Northeast Northgate Way, Northgate

The first clue about 11th NE is that it's one-way northbound from the ship canal up to Ravenna (where it morphs into 12th NE). That's because Roosevelt is one-way south-bound through that neighborhood, making 11th NE essentially the north-bound lanes of Roosevelt.

That's no big deal, unless you're sensitive to noise. There's no time of day or night that you won't find cars running up the street.

The houses along 11th are generally older residences, mostly well-kept, but the general population of the area is, understandably, students. So late-night parties and drinking are occasional annoyances. That is, unless you're attending one yourself.

The sidewalks are good, and there are good connections to all sorts of local resources - parks, the freeway, all the fun of the U District, etc. So if you can put up with the noise, it's actually a great place to live.

I've lived here for about 2 years, and have been surprised by how quiet it is within the residential areas bordering Northgate Way. Northgate Way runs from Lake City Way, up past the Northgate Mall with its recently renovated stores and eateries, and out past Highway 99. All along Northgate Way you'll find plenty of businesses, large and small, and it is pretty busy, especially where the street meets Interstate 5. Because the on-ramp is metered, it isn't the best place to get onto I-5. Not a bad area, although crime leaks up from Lake City Way.