About Some of Seattle's Most Sought-After Neighorhoods! 

(Check back soon for more information on the other Greater Seattle neighborhoods I serve, including Downtown, Belltown, Fremont, Wallingford, Greenwood, Phinney Ridge, Blue Ridge, Leschi, Mt. Baker, Columbia City, Beacon Hill, West Seattle, Green Lake, Maple Leaf, Montlake, View Ridge and Wedgwood! In the meantime, if you have questions about these areas, please contact me directly. I'm happy to provide you with information about any and all of these wonderful in-city neighborhoods!) 

Unlike many American cities, Seattle has a vibrant downtown. The neighborhoods surrounding the core of the city are among the most desirable in which to live. Each is distinct with its own identity and character. The hills and bodies of water that exist in almost every direction provide plentiful views and waterfront homes all within minutes of downtown.  

Most neighborhoods are diverse in their economic, ethnic, religious and social population. Seattle is a city known for tolerance and integration. As a result, it is a culturally rich and wonderful place to live. Though I work throughout the city, Greater Seattle, and the Eastside, the following descriptions are an introduction to the four Seattle neighborhoods in which I specialize. If I can provide you with additional information about these or any other neighborhoods in King County, please let me know. 

Queen Anne 

Rising above the core of Downtown Seattle, beautiful Queen Anne Hill overlooks Elliott Bay to the west and the Seattle skyline to the south. It offers great views of the city and that familiar landmark from the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle, which stands as a dramatic backdrop alongside Mt. Rainier. 

Queen Anne is rich with history, turn-of-century homes, wonderful restaurants, cafes, and shops. Developed in the early 1900s, Queen Anne is renowned for its extraordinary architecture that includes many fine examples of Queen Anne, Craftsman, Bungalows, Seattle Box, and later, Colonial styles.  

The highest hill in Seattle, Queen Anne rises 456 feet above Elliott Bay. Its close proximity to Downtown, the Seattle Center, where numerous sports events, concerts and theater events are held, and Seattle Pacific University, make this a highly desirable neighborhood in which to live. 

Magnolia 

Magnolia is a quiet, comfortable neighborhood close to Downtown. Situated on a peninsula west of Queen Anne, Magnolia was primarily built between 1930 and 1960, giving it a very different architectural feel from its neighbors, Queen Anne and Ballard. Made up of two hills, Magnolia enjoys views of downtown from east hill, and views of the water from west hill. Its natural boundaries create limited through-traffic and one of the lowest crime rates in the city. The neighborhood, which has almost an island-like quality, is a mix of upscale contemporary homes, mansions, ranch-style houses, condominiums and apartments.  

The area has an urban center called "The Village" which lies in a valley in-between Magnolia's two hills. Here you'll find delicious restaurants, cafes, shops and grocery stores.  

Magnolia is also home to a number of local parks, including Magnolia Park and Discovery Park, Seattle's largest green space. This sprawling 534-acre park has woods, open areas, beaches and a lighthouse and is kept wild for an urban wilderness experience. 

Capitol Hill 

Capitol Hill is located directly east and uphill from downtown Seattle. Broadway and 15th are the centers of this eclectic community, which bursts with energy and is referred to by many as the "New York" of Seattle. The neighborhood is robust with art galleries, quaint shops, independent-film theaters, cafes, and funky clothing stores. It is a very urban neighborhood that embraces the diversity of the people who live here - retired professionals to students attending one of the many colleges in the area: Seattle Central Community College, Cornish College of the Arts, and Seattle University. Capitol Hill also has active church communities, with St. Mark's Cathedral, the largest Episcopalian congregation in the Pacific Northwest, and St. Joseph's Church, located in a historically Catholic neighborhood in North Capitol Hill.  

Built primarily at the turn of the century, the homes of North Capitol Hill are larger and grander than most properties in other areas of the city. These residences usually contain more architectural detail; have higher ceilings, and more formal spaces. Most have undergone many remodels and updates over the years and are extremely desirable properties today. 

With a high percentage of renters, this turn-of-the-century community is sought for its location, convenience and views. The neighborhood includes stately mansions, single- family homes, condominiums, charming coops and plenty of rentals. 

Ballard 

Cross the bridge heading north from Queen Anne and Magnolia and you enter Ballard. Ballard is actually a very large area of Seattle that includes Sunset Hills, Blue Ridge, and the Loyal Heights neighborhoods. Many of homes that were built in these areas were developed in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. They were modestly priced and built well. In other parts of Ballard you'll find larger homes with splendid western views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. 

Once a tidy, blue-collar neighborhood of Scandinavian fishermen and mill workers, Ballard today is evolving into a multi-ethnic neighborhood with an influx of young, educated professionals taking advantage of its reasonable housing prices - some of the best home values in the city. This once quiet community is quickly becoming a hot spot with second-hand stores, trendy cafes, galleries and a monthly art walk. Ballard is the home of Fisherman's Terminal, and a very large commercial fishing boat wharf. It's a neighborhood that is proud of its Scandinavian roots, as seen by the Nordic Heritage Museum and several specialty food stores and restaurants. Nearby are the Ballard Locks (officially the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks), and the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens.  

A variety of housing styles can be found here, including new construction, and Mench-built houses (named after their 1940's architect). The commute to downtown is 15-30 minutes, depending on whether the drawbridge is up or down. 

Whether you're looking to buy or sell a home, trying to find a great neighborhood restaurant or need information on shops and places to play, "Stick with Stone" - you'll be glad you did!  

Request my Seattle Relocation Packet! It's chalk full of useful and important information about this incredible area. Don't move here without it! Remember: I'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and I will send it right out...