Ballard
The neighborhood was founded by Scandinavian immigrants in the 1800s, which gives it an atmosphere that much of the rest of Seattle doesn’t have. The streets are filled with old warehouses and historic buildings converted into restaurants and pubs and historic landmarks aplenty. While the Ballard Locks are a major attraction and get a lot of buzz, there’s a lot more to the neighborhood.
The bustling City of Ballard sprouted a century ago from these marinas and fishermen’s terminals. Now its stretch of trendy boutiques and restaurants rivals the shopping and nightlife scenes anywhere else in Seattle. But the busy southern end of this increasingly popular neighborhood is just the front door, so to speak. New condominium developments give way to older apartment dwellings and then, as you go farther north, quiet single-family neighborhoods, peppered here and there with community parks and surprising pockets of bars and restaurants a bit more low key than the weekender favorite Ballard Ave. Located in the northwestern part of the city, Ballard is accessible by bus, including the RapidRide line, making it easier to get to and from downtown.
ACTIVITIES
Ballard is one of Seattle’s best neighborhoods for a reason—it’s filled with lots of things to do, but without the crowds that downtown has. It’s got tons of tasty places to eat and events that fill the streets and spaces of the area. In short, Ballard is a fun place to live or hang out. One of Ballard’s most-visited attractions is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which were built in 1917. Engineering buffs will enjoy the well-orchestrated mechanics of it all, and dreamers can imagine sunning themselves on the huge yachts that pass through. You can also go to the underwater observatory and watch the salmon swimming up the fish ladder on their way to Lake Washington and beyond. In the summer months, Golden Gardens Park is a major destination. It’s one of the few sandy beaches in Seattle, and you’ll find beach volleyball courts, kite flyers, sand castles, and barbecue pits.
Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Home Here
 | Some of the best schools within the Seattle School District system. |
 | Wide variety of boutique shops & larger stores. |
 | Seattle's best sandy beach, Golden Gardens. |
 | Some of Seattle's best restaurants & nightlife. |
 | Shilshole Bay Marina is perfect for boat lovers. |