Green Lake, Seattle

Green Lake is an idyllic, chic area that has a great mix of residencies and places to hang out. And for that reason, it’s also one of the most chronically crowded areas in Seattle, especially in the summer.

The variety of housing in Green Lake is appealing to all types of people. A lot of the houses have been remodeled since they were first built and there’s an abundance of apartments and condos to get the most out of the small space. In the interest of full disclosure, the Democratic Party is very well organized and influential, especially in this area. Registered republicans are encouraged to maintain a low profile, mostly for their own sanity.

Complementary to the residential area are the other institutions like the 5,000 square foot Green Lake Library, an elementary school, a high school, and a Green Lake Small Craft Center which is the center for a public rowing program and the Seattle Canoe and Kayak Club.

The actual lake is a recreational spot unto itself. A three-mile path runs around the lake and is popular for runners, walkers, skaters, bikers, and a great place to walk a dog. The open fields and sports fields are often used by the residents and University students for sports like Basketball, Frisbee, Football, and also great stopping places to people watch and have a picnic.

The Greenlake neighborhood is located to the north and east of beautiful Green Lake. Green Lake is the most popular attraction in the neighborhood. Though it does not allow power boats, the lake is popular for swimming, canoeing, paddle boats, and more. Many types of native wildlife can be viewed on and near the lake. It is also surrounded by a pedestrian and biking path measuring 2.8 miles. It often becomes crowded on weekends and sunny days. The park is also home to a community center, tennis courts, and the Evans Pool. Green Lake is next to Woodland Park to the southwest, providing more green space for residents' enjoyment.

Residents often compare living in the Green Lake neighborhood with living in a nature preserve. Living in this neighborhood, residents are within walking distance of the lake. There are many historic homes in this area of tree-lined streets. Although there are newer homes, Green Lake is defined by craftsman homes and bungalows dating to the turn of the century.

This trendy neighborhood is also home to many great restaurants and boutiques. Though it can be a bit expensive to live here, it's a great place for Seattleites to spend a weekend afternoon. Though it's just to the North of Downtown, Greenlake feels like miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Green Lake area really has quite a bit going for it. It's got some beautiful homes, a very large lake and recreation park, and some great restaurants and boutique shops.

It's also got its share of drawbacks. The area is very trendy, which means that everyone wants to live and visit. The homes, while beautiful and mostly well maintained, are very close together offering very little privacy to residents. Woodland par, the recreational area and Green Lake itself are visited year round, rain or shine. Traffic can be quite annoying, especially to residents. And people visiting the area are often confused since the streets wind around the lake and follow no real structured layout. There are some fantastic restaurants in the area, though customers generally have to compete for on-street parking with other diners, shoppers and local residents.

It’s considered somewhat cliché to walk around Green Lake’s lake on a nice day as it seems like everyone is strolling around it the minute the sun comes out from behind the clouds. But where else can you find such a tranquil setting on a nice Seattle day? Green lake and it’s lush country atmosphere is only minutes from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown Seattle and it’s the perfect place to take a stroll, ride your bike or skate around for some exercise or just to stretch your legs in an outdoor setting.

The lake area has more to offer than a walking path though, a rental center can get you on the lake for a fee where you can rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat, and you can often see the rowing crew on the lake during any type of weather.

After a stroll around the lake pedestrians can find anything they need at their finger tips, just mere blocks away. One favorite is Café Lulu on Latona Ave where you can never go wrong when seeking a caffeinated beverage or the many pubs and cafes, many with outside seating when the weathers nice. Green Lake is the place to be on a nice day, and oasis away in the city.

Located in the heart of North Seattle, Green Lake harbors a body of water after its own name. Locals and tourists descend upon water’s edge to enjoy walking, jogging, water recreation, lakeside restaurants and more. Where exactly is the neighborhood? It forms, more or less, a square that is bordered by North 85th Street on the North, Roosevelt Way NE on the East, Aurora Avenue N on the West and North 50th Street on the South.

History

Discovered by surveyor David Philips in 1855, then in 1869, Erhart Seifried (http://bitly.com/hKVSqR) became the first white settler. He, also known as Green Lake John, and his wife collaborated with Indians and cleared an area to plant an orchard. Guy Phinney (http://bitly.com/ehj3ya) purchased 179 acres on the southeast side of the lake that he developed into Woodland Park (known today as Woodland Park Zoo http://zoo.org). A rapid population expansion began in the 1880s, bringing large numbers to build around the lake. In 1911, for the sake of adding green space near the lake, John Olmsted (http://bitly.com/dP69AG) requested the lake be lowered to add 100 acres of dry land. Unfortunately, the lake endured further abuse from unsuccessful efforts to control algae through use of chemical agents. For nearly half a century, motorboats were commonplace on the lake, until banned them in the 1980s. Today, Green Lake (http://bitly.com/bMrWYh) is the busiest in the state with more than one million visitors every year.

Demographics and Income

Packed with young adults and middle age couples, Green Lake has been known to attract fitness enthusiasts. Honoring its roots, the neighborhood continues to draw primarily Whites. Incomes are higher than Seattle averages, with the highest-salaried households nestled near the lake. Well-to-do couples and singles make up most of the population, with transient lower-income singles comprises the remainder of the demographic.

Culture

Exploring this area gives the feel of being on a Spring Break vacation where you can abandon the car and ingest the natural beauty and creative venues. Most of the vacation-like activity is on the east side, where the "downtown" section contains several small stores and restaurants. Head south and breathe in the creative home restorations, occasionally finding an embedded cafe or pub.

Real Estate

An even distribution of home sizes make up the market in Green Lake. Structures are primarily circa 1920s, averaging 1510 sq. ft. The owner versus renter split is almost fifty-fifty. Housing values have dropped sharply since 2008, losing roughly $150,000.

Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)

Pockets of activity can be found around Green Lake, with most, obviously, within a stone’s throw of the water. Beginning on the north side, not to ignore the infamous Aurora Avenue: Eddies Pan Asian Restaurant (http://eddies1989panasianrestaurant.com) - Featuring Chef Eddie, awarding winning restaurant owner for Thai restaurants; Barriga Llena (http://mendozasmercado.com) - Owned by Edgar Mendoza, bringing the on-the-go mentality of Mexico City, which is everything on the torta; DaVinci’s (http://i5pizza.com) - Top-rated pizzeria with late-night hours and mobile ordering; Duck Island Ale House (http://bitly.com/guQRkw) - Multiple beers and top, but a limited food menu; Beth’s Cafe (http://bethscafe.com) - A world-famous greasy spoon establishment that features a 12 egg omelette; Uber Tavern (http://uberbier.com) - One of the largest on-tap and bottled ale selections around; and PCC Natural Markets (http://bitly.com/gGD7AB) - Natural food market with nine locations around Puget Sound.

The north side of the lake, boasting a more residential feel than the Highway 99 corridor: Green Lake Wines (http://greenlakewines.com) - A wine shop with a twist, featuring a cozy wine bar; Shoefly (http://shoefly.com) - Men and Women’s designer shoes; Dukes Chowder House (http://dukeschowderhouse.com) - Duke Lore, owner, admits to his weakness of only wanting the finest when it comes to seafood; Zeeks Pizza (http://zeekspizza.com) - Delicious neighborhood pizza that features dine-in, delivery, and corporate delivery; Bluwater Bistro (http://bluwaterbistro.com) - Seasoned owners, Dan and Bart, deliver excellent food and help foster a unique ambiance; and Chocolati (http://chocolati.com) - Established in 2000 to make savory chocolate, fostering a unique experience for the senses.

The east side, where the “downtown” is found, has much to offer: Amante Pizza (http://amantepizzaandpasta.com) - Pizza, pasta and family dining with 10 locations around Puget Sound; Greenlake Bar and Grill (http://greenlakebarandgrill.com) - The ideal lakeside experience with a diverse food and drink menu; Rosita’s (http://rositasrestaurant.com) - A family-friendly Mexican restaurant offering traditional favorites; Revolution Espresso & Bakery (http://bitly.com/g6TLn8) - A great addition to the Green Lake experience with ample seating, lots of outlets, free wifi and even dog-friendly; Little Red Hen (http://littleredhen.com) - Seattle’s home of live country entertainment; Bottega Italiana (http://bottegaitaliana.com) - Authentic Italian gelato and family-style atmosphere; Turnpike Pizza (http://turnpikepizza.com) - Local pizza at its best, including a gluten-free crust; Nell’s Restaurant (http://nellsrestaurant.com) - European-inspired New American cuisine with the finest Northwest seasonal ingredients; Mockingbird Books (http://mockingbirdbooksgl.com) - Offering a great selection of children’s books, even featuring a coffee shop; Exit Space (http://exitspacedance.com) - A school of dance focused on helping others enjoy its art; and Gregg’s Cycle (http://greggscycles.com) - Plenty of bike supplies and helpful service in three locations.

On the south side, also known as the Tangletown district: Mighty-O Donuts (http://mightyo.com) - where Vegan donuts are baked fresh daily; Meridian Market (http://meridianmarket.com) - Featuring everyday low prices with fresh, local produce; and Zoka (http://zokacoffee.com) - A coffee roaster and tea company with three Seattle locations and three in Japan.

Schools

Education is not overlooked, amidst the gorgeous scenery: Blanchet High School (http://blanchet.k12.wa.us) - A Catholic, college preparatory high school; Daniel Bagley Elementary (http://danielbagley.com) - Offering children a choice of two curriculums in a diverse learning environment; Billings Middle School (http://billingsmiddleschool.org) - Developing not only great minds, but exceptional leaders; Green Lake Elementary (http://greenlakedragons.org) - A small school, where every child can be known; and Green Lake Preschool (http://greenlakepreschool.org) - Providing developmentally appropriate activities and materials for growth.

Recreation

The two and a half mile loop around Green Lake provides ample room for walking, biking, rollerblading, or just a leisurely stroll. The green space on the east side is a mecca of activity when the Sun shines (a rarity). Here, a large playground, recreation center (http://bitly.com/ez4xRE) and sporting greens can be found. Woodland Park (http://bitly.com/hQ29wA), to the south, has a small par 3 golf course (http://bitly.com/f09Wvj) that is great for kids. Rowing teams (http://greenlakecrew.org/) feel at home here, and can be found preparing and cleaning their boats near the stadium on the south edge of the lake. Head northwest on the trail and catch a production at the Seattle Boathouse Theater (http://seattlepublictheater.org). Water activities include a beach for swimming (both sides of the lake) and Greenlake Boathouse (http://greenlakeboatrentals.net Northeast side) to rent kayaks, canoes, and even stand up paddle boards (New in Summer 2010). Parents will enjoy the wading pool (http://bitly.com/dUy9zB) on the north side that's just across the street from ice cream, coffee and fine dining.

Accommodations

The best (and only) choice for accommodations in the neighborhood is the Greenlake Guesthouse (http://greenlakeguesthouse.com). A 1920s Craftman-style house offering four casually elegant rooms with private baths.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

No hospital is located within Greenlake, but a few helpful facilities for various needs: Skinlogic (http://skinlogicskincenter.com) - Offering sophisticated skincare products and advanced clinical facials; Greenlake Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic (http://greenlakeacupuncture.com) - Owned and operated by Dr. Rusheng Zheng; Zoe Lotus Healing Arts (http://zoelotus.org) - Promoting mind/body/heart/spirit, and enhancing connection to our center through self-healing; and Sugar Sugar (http://sugarseattle.net) - The art of body sugaring and organic skin care.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

A number of spiritual experiences surround the lake: Bethany Community Church (http://churchbcc.org) - A fast-growing church with locations also in North Seattle and West Seattle; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (http://saintandrewsseattle.org) - Inspiring worship, lifelong Christian learning to experience daily life as an extension of God’s creative work; Bethany Lutheran Church (http://bethanyluth.org) - Organized in 1908 by Swedish immigrants and draws mostly from the Green Lake, University District and Northeast Seattle areas; Fairview Church (http://fairviewministries.net) - Established in 1906 and associated with the Church of God (http://chog.org); Calvary Christian Assembly (http://ccassembly.org) - Founded in 1927, with a diverse congregation and strong accomplishments, like the founding of Northwest University (http://northwestu.edu); Seattle Formosan Christian Church (http://seattlefcc.org) - Holding both Taiwanese and English speaking services with a history dating back to 1969; Church in Seattle (http://churchinseattle.org) - A simple gathering of believing Christians, with all welcome; Green Lake United Methodist Church (http://greenlakeumc.org) - Experience the love and beauty of God in a castle-like structure that was built in 1903 by the original members; and Keystone United Church of Christ (http://keystoneseattle.org) - Worshipping God through acts of compassion and justice.

Transportation Access and Tips

Location is king for this neighborhood, with easy access to the interstate. Buses and bike routes lead easily to the city center via several arterial streets. Close proximity with the University of Washington (http://washington.edu) keeps this place young, but Seniors are very welcome with a living center just steps from the lake (http://thehearthstone.net).

Summary

Whether you have an hour or the entire day, this locale will not bore. This “in-house” recreational lake is the ideal piece for residents, not just for those who live in the Green Lake Neighborhood, but people throughout North Seattle.

Green Lake Seattle is a beautiful neighborhood in an area about 15 minutes north of Downtown Seattle. The neighborhood gets its name from the lake that occupies most of the neighborhood. During the spring and summer months, there are people jogging, walking, and roller blading around the three mile trail that circles the lake.

Living in this neighborhood means living within walking distance of this luscious lake, along with a surrounding array of restaurants and shops. Single family homes are located on all sides of the lake with new condominiums and town homes cropping up on the east side of the lake. There are signs of new construction around the neighborhood, but Green Lake is defined by its turn-of-the-century craftsman style homes and bungalow architecture.

Green Lake is a natural preserve to hundreds of species of plants and trees, along with waterfowls and birds. There’s even a Bathhouse Theater that features a local theater company. An estimated one million people visit Green Lake every year.