Car less in Seattle: Are you looking for The Best Neighborhoods in Seattle To ditch the car?
Seattle has a ton of opportunity for someone who might want to move into town and not have a car!
The walkability of various Seattle neighborhoods can be pretty impressive.
Criteria for choosing:
My criteria for picking out best Seattle neighborhoods for being car less is as follows:
- Easy ability to commute to Downtown Seattle
- Retail Essentials like the grocery store, pharmacy, etc.
- Parks and recreation nearby - walking or biking trails, water a plus
- Entertainment such as movie theatre and restaurants
- coffee!!! (okay maybe this should be number one)
- misc. retail, gift stores, etc. a plus
- Daycare nearby, schools if you have children
- Library nearby
Here are some of my favorites for living car less in Seattle:
- Obviously, Downtown Seattle should be the first choice here - especially if you can find a great Downtown Seattle condo close to Pike Place Market like the Union 98 Condo Building or how about these Downtown Seattle luxury condos...
- Queen Anne - Upper Queen Anne is the best for being car less because you have a good combination of all of the above with the extra added benefit of lots of great views, too! Queen Anne transit has always been ahead of the game and Queen Anne Boulevard is Queen Anne's walking trail. You can find lots of great Queen Anne homes for sale with views that are close to everything, too.
- Wallingford - Wallingford has a hip retail center with lots of all of the above and also quick proximity to the freeway for your car friends. It is at the North side of Lake Union and is loaded with charm! Wallingford homes for sale range from condos to large sweeping historic homes.
- Phinney Ridge - This is a great spot with easy access to all surrounding amenities plus its own retail zone. Phinney Ridge Homes for sale are usually lovely Seattle Craftsman homes or great modern town homes.
- Ballard - Now Ballard is big so I am really just referring to living right near the main drag on Market Street, but also into early Sunset Hill. Ballard is right on the Burke-Gillman Trail so if you wanted to commute via a bicycle, this is a dream. Make sure and check out Ballard real estate to see all the different choices because there is a big range.
- Fremont - Fremont has quite a retail area and lots of activities daily plus it is close to Ballard, Wallingford, and Queen Anne - just over the bridge. It is a great option and there are good choices for Fremont homes.
- Green Lake - Green Lake (Greenlake) has a lot to offer. It has a few different retail areas and has that wonderful loop around the lake itself. At first it may not seem as walkable as the other areas, but then you realize that Green Lake definitely has it all - retail, restaurants, indoor pool, tennis, library, lots of kids activities, more. Green Lake homes range from condos to townhomes to homes, but there are a few price ranges to choose from.
- Capitol Hill - Go no further than to check the Walkscore for Capitol Hill and you will see all that surrounds you. This is one of the oldest Seattle neighborhoods like Queen Anne and highly walkable. My favorite homes in Capitol Hill are the Seattle Historic Mansions.
- Madison Park - Madison Park has transit out to Downtown and a good retail core plus it has the perks of being on the banks of Lake Washington with a wonderful waterfront park. You can also find nice Madison Park waterfront homes.
- Eastlake - Eastlake is a quick hop on to the Street car for an easy trip downtown, plus you can live in Eastlake condos, Eastlake townhomes, detached homes or Seattle houseboats. Eastlake has a long history of being a close knit neighborhood and lots to choose from in the retail section.
There you have it. There are others, but I didn't want to overwhelm you! Let me know what you are looking for in a Seattle neighborhood and I can help you find your perfect spot to go car less in Seattle!
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More info? courtney@cooperjacobs.com 206-251-5948
Those are all great neighborhoods, Courtney, but I have to question your first premise. Why does access to downtown become a necessity? Many people commute to downtown on public transit but live in area where a car is a necessity. And on the other hand, most public transportation is geared to go downtown. I think a buyer should first determine where their long term job is going to be and then live there.
I agree with you completely Glenn - I was giving you MY criteria:) - my own personal list of wishes and must haves. I do however get this question a lot and most people looking for carless ness (is that a word? ) want access to Downtown - whether it is for shopping or commuting to their jobs although of course a job can be anywhere:)
Hi Courtney -- being carless is a growing trend in many of our urban areas. When my husband and I move to SF in a couple of years, ditching one car and walking has huge appeal to us. Of course, I'll still need one car for business since I expect to continue my current practice on the Peninsula.
Courtney great information for your area. Carless seems to be the trend, here in Naperville there have been several articles written about people choosing to go carless.
Hi Lottie and Maria - carless is a good thing - of course as a real estate agent it is impossible...
I loved looking at your Union 98 listings. Beautiful views!
Courtney, great information! I love Seattle and how "green" you all are. We are just now getting some great walk everywhere neighborhoods.
Any neighborhood close to bike commuting trail is great as well. Any day that I don't have to get in my car is pleasure. Great breakdown of the areas!