Laurelhurst / Sand Point, Seattle

Based mostly adjacent to Lake Washington, Laurelhurst even has some properties that are waterfront adjacent with charming docks and manicured shorelines. The community center, beach club, and park all serve as gathering places for the community. The residents of the community are significantly more affluent than the rest of the area, as supported by the fact that the median home price in the area totals more than twice the regional median price.

The local commerce is somewhat pricey to go with the affluent residents, but usually come with quality for the money and not just high prices. Jak’s Grill, one of the local Laurelhurst restaurants, doesn’t have a specialty; they do everything. Known for a great brunch selection that’s steak heavy but not without its diversity, a morning at Jak’s is sure to get you ready to start your day with a nap. Jak’s definitely puts the ‘power’ in power lunch, and it’s a great place to take business guests (though probably a little pricey to do every week). Jak’s was definitely made for an evening meal, though, and they have made a name for themselves with dry-aged beef, a beautiful steak butter, and potato pancakes to kill for. After all that beef, you might be in the mood for a workout sometime in the next week, and Hot Yoga of Laurelhurst is the place to do that. Alternating Bikram with Power Vinyasa, the yoga instructors are pretty good on average—but be prepared that they go along with the Bikram custom of practicing on carpet, not a hard floor.

This review incorporates three neighborhoods-in-one (Laurelhurst, Windermere and Sand Point). The stretch from Magnuson Park (http://bitly.com/b742rg) to the tip of the Laurelhurst Peninsula is diverse, peaceful and exotic. These communities are highly educated, wealthy, and boast a proud heritage.

Bill gates (http://bitly.com/g0YoGU) spent most of his life in Laurelhurst (until 1994). Melanie Griffith (http://bitly.com/gQRyJx) also lived here. One of the most renown children's hospitals (http://seattlechildrens.org) is located here, drawing professionals and patients from around the world. Our daughter had dental surgery (http://bitly.com/gUTEnZ) at Children's, so we're excited to have had a first-hand experience of this institution.

Residents find solitude and connection at the Beachclub (http://lbcsailing.com), located southeast of the community center (http://1.usa.gov/gcwfi3). The Laurelhurst Playfield (http://1.usa.gov/g7ynrw) is at the top of a steep hill that features a large play area, tennis courts and baseball fields. It has one of the most visually appealing community centers I've seen. It is obvious this community believes in itself. Bicycle friendly roads traverse the community. With the University of Washington (http://washington.edu) nearby, access is easy to many venues and sporting events. The University Village Shopping Center (http://uvillage.com) is just a few blocks to the West. One of our favorite eating spots is The Sand Point Grill (http://sandpointgrillseattle.com). A very quaint dining experience with a personal touch.

Windermere (http://windermere.com) borders to the north, encompassing beautiful housing on serene streets. A coastal park (http://bitly.com/eK6S67) bearing its name clutches the coast near Kenilworth Place and Ambleside Road. You also can't escape without spotting a Seattle Windermere Real Estate office.

Moving further north to Sand Point reveals a goldmine of peaceful living and breathtaking views of Lake Washington (http://bitly.com/dXcYNZ) and the Cascades (http://bitly.com/gh4ctz). Some friends of ours live in adjoining View Ridge (http://bitly.com/i3g1fR), and had us over for grilled Salmon. Standing on their deck gave us the sense of being on a vacation at a mountain lake.

Just down the hill from View Ridge and other areas of Sand Point is Magnuson Park. This is one of Seattle's largest and brings a load of options including an off-leash dog park, beach front, playing fields, gigantic playground, sailing, and indoor facilities. Years ago this housed military personnel as an active naval base. A friend of mine lived in the barracks in the 70's. The park is host to many events throughout the year. The Cascade Bicycle Club (http://cascade.org), which spearheads cycling as a lifestyle, has an office here. On the first day of the year, you can find loads of runners burning off the holiday calories and ending the event (http://bitly.com/hWpq4K) with a dip in frigid Lake Washington. My neighbor sought to recruit me to this race, but I eventually turned down his offer. I have no regrets.

Just north of the park is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facility (http://wrh.noaa.gov/sew) which stretches along the coast. A Sand Point sailing center (http://sailsandpoint.org) is located in this area which provides multiple lessons and activities for all ages.

For bicycle enthusiasts, the Burke Gilman Trail (http://bitly.com/b9XkAC) sweeps by these neighborhoods, providing a main artery of transport for the green-at-heart. I use this trail often, giving me almost unhindered access from Cedar Park (http://bitly.com/e7eEJ7) to the University District (http://bitly.com/abtiNK) and on into Fremont (http://bitly.com/abPBcR) and Ballard (http://bitly.com/feMcz2).

Not everyone is destined to live in this area, with high housing costs and an academic mindset connected to campus and high profile careers. However, regular visits to the parks and restaurants can be the next best experience.
Pros:

The neighborhood of Laurelhurst is located just north east of the University District along the edge of Lake Washington. The majority of homes in this neighborhood are as beautiful as the views. There is quick access to Interstate 5, which will get you into Downtown within minutes.

Laurelhurst is a very upscale neighborhood with strong roots. It's not uncommon for people to continue living in this same neighborhood that they grew up in. You may even find several generations all living in the same area. Laurelhurst is known for its well-kept lawns, views, schools, and beautiful and peaceful streets. There is a strong pride of ownership in this neighborhood. The residents are largely professional, and you may have doctors and lawyers living right next to each other.

On the shores of this peninsula jutting out into Lake Washington you'll find the local private waterfront park, referred to by residents simply as "the Beach Club." This is a popular place among locals.

The Laurelhurst Elementary School is just one of the fine schools this neighborhood boasts about. It is located on 4530 46th Ave N.E.