides excellent views of downtown Seattle, the waterfront, and other areas of the city. Best known for its beautiful houses, many of the homes were built in the early 1900s, so you'll see a diverse mix of Craftsman bungalows and other historic Seattle architecture. The area is considered very safe, although there are a few streets to avoid. Rainier Avenue South, in particular, has a reputation for being a bit grungy and crowded with traffic. If you're looking to live in North Beacon Hill, stick to the northernmost end of the hill.

Today, North Beacon Hill has many Asian residents, although Asian immigrants and businesses tend to congregate closer to the South end of the hill. Still, North Beacon Hill is quite diverse, with large populations of Asian, African American, and Latino residents. North Beacon Hill is also home to the world headquarters of Amazon.com, in addition to the Seattle Veterans Affairs office. The many roads through North Beacon Hill offer affordable housing and a diverse range of shopping options. From peaceful to urban, green to rundown, North Beacon Hill offers a little bit of everything.

The Mount Baker neighborhood in southeast Seattle is right on the western shores of Lake Washington, bounded by Interstate 90 to the east. Mount Baker offers easy access both to Seattle and to the Eastside.

Its unique location offers a mix of everything, from lakefront mansion to wooded hills to quiet, tree-lined streets. Looking out over Lake Washington, residents enjoy a beautiful view of Mt. Baker, which gave this neighborhood its name. Several parks along the water invite people from all over Seattle to enjoy this breathtaking view.

Though Mount Baker is mostly residential, it does host the annual hydroplane races and Blue Angel air shows, both a part of the Seafair festivities. The Mount Baker Beach also hosts rowing clubs and regattas, and is popular with swimmers and athletes training for triathlons.

The people here are as varied as the landscape, with a wide range of socioeconomic and ethnic groups represented here. Mount Baker is a neighborhood of long-time residents who are very friendly and welcoming. Although most Seattleites have never visited here, they would be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful homes, including historic houses built a hundred years ago. The homes are a range of modern architecture, bungalows, Tudor and craftsman mansions, and everything in between.

The Montlake neighborhood, between Broadway and the University District, is one of the more affluent residential neighborhoods. The University of Washington lies across the Lake Washington Ship Canal to the north, making this area popular among professors and other professionals with ties to the University. Homes in the area are beautiful Craftsmen bungalows from the early twentieth century with well-kept gardens. Although housing prices are higher than elsewhere in the city, there are plenty of rentals available.

State Route 520 runs across the northern end of the neighborhood, making it a convenient place for commuters to live. Other roads across Montlake include Boyer Avenue E., Lake Washington Boulevard, and Montlake Boulevard E. Most shopping and dining in the area is located on 24th Avenue East, including several restaurants, bars, small grocery stores, and other businesses.

Landmarks in Montlake include the Museum of History and Industry, better known as MOHAI, and the Seattle Yacht Club. Outdoor activities include the Arboretum, Interlaken Park, and the UW Water Recreation Center, where canoes and kayaks can be rented for use on Lake Washington. Montlake is also very close to UW's Husky Stadium, which gives the area a unique feeling during the football season. However, this can mean heavy traffic on game days, and many Montlake residents grumble about this annually.

If you want to live in the city but dread the thought of traffic and noise, Magnolia is for you. This large, quiet neighborhood is situated on a peninsula, just west of Queen Anne and south of Ballard. There are only three bridges connecting Magnolia to the rest of the city. Despite its location in the heart of the city, because it is surrounded on three sides by water Magnolia still feels like a small suburban town. Residents love it because they feel like they can really get to know their neighbors.

This is a great place for people of all ages, especially families with children who are drawn to this peaceful and safe neighborhood. Although there's no bad place to live in Magnolia, if you want to avoid the noise of the railroads, avoid the eastern side. Many of the streets through this area are quite hilly; depending on the area where you live, you may get views of water, mountains, or the downtown skyline. Although houses can be pricey here, there are some condos and rental homes for those looking for something a bit more affordable in this beautiful neighborhood.

The north end of the Magnolia neighborhood is consumed by Discovery Park, Seattle's largest park. Formerly an Army fort, it is home to an expansive range of wildlife, from herons and eagles to foxes and beavers. Many miles of trails provide a true wilderness experience. Near Discovery Park is the West Point Lighthouse, built in 1881. On the south end of the community is Magnolia Park, which offers picturesque views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the downtown skyline.

If you live in Madrona, you may never want to leave. You may never have to, thanks to the growing business district along McGraw Street, where you'll find coffeehouses, award-winning restaurants, and specialty stores. If you do want to venture out, Madrona's close-in location means you can be downtown in ten minutes or less.

The Madrona neighborhood is located on the western side of Lake Washington, just east of Downtown Seattle. Although often grouped with Leschi, a neighboring area, most Madrona residents prefer to think of themselves as their own neighborhood.

The residents of Madrona are quite proud of their heritage; historically, the neighborhood has been one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the city. While the neighborhood was once home to large populations of African Americans and Chinese Americans, today the Caucasian population is climbing at the neighborhood becomes gentrified.

Most shopping is found on 34th Avenue and E. Union, two of the main roads through the area, although residents tend to drive elsewhere in the city to do most of their shopping. This mostly residential area offers a wide range of houses, from mansions on the waterfront to more modest homes and condos away from the water. The housing is a mix of older homes and new construction.

Madrona is home to plenty of green spaces enjoyed by residents, including Madrona Park known for its swimming beach, Madrona Playground, and the Powell Barnett Playground. There are plenty of trails within view of Lake Washington, making this a popular weekend retreat for those living in busier areas of the city.

Madison Park is home to many of Seattle's wealthiest residents. Those lucky enough to live here enjoy tree-lined streets, perfect for walking and relaxing. Its location on the western edge of Lake Washington means that many of the homes enjoy beautiful views of the lake. Housing in Madison Park includes historic, turn-of-the-century homes and newer mansions. Madison Park has a wonderful community feeling; residents here do not close themselves off from the world.

The main shopping area in Madison Park is located along the eastern end of Madison Avenue, the main road running through the area. Here, you'll find plenty of boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops, frequented not only by residents of the neighborhood but also by those living elsewhere in Seattle. If you find other areas of the city to be too busy, take an hour to walk around the Madison Park neighborhood for a refreshing stroll.

Since the early 1900s, Seattleites from all over the city have flocked to Madison Park, for which this neighborhood is named, to enjoy its green spaces and lakeside relaxation. Madison Beach is one of the most popular swimming beaches in the city; the park is also home to a play area and tennis courts. Along the western edge of the neighborhood is the Washington Park Arboretum, another popular weekend and summertime attraction.

One of the older areas of the city, Lower Queen Anne is located at the base of Queen Anne Hill. Most Seattle residents don't have a clear idea of the neighborhood boundaries, though the name usually includes everything up the hill until a very steep section of Queen Anne Avenue North, separating Upper Queen Anne from Lower Queen Anne. Some residents of Seattle also call Lower Queen Anne “uptown” because it is just north of Downtown.

Lower Queen Anne is perhaps best known for Seattle Center, though few residents use the term Lower Queen Anne to refer to this section of the city, instead preferring to call it simply Seattle Center. This area includes the Key Arena, McCaw Hall, the Bagley Wright Theater, and other performance venues, and was the site of the 1962 World's Fair.

In the surrounding neighborhood, you'll find dozens of restaurants and bars, ranging from fast-food to upscale dining. Apartment and condo communities sit atop a wide array of shopping possibilities, many with a contemporary look. Though Lower Queen Anne is considered an urban neighborhood, there are plenty of green spaces, including Myrtle Edwards Park on the waterfront.

Most residents of Lower Queen Anne are young professionals who enjoy an active nightlife and upscale yet economical housing. The neighborhood is often considered a more upscale version of Belltown, and downtown Seattle is easily reached by riding the monorail from Seattle Center to Westlake.This neighborhood offers a great mix of activities for those looking for a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of the city.

The Licton Springs neighborhood of North Seattle is bounded by North 85th Street to the south, North 105th (also known as Northgate Way) to the north, and Interstate 5 to the east. Licton Springs is also called North College Park by some Seattle residents, a reference to the nearby North Seattle Community College, founded in 1970.

The neighborhood has long been defined by the busy Aurora Avenue North, which cuts directly through the center of the community in a north-south direction. Aurora has a reputation of being somewhat rough, defined by dive bars and rundown motels. After dark, I wouldn't want to walk along here alone. While the proximity of this thoroughfare means that shopping and dining is never far, a much better option would be the nearby Northgate Mall.

There are some apartments and modest homes in Licton Springs, though the neighborhood is not considered desirable due to the amount of traffic headed through here. One bright spot does exist in the neighborhood, however, and that is Licton Springs Park. For hundreds of years, Licton Springs was used by local Native American tribes as a spiritual gathering spot. The waters were believed to have healing properties. In later years, Licton Springs was a favorite picnic spot. In the 1960s, it officially became a public park.

The Leschi neighborhood, named after the Nisqually Tribe's Chief Leschi, is located on the shores of Lake Washington, with Interstate 90 to the South, Martin Luther King Jr. Way to the west, and E. Cherry Street to the north of the neighborhood. There are many parks in Leschi, including the well-known Leschi park on the lake, and Frink Park, featuring huge trees, natural trails, and a waterfall.

One of Seattle's older residential neighborhoods, the housing options seen on these tree-lined steets include everything from historic homes and million-dollar lakefront mansions to condo buildings. As you get closer to the water, the homes become more elaborate. Despite its pricey lakefront reputation, Leschi offers plenty of affordable housing options. Off the marina, there is a small shopping district with several restaurants and businesses catering to those living in the neighborhood.

Those who live in Leschi often stay for many decades in the same home. Popular among families with young children, retirees, and everyone in between, Leschi is a tight-knit community with many residents fighting to preserve its character. As a result, Leschi is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, and you're sure to see children riding their bikes or playing in the many green spaces residents enjoy here. For those living elsewhere in the city, the street-ends offer public access to the lake and a quiet refuge.

Seattle's International District, also known as the I.D., is a diverse neighborhood located just south of Downtown. Often called 'Chinatown' by locals, the International District is actually home to a melting-pot of dozens of Asian immigrant groups, including Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Japanese Americans, Cambodian Americans, and many more. Each new wave of immigration changes the character of the neighborhood in its own unique way.

The International District stretches between Fifth Avenue South and Rainier Avenue South, North of S. Dearborn Street and South of South Main Street. Within the International District, the main roads are South King Street and South Jackson Street. This area was first known as Chinatown as early as the 1890s. Today, the entire area is officially recognized as a Historic District.

The International District is known for many cultural landmarks where the various groups who call the I.D. home congregate. These include Hing Hay Park, the Wing Luke Asian Museum, and Kobe Terrace. Though there are few green spaces within the district, the Danny Woo Community Garden offers residents opportunities for urban gardening. There are also plenty of Asian supermarkets, boutiques offering unique gifts and specialty wares, and affordable ethnic restaurants.

This vibrant community is a favorite residential area of many of Seattle's inhabitants. Most of the housing in the I.D. consists of apartment buildings located above retail centers. Statistically, the neighborhood is more than 50% Asian, though all groups are welcomed with open arms. The International District is a great place for cultural exploration, and also an exciting place to live.

Much of the area today known as Interbay was originally a marshy area of the tideflats of Elliott Bay, in the areas known as Smith's Cove and Salmon Bay. The city grew up around this area, because it is one of the few areas of the city where the ground was already level. As settlers arrived, the city moved outwards. By the end of the 1800s, soil from regrading projects to turn Seattle's hills into livable space turned this wet area into real land. Interbay also includes the valley between Queen Anne to the east and Magnolia to the west.

Since the turn of the century, the Interbay area has been known for shipping industries, including several the Fishermen's Terminal and several piers for the Port of Seattle. The neighborhood is somewhat consumed by the Balmer railway yard, and numerous railway lines and trestles run across the neighborhood from east to west. Today, Interbay is home to a diverse range of industries, shops, and homes, giving it a uniquely industrial yet homey feeling. A golf course, playfields, the P-Patch community garden, and a food bank are just some of the many occupants of Interbay. 15Th Avenue West is the main road through Interbay for those looking for shopping or dining options, although the area is quite crowded, and traffic can get bad during rush hour.

Although parts of Interbay have an industrial feel, others are quite nice residential areas, especially the parts of Interbay near Queen Anne Hill and Magnolia. These parts, however, tend to be very steep. If you get high enough on the hill on a clear day, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and downtown.

As the name suggests, the Industrial District is the main industrial area of Seattle. The Industrial District has two sections, East and West, separated by the manmade Harbor Island. The district is bounded on the east by Interstate 5, on the north by King Street, and on the South by railway lines. There are many main roads running through the Industrial District, including 1st and 4th Avenues South, the Alaskan Way Viaduct, South Spokane Street, and East Marginal Way.

The Northwest portion of this area is known as SoDo, which originally referred to the location South of the Kingdome Stadium. Since the stadium was removed, it has now come to mean South of Downtown. This part of the Industrial District is home to Safeco Field and Qwest Field, Seattle's two major-league stadiums.

Though a lot goes on here, I wouldn't want to live here. Noisy and somewhat dirty, there are few community amenities for residents. Though there are some apartments here, a better option for those looking to live near the Industrial District would be the area of West Seattle located to the west. Besides being busy, much of the area is built on what was once mudflats or landfill, making the buildings here prone to damage during earthquakes.

High Point was originally a World War II neighborhood built to provide government housing. Through the 1990s, it was known for low-income housing with a rundown feeling. In 2003, however, the Seattle Housing Authority decided to redevelop the area. Today, West Seattle's High Point neighborhood is one of the newest communities in the city. High Point has won awards such as "Best Master Planned Community" and green-living accolades for its unique features. High Point is known for being "green." All housing here is Energy Star Rated, and the area features numerous environmentally-friendly building innovations.

Built to offer a diverse range of housing options, High Point offers townhomes, condos, single family homes, and affordable housing. Although it is a planned community, it is also quite diverse, with large populations of both Southeast Asian and East African immigrants. The redevelopment of High Point has recently entered Phase 2; when complete, there will be about 1,600 housing units and 4,000 residents here. Although all housing was created by just five builders, you need not worry about repetitiveness here; High Point was created with an artful array of building designs and colors in mind.

Named for its location as one of the highest-elevation points in Seattle, High Point residents enjoy beautiful views of the city. The neighborhood, which is 34 blocks, and 120 acres, is easily accessible by public transit and known for its safety and a tight-knit community feeling cemented by the High Point Neighborhood Association. Although there are few shopping options within High Point, the area is near the many opportunities of West Seattle. High Point was also planned with plenty of parks, trails, and playgrounds, and is also home to High Point Elementary, the High Point Community Center, and High Point Public Library.

Harbor Island, the largest manmade island in the world, is one of the places in Seattle that everyone knows about but few people know the story behind. Located where the Duwamish Waterway meets Elliott Bay, both the West Seattle Bridge and the Spokane Street Bridge pass over the island, though few Seattle residents ever have reason to visit here. There are no residential areas or permanent residents here, though about 10,000 people live within just one mile of the island.

The beginnings of the island stretch back more than a century. Around the beginning of the twentieth century, countless cargo ships dumped their ballast here when entering port. Building up over time, the city finally decided to build a permanent island here. Harbor Island, measuring over 400 acres, was completed in 1909, the result of regrading projects and dredging in the Duwamish River. The same activities that resulted in the completion of Harbor Island also built up the land now occupied by King Street Station and Union Station, Safeco Field and Quest Field, and the industrial heart of the city.

Since its completion, the island has been home to lead smelting, shipbuilding, cargo shipping, and other industrial activities. Todd Pacific Shipyards and the Port of Seattle's Terminal 18 are based on the island. The area around the island is used by many of Seattle's fishermen, mainly to catch crabs and shellfish.

Haller Lake is one of Seattle's hidden gems. This small residential neighborhood surrounds the serene Haller Lake. The lake is about 15 acres, with two public access points, on Meridian Avenue for the north shore and North 125th Street to the west. Because it is tucked back into the neighborhood, it does not get the traffic of other Seattle lakes, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds of Green Lake and other well-traveled summertime retreats.

Although bordered by busy landmarks, including the City Line, Highway 99 (Aurora Avenue), Northgate Mall,and Interstate 5, Haller Lake is a quiet and family-friendly neighborhood known for its lake as well as the prestigious Lakeside School, from which both Bill Gates and Paul Allen graduated. Other community amenities include the Haller Lake Community Club and Northacres Park, a large and forested park located just blocks from busy Interstate 5.

Many neighbors enjoy biking through the community, even though just a few blocks away lie some of the busiest roads in the city. Though the neighborhood is small and quiet, it provides easy access to shopping. On Aurora Avenue, you'll find nearly every chain store imaginable. Southwest of the lake is the Northwest Hospital and Medical Center. Although the neighborhood is small and quiet, you can get to nearly anything you'd need in five minutes or less.

The Greenlake neighborhood is located to the north and east of beautiful Green Lake. Green Lake is the most popular attraction in the neighborhood. Though it does not allow power boats, the lake is popular for swimming, canoeing, paddle boats, and more. Many types of native wildlife can be viewed on and near the lake. It is also surrounded by a pedestrian and biking path measuring 2.8 miles. It often becomes crowded on weekends and sunny days. The park is also home to a community center, tennis courts, and the Evans Pool. Green Lake is next to Woodland Park to the southwest, providing more green space for residents' enjoyment.

Residents often compare living in the Green Lake neighborhood with living in a nature preserve. Living in this neighborhood, residents are within walking distance of the lake. There are many historic homes in this area of tree-lined streets. Although there are newer homes, Green Lake is defined by craftsman homes and bungalows dating to the turn of the century.

This trendy neighborhood is also home to many great restaurants and boutiques. Though it can be a bit expensive to live here, it's a great place for Seattleites to spend a weekend afternoon. Though it's just to the North of Downtown, Greenlake feels like miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Georgetown is a historic and semi-industrial neighborhood to the south of Downtown Seattle, running along the Duwamish River and bounded by railroads to the North and the Interstate 5 Freeway to the east. The Rainier Brewery began here in 1882, and following the completion of Interstate 5, the large red "R" sign of the brewery served as a landmark that could be seen from the freeway. In 2000, this iconic sign was replaced by a green "T" for Tully's Coffee, which now occupies the old brewery.

Though it's a bit rough around the edges, there are plenty of deals for first-time homebuyers looking for somewhere affordable close to the city. Most of the residents of Georgetown are singles and younger couples, especially artists. In Georgetown, you'll find many old brick warehouses turned into artist lofts. Although the residential areas of Georgetown are surrounded by industry, they are surprisingly quiet, with a very tight-knit community feeling.

Many more people work in Georgetown than live here. In addition to residential neighborhoods, Georgetown is also home to South Seattle Community College, Boeing Field, and numerous warehouses. Though there's not much here for families, this is likely to change over the next few years, as new restaurants, shops, and businesses have begun to move in to once-industrial areas of the community. Several new condo buildings and artists' studios have recently sprung up. Since the 1990s, a bit of a revival has brought new energy into the area. There is certainly great potential for growth, and it seems to be happening now, making Georgetown one of the most popular up-and-coming areas of the city.

Fremont is one of Seattle's most artistic and eclectic communities. It is one of the trendiest areas of the city for couples, young professionals, and artists. Lying to the north of Queen Anne and east of Ballard, its neighborhood boundaries are the Fremont Cut of the Lake Washington Ship Canal to the south, Stone Way N. To the east, North 50th Street in the north, and 8th Avenue NW to the west.

The main roads through Fremont are Fremont and Aurora Avenues N., and North 34th Street. The Aurora Bridge, a main feature of the district, crosses the Ship Canal carrying traffic on Aurora Avenue. The famous Fremont Troll, an enormous concrete sculpture, lives under the Aurora Bridge. Other works of public art include a statue of Lenin, the Waiting for the Interurban statue, and the Fremont Rocket, a Cold War-era rocket. Fremont is known for offbeat parades and festivals happening year-round, especially the Annual Solstice Parade, frequented by nude cyclists. Don't let this stop you from exploring Fremont with your children, though – every other day of the year, Fremont is a family-friendly neighborhood.

For decades, residents of Fremont have referred to their neighborhood as "The Center of the Universe." Indeed, whether you live here or are visiting, you'll find a surprising array of eccentric shopping and dining opportunities.
Long a center of Seattle's counterculture, today Fremont's newly-built and high-priced condo buildings are attracting a more professional crowd. The district is also home to the offices of several technology corporations, including Getty Images and Adobe Systems, and Google, all of which are located along the Lake Washington Ship Canal at the southern edge of the neighborhood. Though some feel that the arrival of these businesses has undercut Fremont's bohemian edge, this neighborhood still has much of the spirit that it has been known for since the 1950s.

Although Fremont is known for the arts, there are also plenty of green spaces, including the B.F. Day Playfield, and the Burke-Gilman bike trail. Just east of Fremont is the large and ever-popular Gasworks Park. One of the best Sunday markets in Seattle happens year-round in Fremont. During the summer, there are also outdoor movies on weekend evenings.

Fauntleroy is located along the western edge of West Seattle, giving it breathtaking panoramic views of Vashon Island, Bainbridge Island, and Puget Sound. This quiet residential area is favored by professionals who work downtown but want to escape the city.

Many of these families stay for many years; it has traditionally been very hard to find a house for sale in Fauntleroy. In the 1980s, this close-knit community formed the Fauntleroy Community Association, which is still quite active today. Fauntleroy is also home to the Fauntleroy YMCA and to the former Fauntleroy School, where you'll now find a rental auditorium, meeting rooms, and a childcare center.

Not only can you catch a beautiful sunset over the water, but Fauntleroy also offers plenty of green spaces for those looking to relax. Lincoln Park, a waterfront park on the northern side of the neighborhood, offers 135 acres of relaxation. Fauntleroy Park, located near the center of the neighborhood, is another popular weekend and summertime destination for the families living in the neighborhood.

Residents of this neighborhood enjoy easy access to other areas of the city, including downtown Seattle by car or bus and Vashon Island via the Washington State Ferries Teminal, situated on Fauntleroy Cove. Fauntleroy Way, a main road running through the center of the neighborhood, connects with the West Seattle Bridge for those heading downtown.

Fairmount Park is a small, mostly residential neighborhood in the heart of West Seattle. Bounded on the east by 35th Ave SW, directly on the other side of this main thoroughfare lies the West Seattle Golf Course. The western boundary of the neighborhood is California Ave SW, and to the south lies Fauntleroy Way SW and Graham St.

The neighborhood is known for the Fairmont Playfield, next to the recently closed Fairmount Park Elementary School. The community has many smaller homes, condos, and apartment buildings, making the area popular for first-time homebuyers with small children. If you plan to live here, look towards the south end of the neighborhood, which has more green areas, including easy access to nearby Lincoln Park on the waterfront.

While those who live there seem to love it, the streets may be a bit busy for some tastes. Fauntleroy Way SW, in particular, is one of the main roads through West Seattle, with both the ferry docks and West Seattle Freeway connected to this bustling thoroughfare. SW Alaska Street, another busy West Seattle road, runs through the northern end of the neighborhood. The upside of having these streets nearby, however, is that residents of Fairmount Park are never far from shopping, restaurants, and gas stations. Despite its high traffic, the area is considered relatively safe, although not very quiet. Look for housing away from the main thoroughfares if you want to enjoy everything Fairmont Park has to offer without the noise.

Named for its location on the east side of Lake Union, Eastlake is one of the oldest and most inviting neigborhoods in the city. It is located beteen the University District and Downtown Seattle, giving it an ideal position close to everything the city has to offer. The official boundaries of Eastlake are Lake Union to the west, Portage Bay to the north, Interstate 5 to the east, and E. Garfield Street on the southern end. It is also close to I5 for those commuting elsewhere for work or play. Eastlake is very popular among those with ties to the University of Washington, especially professors. Though one of the more expensive communities in Seattle, those living there love their neighborhood fiercely.

In Eastlake, you'll find every style of housing possible, from condos to bungalows and even houseboats. The landlocked homes enjoy a view of downtown and the Olympic Mountains. Along Eastlake Avenue in the heart of the community, you'll find plenty of shopping and dining possibilities, from landmark restaurants to burger joints. In the 1970s and 1980s, several parks and public art spaces were created in the neighborhood, many of which are situated at street ends, where the street meets the water.

This historic neighborhood was home to William Boeing's first airplane assembly plant, built in 1916. His first aircraft flew from this hangar. The area around Lake Union is also home to marinas and recreational water activities.

East Queen Anne is one of the best residential neighborhoods Seattle has to offer. Though it's a bit pricey compared to other communities around the city, if you can afford it living in East Queen Anne is well worth it. The area of East Queen Anne known as a community of young professionals raising kids, and there is plenty for your children to do here, including the East Queen Anne Playground and Wading Pool. The parks in this area and in neighboring Magnolia are well-kept and beautiful.

Located on Queen Anne Hill, East Queen Anne refers to the section of the hill that is bounded by Queen Anne Drive, Queen Anne Ave, and Ward Street. Cutting through the middle are several major arterials, including Dexter Ave N along the north edge of the community and Boston, 5th, and Taylor cutting through the center of the district. If you're looking to live here, move to the area of East Queen Anne that is North of Aurora Avenue North – many residents of Queen Anne don't consider anything East of this boundary to be part of the hill.

Those on the top of the hill will find breathtaking views, not to mention easy access to downtown for shopping, sightseeing, or working. The community is very walkable, though many residents do their shopping elsewhere. There are plenty of restaurants, especially on Dexter Ave N. Although East Queen Anne is home to some apartments and condos, it is known for its original historic homes, which give a relaxed feeling to the area. Many streets in this area of the city are tree-lined, with gardens creeping up to the sidewalks.

Downtown Seattle, officially known as the Central Business District, is where it all happens. If you want to take in as much as the city as possible, here is the place to do it. With the typical big-city feel of skyscrapers and traffic, you'll find everything you need here in Seattle. There's so much to do downtown that you could easily spend a month exploring and never see it all. Even native Seattleites find that there is plenty to do downtown. The Central Business District is officially defined as the area from Olive to Cherry Street, West of I5, although many residents also include Pike Place Market and Belltown when talking about downtown.

Shoppers will find every kind of store imaginable, from Macy's and Nordstrom to the Westlake Center shopping mall to the world-famous Pike Place Market at the northwestern edge of the central business core. In fact, the entire Seattle front is well-visited by both tourists and locals alike. Other must-see tourist spots in downtown Seattle include Benaroya Hall (with concerts by the Seattle Symphony), and the Seattle Art Museum, not to mention the typical activities you'd find in any major city. There are also some great restaurants, no matter what type of cuisine you're in the mood for, as well as a very active nightlife.

Like the downtown area of most any major city, housing is expensive here, so I recommend living elsewhere in Seattle. Although you might find that downtown living suits you, there are plenty of people who commute to the Central Business District for work or for shopping, dining, or sightseeing. Thankfully, the Central Business District is on dozens of bus lines, plus the Link Light Rail and the Seattle Central Monorail, which links downtown with tourist destinations such as the Space Needle. Of course, like many areas of the city, the Central Business District is easily reached by the I5 freeway.

If you're so fed up with Seattle traffic that you absolutely must get away, consider Columbia City, which seems worlds away from the high rises of the city. South of downtown and tucked into the Rainier Valley, Columbia City is found between Seward Park and Beacon Hill. While some describe it as “up and coming,” it is also seen as a neighborhood that is a little down on its luck. Full of modest homes and affordable apartments, Columbia City has a distinctly multicultural feeling. The neighbors seem to take a lot of pride in their community and have pulled together to make Columbia City a neighborhood in the truest sense of the word.

The area boomed due to World War II and postwar industries, bringing large numbers of African Americans to the community during the 1960s. Though the 1970s saw many empty storefronts, in large part the area has rebounded. Today, the entire business district is considered a Historic District. In recent decades, the area has experienced an influx of city residents looking for low-priced housing with easy access to the downtown area.

Columbia City is known for being one of the most walkable areas of the city. Everything in Columbia City, including a diverse array of shopping and dining options, is within walking distance of the new Columbia City Link Light Rail station and several bus lines. Its main streets are Rainier Avenue S. and Martin Luther King Jr. Way (both running North-South) and South Alaska Street, carrying eastbound and westbound traffic.

Seattleites come from all over the city for the Farmers Market, which takes place every Wednesday during the summer. The Columbia City BeatWalk, on the second Friday of the month, features live music from every corner of the world. The Columbia City Theatre is a popular hangout, and once hosted Jimi Hendrix. The community is also home to the historic Carnegie Library, located on the Columbia Green, a grassy spot in the center of the neighborhood. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants representing nearly every culture of the city.

Broadway is a main thoroughfare in Seattle, running North-South through First Hill and Capitol Hill, from East Madison Street near downtown Seattle to Roy Street at the north end of Capitol Hill. It has a reputation for being one of the most active and eclectic streets in the city. The Broadway District refers to the shopping within six blocks of Broadway East. On the southern end of Broadway, towards downtown Seattle, you'll find Swedish Hospital and Seattle Central Community College. As you move north on Broadway, the area becomes more of a nightlife destination.

Along Broadway, you'll find plenty of clubs and late-night spots, especially in the Capitol Hill area. During the day, walk along Broadway for vintage shopping, including the ever-popular Redlight clothing store. Other attractions along Broadway include Dick's Drive-In and The Harvard Exit Theater. Broadway is also home to Dance Steps, a public artwork featuring a series of dance steps in bronze set into the sidewalks.

People watching is also a lot of fun on Broadway, which tends to attract an interesting crowd. You're likely to see plenty of piercings and neon-colored hair here. Broadway has long been the center of Seattle's GLBT community, as well as the alternative music scene.

Broadview and Bitter Like are located on the northwestern edge of the city of Seattle. The two neighborhoods are separated by Greenwood Avenue, with Broadview to the North and Bitter Lake to the South. The southern boundary of Bitter Lake is North 105th Street, and the eastern boundary is Aurora Avenue North. Directly to the north, above NW 145th Street, lies the city of Shoreline.

Though a little rough around the edges, many residents love this area of the city for offering an ideal combination of everything, from cheap apartments to modest homes to mansions. Although some areas just off Aurora, a main thoroughfare through the area, have been noted as being a bit dangerous after dark, most of the Broadview/Bitter Lake area is a great place to raise children.

Broadview is also home to some of the best parks in the city, including Carkeek Park, located on Puget Sound along the western edge of the neighborhood. The Interurban biking trail also runs through the neighborhood, offering ample opportunity for biking, jogging, and rollerblading. Llandover Trail is known for its many native plant and animal species, making it a fun weekend walk, especially for those with kids. The Bitter Lake neighborhood is named after Bitter Lake, one of the most popular recreational areas of the district, while Broadview is home to the E.B. Dunn historic gardens.

The Seattle to Everett Interurban trolley line once ran through the heart of the neighborhood, hastening its development in the early twentieth century. From 1930 until the early 1960s, Bitter Lake was home to Playland, a large amusement park. Today, the site is home to R.H. Thomson Elementary School and the Bitter Lake Community Center.

Although some residents lament the lack of trendy dining or nightlife options compared to other areas of Seattle, in fact Broadview and Bitter Lake is a quiet and comfortable neighborhood drawing residents young and old thanks to its relatively low real estate prices and abundance of outdoor activities.

Just South of downtown, Belltown is one of the most lively areas of the city. Close to everything, residents of Belltown enjoy plenty of shopping and dining opportunities within walking distance. Located on the waterfront, Belltown is bounded by Denny Way on the north side, Elliott Bay to the southwest, Virginia Street on the southeast, and 5th Avenue on the northeast. Once a low-rent and semi industrial district, today Belltown is known as a trendy neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife.

Belltown is culturally diverse with a wide array of boutiques, cafes, and gourmet restaurants. You can find every kind of cuisine imaginable here. The epicenter of Seattle's cultural scene, the new Olympic Sculpture Park is located here.

As for nightlife, Belltown is one of the most popular disricts of the city among twenty-somethings. The Crocodile Cafe, legendary for hosting well-known rock and roll names, is located here, as is the Moore Theatre, one of the oldest concert halls in the city. Belltown is also walking distance to the Pike Place Market and downtown business district. If you are visiting Seattle and want to see as much as possible, you want to stay in Belltown.

If you're looking to live in Belltown, you're in luck. This downtown neighborhood offers condo living and artist lofts in a range of prices. Those lucky enough to live in a high-rise building can enjoy views of the Space Needle, downtown Seattle, and Elliot Bay. Those living in Belltown can often do without cars thanks to the expansive bus system – much of Belltown is in Seattle's free bus zone, and there are numerous lines leading from Belltown to other areas of the city. There is even a Belltown P-Patch, giving condo-bound residence opportunities to create a garden. Belltown is a great place to visit and to live.

Beacon Hill is one of the oldest and largest residential areas in Seattle. This southeast Seattle neighborhood is commonly split into two sections, Beacon Hill and North Beacon Hill, due to its size. The City and some residents also consider the areas Holly Park, Mid Beacon Hill, and South Beacon Hill to be separate neighborhoods. The borders of Beacon Hill are Interstate 90, Interstate 5, Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and the southern Seattle city boundary.

The neighborhood is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to live in the city. There are more than 5,000 homes and 400 condos in the area. Home prices have not skyrocketed, making it ideal for young families or singles who are looking to make Seattle their home. Beacon Hill features many examples of historic architecture from the early 1900s, including beautiful Craftsman bungalows. Many of the homes in the area offer breathtaking views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay. When the sun is out, you may even catch a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.

While most residents go elsewhere in the city to do most of their shopping, Beacon Hill is home to a new Seattle City Library as well as a wide array of restaurants. Those shopping or eating in the Beacon Hill neighborhood will find that it has a very diverse feeling, including large numbers of Asian businesses on Beacon Avenue South. Beacon Hill is also home to the headquarters of Amazon.com. Because Beacon Hill was one of the earliest neighborhoods in the city, it is home to several historically significant places, such as the Beacon Hill First Baptist Church (1910) and the Comet Lodge Cemetery (1895).

Ballard is one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Seattle. Also one of the oldest areas of the city, Ballard was historically a working-class neighborhood settled by Scandinavians employed in the fishing, canning, and lumber industries. In recent decades they have been replaced by young Seattleites drawn by the active nightlife and newly built condos. Still, Ballard retains much of its earlier Scandinavian charm.

This historic district has become a center of ethnic cafes, lively bars, and unique local merchants. While in Ballard, be sure to check out the year-round Ballard Sunday Farmers Market on Ballard Avenue. Ballard High School is the oldest high school in the city. There are several elementary schools in the neighborhood, as well as the Ballard Public Library, making this area of the city popular for those with children. Today, Ballard's population is young and diverse, and the area is becoming increasingly trendy.

One of Seattle's hottest neighborhoods for shopping, dining, and drinking, the boundaries of this hip and exciting neighborhood are Crown Hill and NW 8th Street to the north, the Greenwood, Fremont, and Phinney Ridge neighborhoods along the east, the Lake Washington Ship Canal to the south, and Shilshole Bay and Puget Sound to the west. Most of the shopping and dining opportunities are found along Ballard Ave and Market Street.

Ballard's historic business district is popular among locals and tourists alike. Tourists will find that there are few hotels within the Ballard neighborhood, although the area is easily reached from downtown Seattle and other areas of the city. Popular attractions in Ballard include the Fishermen's Terminal, Golden Gardens Park, and the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, known to locals as the Ballard Locks. Many visitors find that Ballard reminds them of visiting the San Francisco waterfront.

Arbor Heights is a small and quiet neighborhood in southwest Seattle popular among professionals who commute to work in Seattle. The area is known for being suburban and unassuming. Arbor Heights offers a relaxed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Bordered in the west by Puget Sound, and south of SW Roxbury Street, the community is in the southernmost area of West Seattle.

Residents love its mile of Puget Sound shoreline. Arbor Heights is also known for Cove Park and the Fauntleroy Creek fish ladder. This quiet community has just one school, Arbor Heights Elementary. Shopping can be found to the north in Roxhill, and to the west in Fauntleroy. Arbor Heights is also home to the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club, a private club pool.

Although there is some shopping here, most of Arbor Heights is residential. The area is known for a diverse array of housing choices, from apartments to million-dollar homes with views of Mt. Rainier. Tthe area boomed immediately following World War II. Today, a significant number of homes in Arbor Heights date to the 1940s and 1950s.

Occupants of homes on the bluff enjoy access to private beaches and sunset views from their balconies. Residents of Arbor Heights have a higher median income than the Seattle average, leading to the area's reputation as a bedroom community for those working elsewhere in Seattle.

Alki is a beautiful beach community on the west end of West Seattle. This neighborhood is popular among those who want to get away from city life but still remain close to the city of Seattle. Alki can be reached from downtown Seattle via the West Seattle Bridge or by water taxi.

A great place to “people watch” or relax, Alki Beach is popular among locals and tourists alike. Besides Alki Beach, Alki is home to many parks, including Hamilton Viewpoint Park above the beach on California Avenue, and Schmitz Park, the only old-growth forest in the city of Seattle.

The Alki marina and waterfront is a beautiful setting for a sunset stroll. A biking and jogging trail runs several miles along the waterfront. Jutting into Puget Sound, Alki offers picturesque views of the Olympic Mountains and the downtown Seattle skyline, as well as some of the most delicious seafood in the city. For the best seafood in the city, visit Salty's on Alki Beach, known both for its food and for the expansive view.

Alki is not only scenic, but also historic. Alki was the earliest settlement in the Seattle area; the Denny party landed here in 1851. The Denny Monument at Alki Point commemorates this event. The historic Alki Point Lighthouse, built in 1913, is open on summer weekends. There is even a miniature Statue of Liberty, built in 1952.

Today, you'll find an eclectic mix of bungalow homes, apartments, and waterfront shopping and dining. The beach is also host to the annual Seattle Music Fest, a music festival featuring Northwest artists held every August.