Best Neighborhoods
Back to the Future
Seattle's Central District is reclaiming its rich history
One of the Central District’s original settlers was Black pioneer and businessman William Grose — the owner of the Our House hotel and restaurant on Yesler Way and the first Black person to buy property in what was known as East Madison in 1882.
Illustration by Martin Haake
The One-Stop Waterfront
Everett is in the midst of a metamorphic makeover
For decades, Everett has been associated with Boeing planes and the naval base, where nearly a dozen combined Navy and Coast Guard ships are currently homeported. It’s a bit industrial, and maybe not the location many Seattle-area folks have historically been excited to settle in. That’s all changing with the expansion of Everett’s waterfront and surrounding areas, leading to new, exciting, and walkable spaces to explore, stay, and dine.
Illustration by Martin Haake
Rat City: Not What You Think
White Center's nickname doesn't refer to a rodent
White Center is having a moment. An unincorporated community nestled between West Seattle and Burien, the area boasts the most diverse list of restaurants in the region, an incredible arts and music scene, and a short commute to both downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac International Airport.
Illustration by Martin Haake
An Urban Oasis, a Suburban Sensibility
Why Maple Leaf is unique among Seattle neighborhoods
Located northeast of Green Lake between Interstate 5 and Lake City Way, Maple Leaf feels more suburban than much of the city, with single-family homes outnumbering larger apartment complexes. Despite its suburban feel, the neighborhood is firmly within Seattle city limits, and conveniently located with easy access to both the Northgate and Roosevelt Light Rail stations.
Illustration by Martin Haake
The Art of Edmonds
Picturesque waterfront community carves new identity
Edmonds bursts with the smalltown waterfront charm reminiscent of European fishing villages, but with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. The view reflects a community welcoming new life while honoring its history.
Illustration by Martin Haake
The City of Sip
Woodinville is no. 2 for wineries, behind only Walla Walla
Woodinville is famous for its wineries, breweries, and distilleries — there are more than 130 in the city — and bouncing between tasting rooms could easily eat up a full weekend and then some. Woodinville has more wineries than any other city in the state except for Walla Walla.
llustration by Martin Haake
Kirkland: It’s the Water
Home to more than 100 tech companies
This vibrant neighborhood is popular with young families and many of the 50 or so city parks include playgrounds often teeming with laughing children. In 2022, Money magazine ranked Kirkland the third-best place to live in the United States. In 2023, Smart Asset rated it the No. 7 most livable small city in the country.
llustration by Martin Haake
The Indie Darling
Known for its gritty, industrial past, Georgetown now boasts an eclectic mix of locally-owned cafés, restaurants, and shops
“When I first arrived in Seattle, I was working in a welding shop in Georgetown, and I also lived on Airport Way,” says Tim Ptak, who opened the popular diner Smarty Pants in 2003. “There was nowhere to eat except for grabbing fried chicken at the Shell gas station, and I wanted to open a place where people could get a good lunch and grab something to drink after work.”
Illustration by Martin Haake
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Been to White Center lately? How about Everett or Edmonds?
Seattle’s neighborhoods — suburbs included — are as varied as the landscapes that surround them. Each has its own character and charm. The city’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity fuels that sense of belonging, and fosters a shared responsibility for the well-being and growth of each community.
Illustration by Martin Haake
Publisher’s Note: A Sense of Place
What makes Seattle distinctive and unique?
Growing up in Edmonds during the 1970s, many beautiful attributes of the Pacific Northwest became inseparable from my notion of what “Seattle’’ really was. I vividly remember the smell of the beach, the sound of ferry boats, and an indelible sense of community from the city’s small-town feel…
Seattle’s Neighborhoods: Creating Purpose and Place
The March/April issue, out now, highlights why the city is such a special place
In more than three decades as a journalist, I’ve never yelled “stop the press.” But I will say “hot off the press,” which leads me to the new issue of Seattle magazine.
Illustration by Martin Haake
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