Greater Seattle Referral Guide
Greater Seattle Referral Guide
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide TABLE OF
6 Economic Snapshot
9 Job Market Outlook
11 Welcome to Seattle: A Guide For Transplants
13 Downtown Seattle Map
14 Downtown Seattle Neighborhoods
16 Seattle Map
14 Seattle Neighborhoods
25 Greater Eastside Map
26 Greater Eastside Neighborhoods
34 West Puget Sound Map
38 West Puget Sound Neighborhoods CONTENTS
2 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide Introduction
JAY KIPP
MANAGING BROKER
206.853.9153
With 15 years of residential real estate brokerage experience,
Jay brings a wealth of knowledge regarding appraisal,
market analysis, capital markets and property marketing to
any real estate transaction. His personal connection to real
estate developers, lenders and builders also help his clients
stay abreast of relevant real estate trends.
Nearly forty five years of combined knowledge and service excellence, Team Kipp is a dynamic and skilled group dedicated to streamlining the real estate experience. They proudly combine a unique skill set backed with with a prestigious global brand and marketing excellence.
CHRISTINE KIPP
SENIOR GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR
425.260.3934
Christine specializes In luxury properties east of Seattle. She
specializes in representing quality lifestyle properties including
waterfront, view, and fine acreage estates throughout the region.
Chris is recognized among peers for her accomplished sales
record and for her honesty, integrity, and care with which she
oversees each client’s needs.
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 3 Of all Greater Seattle real estate brokerages,
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
stands in a class all its own.
#1 Highest Average Listing Prices
#1 Highest Average Purchasing Prices
#1 Highest Average Selling Prices
#1 Fastest-Growing (Year-Over-Year) Total Dollar Volume
#1 Fastest-Growing (Year-Over-Year) Unit Sales
#1 Highest Percentage of Producing Brokers
#1 Greatest Per Broker Sales Volume
#1 Most Productive Listing Brokers
#1 Most Expensive Listing in Washington State
#1 Highest Percentage of $5M+ Sales Statewide
*Data provided by Northwest Multiple Listing Service
4 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide We understand the power of leveraging Sotheby’s International Realty’s global network to serve the needs of our mutual clientele worldwide. It’s a responsibility we take seriously and pride ourselves on executing. But, don’t take our word for it…
We referred our clients to Jay Kipp as soon as Jay has been an invaluable resource serving we found out they were moving to Seattle! Jay our Golden Gate clients inbound to the Pacific did not disappoint. Not only did he successfully Northwest from across the Bay Area. find our clients their dream home – he was Michael Cohen constantly keeping us in the loop every step of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty the way. Jay is a true professional and hope to Tiburon, CA work with him again soon.
Lisa Miller We placed a referral to Jay and Christine to Sotheby’s International Realty sell the home of a family member of one of San Francisco, CA our agents. They successfully listed and sold the property in a timely manner, managing the We had the pleasure of working with Jay in entire process on the client’s behalf after they facilitating the relocation of one of our Seller’s had already relocated to the East Coast. from San Francisco to Seattle. It was wonderful Carolyn Lee Fugere to be able to take care of the client’s needs end- Julia B Fee Sotheby’s International Realty to-end under the Sotheby’s International Realty Larchmont, NY umbrella.
Alex Hychia and Gregg Lynn I have sent Chris Doucet and Jay Kipp several Sotheby’s International Realty referrals. Chris and Jay have successfully San Francisco, CA represented all of them. My clients were thrilled Accolades with their services. They were “on it” during the I referred Jay to a past Auction House client entire transaction. Thanks, Chris and Jay -- will looking to sell her family estate in Washington. send all of my Seattle referrals to you. The property was a one-of-a-kind legacy Ann M Cuseo home, designed by notable architect, and the Carvill Sotheby’s International Realty marketing package his team put together was Kaiula, HI second to none.
Nancy Tallman Summit Sotheby’s International Realty Please consider us your first point of Park City, UT contact for all Greater Seattle referrals. Jay & Christine
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 5 Economic Snapshot
The continuing growth of the region is a clear indication of its desirability as a place to do business and to live. According to the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), the region will likely top 4 million people in 2016 and can expect a 28% increase in population and a 40% increase in employment by 2040. This longterm tendency for consistent growth in size and quality is why the Seattle metropolitan area was named the second strongest local economy in America on the 2015 Policom Corporation Annual Economic Seattle’s Busy Waterfront Port. Photo: ©Don Wilson, Port of Seattle Strength Rankings.
What makes this a great place to STRONG MARKET PROSPECTS: A GREAT PLACE FOR BUSINESS: In 2015, Washington ranked 10th live or to start, expand or relocate The popularity of Seattle’s market in the nation on Forbes.com “Best a business? Consider a few of the with domestic and global investors States for Business” and Seattle region’s qualities: earned Seattle the #4 spot on the Top 20 U.S. Markets to Watch in placed 6th on their “Best Places for 2016. (Emerging Trends in Real Business and Careers.” A HOTBED FOR RESEARCH AND Estate by Urban Land Institute & DEVELOPMENT: The State’s leading education and research institutes, PricewaterhouseCoopers) A DIVERSE ECONOMY AND such as Fred Hutchinson Cancer POPULATION: Minority-owned businesses are a Research Center and the University JOB GROWTH: The Seattle- dynamic part of the economy and of Washington are located here. In Bellevue-Everett metro area, generate jobs in a variety of industry 2015 the University of Washington recognized for its strong one year sectors. In the Seattle-Tacoma- pulled in over $1.3 billion in research wage growth as well as a solid Bellevue Metro Area, over 20% of funding. performance on measures of recent employment growth, ranked #7 on all businesses are minority owned The Milken Institute “2015 Top 25 firms. Women own about 35% of all A STRATEGIC LOCATION: Greater businesses. Seattle is equidistant from London Best Performing Large Cities”. and Tokyo—9 hours by plane to either city. The region’s marine ports A LEADER IN SUSTAINABILITY: A QUALIFIED WORKFORCE: Residents are among the nation’s are also closer to Asia than any other The American Council for an most highly educated. U.S. Census major ports on the United States’ Energy Efficient Economy’s “2015 Bureau data shows that nearly 40% West Coast. City Energy-Efficiency Scorecard” rated Seattle the fifth most energy of Seattle residents hold at least a efficient U.S. city and named it one of bachelor’s degree–placing it among AN EXPORT-DRIVEN ECONOMY: the Top 10 cities in the nation with According to the Trade Development the “most improved” cities over the the highest percentage of bachelor’s Alliance of Greater Seattle, 40% of previous year. degrees. the jobs in Greater Seattle are tied to international trade and business.
6 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT
A CENTER FOR EMERGING information technology, known for INDUSTRIES: The 2015 INDUSTRY companies that drive innovation PricewaterhouseCoopers/ CLUSTERS and progress. It is home to some MoneyTree Report ranked the While Greater Seattle’s economy of the most recognized names in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area includes a broad range of industries, the industry - Microsoft, Tableau, sixth in the nation for the amount eight clusters stand out: Expedia, Amazon, Nintendo, of Venture Capital Investment RealNetworks, T-Mobile, and many by Metropolitan Statistical Area. more. AEROSPACE: Washington is Companies in Washington State an undisputed global leader in received the fourth largest share of aerospace. Aerospace products Our information technology sector is U. S. Venture Capital dollars. not only account for 54% of as diverse as it is deep, with Washington’s exports, but nearly companies that specialize in COST OF LIVING 40% of all U.S. aerospace exports software development and are produced here, making our state publishing; interactive media A strong economy and a diverse, well the country’s largest exporter of development and technologies; educated populace mean the Puget aerospace products. RFID; and wireless technologies and Sound region is a relatively affluent applications. One of the region’s area. According to Choose Washington, largest employment clusters, our state is home to 1,350 aerospace information technology directly Within the four-county area, King companies that are at the forefront supports over 100,000 jobs. County has the highest median of research and development. The household income at $73,035. largest and best-known aerospace CLEAN TECHNOLOGY: This region Snohomish County follows at company, Boeing Commercial is known for its long-standing $69,443, then Kitsap County at Airplanes, will build their Next commitment to environmental $62,473, and Pierce County at Generation aircraft, the 737 MAX stewardship and early leadership on $59,711. Cost of living is generally and the 777X in the Puget Sound environmental issues, from recycling higher than the U.S. average, but is in Region. to sustainable building. Support of line with other metropolitan centers the burgeoning clean technology with comparable income levels. sector is widespread. According INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: This region is a global center for to the Brookings Institute report
Cost of Living Index, MSA comparisons, US city average equals 100.
COMPOSITE MISC. GOODS/ CITY FOOD HOUSING UTILITIES TRANSPORTATION HEALTH CARE INDEX SERVICES
Portland 125.7 99.2 166.5 98.1 114.2 112.5 105.8 Washington D.C. 154 112.6 255.3 114.2 107. 5 101.8 101.2 Seattle 154.3 107.7 252.4 92 105.7 118.5 110.3 Boston 160.7 116.5 239.6 129 108.4 126.6 136 Los Angeles 163.5 110 280 110.6 110.7 110.9 105.3 San Diego 163.7 112.1 27 7.6 110.1 112.6 111.6 106.6 San Francisco 242.6 116.4 514.5 94.1 110.3 114 120.6
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 7 ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT
“Sizing the Clean Economy,” in terms of its overall size the clean economy Summary Forecast (March 2016) in the Seattle metropolitan area ranks 13th among the nation’s 100 largest metro areas. ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE 2014 2015 2016 2017
Puget Sound Region LIFE SCIENCES & GLOBAL HEALTH: The Puget Sound region Employment 2.8 2.9 1.8 1.6 boasts one of the most significant Personal income (cur. $) 6.2 5.3 4.3 5.2 concentrations of life sciences Consumer price index 1.8 1.4 1.4 2.4 companies in the nation. Locally, a Housing Permits 16.9 19.8 -19.3 2.2 majority of all jobs in this cluster are Population 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.0 found in King County, most in the South Lake Union area. United States*
Many of these companies grew out GDP ($09) 2.4 2.4 2.1 2.4 of cutting-edge research conducted Employment 1.9 2.1 1.8 1.4 at the numerous public and private Personal income (cur. $) 4.4 4.5 4.4 4.7 research institutions, such as the University of Washington, Fred Consumer price index 1.6 0.1 1.3 2.3 Hutchinson Cancer Research Housing starts 7.8 10.6 12.9 9.6
Center, Allen Institute for Brain *Source: Blue Chip Economic Indicators Science and Seattle Biomedical Courtesy Dick Conway, The Puget Sound Economic Forecaster. www.economicforecaster.com Research Institute. Groundbreaking work in the field of Global Health is supported by organizations like The $643 million in state and local tax maintain, and operate sea-going Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, revenues. Visitor spending directly vessels. Washington Global Health Alliance benefits hotels, retailers, restaurants, and many others. attractions, transportation services A 2013 study, conducted by research and other businesses, and supports firm Community Attributes, found LOGISTICS & INTERNATIONAL more than 71,000 jobs in the Seattle that “industry-wide, revenues have TRADE: The region’s strategic region. A strong tourism cluster is grown 6.4% per year on average with location in regards to the Pacific also a catalyst for improvements to Maritime Logistics and Shipping Rim, our deep-water ports and vast infrastructure and the creation of seeing the highest growth rate experience in international trade new attractions that will draw people at 10.2%. The job outlook for the make it one of the leading trade hubs to the region. sector also appears rosy, with ample on the West Coast of North America. opportunities for job seekers.” The Northwest Seaport Alliance, MARITIME: Central Puget Sound formed by the ports of Tacoma not only has a proud maritime MILITARY: More than 59,000 active and Seattle, is the fourth-largest history, but also looks to a strong duty military personnel, along with container gateway in North America. future in the maritime industry. their families, call this region home. Puget Sound ports serve the Pacific In 2014, the region had 35,728 PSRC estimates the military cluster Northwest, as well as the major maritime jobs, 3.5 times the national in the Central Puget Sound region cities of the Midwest, East Coast and average. Among the firms and employs 82,658 people–2.23 times Canada. activities that make-up the Maritime the national average. In addition, Sector are water passenger billions of dollars in defense TOURISM/VISITOR: According to transportation, marine cargo contracts are awarded to local Visit Seattle, in 2014, 19.2 million transportation, seafood processing private sector contractors and visitors spent $6.4 billion in Seattle and fishing, and the many industrial subcontractors. and King County, contributing and related firms that construct,
8 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide Job Market Outlook
BY ANNELIESE VANCE-SHERMAN, WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY
DEPARTMENT If you are interested in moving to search to Microsoft or Amazon, Greater Seattle because you have a either! Jobs in computer and other job offer, congratulations! If you are high-tech and support fields can be now, or will be looking for work, the found in most industries. good news is that the Seattlearea’s job market is among the strongest Health care employment has in the nation for job growth. been on the rise, and is expected According to the U.S. Bureau of to continue to increase as time Labor Statistics, the Seattle-area marches forward. As the baby saw an estimated 3 percent rise in boomer generation ages, health job growth over the year, making care-related jobs throughout the it one of the fastest-growing large country will continue to rise with metropolitan areas in the U.S. demand for services. Openings for The Seattle-area job market is registered nurses are expected to industrially diverse, and is home average 872 per year in King County to a wide range of businesses, with alone. In addition to the traditional a particularly strong presence in service-oriented health care industry high-tech industry sectors such (i.e. hospitals and doctors’ offices), as information technology and Seattle is home to a number of Cutting edge research is conducted at public advanced manufacturing. businesses that are on the cutting and private research institutions in Seattle. edge of medical research. Photo: ©SBRI Because employment is a key element in determining quality of life, All you need to do is look at it is important to feel out the labor the Seattle skyline to see that market to see if it is a good fit for construction-related employment ABOUT THE AUTHOR you and your interests. To help you is in demand. Construction jobs are see where you might fit into the local booming at the moment, as pent- Anneliese Vance-Sherman economy, we have compiled a list of up demand for commercial and is a Regional Labor Economist top jobs in King County. These are residential space leftover from the with the Labor Market some of the occupations that are 2008 recession is met. Construction and Performance Analysis expected to see a relatively high demand will slow over the next division of the Washington number of job openings and above- several years (as it always does State Employment Security average growth rates through 2023. after its post-recession boom) but is Department, the research arm expected to continue to at least keep of the Employment Security The Seattle-area is known for pace with the rest of the economy Department. high-tech computer-based and until at least 2023. professional employment, and this is certainly reflected in Of course, this is only a small sample the occupational employment of the industries and occupations projections for King County. Several that make up the Seattle-area of the jobs that show up in economy. For more information this list are directly related to about the local labor market, and software development, computer how you might fit in, contact the programming and other computer Employment Security Department at applications. Don’t limit your job www.esd.wa.gov.
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 9 ECONOMY: JOB MARKET OUTLOOK
Cost of Living Index, MSA comparisons, US city average equals 100.
Average Annual Average Annual Average Wage Growth Rate Job Openings
OCCUPATIONAL TITLE 2013-2023 2013-2023 2015
TOTAL, ALL OCCUPATIONS 1.90% 60,899 $60,260 Software Developers, Applications 3.29% 2,659 $119,101 Customer Service Representatives 2.17% 1,080 $38,847 Accountants & Auditors 2.32% 966 $78,725 Sales Representatives, Wholesale & Manufacturing, 2.14% 888 $76,889 Except Technical & Scientific Products Registered Nurses 1.95% 872 $85,457 Computer Programmers 2.89% 850 $121,433 Janitors & Cleaners, 2.18% 691 $30,318 Except Maids & Housekeeping Cleaners Management Analysts 2.88% 678 $106,315 Business Operations Specialists, All Other 2.05% 647 $78,471 Carpenters 3.23% 646 $54,996 Sales Representatives, Services, All Other 3.35% 641 $67,867 Computer Systems Analysts 3.17% 629 $103,364 Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists 3.16% 574 $85,285 Secretaries & Administrative Assistants, 2.09% 553 $42,115 Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Computer User Support Specialists 3.59% 549 $60,605 Construction Laborers 3.22% 539 $48,774 Landscaping & Groundskeeping Workers 2.46% 480 $34,487 Computer & Information Systems Managers 3.52% 420 $154,823 Software Developers, Systems Software 3.09% 378 $117,418 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists 2.64% 364 $38,769 Personal Care Aides 2.28% 357 $25,546 Nursing Assistants 1.99% 356 $32,403 Human Resources Specialists 2.56% 352 $75,723 Security Guards 1.99% 333 $34,712 Painters, Construction & Maintenance 2.97% 294 $44,558
*Source: Washington State Employment Security Department/LMPA, Projections and Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Criteria: filtered by number of job openings, followed by growth rate (anything over 1.9%)
10 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide BY KELLY SKAHAN AND BRITT THORSON, Welcome to Seattle: SEATTLE REFINED A Guide For Transplants
Whether you’re here to kick off your undergraduate education or you’ve joined us mid-career, our city is a little baffling—after all, there’s a giant lake in the middle of it that makes transportation entirely nonsensical. (“WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS LYNN STREET IS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER LYNN STREET?”) Here are some introductory concepts to help get you situated.
TRANSPORTATION: Getting around in any big city is a pain until you get a handle on things. Inline skating at Discovery Park. Photo: © Karl Weatherly Seattle is no different. North-South transportation is pretty easy—you Seattle coffee experience, take them can get from Ballard to downtown tourist if you carry one. Plenty of to Stumptown (which is actually or from SoDo to the U-District using Seattle natives love a good umbrella. from Portland, but don’t tell them simple (if traffic-riddled) routes, both Don’t let anyone shame you out of that). If you just want coffee, go on the bus and in a car. (East-West preserving your hairdo. Haters gonna wherever’s convenient for you. It’s transportation is a nightmare— hate. really okay. maintaining a friendship with someone who lives on the other side That said, use proper umbrella It’s come to of Lake Washington is a fool’s errand. etiquette. Lots of buildings have GROCERY STORES: our attention that grocery stores Just give up now). awnings here, ostensibly to protect passersby from the rain. Your in Seattle are weirdly unique to the Pacific Northwest and tend to In all seriousness, get a Puget Pass umbrella is your own personal bewilder recent transplants. Here’s a on your Orca Card and download awning. Don’t take up space under breakdown. the OneBusAway app. The first gives a building’s awning and bump the you unlimited bus and rail rides, the umbrella-less among us into the Fred Meyer has everything. It’s like second takes away the need to fuss elements. That’s not nice. a grocery store combined with a with cash or transfers, and the third Sears, a pharmacy and a hardware helps you figure out when the next COFFEE: Living here does not have store. There’s one in Ballard, and bus is coming and where it’s actually to turn you into a coffee snob. People it’s great. In the suburbs Fred Meyer going. You don’t really need a car, will tell you that the best coffee in stores often have gas stations. Use but you may need your favorite car Seattle is at some hidden spot that your loyalty card when you buy service app from time to time. Cabs only makes aero-pressed drip with groceries to knock a few cents off here are not particularly useful. Uber magic beans between the hours gas prices at their gas stations and and Lyft are. (Some people swear by of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. on alternating at some Shell stations. Car2Go and others find the service Wednesday nights. They might be area too limited outside the city). right, but for all practical purposes the best coffee shop is the least QFC is usually a little more grocery- crowded coffee shop, and if that’s a centric, but there are way more of UMBRELLAS: Anything anybody them around and they usually have tells you about umbrellas is a lie. Starbucks across from your parking. Albertson’s and Safeway No, it doesn’t sell you out as a apartment then so be it. If you have friends in town who really want a are similar, but the parking situation
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 11 UNIQUELY NORTHWEST: WELCOME TO SEATTLE: A GUIDE FOR TRANSPLANTS
pretty cool and easy to visit on foot. They make for good tourist photos, so take your friends when they’re in town.
Pike Place Market is a mixed bag— the produce is good, the flowers are great, the crowds are crazy-making and the line for Starbucks is the worst. If you like your friends, do not let them visit the first Starbucks when they’re in town. They will want to do it, but the same coffee is served at the Starbucks two blocks away. It’s just not worth it.
Finally, enjoy! While this guide is aimed at helping steer you around a Gas Works Park was once a coal gasification plant. new city—part of the fun of Seattle Photo: Gas Works Park ©Newman Photo is discovering everything for the first time, yourself. Every weekend, for the is a little less dependable. These are we’ve also got a lot of hills. Queen first couple of months, get a drink often open all night long. Loyalty Anne, Ballard, Magnolia, Capitol Hill, or coffee in a new neighborhood cards there get you deals on food and the University District are very and just walk around. Seattle is instantly. hilly. You’ve been warned. wonderful because of its ability to please so many different types of Everyone basically knows the With regards to cyclists: just be nice people. You will find happiness here, differences between Whole Foods to them. Yes, they can be hard to we promise! and Trader Joe’s. Seattle also has maneuver around in traffic. No, they PCC Natural Markets, Town and can’t pedal as fast as you can drive. Country Markets and Metropolitan No, the rules that apply to them are Market. These all sort of straddle not exactly the same as the rules ABOUT SEATTLE the line between Whole Foods and that apply to automobiles. Yes, that’s a normal store —you’ll find a lot of annoying. Cut them some slack REFINED the organic stuff you’d see at a fancy anyway. We’re all just trying to get to Anneliese Vance-Sherman grocery store (think decent produce, work. Seattle Refined is an online cheese and bread and an impressive magazine and television bulk section), but there’s also some TOURISM: When your mom visits, show that shares all that the of the normal stuff you’d expect at a she’s going to want to see the Pacific Northwest has to QFC. Space Needle. Take her there—it’s offer. If you ever need help legitimately interesting the first figuring out what to do, EXERCISE: Despite the rain, time you take the elevator to the where to go or what to eat/ Seattleites tend to be fairly fit top. After a few friends visit and drink—Seattle Refined has people. Some of us are devoted to you’re sick of those $18 tickets, visit you covered. Check them out trendy niche exercises—barre, aerial the restaurant—with a minimum at seattlerefined.com or yoga, and Crossfit-type stuff—but purchase, you ride the elevator for on KOMO 4 News. a surprising number of people just free. The Space Needle is way more sort of like running and cycling. interesting with a cocktail or two, Seattle has a ton of places to do anyway. Gas Works Park was once a that—Green Lake and Lake Union coal gasification plant The Fremont are both respectable loops—but Troll and Gasworks Park are both
12 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 13 Downtown Seattle Neighborhoods
Downtown is the epicenter of CHINATOWN-INTERNATIONAL array of ethnic foods and drinks. Seattle’s culture and commerce. DISTRICT Historic churches, museums, The area’s 1,145 restaurants, cafés This diverse and lively south colleges, theaters and clubs add and bars, 29 parks, 12 museums, 117 Downtown neighborhood is home to the vibrancy. Capitol Hill is a art galleries and more than 1,000 to Greater Seattle’s Pan-Asian cultural crossroads—mixing young retailers (most found within walking communities. Here Chinese, Filipino, people, senior citizens, artists distance) sustain a vibrant urban Japanese, and Southeast Asians and professionals. It is also the lifestyle that continues to grow in live and work together, sideby-side. historic hub for Seattle’s LBGT and popularity. Over 67,000 people live in Family-owned restaurants, Asian- alternative communities. A new “Center City Seattle” style bakeries, unique specialty light rail station provides service to neighborhoods—a number that is shops, Karaoke bars, Asian art and downtown Seattle and the University estimated to continue to rise. The galleries, shops selling traditional of Washington. Median Prices: Downtown Seattle Association Asian gifts, goods and groceries, Homes $699,950; Condos $375,750. has designated a dozen distinct and ethnic-specific social service downtown Seattle neighborhoods. agencies characterize this historic DENNY TRIANGLE Let us introduce you to a few of neighborhood whose central The name “Denny” honors a Seattle them. hub is the Chinese pavilion in founding family whose vision helped Hing Hay Park. Beautiful dragon shape the fledgling city. Today a BELLTOWN sculptures and Chinagate emphasize new vision, blending transit, retail One of Seattle’s oldest the community’s culture and history. and residential, is transforming the neighborhoods, Belltown is The area’s cultural gem, the Wing Denny Triangle into an Urban Center also one of its most dynamic. A Luke Asian Museum is a nationally Village. New construction projects transformation has occurred as acclaimed, Smithsonian-affiliate abound. Amazon is building three young professionals, middle-aged museum. Multicultural community office towers and several other empty nesters and others have festivals and events include the mixed-use, multi-story projects relocated here. With approximately Lunar New Year Celebration, will bring additional office, retail, 11,000 residents, Belltown has Summer Festival, Bon Odori, hotel, and residential space. The the largest residential base of any Lion & Dragon Dances, and Taiko Northwest’s largest condominium downtown neighborhood. No longer Drumming. Condominiums and project currently being built, Insignia a gritty, inner-city neighborhood, apartments are found throughout Towers, opens phase II in 2016. The Belltown is an urban oasis— the neighborhood. Median Condo Triangle is home to 400+ businesses complete with P-Patch garden, Price: $236,950. that include restaurants, small historic Cottage Park, Regrade grocery stores, hotels, professional Dog Park, the spectacular Olympic CAPITOL HILL services and retail stores. The Sculpture Park, a community center Capitol Hill, one of Seattle’s seven Seattle Police Department’s West with programs and special events, hills, was named as an early Precinct and the U.S. Federal and the Bell Street Park featuring a candidate for Washington’s state Courthouse are located here as well. fountain, play area, and performance capital. The original mansions Educational facilities include Cornish space. Belltown’s “in-city” location, housed numerous city founders College of Arts, Antioch and City amenity-laden apartments, upscale during the opulent turn of the Universities, and the private Spruce condos, trendy shops and century. Visitors to the 1901 Alaska Street Elementary School. The sophisticated new eateries, along Yukon and Pacific Exposition South Lake Union Streetcar and with popular musical venues like beheld Seattle’s grandeur from Metro buses serve the neighborhood Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, and the atop Volunteer Park’s water tower. while nearby Westlake Bus Tunnel Crocodile Café that showcase local Today, people still enjoy the Park offers citywide connections. Median and national talent, exemplify urban and the view. Capitol Hill has several Condo Price: $429,000. living at its best. Median Condo business districts comprised of Price: $647,000. unique stores offering unusual and FIRST HILL specialty items. Restaurants, coffee First Hill is a mix of high-rise shops, and brewpubs feature an condominiums, historic homes,
14 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide DOWNTOWN SEATTLE: CITY CENTER NEIGHBORHOODS classic apartment buildings, state- this is a prime shopping destination in popularity and owner occupancy of-the-art medical facilities and with well-known department stores, rates continue to rise. Uptown has a exclusive social clubs—all with a upscale national and international self-contained feeling—like a “little distinctive urban flair. Many retailers, and shopping centers town in a big city.” Uptown boasts residents walk or bus to work in featuring specialty stores and a variety of businesses that include this pedestrian and transit friendly designer boutiques. Dining a hotel, grocery stores, ethnic neighborhood. First Hill, one of establishments, from five star to restaurants, coffee shops, and Seattle’s major employment centers, fast food, will please any palate. trendy lounges found throughout supports over 25,000 jobs. This Twenty or so hotels provide this very walkable neighborhood. influx of workers actually doubles accommodations and a number of Seattle Center, the entertainment the neighborhood’s population office and residential developments hub of Uptown features a myriad during the workday! Most jobs are are also found here. of activities. The Seattle Repertory health care related, which is not Theatre and a movie theater also surprising since three of Seattle’s SOUTH LAKE UNION offer entertainment options. Kinnear major hospitals are located here— This neighborhood on Lake Union’s Park, with play area, benches and thus the neighborhood nickname south end is not only bustling with tables is a great place to take in 180º “Pill Hill.” The Frye Art Museum, new development, but has already views of the city and the Sound. The Sorrento Hotel, St. James attracted many of the world’s most Median Prices: Homes $781,000; Cathedral, Seattle University, and innovative companies including Condos $328,000. Town Hall (a community culture Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research center) are also found in the area. Center, UW Medicine Research, WEST EDGE Median Prices: Homes $724,932; Amazon. com’s headquarters as Parts of the West Edge are among Condos $375,500. well as Microsoft, PATH, and the Seattle’s earliest districts and it new Allen Institute for Cell Science. contains a number of neighborhood PIONEER SQUARE It is also home to Northeastern notables including the Seattle Art Pioneer Square is the heart and University’s graduate campus. Museum, Benaroya Hall, the historic soul of Seattle. As Seattle’s first As one of Seattle’s most walkable Moore Theatre, and Pike Place neighborhood, it is one of the first neighborhoods, art galleries, Market, a Seattle institution that nationally established historic restaurants, bars, a grocery store, attracts some 10 million visitors districts. This premier 20-block cafés and three public parks are just each year. The Market is more than historic district contains the nation’s steps away. Numerous residential a place to visit, though. It is home to largest collection of Richardsonian options are convenient to the South about 500 residents and has its Romanesque architecture as well as Lake Union Streetcar line, providing own health, senior, and child care three National Historic Landmarks. easy downtown connections. Lake centers. Rental units include senior/ It is home to the Klondike Gold Rush Union Park is a 12-acre urban gem low income and 90 “market rate” National Historical Park as well as with open space, walking paths, art units. (Call 206-682-7453). The many art galleries and restaurants. installations, a water fountain play independent retail spirit of the Current housing options consist feature, the historic ships wharf, a Market extends throughout this of about 2,800 apartments and model boat pond, the Museum of artistic neighborhood and is found condos. Located immediately south History and Industry, and the Center in West Edge restaurants, galleries, of the downtown business core and for Wooden Boats offering rentals unique stores and boutiques. north of Safeco and CenturyLink and hands-on nautical experiences. New high-rises, some featuring Fields, Pioneer Square is a highly For neighborhood information visit luxurious penthouse townhomes, walkable neighborhood and is at the Discoverslu.com or make an are expanding housing options. The nexus of light and heavy rail, buses, appointment to tour the SLU Waterfront Project, an ambitious 20- State Ferries, and a new Seattle Discovery Center. Median Prices: year plan, will eventually include a streetcar line. www.PioneerSquare. Homes $724,932; Condos $376,750. new pedestrian promenade, two-way org. Median Condo Price: $657,500. cycle track and additional pedestrian UPTOWN connections between the waterfront RETAIL CORE Uptown is located north of Belltown and downtown, providing a more At the heart of it all, encircled by the and includes lower Queen Anne. European ambience. other downtown neighborhoods, is While rentals once dominated the the Retail Core. As its name implies, housing market, condos have grown
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 15 16 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide Seattle Neighborhoods
Seattle’s thriving urban downtown core is surrounded by over 100 distinct neighborhoods. Each possesses its own identity and character—an ambiance, an attitude, a special unique chemistry that sets it apart. Here is an introduction to just some of the city’s many neighborhoods.
BALLARD The Scandinavian fishermen and mill workers who founded this historic neighborhood in the late 1800’s would feel right at home in the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard. Photo: ©Roger Hunsperger Nordic Heritage Museum or at annual events like the Norwegian name. From 1930 to 1961, Playland Constitution Day Parade each May integrated. Here stately turn-of-the- Amusement Park attracted patrons or Ballard SeafoodFest in July. century homes stand next to brick to the lake. Today, people still While their influence on Ballard ramblers and splitlevels. Active, enjoy the lake and adjoining park remains, much has changed as old vocal community groups take great featuring a wading pool, tennis buildings are restored, new condos, pride in the area’s look, feel and courts, playfield and Community apartments and other exciting safety. NewHolly, one of the nation’s Center that hosts events, programs, projects blend historic charm with first mixed income developments, and classes. Two main shopping an energetic vibe. Unique shops, is located in south Beacon Hill. districts, Greenwood Avenue and trendy boutiques, great restaurants, Jefferson Community Center hosts Aurora Avenue (Hwy 99), offer a a cinema, and other businesses classes, programs and the annual wide variety of services, stores, line downtown streets. Ballard’s Beacon Hill Festival. Jefferson Park, and restaurants. Highway 99 and lively nightlife draws music fans to a local treasure, contains one of I-5 are easily accessed—a plus for establishments like the Tractor Seattle’s most used public golf commuters. Single-family homes, Tavern and the Conor Byrne Pub. courses, as well as the Jefferson condos, and apartment complexes, The Ballard ArtWalk, on the second Community Center, Jefferson Lawn including senior apartments are Saturday of each month, showcases Bowling, and Jefferson Skatepark. available. Median Prices: Homes local artisans. A Sunday Farmers Nearby VA Puget Sound Healthcare $604,475; Condos $356,900. Market on Ballard Avenue runs year Systems is also a familiar landmark. round. Ballard is also home to the On the west side of Beacon Hill, Dr. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and Jose´Rizal Park has great downtown BLUE RIDGE This lovely hillside community, which beautiful Carl S. English Botanical views. Median Prices: Homes enjoys some fabulous views of the Garden and Visitor Center. Median $725,950; Condos $376,750. Sound, was originally built by the Prices: Homes $600,000; Condos Boeing Company. Five brick houses, $255,000. BITTER LAKE Residents describe Bitter Lake as locally known as “The Castles,” a little slice of paradise in Seattle’s housed company executives. Today, BEACON HILL 450 homes complete this affluent Just southeast of Downtown, Beacon north end. This small body of and exclusive covenant community Hill, like many Seattle neighborhoods spring fed water was once the site of 200 acres. It is strictly residential is ethnically and economically of a sawmill. Floating logs released tannic acid, thus the lake’s unusual and hosts a private community
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 17 SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS club, swimming pool, tennis courts, Comparative Rents — Selected Areas playfield, and beach. Limited street access assures privacy and removes Seattle (2 Bedroom Unit) this neighborhood from the typical urban bustle. Median Prices: Homes NEIGHBORHOOD AVERAGE NEIGHBORHOOD AVERAGE $600,000. Alki $2,200 Maple Leaf $1,850 BROADVIEW Ballard $2,300 Madison Park $2,350 This northwest Seattle Beacon Hill $2,000 Madison Valley $2,200 neighborhood has big trees, big lots, Belltown $2,800 Montlake $2,650 and a quiet, country feeling. Within Bitterlake $1,500 Pioneer Square $2,700 its 3-square miles is Carkeek Park, Capitol Hill $2,550 Queen Anne $2,600 known for sweeping Puget Sound Columbia City $2,300 Rainier Valley $1,750 views, hiking trails, beach access, a play area with a unique salmon Eastlake $2,250 Ravenna $2,000 slide, and an educational center. First Hill $2,400 Seward Park $1,900 Broadview is also home to the Fremont $2,300 Shilshole $2,400 beautiful Dunn Gardens. Designed Green Lake $2,350 University District $2,050 in 1916 by the Olmsted Brothers, Greenwood $1,900 Wallingford $2,150 they are viewed by reserved guided Lake City $1,600 White Center $1,300 tours. Broadview’s library hosts various events, programs and Source: SeattleRentalGroup.com meetings for local groups such as the Broadview Community supports the Pratt Fine Arts Center, many things to do here. A light rail Council and the Broadview Historical the Langston Hughes Cultural station is just three blocks from Society. The neighborhood’s diverse Arts Center, and the Northwest downtown Columbia City. Median housing options include apartments, African American Museum, all Prices: Homes $440,000; Condos condos, multi-unit senior housing, which offer educational and artistic $236,950. and homes in a variety of price programs. The popular Central Area ranges. A small commercial district Community Festival & Parade is CROWN HILL is located along Greenwood Avenue. held in August. Median Prices: It’s difficult to delineate the Median Prices: Homes $610,000; Homes $451,500; Condos boundary between Ballard and Condos $333,500. $254,950. Crown Hill. It is mainly defined by Crown Hill’s commercial center at CENTRAL AREA COLUMBIA CITY the intersection of 15th NW and NW Located south of Capitol Hill, Central Columbia City is a landmark 85th where a variety of specialty extends east to Lake Washington. Its district and many of the buildings, shops, grocery stores, and ethnic close proximity to the floating which are on the National Historic eateries are surrounded by well- bridges and downtown has Register, have been restored. tended homes. Swanson’s, a prompted real estate agents, The neighborhood’s rich cultural 5-acre nursery located nearby is a developers and homebuyers diversity is reflected in the variety “gardener’s paradise.” The Crown to “rediscover” Central. The of ethnic eateries as well as stores Hill community is very active in the neighborhood contains mostly featuring unique items from around upkeep of its neighborhood and singlefamily homes, but new the world. In addition, Columbia has sponsored the conversion of businesses are expanding the City offers an art gallery, a theatre several lots into neighborhood parks. commercial district at 23rd and that hosts live entertainment, and House styles range from 1920’s Jackson. Central is home to Swedish a library overlooking the grassy Tudors to mid-century moderns. Medical Center/Providence Campus, expanse of Columbia Park. The New condos and townhomes, as well and the Seattle Vocational Institute. Farmers Market, held from May as apartments are also found here. The local high school, Garfield, to mid-October, and BeatWalk, a Median Prices: Homes $416,000; produces a majority of Seattle’s monthly live music showcase hosted Condos $295,000. National Merit Scholars. Central by local restaurants, list among the
18 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS
EASTLAKE both have offices here, as well. unique and funky restaurants. Eastlake, one of Seattle’s oldest You’ll find funky shops, antique and Each year on the second Sunday in and bestdefined neighborhoods, vintage dealers, Theo Chocolate July residents open their gardens sits east of Lake Union, south (which offers factory tours), brew and artists open their studios for of the University Bridge, west of pubs and restaurants (including the Georgetown Garden Walk. An I-5, and north of Mercer Street. It Revel, owned by Iron Chef Artwalk is also held the second is a pleasing mix of businesses, contestant, Rachel Yang). Fremont’s Saturday of each month. The houseboats, single-family homes, History House showcases the unique restored, historic Hat n’ Boots, apartments and condos, many histories of Seattle neighborhoods Seattle’s last remaining example with incredible water views. In the and offers a free summer musical of vernacular architecture, are early 1900s, industries—including series. Events like the Fremont located in Oxbow Park. Other Boeing’s first factory—fronted much Sunday Market, summer Outdoor notables include the restored of the shoreline. During the ‘40s and Movies, the first Friday ArtWalk, Georgetown City Hall, the landmark ‘50s, houseboats replaced the country’s 10th largest 1906 Power Plant, the Museum of factories, and Eastlake’s bohemian Oktoberfest in September, the Flight, and the circa 1900 Rainier houseboat character was born. Hopscotch Beer, Wine and Scotch Brewery building (now an official Today, “bohemian houseboats” Festival, and the famous Solstice Seattle landmark.) Median Prices: have become “floating homes,” Parade and Fremont Fair are also Homes $448,000; Condos and highend condominiums and part of the Fremont experience. $281,500. homes are replacing older models. Median Prices: Homes $599,950; A waterfront development offers Condos $332,700. GREEN LAKE floating homes, a mega-yacht Green Lake is a highly desired marina, and office space. Several GEORGETOWN neighborhood that curls around small, street-end parks can also be Settled in 1851, Georgetown is its namesake. The lake, considered found along the waterfront. E. Louisa Seattle’s oldest continually settled Seattle’s “Central Park,” attracts over Street Park features outstanding neighborhood. Incorporated as 3.6 million visitors each year who water views and a sand court the City of Georgetown from 1904 come to walk, jog, bike, skate, fish, for Petanque (a French version to 1910, it is now home to a mix of rent boats, or just hang out. Other of Bocce). Fairview Park offers a artists, gardeners, families, and retail neighborhood amenities include small-boat hand launch, P-Patch, and industrial businesses. Most the Evans Pool, Bathhouse Theatre, and picnic tables. A block away, homes in Georgetown—bungalows, Green Lake Community Center, a businesses, shops, restaurants, Victorians, ramblers, and duplexes— library, and a Pitch and Putt and galleries line Eastlake Avenue, were built before 1939. A revitalized Golf Course, as well as various the neighborhood’s main retail core along Airport Way offers eateries and shops. House styles thoroughfare. Median Prices: Homes stores, bars, coffee shops, and tend toward bungalows and Tudors. $717,500; Condos $374,000.
FREMONT Fremont, the self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe,” is Seattle’s most artistically eccentric community. A mecca for local artists, it features some of the city’s most famous public art, including Waiting for the Interurban, the Fremont Troll, The Guidepost to the Center of the Universe and the Statue of Lenin. Fremont’s hip and whimsical personality draws residents, visitors, and businesses. Brooks Sports’ world headquarters is located in Fremont Outdoor Cinema. Fremont, and Adobe and Google Photo: ©Jon Hegeman
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 19 SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS
A number of apartment complexes retail shops, restaurants, car Homes $725,000; Condos $376,750. are also found here. Median dealerships, antique stores and Prices: Homes $600,000; Condos more. Behind the library, Albert MADISON PARK $333,500. Davis Park features the Will Rogers Snuggled between the Washington Memorial, a play area, and a Farmers Park Arboretum and Lake GREENWOOD Market from June to October. The Washington, are the communities Greenwood’s narrow streets are Lake City Pioneer Days Festival and of Madison Park and Madrona. quiet and tidy. Houses present an Parade, an annual tradition, takes Madison Park features grand, interesting architectural mix from place the first Saturday in August. expensive homes and lakefront brick Tudors to 1950’s-style ranch Median Prices: Homes $595,000; estates. A quaint commercial area homes to split-levels. Unique shops Condos $257,500. includes upscale eateries and and restaurants of every ethnicity shops. Merchants usually know are found around Greenwood LAURELHURST customers by name in this close- Avenue. A popular Artwalk occurs Situated on a peninsula jutting knit neighborhood. The turnover in on the second Friday of each month out into Lake Washington is the housing inventory is low, as people except May. That month features the much sought after neighborhood moving here tend to stay. Median annual Greenwood/Phinney Artwalk, of Laurelhurst. Once a seasonal Prices: Homes $714,000; Condos a festival of unusual performance campground of the Duwamish Tribe, $375,000. art. From February through October, today the area is comprised of large, Taproot Theatre productions stately, and well manicured homes, MADRONA delight audiences. Each June, the many with panoramic views of the Madrona is a much more diverse Greenwood Car Show draws crowds Lake and Mt. Rainier. Laurelhurst area—economically, ethnically, and of over 20,000. A cherished is convenient to the University of architecturally than its neighbor community tradition, the Greenwood Washington, the University Village Madison Park, and this diversity Seafair Parade in July is one of the Shopping Center, and Children’s is a source of community pride. city’s oldest and largest summer Hospital. Laurelhurst Park and The Madrona Community Council parades. Median Prices: Homes Community Center serves as a sponsors events and works $620,000; Condos $349,975. gathering place, offering programs on local issues. Madrona Park & and special events. Median Beach and the Madrona Playfield HALLER LAKE Prices: Homes $576,000; Condos are perfect for outdoor fun. East Haller Lake, in north Seattle, includes $242,500. Madrona, with its waterfront locale, the area around Northwest is home to higher end real estate, Hospital and Northgate Mall. The LESCHI while West Madrona offers a wider neighborhood features Seattle’s only Leschi sits between the Mount Baker mix of home prices. Median Prices: Curling Club, Haller Lake Community and Madrona neighborhoods along Homes $714,000; Condos $376,750. Club, a community P-Patch and, of the shores of Lake Washington. In course, Haller Lake. A very small the late 1800’s an amusement park, MADISON VALLEY street end park on the west side of serviced by a cable car that ran from Nestled between Capitol Hill and the lake allows for a picnic, Pioneer Square, was located here. Madison Park is Madison Valley, a birdwatching or seasonal fishing. While the amusement park is long diverse neighborhood with a healthy Median Prices: Homes $616,000; gone, the tranquility and beauty of and harmonious mix of income, race, Condos $334,100. Leschi remains. Its hillside terrain religion and age groups. It includes a optimizes views of the Bellevue thriving business district with small LAKE CITY skyline, the Cascades and Mount stores, boutiques, consignment Lake City is located in northeast Rainier. Home styles range from shops and restaurants. New condos Seattle, west of Lake Washington. multi-million dollar lakefront and townhomes add to Tall trees, quiet streets and nice properties, to classic turn-of-the- neighborhood housing options. homes, many with views, are found century homes, to more modestly Residents enjoy easy access to here along with an increasing priced houses and condos. downtown and nearby Washington number of condominiums and Neighborhood parks like Leschi Park Park Arboretum. Median Prices: apartments. Lake City Way, the and Peppis Playground are popular Homes $726,000; Condos neighborhood’s main drag, offers with area families. Median Prices: $376,000.
20 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS
MAGNOLIA east, Lake Union to the west, and of the Woodland Park Zoo, a Magnolia is situated on a peninsula Lake Washington Ship Canal to the neighborhood landmark. The only five minutes from Downtown north. It connects to the University Phinney Neighborhood Association Seattle. Surrounded on three sides District via the Montlake Bridge and sponsors classes and a variety of by water, Magnolia has an island- accesses Seattle and the Eastside programs and events. Phinney like quality, but is easily accessed via SR-520. Here quiet, tree-lined Avenue contains many of the by three bridges. Many of its hillside streets are flanked by well-tended area businesses, some that are properties provide breathtaking properties including historic homes, stops on Artwalks held the second views of the city skyline, Mount bungalows, and stately, older Friday of the month and the annual Rainier, Puget Sound and the mansions. Montlake is home to a Greenwood/Phinney ArtWalk in May. Olympics. This comfortable, quiet number of businesses, shops, and Median Prices: Homes $599,950; area offers a wide variety of living restaurants. The neighborhood Condos $331,900. accommodations with its mix of is close to the University of mansions, ranch homes, condos, Washington, the Washington Park PIKE/PINE and apartments. Magnolia’s Arboretum, and the Seattle Yacht Named for its two main streets, the business district, “The Village,” Club. Recreational opportunities Pike/Pine neighborhood is tucked features a variety of shops and include the Montlake Community between Capitol Hill and First Hill. restaurants. The neighborhood Center, Montlake Tennis Courts and Residents enjoy easy access to I-5, also has a library, community center McCurdy Park. Median Prices: the neighborhood’s westernmost and marina. Discovery Park, Seattle’s Homes $705,575; Condos $376,750. boundary. Apartments (both largest park, is a neighborhood modest and high-end), condos, treasure offering an urban- MOUNT BAKER senior housing, and sedate single- wilderness experience. Median The Mount Baker neighborhood family homes create the mix of Prices: Homes $819,500; Condos is a mix of parklands, lakefront, housing styles. The majority $355,000. wooded hills and quiet residential of residents are renters and of a streets. One in a series of affluent younger demographic, due in part to MAPLE LEAF communities nestled along Lake the close proximity of Seattle Central Maple Leaf is primarily a single- Washington’s southwest shore; it College and Seattle University. The family residential neighborhood with lies on the hills south of I-90. Mount unique 12th Ave Arts building blends shaded trees and well-built homes, Baker Park is a great place to escape affordable housing with the Arts - but apartments are available and the city’s bustle or to watch the three theatre companies, as well as generally found near shopping Seafair hydroplane races on 88 low income apartments share the areas. Maple Leaf is home to many the lake. May through September space. Small shops, offices, cafés, neighborhood businesses and cyclists enjoy “Bicycle Sundays” taverns, and a few auto dealers are restaurants, good schools, when parts of Lake Washington also found along Pike and Pine. The a ballpark, Maple Leaf Park, Boulevard close to motorized Cal Anderson Park and Bobby Morris community garden, and the traffic. The Mount Baker Community Playfield have play equipment, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1. Club, one of the nation’s oldest tennis courts, picnic tables, paths The Northwest Puppet Center is also continuously active community and wading pool. Median Prices: located here, attracting visitors with clubs, sponsors activities and events Homes $724,915; Condos $377,500. workshops, museum, and public like the annual Mount Baker Home performances. A community council Tour and the Community Garage QUEEN ANNE sponsors events such as the annual Sale. Median Prices: Homes Upper Queen Anne has a majority Summer Social and keeps on top of $438,250; Condos $235,975. of single-family dwellings, many local issues. Visit www. in the classic Queen-Anne style. mapleleafcommunity.org. Median PHINNEY RIDGE Lower Queen Anne, also known as Prices: Homes $597,950; Condos Phinney Ridge is located on the Uptown, is more densely populated $250,000. steep ridge separating Green Lake with condos and apartments. The and Ballard. This quiet, single-family neighborhood is sprinkled with MONTLAKE neighborhood is a mix of long-time specialty shops, local eateries and Montlake is bounded on three sides residents, young professionals, pubs. A busy Community Center by water: Lake Washington to the and wild animals—the inhabitants features a pool and community
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 21 SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS programs. Kerry Park, well known to RAVENNA SEWARD PARK photographers, offers fantastic Ravenna sits directly north of the Seward Park sits on a peninsula downtown Seattle views. These U-District convenient to many jutting into Lake Washington. It is a views and its great location make amenities including the University of quiet neighborhood with some of Queen Anne a highly desirable Washington, shopping at University the best views of Mount Rainier in address. Rentals are at a premium Village, I-5, Ravenna Park and the Seattle. Beautiful turn-of-thecentury and homes rarely stay long on the Burke-Gilman Trail. Neighborhood homes and large distinctive new market. Median Prices: Homes residents are mostly upper middle homes populate the lakefront ridges $781,000; Condos $328,000. class, well-educated people, many while more modest homes are found of whom are active in the local farther from the water. A small RAINIER BEACH community association. Small business district on Wilson Avenue Rainier Beach is a diverse, urban bakeries, family restaurants, and includes restaurants, pet supplies neighborhood located adjacent to unique shops draw locals and and natural foods market. Seward Seward Park between Beacon Hill visitors alike. Ravenna is home to Park is economically and racially and Lake Washington. More than the Congregation Beth Shalom, Full diverse. It is the cultural home 60 languages are spoken here and Life Care (a non-profit agency for to Seattle’s Orthodox Jewish ethnic shops and cafés reflect seniors), a library, and the Ravenna- community. Seward Park, the the area’s cultural richness. Eckstein Community Center offering neighborhood’s namesake, is its Relatively reasonable prices, even special events and programs. crowning jewel featuring nearly for view homes, have spurred an Local house styles vary, including 300 acres of oldgrowth timber, bike active market in recent years. Area bungalows, Tudors, and Craftsman and walking trails, art studio, native amenities include several waterfront homes. Median Prices: Homes plant garden, the Environmental parks with outstanding views, the $575,000; Condos $242,500. and Audubon Center, and an historical landmark Kubota Gardens, amphitheater which hosts summer Dead Horse Canyon, a Link Light Rail ROOSEVELT events. Median Prices: Homes Station, and community center with Roosevelt is minutes from $439,750; Condos $271,475. a pool and plaza for outdoor summer Downtown, the University District, concerts. Median Prices: Homes University Village Mall, Northgate SHILSHOLE/SUNSET HILL $454,250; Condos $235,000. Mall, and Green Lake. Metro buses Just west of Ballard and twenty provide service to these and other minutes from Downtown, Shilshole RAINIER VALLEY popular destinations. A pedestrian is best known for its boating Rainier Valley is one of Seattle’s friendly commercial district near opportunities, restaurants and most economically, religiously and Roosevelt Way waterfront views. The local hub of ethnically diverse neighborhoods. and NE 65th Avenue offers unique activity is Shilshole Bay Marina, Known for high levels of community shops, restaurants, and major the state’s second-largest marina involvement, residents work to retain retailers like QFC, Safeway, Whole and home to 1,400 boats. The Rainier Valley’s hometown appeal. Foods Market, and Dania Furniture. neighborhood’s population includes Familiar chain stores, a global A renovated Roosevelt High School, the 600 residents who live aboard grab bag of ethnic establishments, built in 1922, is at the heart of the boats at the marina, as well as those restaurants and other businesses neighborhood. Parks, including from the largely residential Sunset are plentiful. Residents enjoy easy Froula, Cowen and Banner, provide Hill neighborhood rising up from access to downtown Seattle and open spaces, tennis courts, play the bay. Area attractions include SeaTac Airport via four area light rail areas, and city and mountain views. outstanding views of the Puget stations. The Rainier Valley Cultural Neighborhood events include the Sound and Olympic Mountains, Center hosts performances, Roosevelt Bull Moose Festival public fishing piers, waterfront programs and workshops. The in July and monthly art walks. An promenade, and the popular Golden Rainier Valley Heritage Parade & active Neighborhood Association Gardens Park. Sunset Hill Median Festival is celebrated the third publishes a monthly newsletter at Prices: Homes $600,000; Condos Saturday of August. Median www.rooseveltseattle.org. Median $333,500. Prices: Homes $452,250; Condos Prices: Homes $590,000; $236,950. Condos $242,500.
22 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS
A view of the City Skyline from Gas Works Park. Photo by JMW Scout
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT WALLINGFORD hosts a Wednesday Farmers Market, The neighborhood surrounding the Wallingford, the “Heart of Seattle,” is May through September. Median University of Washington campus bordered by Lake Union, I-5, Aurora Prices: Homes $599,950; Condos is often described as youthful and Avenue and Green Lake. Pedestrian $333,500. vibrant. Molded by the presence of and bus friendly Wallingford the University, the Henry Art Gallery offers craftsman-style bungalows, WEST SEATTLE and the Burke Museum, it features residential gardens, historic Home to Seattle’s first white settlers, an intellectual and artistic lifestyle. buildings, quiet streets and a unique West Seattle occupies the peninsula University Way NE, or “The Ave” is shopping district featuring distinct southwest of Downtown Seattle. a popular place to hang out, shop shops and restaurants. Seattle’s While pleasantly removed from and eat. An award winning Saturday landmark hamburger joint Dick’s downtown by topography and the Farmers Market offers fresh, local Drive-In and the 1904 Wallingford Duwamish Waterway, the city is products year round. Each May, the Center are both neighborhood accessible by car within minutes. U District Street-Fair attracts upward institutions. Wallingford Playfield has A shuttle ferry, the West Seattle of 50,000 people with craft and food tennis courts, wading pool, picnic Water Taxi, also runs passengers into booths, music and more. Nearby and play areas, while Gas Works Park downtown Seattle. The Fauntleroy University Village, offers more than is perfect for kite flying. Wallingford Ferry Terminal connects West 120 stores and restaurants. The Steps provide amazing city skyline Seattle to Vashon Island and University District is a mix of views. Nearby, the Burke-Gilman Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula. single-family homes interspersed trail is popular with bikers and Alki Beach, an 18-hole public golf with rental homes and apartment walkers. There’s always something to course, 40-acre Schmitz Park, and buildings for student housing. do in Wallingford—The Garden Tour Lincoln Park featuring Seattle’s only Median Prices: Homes $595,000; in June and the SeaFair Wallingford saltwater swimming pool are local Condos $234,500. Family Parade and Festival in July recreational gems. The Log House are just two examples. Meridian Park Museum and ArtsWest, a community
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 23 SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS theater and art center, provide a cultural focus. Annual events include West Seattle Summer Fest SEATTLE STATISTICS and the Art of Gardening Tour in July. Washington’s second largest Farmers Market is held here on Population: 662,400 Sundays, year-round. West Seattle boasts several Greater Seattle area: 3,898,720 distinct neighborhoods, most tending toward (King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap Counties) economic and ethnic diversity, all offering small town charm. Take for example, Alaska Junction. City Hall: Mail—600 4th Ave., “The Junction,” the retail heart of West Seattle 2nd Floor, Seattle 98124. at California Avenue and Alaska Street, features Main Entrance-601 5th Ave. shops, restaurants and markets, as well as award (206) 684-2489, winning murals depicting West Seattle’s historic www.seattle.gov past. The Junction serves as a transit center for key Neighborhood Service Centers: Metro bus routes. Mixed-use projects are adding Obtain information about city government new apartments to the area’s existing condos and and social service referrals. small WWII era homes. At the tip of West Seattle, (206) 684-0464, the Alki neighborhood is known for its beachfront www.seattle.gov/neighborhoodservices promenade and sweeping views of Seattle’s skyline Chamber of Commerce: 1301 5th Ave., from Jack Block Park. The Admiral neighborhood in Ste. 1500, (206) 389-7200, West Seattle contains a number of fine old homes www.seattlechamber.com and sits at the crest of the peninsula overlooking both the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Median Post Offices: various convenient Prices: West Seattle – Homes $466,500; Condos locations. Zip code and location $298,475. Alaska Junction – Homes $620,750; information, (800) 275-8777, Condos $311,000. Alki – Homes $650,000; Condos www.usps.com $509,000. Admiral – Homes $640,000; Condos Libraries: 26 neighborhood branches. $280,000. Central Library, 1000 4th Avenue, (206) 386-4636, WHITE CENTER www.spl.org Located between West Seattle and Burien, White School District: Seattle Public Schools, Center offers some of the city’s most affordable (206) 252-0000, real estate. Known for its diversity, an amazing 70+ www.seattleschools.org languages are spoken here. The Business District Utilities: Gas — Puget Sound Energy, consists of nearly 140 businesses. Restaurants (888) 225-5773, www.pse.com often host music events sponsored by The White Center Arts Alliance and other groups. Each July, Electricity: Seattle City Light residents celebrate White Center Jubilee Days. The (206) 684-3000, White Center Community Development Association www.seattle.gov/light produces signature community enhancement events Sewer/Water/Garbage: Seattle Public like Spring Clean and the Community Summit. Local Utilities (206) 684-3000, parks include Steve Cox Memorial Park with play www.seattle.gov/util and picnic areas, athletic fields, walking path, and Telephone: CenturyLink, (866) 642-0444, community center. Greenbridge, a masterplanned www.centurylink.com “green” community features a branch library, Typical Property Tax Rate: community center, Bill and Melinda Gates Early $9.49/$1,000 assessed valuation Learning Center, parks, coffee shop, restaurants and Median Household Income: convenient transit access. There are twenty-four new $67,365 (city); $73,035 (King County) townhomes being built at Tessera at Greenbridge, Average Rent: $2,150 2bd available starting in the spring of 2016. Median Prices: Homes $469,000; Condos $298,475. Median Price of Homes: $565,000 Median Price of Condos: $365,000
24 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 25 Greater Eastside Neighborhoods
secluded beauty of the area. There is no commercial base, rentals are scarce, and houses of various architectural styles and vintages add to the charm. With only 124 housing units, the city is considered completely developed. Existing houses come on the market infrequently.
Property owners belong to and pay a yearly fee to the Western Academy of Beaux Arts, a nonprofit that owns The Salish Lodge overloooking Snoqualmie Falls. and maintains the private beach, boat dock and tennis courts. A summer beach potluck, a catered The “Eastside” refers to the area well. To control and plan for more winter dinner and a Christmas east of Downtown Seattle that lies organized growth, many Eastside cookie exchange are annual local between Lake Washington and the communities support master- events. Cascade Mountains, extending planned housing developments north to Bothell and Woodinville and “urban villages,” where all the Beaux Arts Village Statistics and south to Renton. For centuries amenities of living like shopping, Population: 300 early native tribes hunted, fished working, and schooling are included. City Hall: Mail: 10550 SE 27th and lived off the abundance of this Along the Cascade Mountain St, 98004, (425) 454-8580, www. beautiful wilderness. In the 1860’s, foothills, small farms, ranches, beauxarts-wa.gov homesteaders left the bustling cities and dairies dot the countryside. In School District: Bellevue School of Seattle and Tacoma, moving contrast to their urban counterparts, Dist. No. 405, (425) 456-4000 eastward to stake their claims. communities here retain their Utilities: Gas/Electric: PSE, (888) Before long, communities formed agricultural feel. 225-5773. Water: Beaux Arts Water around early industries of logging, Dept., (425) 454-8580. Sewer: City shingle mills, boat building, and BEAUX ARTS VILLAGE of Bellevue, (425) 452-6973 farming. Today the Eastside is Beaux Arts Village was originally Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 244- where cosmopolitan communities established by the Society of Beaux 1111 merge with pristine outdoor areas. Arts as a colony where artists could Refuse Collection: Republic Despite tremendous growth and live and work in common, but this Services, (206) 682-9730 development, huge swaths of forest vision of a communal art center was Typical tax rate: $8.96/$1,000 and parklands offer a variety of never fully realized. assessed valuation outdoor recreation. Median Household Income: Today, Beaux Arts Village (known $164,375 This is software country, home to as “The Village” to locals) is King Median Price Homes: $1,167,500 Microsoft and many other high-tech County’s second smallest city. Est. Travel Time/Distance To: industries. Well-known names like Located just south of Bellevue along Seattle=16 mins/12 mi. Bellevue=5 Google, Nintendo, Costco Wholesale, the shores of Lake Washington, mins/1 mile and Genie Industries are part of this community retains a relaxed, the vibrant and growing eastside informal feel, yet values privacy. business community. Towering evergreens, some with The population is growing here as resident eagles’ nests, enhance the
26 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
BELLEVUE Bellevue’s Downtown Pedestrian Corridor. Bellevue is the Eastside’s largest Photo: Courtesy Bellevue Downtown Association city and the fifth largest in the state. Thirty percent of its residents were born outside of the U.S. and 40 percent are part of a racial or ethnic minority. Income levels are well above both King County and Puget Sound regional averages. Bellevue offers a high quality of life, strong sense of community, robust neighborhoods, growing diversity, and a commitment to building a healthy future economy.
Bellevue incorporates 31 square miles between Lake Sammamish Washington State. and Lake Washington. The city has celebrations of national and regional miles of trails and acres of open musical talent. Each July, the Bellevue’s diverse housing spaces and wetlands. Nearly 100 Bellevue Arts Festival Weekend is choices suit any lifestyle—from parks offer activities ranging from one of the nation’s largest and most stunning waterfront estates to a working farm and play areas, to prestigious art festivals. Another suburban ramblers to downtown waterfalls and wildlife habitat. summer attraction, Bellevue Farmers Market, is open Thursdays condominiums. The hills southeast of downtown offer a multitude of Downtown, the economic heart of and Saturdays at two locations. single and multi-family housing the Eastside, is a vibrant collage of options, along with important high-rises, parks, museums and Approximately 11,000 people call commercial centers that include destination shopping that includes Downtown Bellevue home. The Factoria Square Mall and Newport The Bellevue Collection as well as median age is 34, a reflection of Hills Shopping Center. the Pacific Northwest’s only Neiman the young professionals who are Marcus store. populating the neighborhood. Over the next decade, most of Bellevue’s Apartment complexes and smaller, more modest homes dominate Bellevue’s distinctive, people friendly residential and job growth will occur the Lake Hills and Crossroads downtown is also the focal point of a downtown and in the city’s Bel-Red neighborhoods. Crossroads thriving arts community. The Theatre Corridor. With more than 133,000 Shopping Center is the people at Meydenbauer Center features jobs, Bellevue has more jobs than packed heart of this area featuring a performances by Ballet Bellevue, residents. Its diverse economy seasonal farmers market, ethnic and Bellevue Chamber Chorus and includes a strong employment base folk music, cultural events and foods Bellevue Civic Theatre. The Tateuchi in growing industries such as from around the world. Center, a wonderful new downtown information technology. Bellevue performing arts center is scheduled also benefits from a highly skilled This city’s wonderful combination to break ground in 2017. The Bellevue and educated workforce. of outdoor recreation, cultural Arts Museum offers enriching amenities, diversity and nation- exhibits, lectures, and workshops. Education is a priority here and it leading schools led Livabilty.com to The Bellevue Jazz Festival each shows. In 2015, US News & World name Bellevue #14 on the 2015 “Top spring is among the region’s premier Report ranked Bellevue International School the Best High School in 100 Best Places to Live” rankings.
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 27 GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
Bellevue Statistics cows put this town on the map as Library: 4804 Tolt Ave, (425) 333- Population: 135,000 “the home of contented cows.” 4398 City Hall: 450 110th Ave. NE, 98009, Carnation now sits in the middle School District: Riverview School PO Box 90012, 98009, (425) 452- of King County’s largest organic Dist. No. 407, (425) 844-4500 6800, www.bellevuewa.gov production district with ample Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, Chamber of Commerce: 330 112th opportunities for u-pick vegetables (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: City Ave NE, Ste 100, Bellevue 98004, and CSA subscriptions. Local of Carnation, (425) 333-4192 (425) 454-2464, produce and live music bring patrons Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 201- www.bellevuechamber.org to Carnation’s Farmers Market 4099 Bellevue Downtown Association: on Tuesdays from May through Refuse Collection: Recology 400 108th Ave NE, Ste. 110, 98004, October. CleanScapes, (425) 844-1900 (425) 453-1223, Typical Tax Rate: $11.87/$1,000 www.bellevuedowntown.com Tolt MacDonald Park has acres of assessed valuation Post Offices: 1171 Bellevue Way NE, biking, hiking, fishing, camping, and Median Household Income: (425) 453-5655; 11405 NE 2nd Pl., sports fields. In July, it is the site $65,536 (425) 462-7508 of Timber! Outdoor Music Festival. Average Rent: 2bd $1,700 Libraries: Bellevue, 1111 110th Ave Valley Memorial Park features a Median Price Homes: $475,000 NE, (425) 450-1765. 15590 Lake BMX track and outstanding skate Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Hills Blvd, (425) 747-3350. 14250 bowl. Great riding opportunities Seattle=39 mins/27 mi. SE Newport Way, (425) 747-2390. abound for bicycle and motorcycle Bellevue=29 mins/20 mi. 15600 8th St, (425) 644-6203 enthusiasts. Golfers enjoy the School District: Bellevue School recently renovated Blue Heron Golf CLYDE HILL, MEDINA, YARROW District No. 405, (425) 456-4000 Course. A 100-acre Seattle Audubon POINT AND HUNTS POINT Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, Preserve, adjacent to King County’s Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point and (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: City 67-acre Carnation Marsh, is perfect Hunts Point are located along the of Bellevue, 11511 Main St, (425) 452- for bird watching. Other attractions edge of Downtown Bellevue, Lake 6932. Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) include berry picking, the Tolt Washington and The Evergreen 244-1111. Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Historical Museum and a collection Point Floating Bridge. Many of Refuse Collection: Republic of unique downtown shops and Washington’s most prosperous and Services, (425) 452-4762 restaurants. Annual community prominent business, sports and Typical Tax Rate: $8.78/$1,000 festivals include the Great Carnation entertainment figures have settled in assessed valuation 4th of July Celebration, the these affluent communities. Median Household Income: Remlinger Farms Harvest Festival $92,524 in October, and Christmas in With only four retail businesses Average Rent: 2bd $2,250 Carnation always held on the first between them, the cities are virtually Median Prices: Homes $799,000; Saturday of December. To live or all residential. The crime rate is very Condos $312,500 to visit, Carnation is your natural low. Traffic and neighborhood patrols Est. Travel Time/Distance To: destination! account for most police activity. Seattle=16 mins/10 mi. Houses are expensive and situated Carnation Statistics on generously sized lots along neatly CARNATION Population: 1,790 landscaped streets. Over the years East of Seattle, where the City Hall: 4621 Tolt Ave, PO Box large-scaled residences have Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers meet in 1238, 98014, (425) 333-4192, www. replaced most small homes. Vacant the scenic Snoqualmie Valley, is the carnationwa.gov tracts are scarce, so notable growth quiet, rural community of Carnation Chamber of Commerce: PO Box in population or number of housing with its casual atmosphere and 603, 98014. www.carnationchamber. units is unlikely. Located within short eastside commutes. com minutes of State Route 520 and Post Office: 4440 McKinley Ave, three interstate highways, these Remlinger and Carnation Farms are (800) ASK-USPS communities are well connected reminders of days past when dairy to the rest of the Puget Sound, yet
28 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
removed from the urban bustle. City of Bellevue, (425) 452-6973. Art in Bloom, SummerStage, Duvall All of these enviable attributes Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 244- Art and Wine Walk and SandBlast placed Clyde Hill no. 2 in the nation 1111 Festival of the Arts. Additional on Coldwell Banker Bain’s “2012 Refuse Collection: Republic yearly community events include Top 10 Best Places to Live for Services, (206) 682-9730 Duvall Days, Big Classic Car Show, Suburbanites.” Among Washington Typical tax rate per $1,000 Fire Fighter’s Pancake Breakfast and cities it ranked no. 1, followed by assessed valuation: Clyde Hill: RunDuvall, Heritage Festival, Movies Medina and Yarrow Point, ranking no. $8.34. Hunts Point: $7.67. Medina: in the Park, Halloween Trick or 2 and no. 4. $8.64. Yarrow Point: $7.92/$1,000. Treating, Holiday Tree Lighting, and Median Household Income: Clyde the Duvall Farmer’s Market (May – Recreational opportunities in Hill: $192,250 Hunts Point: $161,250. October). Parks in Duvall range these four communities include Medina: $182,308. Yarrow Point: from tiny Judd Park Tot Lot to the Wetherill Nature Preserve, $187,500 McCormick Park with nearly 19 Fairweather Nature Preserve, Medina Median Home Prices: Clyde Hill— acres of trails, picnicking, and open Park, Medina Beach Park and Clyde $1,770,000. Hunts Point— spaces. The beautiful Snoqualmie Park Beach. The 5.4 mile Points $1,929,450. Medina—$2,294,000. Valley trail runs through the heart Loop Trail linking the communities Yarrow Point—$3,200,000 of the city, providing a scenic walk is great for walking or biking. The Est. Travel Time/Distance To: for all. private Overlake Golf & Country Club Seattle=14 mins/8 mi. Bellevue=7 is located in Medina. Community mins/3 mi. Duvall Statistics events include the Fourth of July Population: 7,6 3 9 Celebration held jointly by Yarrow DUVALL City Hall: 15535 Main St NE, PO Box Point and Hunts Point, Medina Incorporated in 1913, Duvall lies in 1300, 98019, (425) 788-1185, www. Days and Clyde Hill Community northeastern King County in the duvallwa.gov Celebration & Movie Night in August. beautiful Snoqualmie Valley. Early Chamber of Commerce: PO Box homesteaders were drawn to the 581, 98019, (425) 788-9182, Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow area’s logging and agricultural www.duvallchamberofcommerce. Point and Hunts Point Statistics opportunities. Today, housing com Population: Clyde Hill: 3,020. Hunts developments on the plateau east of Post Office: 26400 NE Valley St, Point: 410. Medina: 3,095. Yarrow the city are fast replacing farms and (425) 788-5645 Point: 1,020 timberlands, but Duvall’s small town, Library: 15508 Main St NE, (425) City Halls: Clyde Hill: 9605 NE 24th rural traditions remain. 788-1173 St, 98004, (425) 453-7800, www. School District: Riverview School clydehill.org. Hunts Point: 3000 A friendly, open atmosphere defines Dist. No. 407, (425) 844-4500 Hunts Point Rd, 98004, (425) 455- this community, and despite its small Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, 1834, www.huntspoint-wa.gov size, Duvall’s citizenry represents a (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: City Medina: 501 Evergreen Point Rd, diverse mix of occupational, cultural, of Duvall, (425) 788-1185 Telephone: PO Box 144, 98039, (425) 233-6400, and economic backgrounds. The Frontier, (877) 462-8188 www.medina-wa.gov Yarrow Point: home ownership rate is nearly Refuse Collection: Waste 4030 95th Ave NE, 98004, (425) 82% in this popular residential Management, (425) 814-1695 454-6994, www.ci.yarrow-point. community. Duvall draws workers Typical Tax Rate: $12.78/$1,000 wa.us from Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle assessed valuation Post Office: Medina: 816 Evergreen with its more reasonably priced Average Rent: 2bd $1,400 Point Rd, (425) 646-8111. Bellevue: homes, respite from the urban Median Household Income: 1171 Bellevue Way NE, (425) 453- bustle, and an average commute $105,729 5655 travel time that is just over a half an Median Prices: Homes $472,500; School District: Bellevue School hour. Condos $309,000 Dist. No. 405, (425) 456-4000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, Duvall’s active arts community Seattle=36 mins/25 mi. (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: supports popular annual events like Bellevue=27 mins/18 mi.
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 29 GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
FALL CITY AND PRESTON Fall City and Preston are tucked Issaquah Salmon Days. away in the valley between the Photo: Courtesy of the City of Issaquah Sammamish Plateau and the town of Snoqualmie. These two unincorporated towns have largely remained the rural, bucolic communities they were when first founded more than 130 years ago. Change is taking place on the ridge above these towns, though. Large, new high-end homes are being built and bought by residents attracted to this peaceful, beautiful area. Home prices closer to Fall City and Preston proper are more moderate. Preston School District: Snoqualmie Valley headquarters. Global technology also has some light industrial and School Dist. No. 410, (425) 831-8000 giants, including Microsoft, maintain business properties and is home to Utilities: Gas/Electric: PSE, (888) a robust presence, as does real the Talking Rain Beverage Company. 225-5773. Water: Fall City (main estate notable John L. Scott. area)—Fall City Water Dist., (425) The nearby Snoqualmie and Raging 222-7882. Preston (main area)— Local businesses also include dining Rivers provide a number of Water Dist. 123, (425) 222-5680 and shopping options along Front recreational activities including Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 244- Street in Olde Town, East Lake fishing. Abundant trout, whitefish 1111 Sammamish Center, Issaquah and steelhead runs are an angler’s Refuse Collection: Republic, Commons, Meadows Shopping dream come true. The Snoqualmie (425) 646-2400 Center, Pickering Place and Preston Rails to Trails offers great Average Tax Rate: Fall City: charming Gilman Village. Regularly hiking with a view of Snoqualmie $13.66/$1,000 assessed valuation, occurring events including Art Walks Falls at its endpoint. Fall City hosts Preston: $12.33/$1,000 assessed and Wine Walks draw people in, Fall City Days in June and the valuation enlivening the downtown area. Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater in Median Household Income: summer. Community groups include Fall City: $77,933 The community’s largest event, the Fall City Arts Council, Fall City Average Rent: Fall City 2bd $1,000. though, is Issaquah Salmon Days, Community Association, Fall Preston 2bd $1,750 held the first weekend in October. City Historical Society and the Median Prices: Fall City: Homes Each year 150,000+ visitors come to Preston Community Club. $516,000. Preston: Homes $187,250 view the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery Est. Travel Time/Distance To: and its spawning salmon and to Fall City / Preston Statistics Seattle=30 mins/24 mi. Bellevue=25 enjoy art, music, food and fun “fishy” Population: Fall City — 2,090 (core mins/18 mi. activities. area); Greater Fall City — 5,650 Greater Preston — 2,200 ISSAQUAH Other must-see Issaquah attractions Chamber of Commerce: Nestled between the Issaquah Alps include top-notch productions Snoqualmie Valley Chamber, PO Box and Lake Sammamish, Issaquah is at Village Theatre, Issaquah 357, North Bend 98045, (425) 888- a historic community focused on a Farmers Market (Saturdays, May 6362, www.snovalley.org dynamic future. Known for trailheads to September), Boehm’s Candies Post Office: Fall City: 4225 335th Pl. and salmon, the city is also a major chocolate factory, Gilman Town SE, (425) 222-7501. Preston: 30365 employment and retail hub on the Hall Museum, the restored Issaquah SE High Point Way, (425) 222-5536 Eastside. In 2015, Nerd Wallet rated Train Depot, and Cougar Mountain Library: 33415 SE 42nd Pl., Fall City, Issaquah the 5th Best Place to Start Zoo. (425) 222-5951 a Business in Washington. Issaquah is home to Costco Wholesale’s world
30 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
The majestic Issaquah Alps offer Median Household Income: large lots. Three hundred properties yearround recreation including $88,770 here stable horses. At the opposite hiking, mountain biking and Average Rent: 2bd $1,900 end of the city in Totem Lake are paragliding, while Lake Sammamish Median Prices: Homes $675,000; Evergreen Hospital, several wine State Park is perfect for fishing, Condos $325,000 tasting rooms, a contemporary art boating, and swimming. Est. Travel Time/Distance To: gallery, the Public Safety Building, Seattle=21 mins/17 mi. Bellevue=17 and one of the region’s most Housing choices include historic mins/11 mi. prosperous auto retail hubs. downtown homes, homes with acreage, multifamily dwellings and KIRKLAND Juanita, in northwest Kirkland, the innovative Issaquah Highlands Kirkland is a vibrant waterfront boasts Juanita Village, an award- and Talus urban villages. These community with an unparalleled winning mixed use community. housing choices, along with great blend of outdoor recreation, art, Single-family homes, condos and schools and community spirit landed dining and boutique shopping. apartments are found in nearby Issaquah on Family Circle’s 2015 Home to the only downtown on established pocket and beach Best Towns For Families List. Lake Washington, Kirkland also communities around popular Juanita has the most guest moorage on Beach Park. Issaquah’s liveability makes the city Lake Washington, and has more a magnet for new residents. City waterfront parks and beaches than Dining options abound in Kirkland, leaders have adopted a long-term any other city in the Puget Sound from bakeries and cafés to fine plan that focuses on environmental region. restaurants featuring sought-after protection, jobs, housing and the chefs. Committed to local sourcing rapid transit needs of this growing Kirkland is sophisticated with award of food, the city supports two community. winning wineries, restaurants and seasonal farmers markets located at a diverse repertoire of events, yet it Juanita Beach and downtown. Issaquah Statistics maintains a small-town feel removed Shopping options are equally varied Population: 33,330 from big-city living. In 2014, Money and include fine art galleries, stylish City Hall: 130 E Sunset Way, Magazine ranked Kirkland the #5 furniture and decorative arts stores, PO Box 1307, 98027, (425) 837- best place to live in America. designer consignment shops, 3000, www.issaquahwa.gov specialty boutiques, and bridal Chamber of Commerce: 155 NW The city is home to a dynamic shops. Gilman Blvd, 98027, (425) 392-7024, community of entrepreneurs www.issaquahchamber.com and small businesses as well as Kirkland is known for its dynamic Post Office: 400 NW Gilman Blvd, high-tech, aerospace and medical arts scene. Outdoor public art graces (425) 837-8795 technology companies. Google, Go city parks and streets. The highly Library: 10 W Sunset Way, (425) Daddy, Astronics, INRIX, and regarded Kirkland Performance 392-5430 iSoftStone all have offices in Center presents a range of national School District: Issaquah School Kirkland. As well as nurturing and international entertainment. Dist. No. 411, (425) 837-7000 businesses, downtown Kirkland Kirkland Arts Center, one of the Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, welcomes new residents with region’s few community-based arts (425) 455-5120. Water/Sewer: City a range of housing options. centers, offers a hugely popular of Issaquah, (425) 837-3070 Condominiums, many new and with annual artist studio tour on Mother’s Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 244- prime views, populate downtown Day weekend. Other special 1111 and the waterfront. Near downtown, events include Kirkland Uncorked, Refuse Collection: Recology neighborhoods such as Rose Hill Summerfest and the arrival of the CleanScapes, (425) 837-1234. South offer older homes. Tall Ships. For more activities and Cove area - Republic Services, (425) events, visit explorekirkland.com. 392-6651 Bridle Trails, in southeast Kirkland, Typical Tax Rate: $10.09/$1,000 surrounds a 482-acre wooded Kirkland Statistics assessed valuation preserve and features homes on Population: 83,460
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 31 GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
fitness, and event rooms featuring Summer concert at Marina Park in Kirkland. Photo: ©Merrill Images state of the art equipment. Quality cultural art, including the I-90 Outdoor Sculpture Gallery, the Mostly Music in the Park summer concert series, and the new Mercer Island Center For The Arts projected to open in 2018, all reflect an active Arts Council.
Popular community events include the Leap for Green environmental fair, the annual Summer Celebration festival, Art UnCorked—an evening of art and wine tasting, Mercer Island Rotary Half-Marathon and 10K and a lively Farmers Market.
Although primarily a single-family residential community, new mixeduse development is revitalizing City Hall: 123 5th Ave, 98033, Condos $287,000 the Town Center area. Proximity (425) 587-3000, www.kirklandwa. Est. Travel Time/Distance To: to a vibrant, growing business gov Seattle=20 mins/12 mi. district and restaurants, as well as Chamber of Commerce: 328 Bellevue=11 mins/6 mi. convenient public transportation Parkplace Center, (425) 822-7066, helps make this walkable www.kirklandchamber.org MERCER ISLAND neighborhood a great place to live. Post Office: 721 4th Ave, (800) 275- Mercer Island is located in the 8777 middle of Lake Washington. This Mercer Island Statistics Libraries: 308 Kirkland Ave, (425) island locale provides a quiet, Population: 23,480 822-2459. 12501 NE 144th St, (425) secluded feeling with quick City Hall: 9611 SE 36th St, (206) 821-7686 commutes to Seattle or the Eastside 275-7600, www.mercergov.org School District: Lake Washington via Interstate 90. Chamber of Commerce: 7605 School Dist. No. 414, (425) 702-3200 SE 27th St, Ste. 109, PO Box 108, Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, Mercer Island schools are a source 98040, (206) 232-3404, www. (888) 225-5773 or (425) 454-2000 of pride and an important reason mercerislandchamber.com Water: City of Kirkland, (425) 587- that many families live here. The Post Office: 3040 78th Ave SE, 3150 In Juanita—Northshore Utility School District’s longstanding (206) 230-5636 Dist., (425) 398-4400. Telephone: tradition of excellence includes Library: 4400 88th Ave SE, (206) Frontier, (877) 462-8188 consistently posting the state’s 236-3537 Refuse Collection: City of Kirkland, highest test scores and maintaining School District: Mercer Island (425) 587-3150. a graduation rate of over 95 percent. School Dist. No. 400, (206) 236- Waste Management: (800) 592- 3330 9995. This city boasts more than 475 acres Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, Typical Tax Rate: $9.60/$1,000 of parks and open space, multi- (888) 225-5773, (425) 454-2000 assessed valuation use trails, ball fields, tennis courts, Water/Sewer: City of Mercer Island, Median Household Income: swimming and picnicking areas, a (206) 275-7783. Telephone: $90,611 boat launch, and a skateboard park. CenturyLink, (800) 244-1111 or Average Rent: 2bd $1,950 The Mercer Island Community and (206) 345-5552 Median Prices: Homes $643,700; Event Center has game, dance,
32 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
Refuse Collection, Recycling, & also has a farmer’s market, urgent Median Household Income: Yard Waste: Republic Services, care facility, historic cemetery, new $110,456 (206) 682-9730 public library, new middle school, Average Rent: 2bd $1,850 Typical Tax Rate: $8.35/$1,000 Coal Creek YMCA and the Median Prices: Homes $722,400; assessed valuation Regency Newcastle Senior Center. Condos $300,000 Median Household Income: Newcastle’s extensive network of Est. Travel Time/Distance To: $125,651 trails links its neighborhoods and Seattle=19 mins/13 mi. Bellevue=14 Average Rent: 2bd $2,550 connects to regional trail systems mins/7 mi. Median Prices: Homes $1,137,500 and Cougar Mountain Regional Condos $410,000 Wildland Park. The city’s 40 acres of NORTH BEND Est. Travel Time/Distance To: developed parks include scenic Lake Nestled in the upper Snoqualmie Seattle=11 mins/7 mi. Bellevue=13 Boren Park, site of annual Concerts River Valley amid the rugged mins/6 mi. in the Park, a Fourth of July fireworks Cascade Mountains is the small city display and Newcastle Days, a fun of North Bend. Here, “easy to reach… NEWCASTLE summer festival. hard to leave” is more than just a Newcastle is one of the Eastside’s slogan. Located just 30 minutes east most desirable communities. Its The people who call Newcastle home of Seattle and Bellevue on Interstate central location near the crossroads are what truly sets the city apart. 90, North Bend offers small town of I-405 and I-90 provides easy Nonprofit and volunteer groups living and world-class outdoor access to fine shopping and dining, such as Newcastle Trails, the recreation. and borders some of the region’s Newcastle Historical Society, Weed most spectacular scenery. Passing Warriors and Newcastle Chamber of North Bend looks out on Mount Si, a through Newcastle’s downtown core, Commerce actively contribute 4,167-foot monolith where one of the Coal Creek Parkway serves as a vital to the community. state’s most famous and popular Eastside transportation link to the trails leads to absolutely breath area’s major employers. Newcastle Statistics taking views. If you enjoy year round Population: 10,940 recreation – hiking, fishing, rock Situated on Lake Washington’s City Hall: 12835 Newcastle Way, Ste climbing, white water paddling, or eastern shore, this inviting 200, 98056, (425) 649-4444, exploring Washington’s wilderness community offers a mix of well- www.ci.newcastle.wa.us areas, North Bend is the perfect established neighborhoods, newer Chamber of Commerce: 12835 destination. The city’s wonderful high-end housing developments Newcastle Way #200, 98056, Mail: public parks also offer recreational and multi-family residences. As the 6947 Coal Creek Pkwy SE #150, activities for all ages and amenities population grows, the city continues 98059, (206) 618-5641, that include sports fields, tennis to add new housing and business www.newcastlecc.com courts, a skate park, picnic facilities, options. The most extensive Library: 12901 Newcastle Way, climbing tower, and play areas. development in the city’s history, (425) 255-0111 an Avalon Bay community, will add School District: Issaquah School The heart of North Bend boasts a businesses, residences, and public Dist., (425) 837-7000; Renton beautiful, little historic downtown amenities. Aegis Gardens, a new School Dist., (425) 204-2300 area with fantastic dining options, Asian culture senior living facility, Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, unique shops, live entertainment is also under construction, and two (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: Coal and even a steam train that takes new apartment developments are Creek Utility Dist., (425) 235-9200 riders through the picturesque moving forward. Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 244- Snoqualmie Valley. Discover local 1111 favorites including Boxley’s - an Newcastle is the proud home of The Refuse Collection/Recycling: award winning jazz club, live theatre Golf Club at Newcastle, an award Waste Management, (800) 592- at Valley Center Stage,and the North winning, tournament-caliber 9995 Bend Theatre where blockbuster complex with panoramic Seattle and Typical Tax Rate: $12.43/$1,000 movies are screened in a historic Olympic Mountains views. Newcastle assessed valuation 1941 theatre setting. Don’t forget
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 33 GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
to stop in at Twedes Café for a Twin Average Rent: 2bd $1,500 skating. Cultural attractions include Peaks “Damn fine cup o’ coffee!” Median Prices: Homes $490,000; the VALA Art Center and also the and Cherry Pie. The Snoqualmie Condos $244,000 SecondStory Repertory Theatre at Valley Historical Museum, open Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Redmond Town Center. seasonally, has a collection of Seattle=33 mins/30 mi. amazing photographs and artifacts Bellevue=28 mins/24 mi. Redmond Statistics that provide a unique prospective on Population: 59,180 local history. North Bend Premium REDMOND City Hall: 15670 NE 85th St, Outlets, off I-90, is an eclectic group From its early days as a small logging (425) 556-2900, www.redmond.gov of over 50 stores with bargains for community, Redmond has evolved OneRedmond (Economic savvy shoppers. into a thriving center of business and Development): community life. Home to nationally 8383 158th Ave NE, Ste 225, The city hosts special events and internationally recognized (425) 885-4014, www.oneredmond. throughout the year such as North companies including Microsoft, org Bend Blues Walk, Jazz Walk, Farmers Nintendo, Genie Industries, AT&T Post Office: 7241 185th Ave NE, Market and Summer Concert Series, and SpaceX. Redmond’s healthy (800) 275-8777, (425) 885-0207 Tour de Peaks Bike Ride, Downtown economic base attracts workers Libraries: 15990 NE 85th St, Block Party, Banff Film Festival, from all around Greater Seattle. (425) 885-1861. 10735 Cedar Park Mountain Film Festival and The Crescent NE, (425) 885-1861 Festival at Mount Si. The end of the Housing options here are diverse School District: Lake Washington year is celebrated with a Downtown and new construction is common. School Dist. No. 414, (425) 702-3200 Holiday Tree Lighting Festival. Schools are in the Lake Washington Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, School District, featuring (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: City North Bend Statistics strong academics and athletics. of Redmond, (425) 556-2152 Population: 6,460 Located on the north end of Lake Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 City Hall: 211 Main Ave N, PO Box Sammamish, many of the city’s ten Refuse Collection: Waste 896, 98045, (425) 888-1211, www. neighborhoods, like the Viewpoint Management, (425) 814-9240 northbendwa.gov neighborhood, sit on forested hills Typical Tax Rate: $9.64/$1,000 Chamber of Commerce: PO Box with lake and mountain views. assessed valuation 357, 98045, (425) 888-6362, www. Median Household Income: snovalley.org Other neighborhoods include $99,586 Post Office: 451 E North Bend Way, Overlake, where Microsoft is located, Average Rent: 2bd $2,050 (425) 831-7020 and Willows/ Rose Hill, home to Median Prices: Homes $680,000; Library: 115 E. 4th St, (425) 888- DigiPen Institute of Technology. Condos $314,000 0554 These high-tech centers are the Est. Travel Time/Distance To: School District: Snoqualmie Valley site of increasing commercial and Seattle=21 mins/15 mi. Bellevue=10 School Dist. No. 410, (425) 831-8000 residential development. Downtown mins/8 mi. Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 neighborhood projects, planned and Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 underway, bring a vibrant mix of SAMMAMISH Tanner Electric, (425) 888-0623 business, residential and open Nestled on a forested plateau Water/Sewer: City of North Bend, space. Also downtown, Redmond between Issaquah and Redmond, (425) 888-1211. Water: Sallal, (425) Town Center offers shopping, dining, Sammamish boasts a population of 888-3650. Telephone: CenturyLink, entertainment and lodging, nearly 50,000. Since incorporating (800) 244-1111 and hosts the popular Redmond in 1999, Sammamish has followed its Refuse Collection and Recycling: Saturday Market from May through vision: To be a community of families Republic Services (425) 392-6651 October. that values a small town atmosphere Typical Tax Rate: $12.50/$1,000 and a suburban character. If you assessed valuation Redmond has dozens of parks and spend a little time in this city on the Median Household Income: an extensive trail system for hiking, eastern shore of beautiful Lake $73,574 biking, horseback riding and even
34 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
Sammamish, you’ll see that this Ave NE #123, 98074, (425) 681-4910, In 2015, Money Magazine ranked vision is right on track. www.sammamishchamber.org Snoqualmie as #5 for “Best Places Library: 825 228th Ave NE, (425) to Live in America.” This acclaim is In 2015, ValuePenguin ranked 392-3130 in part due to the award-winning Sammamish the #1 Safest City in School District: Lake Washington Snoqualmie Valley School District Washington State. Tree-lined streets School Dist., (425) 702-3200. that serves K-12 students with five in well-groomed neighborhoods Issaquah School Dist., (425) 837- elementary schools, two middle make it an ideal community for 7000. Snoqualmie Valley School schools, one comprehensive families. Residential neighborhoods Dist., (425) 831-8000 high school, and one alternative of all kinds, including the upscale, Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, school. In addition to school sports gated community of Sahalee, (888) 225-5773, (425) 455-5120 programs, many Snoqualmie Valley are located around Sammamish. Water/Sewer: Sammamish Plateau sports organizations offer soccer, “The Plateau,” as it is commonly Water & Sewer, (425) 392-6256. NE little league, volleyball, and more. referred to, is developing at a Sammamish Water & Sewer, (425) Snoqualmie has dining and shopping dizzying pace as its popularity and 868-1144. Telephone: Frontier, (877) opportunities, professional land value increases. A variety of 462-8188 services and health care offerings stores, restaurants, and services Refuse Collection: Republic of all types, a local hospital, public are available within the city, but Services, (425) 392-6651. SnoKing safety services, a library, and great Sammamish is also located within Waste Management, (425) 814-9240 neighborhoods such as Historic easy commuting and shopping Typical Tax Rate: $10.80/$1,000 Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Ridge, distance to Bellevue, Redmond, and assessed valuation and Kimball Creek Village. TCP Seattle. Median Household Income: Snoqualmie Ridge, a Jack Nicklaus $144,775 Signature Golf Course, hosts the Children are well served by three Average Rent: 2bd $1,700 annual Boeing Classic tournament, distinguished school districts and Median Prices: Homes $785,000; an official event on the PGA TOUR have a broad array of trails, sports Condos $355,250 Champions Tour. At the other end of fields, parks and other recreational Est. Travel Time/Distance To: town, golfers also enjoy picturesque amenities at their disposal. And Seattle=25 mins/18 mi. Bellevue=16 views at the Mt. Si Golf Course. there’s no shortage of fun events in mins/10 mi. these public places. Pine Lake Park Each August, Snoqualmie Railroad is home to a summer concert series, SNOQUALMIE Days celebrates the City’s origin Sammamish Commons Park hosts Snoqualmie is located only 25 miles as a railroad and logging town. the July 4th Celebration and a east of Seattle in the Mountains These roots are also explored at the farmers market, and Beaver Lake to Sound Greenway. This small unique Northwest Railway Museum, Park’s Halloween Event is always town is best known for Snoqualmie housed in a restored Victorian Depot. a hit. The Parks & Recreation Falls, a spectacular waterfall that Visitors take train rides from the Department and various private cascades 268-feet over granite cliffs, museum on weekends, April through entities also provide an array of attracting more than 1.5 million October. youth activities. Recreational visitors each year. options for all ages include fishing, Snoqualmie Statistics swimming, boating and golf. Sahalee Snoqualmie residents enjoy a high Population: 12,850 Country Club, one of America’s quality of life with excellent city City Hall: 38624 SE River St, PO top 100 courses, will host the 2016 services; more than 30 miles of Box 987, 98065. (425) 888-1555, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. walking, hiking, and biking trails; 38 www.cityofsnoqualmie.org Sammamish Statistics parks with facilities ranging from Chamber of Commerce: 38767 SE Population: 49,980 playgrounds to athletic fields and River St, Snoqualmie. PO Box 357, City Hall: 801 228th Ave SE, 98075, event venues; and the Snoqualmie North Bend, 98045, (425) 888-6362, (425) 295-0500, www.sammamish. Community Center operated by the www.snovalley.org us Snoqualmie Valley YMCA. Post Office: 8264 Olmstead Lane Chamber of Commerce: 704 228th SE, (425) 888-4317
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 35 GREATER EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS
Library: 7824 Center Blvd SE, (425) 888-1223 School District: Snoqualmie Valley School Dist. No. 410, (425) 831-8000 Utilities: Gas/Electric: PSE, (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: City of Snoqualmie, (425) 888-1555 Telephone: CenturyLink (800) 201- 4099 Woodinville Lavender Farm. Refuse Collection: Waste Photo: Provided by Visit Woodinville, courtesy of Woodinville Group/Carol Hook Management, (800) 592-9995 Typical Tax Rate: $12.85/$1,000 first class, paved bike and pedestrian Woodinville Statistics assessed valuation path, leads all the way to Seattle and Population: 11,240 Median Household Income: Sammamish. Trail access is available City Hall: 17301 133rd Ave NE, $130,060 at both Wilmot Gateway and Woodin 98072, (425) 489-2700, www. Average Rent: 2bd $2,000 Creek Parks. ci.woodinville.wa.us Median Prices: Homes $535,000; Chamber of Commerce: 17401 Condos $326,000 Varied recreational amenities score 133rd Ave NE, 98072, (425) 481- Est. Travel Time/Distance To: big with residents, as do quality 8300, www.woodinvillechamber.org Seattle=35 mins/25 mi. Bellevue=30 schools (Woodinville is served by Post Office: 17610 Woodinville- mins/23 mi. the highly rated Northshore School Snohomish Rd NE, (800) 275-8777; District), and proximity to major (425) 487-0995 WOODINVILLE regional employers. School District: Northshore School Located 30 minutes northeast Dist. No. 417, (425) 408-6000 of Seattle, in the heart of the Woodinville’s placement is also Library: 17105 Avondale Rd NE, Sammamish River Valley, Woodinville the perfect junction between the (425) 788-0733 is not only a premier tourist vineyards east of the Cascades Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, destination but also a highly livable and the populace of Puget Sound. (888) 225-5773. Telephone: Frontier, community with a rich history, Thus, Woodinville is home to over (877) 462-8188. Water: Woodinville natural environment and economic 100 wineries and tasting rooms, Water Dist., (425) 487-4100 vibrancy. including world-class wineries Alderwood Water Dist., (425) 743- Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia. 4605 When it comes to housing, there’s A thriving microbrewery, distillery, Refuse Disposal: Waste something for everyone - family- and cider community is found here Management, (800) 592-9995 friendly established neighborhoods, as well. Woodinville’s Warehouse Typical Tax Rate: $11.24/$1,000 urban-style mixed-use apartment and Hollywood Districts both house assessed valuation communities, and tranquil, wooded a bevy of tasting rooms. Fantastic Median Household Income: neighborhoods like those just uphill dining venues also abound, including $97,604 from the city’s growing downtown. The Herbfarm, Purple Café & Average Rent: 2bd $1,800 Winebar, The Commons, and the Median Prices: Homes $616,500; Compact and functional, Hollywood Tavern. Condos $178,000 Woodinville’s downtown offers Est. Travel Time/Distance To: retail, personal services, a seasonal Food, drink, music and fun are all Seattle=25 mins/20 mi. Farmers Market, and the destination highlighted at Woodinville’s annual Bellevue=16 mins/12 mi. nursery, Molbak’s Garden + Home. events. Topping the list are Chateau At the edge of downtown are Ste. Michelle’s renowned summer a sports field complex and a concert series and the Celebrate community center that hosts Woodinville Concerts & Festival. programs, activities and events. The Simply put, there’s a lot to love about nearby Sammamish River Trail, a Woodinville’s quality of life!
36 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 37 West Puget Sound Neighborhoods
The Kitsap Peninsula, 400 square miles in size, is bounded on the east by Puget Sound, Seattle, and Tacoma, and on the west by Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. Early economic activity centered around logging. Related industries like milling and shipbuilding soon evolved. Today, Naval Base Kitsap sites drive the local economy and employ the majority of area residents. Recently, more people are living on the peninsula and commuting to jobs in Seattle and Tacoma via ferry.
The Kitsap Peninsula is unsurpassed for scenic beauty. Winding roads cut The Poulsbo 3rd of July through densely forested hills and Celebration. travel along the low cliffs of the peninsula’s 236 miles of saltwater shoreline where most population two large waterfront parks), hiking, films at Bainbridge Cinemas and centers are located. Towns are small, jogging, equestrian and bike trails, art films and classics at the Historic quaint, and welcoming. Tourists two golf courses, a swimming pool, Lynwood Theatre. come from all over the Puget Sound boat harbor, library, medical clinics, region and beyond to visit these teen and senior centers, Bainbridge Other attractions include the communities and local attractions. is an ideal place to live and raise a internationally acclaimed Fresh seafood, world-class golf, family. Convenient mainland access Bloedel Reserve public garden, parks, museums, and recreational is available via a 35-minute ferry the Bainbridge Island Historical activities of every kind make ride to Seattle, while a bridge at the Museum, and the Bainbridge Island this a favorite regional vacation island’s north end provides Kitsap Japanese American Exclusion destination. Peninsula connections. Shops, Memorial, a designated satellite eateries, and museums, including National Historic Monument. Battle BAINBRIDGE ISLAND the Kids Discovery Museum and Point Park houses the Edwin E. Bainbridge Island is a haven of gently the Bainbridge Island Museum of Ritchie Observatory where the rolling hills, farms, vineyards, pristine Art, are all walkable from the ferry largest amateur telescope on shoreline, and abundant streams terminal. the West Coast and a monthly where salmon return yearly to planetarium show delight spawn. Once known for berry farms The island boasts a strong arts astronomers of all ages. The island and summer homes, now upscale community. Local artists display is home to Bainbridge Organic housing developments, good works on First Friday Gallery Walks Distillers (World’s Best Vodka 2014!) schools, low crime, a sophisticated and biannual islandwide studio and the Bainbridge Island Brewing population and friendly atmosphere tours. Four theater groups produce Company. Seven island wineries characterize the community. plays, musicals and comedy improv offer tastings on select weekends and there are several regular music and at downtown tasting rooms. With its spacious parks (including venues. Movie fans find first-run
38 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide WEST PUGET SOUND NEIGHBORHOODS
(homeport to some of the world’s largest warships), and the USS Turner Joy, a restored destroyer that offers public tours.
The nearby historic downtown, a recognized official arts district, has two galleries, restaurants, a performing arts venue housed in a renovated 1940’s theater, a 10-screen movie theater, and two museums–Kitsap Historical Museum and the Valentinetti Puppet Museum. Future plans call for a variety of new retail shops. Other shopping options include familiar chain stores and eateries found a few miles from downtown proper, as well as the boutiques, art and coffee shops of Manette in east Bremerton.
Bremerton’s Gold Mountain Golf Course. Photo: © Rob Perry Just one hour by ferry from Seattle, Bremerton’s unique quality of life Bainbridge Island Statistics Median Household Income: and affordable housing attracts Population: 23,390 $95,976 new residents and businesses. It City Hall: 280 Madison Ave N, (206) Average Rent: 2bd $1,700 is known for the scenic beauty of 842-7633, www.ci.bainbridge-isl. Median Prices: Homes $690,000; area waterways and shorelines, and wa.us Condos $389,000 spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, Chamber of Commerce: 395 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: the Cascade and Olympic ountains. Winslow Way E, (206) 842-3700, Seattle=47 mins/9 mi. by ferry. Bremerton has over 675 acres of www.bainbridgechamber.com Bremerton=45 mins/31 mi. by car parks and boasts several award Post Office: 271 Winslow Way E, winning golf courses. City-owned (206) 855-9571, (800) 275-8777 BREMERTON Gold Mountain Golf Complex hosted Library: 1270 Madison Ave N, (206) Downtown Bremerton’s Harborside the 2015 NCAA Men’s Regional 842-4162 complex features the Kitsap Championship. A thriving arts School District: Bainbridge Island Conference Center, Hampton Inn, community includes the Bremerton School Dist. No. 303, (206) 842-4714 Fairfield Inn Marriott, Anthony’s Symphony, Bremerton Community Utilities: Gas: Natural Gas not Restaurant, shops, offices, and the Theater, Peninsula Dance Theater available. Propane provided by musical fountains of Harborside and the Kitsap Opera. various dealers. Electricity: PSE, Fountain Park. Waterfront condos (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: City and the Norm Dicks Government Bremerton Statistics of Bainbridge Island, (206) 780- Center bring residents, workers, Population: 39,410 8624. Kitsap PUD (360) 337-5777 and visitors downtown while the City Hall: 345 6th St., Ste. 600, Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 244- 350-slip marina is a favorite boating 98337, (360) 473-5290, www. 1111 destination. ci.bremerton.wa.us Refuse Collection: Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce: 286 4th Disposal, (206) 842-4882 Other waterfront notables are St, 98337 (360) 479-3579, www. Typical Tax Rate: $10.73/$1,000 the Puget Sound Navy Museum, bremertonchamber.org assessed valuation the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Post Office: 602 Pacific Ave, (360)
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 39 WEST PUGET SOUND NEIGHBORHOODS
475-0248 services, quality school systems and Median Prices: Homes $395,000; Libraries: 612 5th St N, (360) educational opportunities, and more. Condos $284,500 377-3955, 1301 Sylvan Way, (360) Three distinct shopping areas – Est. Travel Time/Distance To: 405-9100 downtown, uptown, and Harbor Hills Seattle=51 mins/49 mi. School District: Bremerton School feature everything from “big box” Bellevue=56 mins/47 mi. Dist. No. 100-C, (360) 473-1000 stores to locally owned specialty Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas shops. Harbor Hills is also a growing KINGSTON Co., (360) 373-1403, (888) 522-1130. residential area with 600 new homes Kingston’s picturesque seaside Ferrellgas (360) 373-2515 planned for construction. Popular location on Puget Sound places it Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 annual events include a farmer’s closer to the I-5 corridor than any Water/Sewer: Bremerton Public market from June to September, other Kitsap County community. Works, (360) 473-5316. Telephone: the Maritime Gig Festival the first Convenient and affordable access CenturyLink, (800) 244-1111 weekend in June, free Summer between the east and west sides of Refuse Collection/Recycling: Sounds Concert Series June-August, Puget Sound is facilitated by the Waste Management, (800) 592- and free Movies in Crescent Creek Washington State Ferry landing in 9995 Park in July. The first Saturday Kingston (serving over 2.2 million Typical Tax Rate: $13.82/$1,000 of each month is the Gig Harbor vehicles each year). This cross assessed valuation Artwalk, showcasing local galleries. Sound flow ensures the potential for Median Household Income: economic and business evelopment $43,527 Gig Harbor Statistics in this, the second largest Average Rent: 2bd $1,050 Population: 8,555 unincorporated area in Kitsap Median Prices: Homes $220,000; City Hall/Civic Ctr.: 3510 County. Condos $106,500 Grandview St, 98335, (253) 851- Est. Travel Time/Distance To: 8136, www.cityofgigharbor.net Kingston’s location also results in Seattle (car)= 1 hr 18 mins/66 mi. Chamber of Commerce/ less traffic and crime, as well as a Seattle (ferry)=1 hr. Bellevue, by Visitor Center: 3125 Judson St, lower cost of living than comparable car=1 hr 23 mins/68 mi. 98335, (253) 851-6865, www. communities. Additionally, great gigharborchamber.com schools with excellent test scores, GIG HARBOR Post Office: 3118 Judson St, (253) churches, and an abundance of Gig Harbor, the southern portal to 858-7262 parks, trails and natural resources the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, Library: 4424 Pt. Fosdick Dr NW, contribute to Kingston’s appeal. has the most spectacular views of (253) 548-3305 Service organizations, such as Mount Rainier, the Olympics and School District: Peninsula School Rotary, Kiwanis, Soroptimists, the Cascades that you will ever see. Dist. No. 401, (253) 530-1000 Garden Club and local businesses Known as the Maritime City, this Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 take an active role in community life. harbor town is proud of the nautical, Electricity: Peninsula Light Co, For many, Kingston is the perfect Scandinavian, and Croatian (253) 857-5950. PSE, (888) 225- place to raise a family, retire in style, heritages that shaped its past and 5773. Water: City of Gig Harbor, or to start or grow a business. are still preserved and celebrated (253) 851-6157. Outside City limits— in places like the Harbor Heritage Call Tacoma-Pierce County Health Kingston’s businesses include Museum. Once considered a remote Dept, (253) 798-7683 to determine restaurants offering a variety of community, Gig Harbor is now a your water supplier. Telephone: fare and entertainment, industrial destination spot for boaters, visitors CenturyLink, (800) 201-4099 parks boasting manufacturing and and a growing population. Many Refuse Collection: American services, construction companies, residents commute to jobs in Disposal, (253) 857-2545 financial advisors, banks, lumber and Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia via the Average Tax Rate: $10.49/$1,000 hardware stores, accommodations, Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Gig Harbor assessed valuation artisans and craftsmen, food offers the perfect combination Median Household Income: markets, and recreational of recreational options for all ages, $64,087 businesses specializing in water and top-notch medical and health care Average Rent: 2bd $1,400 wilderness sports.
40 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide WEST PUGET SOUND NEIGHBORHOODS
The latter is a natural considering relaxed rural pace with all of the include the historic Cedar Cove Inn, the varied, year-round recreation urban conveniences and attractions Elandan Gardens, Manchester and available in and around Kingston. of Tacoma and Seattle easily Blake Island State Parks, Horseshoe Fun community events are also held reached by highways, bridges, Lake and Long Lake County Parks, throughout the year and include a and ferries. Springhouse Dolls and Victorian Tea summer Farmer’s Market, Annual Room, Sidney Art Gallery, the Log Wine Walk, 3-day Fourth of July Affordability and selection describe Cabin Museum, and A Good Yarn Celebration, Art in the Woods, Kites local real estate where new Shop owned by best selling author over Kingston, and Kingston’s Cove buildings, fine historic homes, and Debbie Macomber. Summer Concert Series. a few fixer-uppers are scattered through established neighborhoods. Port Orchard Statistics Kingston Statistics Waterfront, view, and golf course Population: 13,510 Population: 1,997 properties are widely available. City Hall: 216 Prospect St, (360) Chamber of Commerce: 25923 876-4407, www.cityofportorchard.us Washington Blvd PO Box 78, 98346, Local services and amenities – Chamber of Commerce: 1014 Bay (360) 297-3813, including great schools, a library, St #3, 98366, (360) 876-3505 or www.kingstonchamber.com cinemas, a Center for the Arts, two (800) 982-8139, www.portorchard. Post Office: 10990 NE State Hwy golf courses, active organizations com 104, (360) 297-3346 and associations, medical clinics and Post Office: 1125 Bethel Ave, (360) Libraries: 11212 State Hwy 104, an urgent care facility all enhance 874-6903 (360) 297-3330. 31980 Little Boston the livability of this lovely waterfront Library: 87 Sidney Ave, (360) 876- Rd. NE, (360) 297-2670 community. 2224 School District: North Kitsap School District: South Kitsap School Dist. No. 400, (360) 396- Port Orchard’s excellent 410-slip School Dist. No. 402, (360) 874- 3000 marina is located near the historic 7000 Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas, downtown core, as well as Marina Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas, (360) 373-1403. Electricity: PSE, Park with boardwalk, gazebo, (360) 373-1403, or (888) 522-1130 (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: playground and beach access. Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Kitsap County PUD No. 1, (360) 779- An original 1917 Mosquito Fleet ferry Water: City of Port Orchard, (360) 7656, or (800) 739-6766 carries foot passengers from the 876-5139. Telephone: CenturyLink, Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 201- local ferry dock to Bremerton where (800) 244-1111 4099 it’s easy to catch a ride to Seattle. Refuse Collection: Waste Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (360) 674-3166, or Management, (360) 779-9403, or Just up from the waterfront, a new, (800) 592-9995 (800) 592-9995 year-round public market is home Typical Tax Rate: $11.83/$1,000 Typical Tax Rate: $12.09/$1,000 to a chocolatier artisan, a butcher, assessed valuation assessed valuation a lavender gift shop, and several Median Household Income: Median Household Income: restaurants. Other downtown $55,521 $54,524 establishments include restaurants, Average Rent: 2bd $1,000 Average Rent: 2bd $1,350 art galleries, antique, candy and Median Prices: Homes $247,513; Median Prices: Homes $310,000; gift stores. Condos $138,000 Condos $157,500 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Wonderful community celebrations Seattle=1.5 hr Seattle=59 mins/23 mi. fill the calendar. Among the most /61 mi. Bellevue=1.5 hr /63 mi. Bellevue=1 1/2 hr/29 mi. popular are the quirky Seagull Calling Festival and Seagull Wing POULSBO PORT ORCHARD Cook-off in May and The Cruz, a The deep, narrow, south-facing On the shores of Sinclair Inlet is Port large classic car show in August. inlet of Liberty Bay harkens to the Orchard, the county seat of Kitsap fjords of Norway–a picturesque County. This historic city enjoys a Other Port Orchard area attractions location that appealed to Poulsbo’s
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 41 WEST PUGET SOUND NEIGHBORHOODS
Norwegian founding families and still 10th Ave NE, Ste S100, PO Box Silverdale’s Kitsap Mall is the largest appeals to families today. Poulsbo’s 1063, 98370, (360) 779-4848, www. shopping area west of Puget Sound. central North Kitsap locale made it poulsbochamber.com With 100 retail establishments something of a commercial hub Post Office: 19240 Jensen Way NE, it attracts shoppers from three fueled by early logging, fishing, (800) 275-8777 counties. Old Towne Silverdale, milling, and farming industries. Library: 700 NE Lincoln Rd, (360) located next to the popular Today thriving businesses in diverse 779-2915 Waterfront Park, provides an industries such as high- School District: North Kitsap alternate choice for shoppers with tech, alternative energy, land School Dist. No. 400, (360) 396- its charming mix of retailers management, medical and bio-tech 3000 and services. are found here. Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas, (888) 522-1130. Electricity: PSE, Hunting, hiking, fishing, water-skiing, The rich history of the Norwegian (888) 225-5773. Water/Sewer: City and boating opportunities abound founders—and the Suquamish of Poulsbo Public Works, (360) 779- here. Residents enjoy community Native tribe that predated them— 4078. Outside City limits—PUD theater, galleries, art walks and is portrayed in photographs and No. 1, (360) 779-7656. Telephone: various annual events like documents at the Poulsbo Historical CenturyLink, (800) 201-4099 the Peninsula Water Trails Festival Society in City Hall. The original Refuse Collection: City of Poulsbo, in June and the Whaling Days character of this charming village (360) 779-4078. Outside City Community Festival in July. has been lovingly protected. limits—Waste Management, (800) Downtown shops and restaurants 592-9995 Silverdale Statistics maintain a Scandinavian theme, Typical Tax Rate: $12.47/$1,000 Population: 19,775 making it a popular international assessed valuation Chamber of Commerce & Visitor tourist destination. Also downtown, Median Household Income: Center: 3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Ste the Jewel Box Theatre entertains $57,296 100, 98383, (360) 692-6800, with a variety of productions, while Average Rent: 2bd $1,103 www.silverdalechamber.com tidal marine life takes center stage at Median Prices: Homes $354,450; Post Office: 10855 Silverdale Way the Marine Science Center. Condos $128,000 NW, (360) 308-0301 Est. Travel Time/Distance Library: 3450 NW Carlton, (360) Poulsbo’s mild climate makes it To: Seattle=1 hr 3 mins/21 mi. 692-2779 an excellent, year-round boating Bellevue=1 hr 10 mins/ 27 mi. School District: Central Kitsap destination. In addition to the Port School Dist. No. 401, (360) 662-1610 of Poulsbo’s full service, 384 slip SILVERDALE Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas, marina, there are two other marinas, In the heart of Kitsap County, (888) 522-1130, (800) 660-1403 as well as anchorage in the harbor. Silverdale is a thriving economic Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Homes are moderately priced, community as well as a choice place Water: Silverdale Water Dist., making this a popular choice with to live. Among the area’s top (360) 447-3500 Sewer: Kitsap families, retirees, and everyone employers is Naval Base Kitsap, County Public Works, (360) 337- in between. Throughout the year providing employment of over 5777. Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) residents enjoy community events 31,000 and labor earnings of over 1.5 244-1111. like the Poulsbo 3rd of July that billion dollars. Refuse Collection: Waste includes a spectacular fireworks Management, (360) 674-3166 display over Liberty Bay. Housing is abundant and great Typical Tax Rate: $13.48/$1,000 values are to be had. Moving out assessed valuation Poulsbo Statistics from the central community core, Median Household Income: Population: 9,950 homes on acreage can be found. $59,260 City Hall: 200 NE Moe St,, 98370, Many apartments are available, Average Rent: 2bd $1,300 (360) 779-3901, www.cityofpoulsbo. reflecting the needs of the area’s Median Prices: Homes $292,500; com mobile military personnel. Condos $132,450 Chamber of Commerce: 19735
42 JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide WEST PUGET SOUND NEIGHBORHOODS
A front row seat on Silverdale’s scenic waterfront. Photo: ©Phil Best
Est. Travel Time/Distance To: combine to provide an array of School District: Vashon Island Seattle =1 hr 21 mins/71 mi. outdoor fun. Point Robinson School Dist. No. 402, (206) 463-2121 Bellevue=1 hr 10 mins/73 mi. Park is home to a historic lighthouse Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225- that is open for tours May- 5773, Propane: VI Energy, (206) VASHON ISLAND September. Community 463-3637, Electricity: PSE, (888) A scant 15-minute ferry ride from celebrations are popular with both 225-5773, (206) 463-3688. Water: West Seattle, Vashon Island is a as well. Downtown Vashon welcomes Dist. 19, (206) 463-9007. Telephone: place where one can get back to the more than 30,000 people each July CenturyLink, (800) 201-4099 land without giving up the benefits for the Strawberry Festival, featuring Refuse Collection: Vashon of the city. Vashon, known for its arts & crafts, music, parades, food, Disposal, (206) 463-7770 friendly residents, scenic beauty, and dancing, and carnival fun. A Saturday Typical Tax Rate: $12.11/$1,000 peaceful, low-key lifestyle is above Farmers Market is held from April to assessed valuation all, rural. Many residents commute December. Median Household Income: to larger outlying cities or work $72,568 from home as telecommuting fast Vashon Island Statistics Average Rent: 2bd $1,700 becomes a way of life for island Population (Vashon/Maury Median Prices: Homes $474,900; workers. Island): 11,122 Condos $155,900 Chamber of Commerce: 17141 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: A passion for the arts is also a way Vashon Hwy SW, PO Box 1035, Seattle=58 mins/19 mi. of life here. Local artists display 98070, (206) 463-6217, Bellevue=1hr 10 mins/27 mi. works at various galleries, studios, www.vashonchamber.com and at the semi-annual Arts Tour King County Community Service held the first two weeks of May and Ctr: 10011 SW Bank Rd, 98070, December. Music, drama and dance (206) 296-4510, performances occur monthly and www.kingcounty.gov/operations/csc there is a local theater for film fans. Post Offices: 10005 SW 178th St, (206) 463-6842, 23830 Vashon Hwy The abundance of woodlands, open SW, (206) 463-2091 spaces, and a number of parks Library: 17210 Vashon Hwy SW, that include three public beaches (206) 463-2069
JayKipp.com Greater Seattle Referral Guide 43 The Salish Lodge and Snoqualmie Falls.
206.853.9153 | [email protected] | JAYKIPP.COM
Content sourced from: Greater Seattel InfoGuide 2016-2017. www.SeattleInfoGuide.com