Madrona

Photo via mikedemers

Madrona is a central Seattle neighborhood on the city’s east side. It rests on Lake Washington across from Bellevue and just east of First Hill. Madrona can best be described as a small town nestled beside a big city. For those who desire a slower pace of living than can be found in a bustling metropolis but who don’t want to sacrifice diversity and culture, Madrona is an excellent option.

Named for the impressive Pacific Madrone trees that blossom naturally in the neighborhood, Madrona is a mostly residential area. It originally sprung up around the coal industry, then was a major ship building center in Seattle’s first economic boom in the late 1800’s. From the start Madrona has been a diverse district. It was a choice location for Asian and African-American workers, as well as middle class Jewish families. As much as any central Seattle neighborhood, Madrona enjoyed the quick prosperity of the region’s real estate boom in the 1990’s. Today it is a mostly upper-middle class residential neighborhood for savvy Seattleites who want to enjoy the convenience of the city, minus the noise and density of downtown.

Madrona has retained its close community feel into the 21^st century. The Madrona Moms is a local on-and-offline group that acts as a source of information about Madrona family events and issues, as well as a welcoming committee for new families. The neighborhood compiles a monthly newsletter at no charge to the community. Most of the shops and restaurants in Madrona’s small downtown area on 34^th Avenue are owned and operated by locals.

Photo via drbrain

As a part of a city-wide movement, both formal and informal, to renovate Seattle’s famous parks and recreation facilities, the people of Madrona raised $500,000 to beautify Madrona Playfield where local parents often bring their children to play and where the community holds a number of festivals throughout the year. Right on Lake Washington, residents also enjoy Madrona Park and the nearby Leschi Park.

Madrona has a number of schooling options, including the public Madrona K-8, as well as private options like St. Theresa Catholic School and the non-profit independent elementary Valley School. Madrona also has a number of after-school programs like Coyote Central, a hands-on, creative discovery program for middle school youth. High school students in Madrona can attend the public Garfield High School, the progressive alternative Nova Project school, or the pricey but prestigious Northwest School. Madrona is also home to the K-8 Islamic School of Seattle.

Photo via rutlo

The neighborhood of Madrona just renovated Sally Goldmark Library in 2008. In the tree-lined hills rests the Raymond-Ogden Mansion, a registered National Historic Place built in 1913. Madrona also has a number of excellent local eateries such as the Hi Spot Café (famous for its scones) and the Wildridge Winery.

For those looking for a laid-back, family-friendly neighborhood in the central Seattle area, Madrona is a great district. With lakeside views, good schools and close proximity to downtown and the cultural centers of the International District and Capitol Hill, Madrona is a comfortable, neighborly part of town.