Moving to Seattle Area? This may help…
Location and Neighborhoods:
Seattle is a city of Neighborhoods–each with their own individual personality and charm.
Here are a couple of good General Seattle links: Seattle PI & Seattle Wiki
Fremont / Ballard – Fremont is just north of the ship canal is the ‘artist community’ known as the Center of the Universe–it’s on the sign it must be true! Home of the Fremont Troll, Waiting for the Interurban Sculpture, Oktoberfest (held annually in September), the Summer Solstice Parade and much more. Ballard is just northwest of Fremont & has Scandinavian roots and strong ties to the commercial fishing industry. In the last several years it’s become a beacon for off-beat boutiques and gourmet bistros. Ballard is unique and eclectic, half deeply rooted to its Nordic past & yet moving quickly into the future.
Queen Anne / Magnolia – Just north of the city center, Queen Anne is home to the Space Needle, Key Arena, Kerry Park, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Pacific University, delicious restaurants, funky shopping and sweeping views of the City, mountains, and Puget Sound. This area is also home to Seattle’s largest city park – Discovery Park a 534 acre public green space!
Green Lake /Phinney Ridge / Greenwood Neighborhoods – Named for the lake it surrounds; is an outdoor playground just 15 minutes from downtown. 3 miles of paved/gravel trails around the lake, basketball, soccer, softball, an indoor pool, crew, golf, kayaking, tennis courts, the Zoo with a great family feel.
Columbia City / Beacon Hill / Rainer Beach– located just south of the city is quickly growing in popularity & personality; this area has become a popular destination via Seattle’s new Link Light Rail. A variety of buildings provide space for many new shops & restaurants; including Columbia City’s ‘Restaurant Row’ with 17 different restaurants including delicious pizza, Ethiopian, Pub grub, BBQ & a wine bar!
Capitol Hill / First Hill – Home of Seattle’s hip urban counter-culture as well as some of the city’s grandest old homes, grunge rockers & university students. Movie theaters, pubs, restaurants, dance clubs, several large hospitals and Seattle’s Volunteer Park all share the neighborhood.
West Seattle – Is Seattle’s oldest & largest neighborhood. Famous for Alki Beach and majestic views of both the Olympic & Cascade Mountains–West Seattle is believed to be where the Denny party ‘founded’ Seattle!
Wallingford / U-District– Wallingford is home to young families, craftsman bungalow style homes & Gasworks Park, while the U-District is home to the University of WA & (better known as U-Dub) 40,000 students, The Ave & Univiersity Villa
East Side vs. Seattle
more to come …
Things to do while living in Seattle
Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club– margaritas & kayaks–oh my!
Seattle Parks! Seattle has over 400 parks, fields, gardens & beaches! Some of our favorites are Discovery Park, Golden Gardens, Alki Beach, Green Lake, Seward Park, Parson’s Garden, Kerry Park, Volunteer Park (home of THE Black Hole Sun), Gas Works & Magnuson.
Find your favorite spot!! SEATTLE PARKS!!
Want to…..PLAY……dodgeball, mini-golf, flag-football, kickball and more oh my?!?!? Seattle’s Underdog Sports League coordinates all these sports and more. Their mission is to ‘provide laid back sports leagues for everyday players that are safe & fun’ Don’t have enough people to form a complete team–that’s okay, join as an individual/small group and they’ll match you with other folks on your skill level. A great way to meet people in Seattle! (21 & older only)
Want to…VOLUNTEER? One Brick Seattle Allows people to get involved, make a difference without a long term commitment through a variety of one-off opportunites. They also encourage socializing and fun with post event gatherings at a nearby restaurant or pub. Volunteer options include –shopping day for foster children, setting up for a 5K, set-up Urban Harvest & Green Gala, Food Lifeline, Harvest Day at Marra Farms and much more. Join in make a difference & make some friends!
Festivals- Seattle is home to a variety of festivals thoughout the year-
Bumpershoot–3 days of live music, comedy, film & dance
Seattle International Film Festival–With over 550 screenings more than 250 features and 125 shorts in 25 days, SIFF is the largest film festival in the United States
Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Summer Concert Series- Hosting a diverse line-up of musical acts since 1984 in an intimate amphitheater setting.
SPORTS Teams-
Sounders FC: SOCCER & winners of the 2009 Open Cup!
Seahawks: NFL
Mariners: MLB
Storm: WNBA
Random Restaurant Ideas
Brouwer’s Cafe in Fremont. 64 beers on tap and over 300 bottled beers, but it’s not just a snobby ‘beer warehouse’ joint. Brouwer’s has great atmosphere, outdoor patio and delicious food. I heart the muscles (served 3 ways) when they are in season!
Kate’s Pub in Wallingford. A great place to watch a game or play pool and possibly one of the best cheap & tasty happy hours in the city–the entire menu is 1/2 priced 4-7 pm daily.
Harbour Public House on Bainbridge Island–a quick 40 minute ferry ride across The Sound & walking distance from the ferry terminal. Scrumptious pub fare made with organic / free-range ingredients -situated right on the harbour with a lovely view. Don’t forget to leave room for some ice cream from Mora Iced Creamery–but be prepared to wait in line for this island favorite!
Steelhead Diner: Fresh, delicious, northwest cuisine with an upscale diner vibe! Great wine list, brunch on the weekends, homemade desserts, outdoor seating…all in the heart of the Pike Place Market. Reservations suggested, especially on a beautiful summer evening.
Short Trips & Day trips
San Juan Islands — Across Puget Sound from Seattle, The San Juan Islands are great for camping, hiking, kayaking, whale watching, antiquing and it’s a lovely ferry ride too.
Olympic National Park — These are the beautiful Mountains you see west of Seattle –accessible by ferry or a road trip through Olympia. The park has the only rain forest in the USA, Hurricane Ridge, sandy beaches, glacier peaks, flora, fauna and natural hot springs.
Mount Rainier – About 60 miles SE of Seattle, Mount Rainer is the only ’14-er’ in WA State. When Rainier ‘comes out’ even long-time Seattle residents will slow down and stare. A variety of hiking trails are available—Paradise Trail -an easy walk through the wild flowers is suitable for children up to the 93 mile Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates the peak. For more information:
Going back South…
more to come …