Seattle, Washington

There are very few places in this country that have it all in such a small geographical area. Seattle offers big city entertainment, sandy beaches and all-season activities on the gorgeous mountains, all within 20 minutes of each other. Downtown Seattle offers great history and beautiful architecture in Pioneer Square. The shopping district includes stores to suit everyone, not to mention the famous Pike Place Market. With no fewer than six ski resorts around the city, summer and winter outdoor enthusiasts find plenty to do on the hiking, skiing, biking and walking trails. If you haven't visited Seattle, it's worth adding to the top of your vacation destination list.

You can still find the old-school Scandanavian fishing families in Ballard, but the gentrification of the past fifteen years or so is expanding through the neighborhood, spreading out from 15th Ave and 65th St. As far as I can tell, it's all about the easy access to Downtown and to Phinney Ridge. It used to be about the local flavor, too, but I keep seeing locally-owned shops closing down or moving out, and being replaced by national chains. Market Street isn't quite the adventure into another world it was when I visited there as a kid.

In any case, it's still a great place to live, at least for a while. The condos and apartments have brought a younger and more mobile population to the area, so the night life has improved in the past decade. And there's still plenty of great retail therapy available on a walk down Market St.

I guess I'm just caught by a bit of nostalgia, and I worry about the long-term future of the neighborhood. I don't see as many families as I used to. But maybe I just need to wander further into the residential streets beyond the commercial core.

Seattle has it all, nearby ocean beaches, excellent shopping, world-renowned restaurants, and entertainment upon entertainment. What is there not to love about Seattle? Perhaps the weather? That is my only beef after spending time on the eastern side of the state where the sun shines three-quarters of the year, but I still love Seattle!

Located just across Elliott Bay from downtown Seattle, West Seattle offers its residents tight-knit communities within four main neighborhoods: Admiral, Alki, Fauntleroy and Delridge. The salt-water air and beach charm of Alki is a favorite, with first-rate views of the city, Puget Sound and the mountains. Fauntleroy offers pretty much the same but with a view of the islands rather than the city.

West Seattle living is a mix of traditional mid-century bungalows, single family homes, large craftsman style homes, and modern, million-dollar condominiums that line up along Alki Beach.

For dining and entertainment, California Avenue is one of the main strips, with a wide assortment of shops and restaurants. If you want to get to Seattle, it’s a quick trip across the West Seattle Bridge. Or, in the spring and summer months, hop on the passenger ferry that transports riders across the bay. Don’t forget to breathe in that fresh salty air!

i have traveld to seattle manny times enjoyed it verry much, dont really want to live there, the streets are confusing, the government is bad and just overall to big.