Knockin’ On Kevin’s Door in West Seattle

 

 

 

Opening the Door to Living in… West Seattle?

This week Knockin’ on Kevin’s Door is headed to West Seattle. It’s hard to believe but still true, many folks will go their whole Northwest lives, living and/or working in the Seattle core and never step foot in West Seattle. How can it be? How can an area be recognized as THE BIRTHPLACE of Seattle proper, yet still be “off the radar” for so many residents living in the largest city in the Northwest?

Perhaps it’s location, location, location. Getting there is easy. Geographically, West Seattle sits just outside the downtown core of Seattle (to the west), almost as if it were its own island. Two bridges connect it to downtown Seattle and the SODO neighborhood. West Seattle is also accessible by ferry, water taxi, and bus.

But because of its’ location, typically you don’t “end up” in West Seattle, you GO to West Seattle for a reason (or you live there). Because it sits mostly off the geographic radar, it is seldom the first area people think of when they are looking for their next home, let alone a quick, fun day-trip destination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Seattle – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Seattle

So, what makes West Seattle such a hidden gem?

This western community is comprised of several suburban neighborhoods. It is surrounded by saltwater beaches, parks and picturesque views of the Olympic Mountains and Cascade Range. Home to over one-third of Seattle’s green spaces, West Seattle offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreational activities, whether its biking, hiking, walking, beachcombing, or boating.

West Seattle is home to one of the most popular beaches in the Seattle area, Alki Point, featuring a long strip of sandy beach perfect for discovery and recreation. If people-watching is your thing, grab a table at one of the local hotspots located along the busy strip. Or bring the kids for a day of kite-flying and fun on the sandy beach. Afterwards, stop by a neighborhood favorite, Spud Fish & Chips, grab some grub and head upstairs for a seat with a front row view of all the beauty living in the Northwest has to offer. To the east you’ll find unrivalled views of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle; to the north you’ll see ferry and marine traffic, along with views toward Ballard and the Locks; and to the west and south you’ll find postcard-worthy views of the Olympic mountain range and picturesque Puget Sound.

Ferries, sailboats and wildlife are a backdrop to the paddleboarders doing their daily workout along the waterfront. In addition to Alki, there are a number of other waterfront parks that offer unique recreational activities that make enjoyable day trips or overnight adventures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living the West Seattle Lifestyle

There is no need to “head downtown” for drinks with friends, or for dinner to celebrate a milestone with family. The unique dining and shopping options are plentiful right in your own West Seattle backyard. Whether you are a foodie or just want to hang out with your friends at a local brewhouse, the options are plentiful!

 

 

 

The West Seattle Music Scene and Seasonal Events

If music is your thing, you don’t want to miss Easy Street Records, a musical landmark and favorite local haunt located in the business district of West Seattle known as The Junction. They often host live, in-store performances by national and local musicians. Bummed you missed Pearl Jam’s show? There’s still a way to check out Easy Street’s past performances on their YouTube channel.

Because of the vibrant local music scene, every year West Seattle hosts a music festival called SUMMER FEST (mark your calendars! The next one is July 12-14, 2024). You’ll find an array of bands and vendors, along with a kids zone, beer garden, and tons of fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is always an array of exciting events scheduled year-round in and around West Seattle. Whether it’s hunting for glass floats at the Glass Hunt, heading to an intimate local music performance or a big street festival… or maybe the Wine Walk or Art Walk is more your speed, you’ll find plenty of things to do for everyone in your family – without having to leave the neighborhood.

 

 

A Special Mention: Where the Sidewalk Street Ends…

West Seattle is home to a number of “Street Ends.” What is a Street End? Basically, it’s exactly what it says it is, it’s where the street ENDS when it encounters a body of water. Since the West Seattle area is surrounded by bodies of water, the term is used to refer to a number of dead-end roads throughout the region. Street Ends often (but not always) provide direct access to quiet beaches and unique shorelines not usually visited by the typical beach-goer. Some offer expansive views, others a unique peek-a-boo view of our rocky shores.

SDOT has labeled a number of West Seattle’s Street Ends “worth a visit.” Curious and want to check them out for yourself? A complete map and history of local Street Ends can be found here.

 

Should your “Home Shopping List” include the West Seattle community?

One-in-five, or 20%, of homeowners move because their community doesn’t fit their lifestyle. Buying a house isn’t just about the home you choose, it’s also about the community in which it is located.

No matter the interest rates and market upheaval, there will always be traditional reasons for people to buy and sell: marriage, new job, employment transfers or deployments, growing families or adult boomerangs moving back home to save money, retirement and downsizing, and sadly divorce… I could go on… Life happens. Forrest was right, sometimes life IS like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.

 

 

Wherever life takes you, it is such a privilege to be a part of this chapter in people’s lives. I’m passionate about improving your real estate experience and will arm you with reliable facts about our local market, offer helpful resources and knowledge, and give you the confidence to make the best decisions for you and your family.

 

Get the Inside Scoop on West Seattle living right in your inbox!

If you are interested in receiving the latest real estate market “inside scoop” for West Seattle, sign up for Neighborhood News here. You will receive periodic market updates specific to the geographic areas you select. Or enter your own neighborhood and follow the market closer to home.

 

Follow Knockin’ On Kevin’s Door

Stay in the loop by signing up for my newsletter so you never miss a post.

Social Links: Follow/Like my Facebook Business Page and Instagram

@kgreerproperties
#KnockinOnKevinsDoor
#BHGRE
#LifestyleAgent
#realestateagent
#Northwestagent
#NorthwestAmbassador
#westseattle
#westseattleliving