Haller Lake, Seattle

I ended up here by accident, trying for another destination and getting terribly lost in the process, but it was worth it because this area hosts some of the nicest people who got me un-lost and back to exploring the city.

The one thing everyone knows or should know about the Haller Lake area is that it’s named after a lake which adds nicely to the scenery of the neighborhood. Public access to the lake is tricky and you may need a detective or a search and rescue dog with you in order to actually find it but your detective work will be all worth it when you find what you’re looking for. The surrounding park with its trees and trails is a great way to spend some time and the off leash area makes walking your dog a little more enjoyable.

A small residential area is nestled in the Haller Lake neighborhood and local eateries and small shops are shattered here and there for a person’s buying pleasure. It’s a great place to end up when you get lost, kind of a surprising destination that was worth the blindfold.

The neighborhood at Haller Lake is—surprise, surprise—mostly based around the lake. The shoreline is private (residencies, mostly), except for a couple of public access points. Next to the lake is Northacres Park, which is a big public park that’s pretty heavily forested.

To service the residencies is a smattering of hoity-toity community organizations. Ingraham High School and Lakeside School both service the area, and you may know of them only because of the famous alumni: Bill Gates and Paul Allen of Microsoft fame and Adam West of Batman, Family Guy, and anything else that’s as campy as it is awesome.

If you’re in Haller Lake, it’s very important that you try the Saffron Bar and Grill. You don’t understand the meaning of the word tandoori unless you’re either been to India or you’re been to this delightful restaurant. The menu has a a variety of prepared meats, the staple naan, curries of all kinds bottomless chai (seriously), and a hamburger. Apparently, they’re sensitive to people with unadventurous pallets.

Equally important is hitting up the La Pasadita Taco Truck. Is there anything better than eating super fresh Mexican food outside? I wager not. Get here early in the day because they run out of the tamales frequently. That said, if you can’t get a tamale, grab a burrito. It’s almost a DSM IV worthy condition to be willing to go to Chipotle or Taco Del Mar or worse instead of hitting La Pasadita.

Haller Lake is one of Seattle's hidden gems. This small residential neighborhood surrounds the serene Haller Lake. The lake is about 15 acres, with two public access points, on Meridian Avenue for the north shore and North 125th Street to the west. Because it is tucked back into the neighborhood, it does not get the traffic of other Seattle lakes, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds of Green Lake and other well-traveled summertime retreats.

Although bordered by busy landmarks, including the City Line, Highway 99 (Aurora Avenue), Northgate Mall,and Interstate 5, Haller Lake is a quiet and family-friendly neighborhood known for its lake as well as the prestigious Lakeside School, from which both Bill Gates and Paul Allen graduated. Other community amenities include the Haller Lake Community Club and Northacres Park, a large and forested park located just blocks from busy Interstate 5.

Many neighbors enjoy biking through the community, even though just a few blocks away lie some of the busiest roads in the city. Though the neighborhood is small and quiet, it provides easy access to shopping. On Aurora Avenue, you'll find nearly every chain store imaginable. Southwest of the lake is the Northwest Hospital and Medical Center. Although the neighborhood is small and quiet, you can get to nearly anything you'd need in five minutes or less.

Driving north or south on Meridian Avenue can have you confused and fuming the first time through this residential area. The main arterial road that runs almost unabated from Northgate (http://bitly.com/iaAPf1) to Lynnwood gets a major re-route between 122nd and 128th Street. You wonder if the residents were concealing a UFO ship in their backyards that they did not want exposure and forced the city to circumnavigate the roads in their favor.

History

Purchased by Theodore N. Haller (http://bitly.com/gFbFkg) in 1905, Haller Lake has been a community active in resisting unnecessary growth. However, much to its demise, expansion has occurred, primarily along Aurora Avenue (which borders the neighborhood on the east). The lake (http://bitly.com/fvVfEH), the obvious centerpiece of the area, becomes their greatest foe when the rain falls (which is not seldom in Seattle). Basements are no match for the runoff channeled into the lake (http://bitly.com/i8Lzdg). Despite these challenges, the people of this district are proud to call it home and in an unyielding manner, fight for its natural preservation.

Demographics and Income

Resting close to Seattle averages in all areas, Haller Lake, however, is not the ideal “poster child” for the Emerald City. Nonetheless, it remains a comfortable place for singles, couples and families. Incomes rest just below city averages—perhaps housing along Aurora avenue draw in the lower income demographics. Diversity can be found among the mix of Whites and Asians, predominantly. Legend has it that a lake does indeed exist behind the homes in this neighborhood. Count yourself fortunate if you are one of the few to actually see it. There is public access to the water, but you may want to investigate Google Maps (http://bitly.com/e5ypZE) to know exactly where to enter. One interesting fact about Haller Lake is that it was formed along with Bitter Lake (http://bitly.com/eN7Avv) and Lake Washington (http://bitly.com/dXcYNZ) from the glaciers.

Culture

A “sleepy-eye” town feel when removed from Aurora, otherwise the big city feel gropes, rather violently, the west side. Larger plots in and around the lake, including the “bypass” nature of Meridian Avenue force any commuter to slow down and take in specific pockets of beauty. The older demographic enables a slower pace to not be lost as well.

Real Estate

Just over 50% are homeowners, and more than likely (if they have not paid down a good share of their mortgage), a hefty representation are battling “underwater” ownership. Values have dropped over eight percent, the plague gripping all of Seattle currently. First time home buyers (with good credit and capital) will enjoy bargains galore for the houses that do make the market. Homes are good size, with almost all being under 2400 square feet.

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

The neighborhood, to start off, contains a Curling Club (http://curlingseattle.org - Like in the Winter Olympics). The Haller Lake Community Club (http://hallerlake.info) is worth a look, boasting a 1969 pipe organ (http://pstos.org).

The front and back end of life is covered. Northwest Hospital (http://nwhospital.org) lies to the South (This is where our son was born). The Washelli Cemetery (http://washelli.com) is just across the street (I wonder if they planned it that way?).

Aurora Avenue (Highway 99) is the main thoroughfare in Seattle besides the interstate. Businesses loom here and Haller Lake holds the keys to a few high profile stores like Home Depot (http://homedepot.com), Sam's Club (http://samsclub.com), LA Fitness (http://lafitness.com), Staples (http://staples.com), Kmart (http://kmart.com), Puetz Driving Range (http://puetzgolf.com), and a host of others. Some other businesses: Super Stereo Warehouse (http://superstereowarehouse.com) - A gigantic family-owned dealer with over ten years of experience, Aurora Plumbing & Electric (http://auroraplumbing.com) - A family-owned do-it-yourself plumbing supply store, Avant Garden Florist (http://avantgardenseattle.com) - Offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, Card Exchange (http://sportsryter.com) - The NW source for sports cards and memorabilia, European Foods (http://eurofoodseattle.com) - Eastern European Grocery with specialty foods, Hard Drives Northwest (http://hdnw.com) - Professional grade computer systems and components, and Abbey Party Rents (http://abbeypartyrents.com) - Every supply possible for private and corporate events. And these businesses just cover the East side of the street!

Accommodations

A couple of decent places can be found to the stay the night. Others are not worth the time as they may pose a security risk to travelers. Here are the noteworthy ones: Comfort Inn and Suites (http://bitly.com/eCY3Dr) and ExtendedStay America (http://bitly.com/gFrMap) - Located near Northgate Mall.

Schools

After exploring the park, go north on First Avenue a few blocks to observe Lakeside School (http://lakesideschool.org). This learning facility has a top-notch campus and has graduated famous folks like Bill Gates (http://bitly.com/g0YoGU), Paul Allen (http://bitly.com/ed0fAw) and Adam West (http://bitly.com/e7BKpr). Maybe we just discovered why the campus is so well-maintained. Other schools to be mentioned: Ingraham High School (http://ingrahamhigh.org), Creative Dance Center (http://creativedance.org) - A non-profit organization with brain-compatible dance education for all ages, Seattle Jewish Community School (http://sjcs.net) - Promoting Jewish identity and practice—lifelong learning, and Washington International School (http://washingtoninternationalschool.com) - Providing top-of-the-line college preparatory education.

Recreation

If you give up trying to gain access to the 15 acre watering hole, head northeast to North Acres Park (http://bitly.com/eYUDyJ) and enjoy a walk through the woods just yards from Interstate 5. If you have your K-9 with you, bring him/her along to frolic in the off-leash area. Summer months feature a refreshing wading pool and possibly a ballgame at one of the two fields.

Medical and Wellness Facilities

Reiterating what was mentioned earlier, Northwest Hospital (http://nwhospital.org) is the prominent health care center in Haller Lake. Other medical notables: Mosaic Medicine (http://doctorbecky.net) - The dynamic mix of modern and traditional medicine for unique patient treatment, Puget Sound Christian Clinic (http://pschristianclinic.org) - Providing health care to low-income uninsured people in King and Snohomish Counties, Puget Sound Gastroenterology (http://pugetsoundgastro.com) - A multi-faceted organization with 24 board certified Gastroenterologists, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center (http://pacificdermcenter.com) - A dedicated team with expertise in medical dermatology and more, The Polyclinic (http://polyclinic.com) - One of the largest multi-specialty clinics in the Puget Sound Area, and Via Radiology (http://viaradiology.com) - Established in 1969 and now provides the best state-of-the-art imaging services to north King and south Snohomish counties.

Spiritual Centers and Churches

Several locations for spiritual renewal can be found: Haller Lake Baptist Church (http://hlbc.org) - Pastored by Don Horrell and focused on loving God and loving people; Haller Lake United Methodist Church (http://hallerlakeumc.org) - Called to seek and attract people, serving each person’s need within the family of God; North Seattle Alliance Church (http://northseattlealliance.org) - Part of the large Alliance Church worldwide movement (http://cmalliance.org); International Full Gospel Fellowship (http://ifgfgisi-seattle.org) - An Indonesian fellowship which began in California during the 1980s; Hompee Church (http://hompee.com); and Idris Mosque (http://idrismosque.com) - A non-profit organization established in 1981 to serve the Puget Sound Muslims.

Transportation Access and Tips

In addition to being bordered by four major landmarks (City line, Interstate 5, Highway 99, and Northgate Mall http://bitly.com/hXQDiv), Haller Lake can still deliver peaceful surroundings for residents. Ride your bike through the neighborhoods between 130th and 145th. This area is almost like the eye of a hurricane, considering what lies a few blocks either direction of your handlebars. Commutes to the city center are relatively painless, provided traffic is flowing smoothly. Being sandwiched between the interstate and a highway make the choice simple when traffic reports encourage alternate routes.

Summary

Even though you may not spread the word like a sighted UFO, Haller Lake still deserves attention and recognition for its pocket of serenity and unique amenities.

Haller Lake is a small residential neighborhood located in north central Seattle. It is also the name of a lake that is planted among the community as well. The lake covers about 15 acres and it has a private shoreline with only two public access points.

Within the neighborhood are Northacres Park, a large, forested public park just east of the lake along 1st Avenue N.E., Ingraham High School, just north of the lake on N. 130th Street, Lakeside School, the alma mater of Bill Gates, Paul Allen, and Adam West in the northeast corner of the neighborhood just west of I-5, and Northwest Hospital and Medical Center, which occupies a 33 acre campus southwest of the lake on N. 115th Street. The area may be small but it is jam packed with schools and the like.

The Haller Lake Community Club is just northwest of the lake at 12579 Densmore Avenue N. The Club was formed in 1922 as the Haller Lake Improvement Club. It features a Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ installed in 1969.