9th Ave Northeast, Northgate

I mostly know 9th NE along the stretch from NE 55th down to the water. It's not an arterial, but it's well-traveled enough by locals that the city keeps trying new things to slow down the traffic. Even so, if you're a student not too sensitive to noise, it's a great location.

Easy access to NE 45th, I-5, and the UW, it also boasts one of Seattle's best movie theaters, the Metro, as well as a couple parks. There were days I would just walk up and down 9th Ave and find enough to do to fill the afternoon and call it a day well spent.

One drawback: with all the attention to the Stop signs and speed slaloms, the sidewalks have been neglected, offering some tripping hazards and making it tough for wheelchairs to maneuver.