Queen Anne

Photo via anneh632

Situated to the northwest of downtown Seattle, Queen Anne is one of the city’s oldest and most consistently vibrant neighborhoods. Settled just shortly after the famous Denny Party arrived in what would one day be West Seattle, Queen Anne is home to many thriving corporate businesses, modern restaurants and beautiful houses.

Queen Anne Hill is the second tallest region in the city of Seattle, next to High Point in West Seattle. As such, it is famous for its unparalleled views. To the west is Puget Sound, the Seattle skyline is to the south and the green hills of other suburbs to the east. North of Queen Anne across the Lake Washington Ship Canal is the colorful Fremont neighborhood.

Queen Anne got its name from an architectural style that fell into fashion in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. A number of prospectors grew wealthy in the Alaskan Gold Rush, building their mansions on the slope of Queen Anne Hill. Many of those beautiful houses still stand on the hill today. The modern hill has diversified since then, though it is still one of Seattle’s more expensive neighborhoods thanks to its proximity to downtown and its manicured aesthetic.

There are two main divisions to Queen Anne. Upper Queen Anne has a much higher density of houses and strictly residential neighborhoods. It is ideal for families and those looking to invest in stable, high-demand properties. In Upper Queen Anne there are also several parks and playgrounds including Kerry Park, the West Queen Anne Play Field, and The Interbay Family Golf Center. Lower Queen Anne, which connects to downtown and Seattle Center, is far more urban. It is a mix of corporate offices, restaurants, stores and rental properties.

The schools in Queen Anne, both public and private, are some of the highest rated in the central Seattle area. John Hay Elementary School has an excellent reputation and McClure Middle School is known for its cultural diversity and good student/teacher ratio. Public high school students will most likely attend The Center School, known for its arts-centered programs. There is a private option in Seattle Waldorf High School. Queen Anne is also the home of Seattle Pacific University.

Photo via Go Card USA

A lot of entertainment and leisure in Queen Anne focuses on the nearby downtown and Seattle Center areas. Seattle Center has a variety of options for all ages. For kids there are rides as well as a children’s theater, while the grown-ups can enjoy the Pacific Northwest Ballet or ongoing Seattle International Film Festival screenings. Seattle Center also boasts the Experience Music Project and the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Additionally, the area around Westlake Avenue continues to develop every year with new shops, restaurants and attractions.

Queen Anne is the neighborhood of choice for families and professionals in the central Seattle region. Spacious, quiet and ideally located, it is a gem atop this thriving city.