Best Neighborhood for Kids: Seattle, Part I

Posted on March 26, 2019 |

So, what’s the best?

A question I see getting asked ALL the time on the internet & mommy forums is… What neighborhood is the best for raising kids in Seattle?

Truth is, there are about a MILLION reasons someone may choose a particular area to live in. Apart from family-friendliness, people consider: commute (both work and play), buying vs. renting, housing prices, school districts, culture, community, safety, walkability, the list goes on.

Not to mention, the “greater Seattle area” is HUGE, with people living & commuting from all corners of the Puget Sound. From Bremerton and Bainbridge to Everett and Monroe. From Snoqualmie and Sammamish to Auburn and Puyallup.

Traffic + Cost of Living

It’s no secret that traffic in the Puget Sound is pretty awful & housing prices have skyrocketed. Seattle frequently makes the top 20 for lists considering cost of living AND traffic congestion. BUT with our amazing culture, business growth and natural beauty, it’s no surprise people are flocking to Seattle.

It is because of this massive growth that surrounding suburbs and neighborhoods have grown so rich in culture, especially when it comes to family-friendly living.

If possible, my number one suggestion if you are completely new to Seattle, would be to do a short term rental until you get your bearings. It’s hard to get a feel for which neighborhood is right for you just by researching on the internet. If you’re moving for work, ask your co-workers where they live, and what they like/don’t like about their neighborhood. Keep in mind if they have kids, too, or are living the single life because that can drastically change motivation for living situations!

The Verdict

I’ll be sharing opinions from mamas in the greater Seattle area that live in different areas around town what they love (and don’t love) about their ‘hood. I hope this series of posts will help you realize the multitude of benefits of each neighborhood around the greater Seattle area!

Love your neighborhood? Comment below on what you enjoy most! We’d love to share your insight!

From the Locals

Capitol Hill:

I love Capitol Hill because we are walking distance to various restaurants, several grocery stores & parks! Also an easy commute to both SLU/Downtown and the Eastside/Bellevue. Being so close with two kids make it easy to grab a quick dinner out without having to get everyone into the car 😉

We love walks through the neighborhood, stops at various local coffee shops (we can walk to SIX in minutes), Volunteer Park adventures, and various small parks nearby.

The only cons: parking can be tough outside of the residential area. And houses are insanely expensive (we live with family)! Wish we could afford to buy a place!! – Alex

Sunset Hill (Ballard):

Sunset Hill, Ballard. I love how we are in in the suburbs but can still walk to a handful of coffee shops, restaurants, etc. We have Sunset Park and some other amazing parks for kids. I feel safe without being too sheltered. We are so close to Loyal Heights and Ballard Community centers which are awesome resources for parents and the community. – Alexis

Wedgewood (NE Seattle):

Walkability: We can walk to several cafes/restaurants, grocery stores, bank, post office, dry cleaner, coffee shops, etc. It’s a neighborhood and feels very suburban, but we are so close to things. It was very important for us to be able to walk to things, especially with a new baby (didn’t want to feel isolated).

We are also <10 minute drive to Green Lake and Magnuson Dog Park, which we love.

Great schools: We are within 1/2 mile of Wedgwood Elementary and Eckstein Middle School. It’s so cute to see kids walking to school in the morning. The school district is great and Benji will have easy access to school.

Close to downtown: We are around 5/6 miles to South Lake Union, where my husband works. We are also off an Express Way exit, so it’s easier for my husband to get home in the afternoons. He also has the option to take the bus. Although traffic is hit or miss in Seattle, we like being close. I can get to Capitol Hill via streets, which is great. – Erica

Columbia City:

Columbia City is the best neighborhood in the city because it feels like a small town in a big city! I can walk to the main strip (hello Columbia City Bakery) as well as to Lake Washington & Seward Park (great for my heart and soul). This neighborhood is full of young families and I love running into people I know I’m out and about. – Nicole

We’ll feature more neighborhoods soon! If you’d like to share a couple of sentences about why you love your neighborhood, email hello@ommamaco.com, subject line: best neighborhood!

One Comment

Chuvasz June 16, 2019

Seattle is such an amazing city with so much to do and see! This would be an amazing vacation with the family. I haven t been to Madison Park or Woodland Zoo. They both sound great for vacation with the little ones. I will have to consider this for our next family vacation.

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