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Seattle: Seattle is a thriving urban core of culture, economy and entertainment, surrounded by many distinct neighborhoods. Each of these neighborhoods possesses its own identity and character that sets it apart from other areas in the city: An ambiance, an attitude, a special chemistry that is unique to that particular area. Newcomers maybe surprised by Seattle's many hills as well as the proximity to water in almost every direction. But the benefits of our geography are numerous, including plentiful view and waterfront homes along with a chance to enjoy suburban-type living within minutes of downtown. Most Seattle neighborhoods support an economically, ethnically, socially and religiously diverse population. Seattle residents are known for their tolerance and integration. The following descriptions are an introduction to a few of the city's many neighborhoods. Ballard Ballard used to be a neat, blue-collar neighborhood of Scandinavian fishermen and mill workers. Now an influx of young, educated professionals are taking advantage of its reasonable housing prices, and it's quickly becoming a hot spot. The town is proud of its Scandinavian roots, as seen by the Nordic Heritage Museum and several specialty food stores and restaurants. Ballard has a lively pulse after dark, with the Tractor Tavern and the Ballard Firehouse. Homes average $241,360 Beacon Hill Beacon Hill is the hill south of Capitol Hill and east of Downtown. Like most Seattle neighborhoods, it is ethnically and economically integrated: stately turn-of-the-century homes live next to brick ramblers and split-levels. One of Beacon Hill's treasures is Jefferson Park, which also contains one of the city's most-used public golf courses. Homes average: $222,413 Belltown One of Seattle's oldest inner-city neighborhoods, Belltown is one of the most dynamic communities in the area. With more than 2000 condominiums and some 50 eateries opening within the last 5 years, Belltown is going more upscale. An assortment of young professionals, middle-aged empty nesters and wealthy Seattleites make up the neighborhood's population. It has quickly become Seattle's hip place for nightlife, with The Vogue, Crocodile Cafe, Dimitriou's Jazz Alley and the Moore Theatre. Condominiums average $381,410. Capitol Hill Capitol Hill is located directly east and uphill from downtown Seattle. Broadway is the center strip and bursts with the energy of its eclectic population. Capitol Hill boasts art galleries, cafes, quaint shops, independent-film theaters and funky clothing stores. It is a very urban neighborhood that embraces the diversity of the people who live here. The neighborhood contains stately mansions, single-family homes and plenty of rental units. Homes average: $539,417 Freemont Fremont is a popular neighborhood to live and to visit. It has a hip and whimsical personality, with funky shops and restaurants, public markets and microbreweries. It is a Mecca for area artists, and is home to some of Seattle's most famous public art. Homes average: $463,111 Greenwood Located north of Green Lake and the Woodland Park Zoo, and west of Aurora Avenue (Highway 99), Green wood is one of the last affordable neighborhoods in North Seattle. Narrow streets are quiet and tidy, with an interesting architectural mix from brick Tudors to 1950's-style ranch homes to split-levels. Homes average: $262,983 Laurelhurst Laurelhurst is the spit of land that juts out into Lack Washington east of the University of Washington. This is a fashionably sought-after neighborhood, home to many well-to-do families. Stately, manicured homes blanket this hilly peninsula overlooking Lake Washington. Homes average: $1,046,260 Leschi Rising from the shores of Lake Washington between Mount Baker and Madrona, Leschi is home to a racially and economically diverse group of people. It has stately turn-of-the-century homes and many far more modest houses. Neighborhood streets end at Lake Washington, creating small public parks with lake access. Homes here average $652,330. Homes average: $652,330 Magnolia Magnolia is situated on two hills: east hill, with views of downtown, and west hill with views of the water. It's a comfortable quiet neighborhood close to downtown with a mix of mansions, ranch homes, condos and apartments. The neighborhood touches water on three sides, featuring hillside lots with great views. Homes here average $516,220. Homes average: $516,220 Queen Anne Upper Queen Anne has a majority of single-family dwellings, many in the classic Queen-Anne style. Lower Queen Anne is closer to the Seattle Center, and is more densely populated. Proximity to downtown and fabulous views makes this a highly desirable place to live. A home here averages $606,532. Condominiums average $308,440. Homes average: $606,532 Cities North of Seattle: The scenery changes quickly as you drive north out of Seattle. Depending on how far you go, you may end up on a winding road amidst the expensive waterfront homes of Edmonds or pulling into one of Bothell's ultra-modern corporate campuses. You may find yourself cruising Lynnwood's vibrant retail core or-if you really put the pedal to the metal-you'll soon be swept up in the pastoral grandeur surrounding Arlington and Snohomish. These communities aren't just scenic satellites of Seattle; they are also viable residential options. The northern suburbs and towns avoid the hustle and bustle of the city while remaining close enough to take advantage of its economic and cultural benefits. If you're looking to commute, none of them are more than an hour's drive away, and many provide abundant professional opportunities within their own city limits, making any worries about a commute, well, moot. Bothell Located northeast of Lake Washington, Bothell is a mix of wooded hillsides, quiet residential neighborhoods and growing commercial districts. Though Bothell is experiencing a technology boom, the city remains rural at heart, prizing its small town atmosphere. Bothell is well known for its educational facilities. Currently there are extension programs offered through the University of Washington and Shoreline Community College. A new facility, the University of Washington Bothell/Cascadia Community College Campus, provides additional educational resources. Bothell annexed Canyon Park, a high-tech center at the junction of I-405 and the Bothell-Everett Highway, in 1992. Outside this business core you'll find rolling hills mixed with suburban neighborhoods. Residents enjoy the convenience of nearby businesses, retail centers and employment opportunities. The Sammamish River Trail is enjoyed by thousands of recreational canoeists, kayakers, walkers, joggers and bicyclists. Downtown Bothell is a great place to stroll and enjoy the quaint shops and restaurants. Country Village offers an assortment of antique and specialty stores. Homes average: $265,204 Edmonds Edmonds is reminiscent of small-town America. There's an old-fashioned Mill Town (now a complex of unique shops), a hardware store with a real red barn, and a historic log cabin right in the heart of Edmonds-juxtaposing the rural lifestyle with the micro-urban. Downtown shops offer friendly service. Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains create a scenic backdrop for the town's restaurants and specialty shops. Edmonds is celebrated for its public art. European-style streets spoke out from a central fountain. Old-time streetlights draped with hanging baskets accent these streets. The "Edmonds in Bloom" competition gardens have been featured in Sunset magazine. Intimate bistros offer continental, Cajun, French and Asian cuisine. Browse art and antique shops for handcrafted, Northwest-contemporary furnishings and house wares. Shop at funky designer boutiques, and the many book, toy, garden and gift stores located in the city. Residents enjoy Edmond's Cascade Symphony, Olympic Ballet, Driftwood Players and the Edge of the World Theatre. Summer festivals include the Waterfront Festival and the Taste of Edmonds. At the foot of Main Street, the Washington State Ferry Terminal handles regularly scheduled daily service to Kingston, taking passengers and their cars and bikes to Hood Canal and the Olympic Peninsula. Homes average: $274,205 Lynnwood With more than 3,000 licensed businesses and no B&O or utility taxes, Lynnwood is the business and commercial center of South Snohomish County. The city is also a community of homes, parks and recreational opportunities, with 237 acres of parks and open spaces. The Interurban Trail runs through Lynnwood, offering a paved recreational area for non-motorized activities. Lynnwood is a shopper's paradise. The main attraction is Alderwood Mall; though more than 300 stores are located throughout the city. Lynnwood contains an extensive collection of public art, including pieces of bronze sculpture, blown glass, paintings and carved brick. Homes average: $211,904 Mill Creek Mill Creek is known for its lovely homes and condominiums. Residents also enjoy Mill Creek Country Club, with an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a restaurant and banquet facilities; and the Mill Creek Swim Club. Mill Creek is clean, shopping areas are upscale with family restaurants, streets are free from litter, homes are immaculate, lawns are mowed, cars and boats are out of sight. The mostly upper middle-class residents commute to jobs in Everett, Bothell, Bellevue and Seattle. Mill Creek housing is beautiful, country-club style. Its neighborhoods consist of new homes, condominiums and apartments built since 1983. The city and homeowners associations enforce strong covenants. Citizens are encouraged to become actively involved in the growth of the city. Community get-togethers include a semi-annual citywide garage sale, parade and the Run of the Mill 5.5K fun run. Jogging and walking paths, bicycle lanes, nature preserve and parks offer outdoor recreation. Homes average: $281,975 Mukilteo Mukilteo-in Native American means "good camping ground"-was deeded to the Tulalip Indians in 1855 and incorporated in 1947 with a population of 775. Today this quaint waterfront town has grown to 17,180, with projected growth of 23,000 by 2012. The city provides a full range of services to its citizens with a small town feel, and provides some of the best schools in the South Snohomish County. The city encompasses 6.25 square miles and is located 25 miles north of Seattle at the northern end of the technology corridor that extends north from Bellevue. The city's location provides access to a wide variety of opportunities within a few miles. Harbour Pointe, south of downtown, is a popular, master-planned neighborhood, featuring high-end homes. New homes are also being built in the neighborhood of Paine Field. The Mukilteo Ferry connects to Clinton on Whidbey Island. This 15-minute ferry run is one of the state's busiest. Homes average: $302,975 Shoreline Shoreline offers the convenience of suburban living with the attractions of nearby urban opportunities. Although it is a new city, Shoreline boasts a unique history and character derived from original settlements dating back to the late 1800s. Over the years, the Shoreline community has developed a reputation for strong neighborhoods, excellent schools and abundant parks. The City of Shoreline is comprised of 14 neighborhoods, each with its own distinct qualities. Shoreline is home to a diverse population contrasting exclusive, wealthy waterfront living with moderately priced housing. Within the city's boundaries are more than 40 churches, 11 public elementary schools, two public middle schools, two public high schools, private schools, a community college, two libraries, a historical museum, arts council, teen center, senior center and a growing business community. Shoreline's 350 acres of parks and open space include 26 sites offering a range of recreational activities including a community pool. Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, with its sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, is just one example of Shoreline's rich park resources. Homes average: $222,000 Cities East of Seattle: The areas east Lake Washington, better known as the Eastside, has seen phenomenal growth over the last 20 years. Redmond and Bellevue are home to many of the world's leading computer software companies, including Microsoft. This hi-tech boom is largely responsible for the Eastside's metamorphosis from a collection of quiet, mostly rural communities to a vibrant, urban-oriented sprawl. A few throwbacks to the Eastside's agricultural era remain in the form of Duvall and Snoqualmie-and pristine mountains, lakes and streams are still plentiful and within close proximity-but for the most part, the area east of the lake is becoming modern, trendy and flush with new money. Bellevue The largest city of the Eastside and the fifth largest in Washington State, Bellevue is a city committed to preserving its quality of life. Bellevue understands that only a strong sense of community, on e filled with arts, music and family spirit will keep its citizens connected an ensure a healthy and vibrant future economy. Downtown Bellevue is a collage of high-rises, public parks, museums and excellent shopping. It is the urban heart of the Eastside and s going through a boon of new apartments, condominiums and office towers. Bellevue Square Mall, arguably the shopping capital of the Northwest, is located here. Bellevue has more than 2000 acres of parkland, trails, open space and wetlands contained within its 56 parks. Recreational trails connect Lake Sammamish east of Bellevue to Lake Washington on the west. The city is committed to education and consistently ranks as some of the state's best schools. Bellevue hosts a healthy arts community that includes the new Bellevue Art Museum, Bellevue Philharmonics, Ballet Bellevue, Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art and Belle Art Concerts. Bellevue also initiated the Eastside's first public art program to create a distinctive and people-friendly downtown area. Bellevue offers a diverse choice in housing to suite any lifestyle: from stunning waterfront estates to suburban ramblers to downtown condominiums. New home construction leans toward larger, more expensive homes. More reasonably priced homes can be found in the Crossroads and Lake Hills neighborhoods. Homes average: $343,141 Issaquah Small-town ambiance seems to make a permanent home in Issaquah, a city with turn-of-the-century origins. At the south end of Lake Sammamish, 16 miles east of Seattle, Issaquah is rich in Northwest heritage and natural beauty. Issaquah residents enjoy great restaurants, live theater, wineries, a Saturday public market, a historic depot and a chocolate factory. Visitors come to explore the Issaquah Alps, a zoological park and a salmon hatchery. Lake Sammamish State Park is a major recreational area. Cougar, Tiger and Squak mountains attract hikers and nature observers. The Village Theatre and Gilman Village shopping center are popular with residents and visitors. Pickering Place, across I-90 from downtown, offers modern shopping conveniences. Many upscale neighborhoods have been built in the hills surrounding the city, making Issaquah a poplar place to live. Homes average: $357,626 Kirkland Kirkland is one of the few cities in the Northwest that has preserved 25 percent of its waterfront-including seven parks-for public land use. Located on the shore of Lake Washington just north of Bellevue, the city is bordered by public beaches with views of Seattle and the Olympic Mountains. Kirkland offers a variety of opportunities for walkers, shoppers and browsers. Choices range from the waterfront's specialty shops, tempting restaurants, antique stores and art galleries to a major shopping area at the city's northern boundary. As with many areas around Seattle, smaller, older homes in Kirkland are being demolished and re-built in larger, more modern and expensive versions. New hillside condos look out over downtown Kirkland onto Lake Washington, many being purchased before construction is complete. Kirkland residents enjoy ballet, live theatre and choral performances at the Kirkland Performance Center, along with many excellent restaurants. Homes average: $365,270 Mercer Island Unique among Seattle's neighboring cities, Mercer Island is a residential community located in the middle of Lake Washington. The island provides a quiet feel with a quick express-lane commute to downtown Seattle via Interstate 90, and almost as fast of a commute to the Eastside. The tradition of excellence in education is a major reason why many choose to live on Mercer Island. The district consistently has the highest test scores in the state, with ninety percent of its high-school graduates going on to college. This primarily single-family, residential community has more than 475 acres of parklands and open space that offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Apartments and condominiums are concentrated on the north end of the island, close to a small business district. Homes average: $898,501 Redmond Redmond has evolved into a thriving center of business and community life, while retaining the flavor of its rural past. One f the fastest-growing cities in the state, Redmond is home to several nationally and internationally recognized companies, including Microsoft, Nintendo, Eddie Bauer and AT&T Wireless. Located on the northern end of Lake Sammamish, the area enjoys forested hills and lake and mountain views in its quiet neighborhoods. Schools fall within the Lake Washington School District, and feature strong academics and athletics. More people work in Redmond than live here, as high-tech companies attract workers from all over the Greater Seattle area. Redmond has a variety of housing options. The number of single-family homes nearly equals the number of multi-family units. Homes average: $333,393 Woodinville Woodinville has become one of Washington's most prosperous and well-situated cities, offering the best of urban amenities within a great natural beauty and a thriving economy. Visitors find Molbak's Greenhouse and Nursery, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Columbia Winery, Redhook Brewery and the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train. Each year thousands of people enjoy walking, biking, horseback riding, skating and running along the Sammamish River Trail. Woodinville celebrates its community with Celebrate Woodinville, which includes the All-Fools-Day Parade, Basset Bash and Brigade and the city's celebration of cityhood. The Woodinville Community Roundtable sponsors the Walk in the Park wine festival in the fall. The city's Parks and Recreation Department sponsors the 4th of July Fireworks Event, Summer Concert Series and Woodinville Light Festival. Woodinville is still considered part of the Eastside technology corridor, so good jobs are easily accessible. Homes average: $368,912 Request my Free Seattle, Redmond and Bellevue Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Seattle, Redmond and Bellevue, Washington area. Don't move here without it! Remember: I'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and I will send it right out... 
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