West Queen Anne
Ranked 18th best neighborhood in Seattle
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Great for
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Parks & Recreation
- Schools
- Internet Access
Not great for
- Parking
- Cost of Living
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
Reviews
West Queen Anne
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
"Relaxed neighborhood with steep hills"
Some of my friends live in West Queen Anne, and I actually really like it. One good thing is that it’s far away from all the tourists. It’s pretty much just locals. I'm getting a little sick of all the tourists constantly around my place in Lower Queen Anne.
I thought about moving here after my lease ends and if I did, I would live close to the top of the hill to be close to the food and bars. Also to be by the Safeway, although there’s a Whole Foods in Interbay not too far away.
One thing that’s not awesome is the fact that to get anywhere you have to go down a steep hill. As a runner, it’s not ideal to have to start or end a run on a super steep grade. Especially when it’s raining. Which if you haven’t heard, it does a lot in Seattle.
The other thing is that there aren’t too many new apartment buildings like in other neighborhoods. There are some newer condos, but those are harder to get your hands on unless you want to buy, at least for studios and 1 bedrooms based on what I’ve seen. The good thing is that a ton of the buildings have a view!
I’ve gone out a few times here—basically everything’s at the top of the hill (except for a few coffee shops on McGraw that are a couple blocks west). Hilltop Ale House is good, pretty standard brewpub, good place for a Friday night with your buddies. Targy’s Tavern a few blocks away is alright, they have pool tables. Kinda grimy though. I like eating out at the 5 spot. You can count on good food and beer there.
I thought about moving here after my lease ends and if I did, I would live close to the top of the hill to be close to the food and bars. Also to be by the Safeway, although there’s a Whole Foods in Interbay not too far away.
One thing that’s not awesome is the fact that to get anywhere you have to go down a steep hill. As a runner, it’s not ideal to have to start or end a run on a super steep grade. Especially when it’s raining. Which if you haven’t heard, it does a lot in Seattle.
The other thing is that there aren’t too many new apartment buildings like in other neighborhoods. There are some newer condos, but those are harder to get your hands on unless you want to buy, at least for studios and 1 bedrooms based on what I’ve seen. The good thing is that a ton of the buildings have a view!
I’ve gone out a few times here—basically everything’s at the top of the hill (except for a few coffee shops on McGraw that are a couple blocks west). Hilltop Ale House is good, pretty standard brewpub, good place for a Friday night with your buddies. Targy’s Tavern a few blocks away is alright, they have pool tables. Kinda grimy though. I like eating out at the 5 spot. You can count on good food and beer there.
Pros
- Beautiful city and water vistas
- Great restaurants
Cons
- High traffic volumes on arterial streets
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Trendy & Stylish
West Queen Anne
rating details
2yrs+
- Eating Out
"A nice place for an evening meal"
Though I can’t speak to what it’s like to live here, there is a lovely selection of restaurants and cafes on the top of the hill, along Queen Anne Ave.
In my opinion, the best one is “How to Cook a Wolf.” It is an Ethan Stowell chef restaurant, so it has outstanding food, with a price point that means it is only for special occasions. And despite the name, there is a good selection of vegetarian options. It is quite well-known, so you’d be well advised to make a reservation in advance.
For something more casual, I enjoy the Queen Anne Café. It is quite simple, with a typical café menu centered around breakfast and lunch. They make excellent omelets and always have fresh coffee.
Lastly, I can suggest the Cederberg Tea House. It is a South African café where they grind and brew tea like coffee. Quite unusual, but delicious. It tends to attract an interesting crowd, and is a good place to mingle with the international or globally-minded community. Every time I’ve been here I’ve had great conversations.
One thing I enjoy is going to the top of the hill in December, when it is all decorated with white lights. However, keep an eye out for those steep hills, which can become icy. Overall, the houses and yards generally seem well cared for, and it appears to be a pleasant place to live.
In my opinion, the best one is “How to Cook a Wolf.” It is an Ethan Stowell chef restaurant, so it has outstanding food, with a price point that means it is only for special occasions. And despite the name, there is a good selection of vegetarian options. It is quite well-known, so you’d be well advised to make a reservation in advance.
For something more casual, I enjoy the Queen Anne Café. It is quite simple, with a typical café menu centered around breakfast and lunch. They make excellent omelets and always have fresh coffee.
Lastly, I can suggest the Cederberg Tea House. It is a South African café where they grind and brew tea like coffee. Quite unusual, but delicious. It tends to attract an interesting crowd, and is a good place to mingle with the international or globally-minded community. Every time I’ve been here I’ve had great conversations.
One thing I enjoy is going to the top of the hill in December, when it is all decorated with white lights. However, keep an eye out for those steep hills, which can become icy. Overall, the houses and yards generally seem well cared for, and it appears to be a pleasant place to live.
Pros
- Great restaurants
West Queen Anne
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
"Downtown living with the benefits of the ‘burbs"
West Queen Anne is a very popular place to live. It occupies that hard-to-achieve point where city perks like nightlife, lots of people, and nearby amenities, gently transitions into a quiet, residential neighborhood that feels like home. Toss in some good views, and you’ve got West Queen Anne.
You might think it’s odd that Queen Anne Hill, which isn’t that big to begin with, is separated into four neighborhoods. But once you’ve lived there for a while, you get it. Because each side of the hill has a very different feel, all joining up at the top of the hill, where many restaurants and shops are clustered.
West Queen Anne runs from the top of the hill down it’s southwest side, towards Interbay, and just north of Lower Queen Anne, where the Seattle Center is. In fact, some of the neighborhood is far enough away from the crowds at the Seattle Center that you might even find street parking! What you won’t find is hotels, which is great, because it keeps most of the tourists visiting the Space Needle away, which makes the neighborhood feel more like home.
Part of the reason West Queen Anne is so lovely is that as soon as you are a few blocks away from all the shops on the top of the hill, and the rush of visitors to the Seattle Center, it becomes very quiet. The noise dies down, there are fewer cars, and the air seems fresher.
About half of the land is zoned for single-family homes, and the other half, around Gilman Drive, also has lowrise apartments. You won’t find any skyscrapers here. Of course, being on a hill, if you’re lucky, you’ll have a view. Most places have at least a snippet of one—which also keeps rent high. But not all views are created equal. The best ones are facing south or southwest, towards the water and downtown. The ones facing directly west stare straight at Magnolia, another residential hill, which isn’t quite as inspiring of a vista, but still decent.
To eat out, you’ll probably have to make the trek to the top of the hill, where you’ll find plenty of options. There are also a few little places a bit closer, on McGraw Street, such as Macrina Bakery.
The hill gets very steep in places, and so a strip of land on the western slope has been made into a green belt. There are a couple of trails where you can walk through to get down to Interbay, or just to go on a walk in the woods. There’s more walking, though, in Kinnear Park, which attaches to the greenbelts eastern edge. This is a great place to take your dog, because you can let them off the leash in the dog park. There’s also, oddly, a tennis court in the middle of the woods, which is often empty.
One other perk to West Queen Anne is that it’s a very short drive to Interbay, the neighborhood that fills the valley between Queen Anne Hill and Magnolia. Now, there’s not really anything to do in Interbay, but because the real estate is less desirable, there are large grocery stores, including a QFC and a Whole Foods, each with a big parking lot. Great for a weekly trip when you want to stock up the fridge.
You might think it’s odd that Queen Anne Hill, which isn’t that big to begin with, is separated into four neighborhoods. But once you’ve lived there for a while, you get it. Because each side of the hill has a very different feel, all joining up at the top of the hill, where many restaurants and shops are clustered.
West Queen Anne runs from the top of the hill down it’s southwest side, towards Interbay, and just north of Lower Queen Anne, where the Seattle Center is. In fact, some of the neighborhood is far enough away from the crowds at the Seattle Center that you might even find street parking! What you won’t find is hotels, which is great, because it keeps most of the tourists visiting the Space Needle away, which makes the neighborhood feel more like home.
Part of the reason West Queen Anne is so lovely is that as soon as you are a few blocks away from all the shops on the top of the hill, and the rush of visitors to the Seattle Center, it becomes very quiet. The noise dies down, there are fewer cars, and the air seems fresher.
About half of the land is zoned for single-family homes, and the other half, around Gilman Drive, also has lowrise apartments. You won’t find any skyscrapers here. Of course, being on a hill, if you’re lucky, you’ll have a view. Most places have at least a snippet of one—which also keeps rent high. But not all views are created equal. The best ones are facing south or southwest, towards the water and downtown. The ones facing directly west stare straight at Magnolia, another residential hill, which isn’t quite as inspiring of a vista, but still decent.
To eat out, you’ll probably have to make the trek to the top of the hill, where you’ll find plenty of options. There are also a few little places a bit closer, on McGraw Street, such as Macrina Bakery.
The hill gets very steep in places, and so a strip of land on the western slope has been made into a green belt. There are a couple of trails where you can walk through to get down to Interbay, or just to go on a walk in the woods. There’s more walking, though, in Kinnear Park, which attaches to the greenbelts eastern edge. This is a great place to take your dog, because you can let them off the leash in the dog park. There’s also, oddly, a tennis court in the middle of the woods, which is often empty.
One other perk to West Queen Anne is that it’s a very short drive to Interbay, the neighborhood that fills the valley between Queen Anne Hill and Magnolia. Now, there’s not really anything to do in Interbay, but because the real estate is less desirable, there are large grocery stores, including a QFC and a Whole Foods, each with a big parking lot. Great for a weekly trip when you want to stock up the fridge.
Pros
- Beautiful city and water vistas
- Close proximity to downtown
Cons
- High cost of living
- Limited parking
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- LGBT+
- Trendy & Stylish
West Queen Anne
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
"The Hip Part of Queen Anne"
West Quenn Anne is a liviler section of Queen Anne with great resturants and nightspots. Known as the area that everyone visits for good food and entertainment, but make a reservation because otherwise you’ll be waiting for a table at most of the hotspots because of their popularity.
This area of Queen Anne is defiantly more of a neighborhood than the other sections of Queen Anne, more greeniery is in the area and there are more small parks and greenbelts in the area, but watch out for dog droppings in some of these greener parts of West Queen Anne.
All-in-all this area is perfect for young couples. It has a great nightlife, but also has a nice residential feel. The area has a lot of eateries and shopping but it’s not overwhelmed with them. But most importantly the area has some great views of the city, Lake Union and the Olympic Mountains.
This area of Queen Anne is defiantly more of a neighborhood than the other sections of Queen Anne, more greeniery is in the area and there are more small parks and greenbelts in the area, but watch out for dog droppings in some of these greener parts of West Queen Anne.
All-in-all this area is perfect for young couples. It has a great nightlife, but also has a nice residential feel. The area has a lot of eateries and shopping but it’s not overwhelmed with them. But most importantly the area has some great views of the city, Lake Union and the Olympic Mountains.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
West Queen Anne
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Neighborhood With A View"
Where is a great place for a photo of downtown without paying to ride up the Space Needle? Shortly after moving to the area, some friends urged us to visit Kerry Park near 2nd Avenue and Highland Drive in Queen Anne. We were not disappointed by the astounding panorama available at this ledge! Even within a couple of blocks from arriving at the spot, we doubted its existence as narrow streets, apartment buildings and foliage abounded. Being embedded near non-arterial streets makes this a great stopover for cyclists. However, beware of the climb and complex street navigation. I found this out the hard way, needing to walk innumerable steps carrying my bike!
After taking in the scenery, enjoy a quality cup at either Top Pot Donuts, Cafe Fiore, or Cafe Apassionato. All are roughly three blocks north of Kerry. Any of these establishments, in my opinion, are a great choice. Fiore has an elegant atmosphere, but crowded. A good friend of mine used to roast for Appassionato, so I'm biased there. The donuts at Top Pot could be the deciding factor if a sweet tooth is left to decide. Other coffee choices, if still undecided, lie just blocks away (Starbucks, Cafe Ladro, El Diablo Coffee, Macrina Bakery, or Muse Coffee).
When it comes to good eating, stroll along Queen Anne Avenue with her extensive variety of taste. A few places west of this "strip" include Via Tribunali (Italian), Homegrown Seattle Sandwich Shop, Bustle (Beer and Wine Bar), or Malena's Taco Shop.
Recreation needs can be satisfied at the Queen Anne Community Center on 1st Avenue. Our young boys explored their "play room" and found it to be loads of fun. The life-size building blocks kept their attention for close to an hour. The room is not large, but is a safe haven on blustery winter days. The pool, also, is a nice addition to the experience.
Living in this part of Queen Anne is not cheap. Close proximity to downtown offices and the picturesque aspect drive up demand. However, if budget permits, the experience is quite unlike any other. Close walking distance to dozens of reputable landmarks is reason enough to settle down here. The more elaborate street layouts on the western edge raise the bar on the uniqueness of this community.
The boundaries lie roughly from McGraw Street in the north to Elliott near Kinnear Park in the south. It stretches from Queen Anne Avenue (on the East side) to Elliot Avenue and 15th Avenue on the West.
Kinnear Park, sold to the city for a mere dollar, has final pleasantries before reaching the industrial area along the shore. At a generous size, and with a few amenities for kids, it can be a fantastic zone of leisure. My wife and kids stumbled on this location a couple of years ago. With hungry mouths crying to be fed after not finding the original park we sought, we abruptly found a picnic spot on the hill and absorbed the warmth on an early Spring afternoon.
Any human being would find something to sing about in this portion of Queen Anne. Enjoying "backyard" urban access, possessing the largest hill in Seattle, great eats with other social third places, and drop-dead gorgeous housing make the west side of royalty worth holding a second career just to buy here.
After taking in the scenery, enjoy a quality cup at either Top Pot Donuts, Cafe Fiore, or Cafe Apassionato. All are roughly three blocks north of Kerry. Any of these establishments, in my opinion, are a great choice. Fiore has an elegant atmosphere, but crowded. A good friend of mine used to roast for Appassionato, so I'm biased there. The donuts at Top Pot could be the deciding factor if a sweet tooth is left to decide. Other coffee choices, if still undecided, lie just blocks away (Starbucks, Cafe Ladro, El Diablo Coffee, Macrina Bakery, or Muse Coffee).
When it comes to good eating, stroll along Queen Anne Avenue with her extensive variety of taste. A few places west of this "strip" include Via Tribunali (Italian), Homegrown Seattle Sandwich Shop, Bustle (Beer and Wine Bar), or Malena's Taco Shop.
Recreation needs can be satisfied at the Queen Anne Community Center on 1st Avenue. Our young boys explored their "play room" and found it to be loads of fun. The life-size building blocks kept their attention for close to an hour. The room is not large, but is a safe haven on blustery winter days. The pool, also, is a nice addition to the experience.
Living in this part of Queen Anne is not cheap. Close proximity to downtown offices and the picturesque aspect drive up demand. However, if budget permits, the experience is quite unlike any other. Close walking distance to dozens of reputable landmarks is reason enough to settle down here. The more elaborate street layouts on the western edge raise the bar on the uniqueness of this community.
The boundaries lie roughly from McGraw Street in the north to Elliott near Kinnear Park in the south. It stretches from Queen Anne Avenue (on the East side) to Elliot Avenue and 15th Avenue on the West.
Kinnear Park, sold to the city for a mere dollar, has final pleasantries before reaching the industrial area along the shore. At a generous size, and with a few amenities for kids, it can be a fantastic zone of leisure. My wife and kids stumbled on this location a couple of years ago. With hungry mouths crying to be fed after not finding the original park we sought, we abruptly found a picnic spot on the hill and absorbed the warmth on an early Spring afternoon.
Any human being would find something to sing about in this portion of Queen Anne. Enjoying "backyard" urban access, possessing the largest hill in Seattle, great eats with other social third places, and drop-dead gorgeous housing make the west side of royalty worth holding a second career just to buy here.
Pros
- Great restaurants
- Close proximity to downtown
- Beautiful city and water vistas
Cons
- High cost of living
- Limited parking
- High traffic volumes on arterial streets
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
West Queen Anne
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Public Transport
- Schools
"One of the most desirable residential areas in 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.
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.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
West Queen Anne
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Parks & Recreation
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Schools
"A terrific, though expensive, place to live"
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.
West Queen Anne
"Great Neighborhood For Small Families"
Queen Anne is one of the best places to raise kids in Seattle. It’s a quiet residential neighborhood situated on a hill overlooking the city with many small streets twisting across its slopes. The houses are small, single-family houses in a Cape Cod-type style with ample backyards and front yards. I have often visited my friend (who live with his wife and son on the hill), and have noticed the kindness the neighbors show him and he shows the neighbors. Plus, it is close enough to downtown Seattle to take advantage of the cultural and entertainment opportunities of the city. Queen Anne is a highly recommended neighborhood.
Recommended for
- Families with kids
West Queen Anne
"Residents move her and stay"
Queen Anne is one of Seattle’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, settled on the top of the world—or, crowning one of the most scenic hills in the city. No wonder why Queen Anne is a highly sought-out place to live. Located at the northern end of downtown Seattle, this community has some of the most breathtaking views in the city.
Depending on what side of the hill you’re on, views sweep eastward, over Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains, or they go west, over Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and magnificent sunsets. When looking from the south slope of Queen Anne, you can see the Seattle skyline that is put on thousands of postcards. If you look a little to the west you can see all of Elliott Bay and West Seattle.
The homes offer great charm and original character. Tree-lined streets and a smattering of local parks add to a rich sense of community. Neighbors include young couples new to the area and residents with long standing ties to Seattle and especially Queen Anne. People who move here stay here.
Queen Anne is also known for its high-caliber dining reputation. This, along with its nightlife scene has become a destination for non-locals as well as locals. Area musicians frequent the small coffee shops and clubs, and the community shows their support to the tune of standing-room only.
Depending on what side of the hill you’re on, views sweep eastward, over Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains, or they go west, over Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and magnificent sunsets. When looking from the south slope of Queen Anne, you can see the Seattle skyline that is put on thousands of postcards. If you look a little to the west you can see all of Elliott Bay and West Seattle.
The homes offer great charm and original character. Tree-lined streets and a smattering of local parks add to a rich sense of community. Neighbors include young couples new to the area and residents with long standing ties to Seattle and especially Queen Anne. People who move here stay here.
Queen Anne is also known for its high-caliber dining reputation. This, along with its nightlife scene has become a destination for non-locals as well as locals. Area musicians frequent the small coffee shops and clubs, and the community shows their support to the tune of standing-room only.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
