Simply Fabulous Diva Neighborhoods
The Divas are glad to call Seattle their home, but we are proof that not all Seattleites are homebodies or follow the Northwest socks & sandals tradition. Seattle is a collection of urban villages that together form a diverse metropolis with arts and entertainment for every taste. Part of our job is to connect clients to the right village where they will find the friends and community that make urban life so rewarding, whether it's quiet and secluded, bustling with nightlife or both!
The joy of Seattle is its wealth of good restaurants, farmers markets, parks and cultural centers. Each neighborhood has its own character and we can help you find the one where you can thrive. Let's find the right hood for you!
Seattle - Core
Belltown
The experience of living in Belltown is truly a special one. Start with a run through the Sculpture Park followed by brunch at CJ's, shop the afternoon away at the local boutiques, then cap off the day by enjoying dinner with friends at Umi Sake House and cocktails at one of the many Yelp recommended hot spots. Live in Belltown - the urban mecca of Seattle!
Shop Local Spot: Endless Knot Boutique
Hood Blog: Belltown People
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill has always had a rich and diverse history in Seattle.
Its central location to downtown has attracted urbanites, hipsters, old
money and just about everyone in between. For us personally
the hood is where we spend our days and where all of us have lived
sometime in our youth. Team Diva’s mother ship/central offices are on the hill. Our favorite small
business owners are on the Hill. And when its time for us to hit the
town – we return to Capitol Hill.
Let’s just be honest – Capitol Hill is our home away from home. You
can walk out of our office and, in a hot Seattle minute, you will find
fabulous foodie spots, local fashion stores, amazing coffee, artists,
hipsters and more. All of this is snuggled amongst stunning older homes,
condos and apartments. There is always something to do on the Hill.
Looking for some wall decor? Stop by our favorite artist studio, Local 1520, during the monthly Capitol Hill ArtWalk and get some fabulous art for your home. Need to find the perfect bottle of wine to bring to a party? Vino Verité has a great selection, including their very own Capitol Hill Red.
Shop Local Spot: Retail Therapy
Hood Blog: CHS Capitol Hill
Seattle
Eastlake/Portage Bay
Morning views of rowers crosssing from Lake Union to Lake Washington through the Montlake Cut are stunning to take in while you are grabbing your first cup of coffee. This area of town is well known for its house boat and waterfront lifestyle. Not only can you paddle in the morning but you can easily walk to the UW, shops, parks, boutiques and stunning homes found throughout the neighborhood in the afternoon. There is an unofficial dog park is within steps of the lake. Perfect for a morning dog walk. This hood is close to the UW, 520, I-90 and all points in bettween. Fabulous for the urbanite who loves easy access to the outdoors.
Shop Local Spot: Cicchetti
Hood Blog: Eastlake Ave Blog
Freemont
We Seattle folk refer to this hood as the proverbial “Center of the Universe. “ Given its past as the center of the Seattle counterculture and its quirky nature, entering it is more akin to entering a wholly separate universe. Odd attractions such as the Fremont Troll, the Fremont Rocket, a statue of Lenin, and the Waiting for the Interurban sculpture showcase its artsy and imaginative character. Take a stroll, rain or shine, through the weekly Fremont Sunday Market (a mix between an antique shop, a thrift store, and a curiosity shop) to find interesting commodity that you may or may not need. Catch nude bicyclists and fanciful floats at the Annual Summer Solstice Festival. Make your home in Fremont and you will no doubt soon adopt the motto “De Libertas Quirkas.”
Hood Blog: Fremont Universe
Eat Local: Revel, Brad’s Swingside Cafe
Shop Local: Jive Time Records
Montlake
Strolling through Montlake one stumbles upon little nooks and areas that speak well of Seattle’s history. The neighborhood is known for its proximity to coffee houses, restaurants and stunning library. Locals walk to Fuel for a latte before heading into the nearby Arboretum or watching crew rowers along the Montlake cut. Many people come to the neighborhood for the nationally renowned dining found at Cafe Lago. Come and enjoy everything this neighborhood has to offer!
Shop Local Spot: Mont's Market
Hood Blog: Montlake.net
Queen Anne
Nestled on Seattle’s second tallest hill, this neighborhood has killer views of the rainy city. This hood offers a little bit of something for everyone. Lower Queen Anne, home to the Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, On the Boards, and a host of other organizations for the arts, attracts young, bustling culture junkies of all kinds. Picturesque Upper Queen Anne, on the other hand, runs at a much slower pace, with tree-lined streets and beautifully manicured residences. The mix of modern and historic architecture also lends to the distinct, charming, and eclectic character of the area.
Hood Blog: Queen Anne View
Eat Local: 5 Spot, How to Cook A Wolf
Shop Local: Blue Highway Games
South Lake Union
Located in the geographical heart of Seattle, this hood has undergone massive changes in the past 10 years. Once a commercial and industrial area, this hood now attracts flocks of Seattleites due to new crop of condos, a boom of businesses moving to the area and the development of the South Lake Union line of the Seattle Streetcar. It is quickly becoming the biotechnical hub of Seattle, housing such organizations as the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Zymogenetics, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, and UW Medicine. Given the thriving growth of the area, South Lake Union is one of the most bustling and exciting places to call home.
Hood Blog: The South Lake
Eat Local: Flying Fish, Blue Moon Burgers
Shop Local: REI, Velocity
University District
Entering the U District is almost as if you were entering a whole new city. So named because it is home to the University of Washington. This hood is full of life in every season through every moment of the day due to its constant influx of collegial folk from around the globe. Whether is be the annual May U District Street Fair, the weekly University District Farmers Market, or just a random outing on the Ave, inhabitants of the U District always have something to keep them occupied. Beginning in 2016, this hood may have an increase in non-Husky folks due to the completion of the University Link extension of the Link Light Rail System.
Hood Blog: U District Daily
Eat Local: Araya’s Place, Agua Verde Cafe
Shop Local: U Dub Book Store (where else would you shop in the U Dist!)
Seattle - Northwest
Ballard
Going North on 15th Ave West you will drive right into the heart of one of Seattle’s oldest and most historically-fueled hoods. Ballard’s Scandinavian fishing roots continue to show and add to its unique European feel. Trendy cafes, boutiques, old school music joints and family-owned restaurants line the streets of Ballard, making it a popular destination for Seattle natives and travelers alike. Recently, Ballard has become famous for its amazing yearly Jazz festival and one of the best Farmers’ Markets on Sunday afternoons. Often noted for being the home of the Ballard Locks, this hood is also the residence of the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden and Golden Gardens Park, some of the city’s most alluring natural settings.
Hood Blog: My Ballard
Eat Local: Walrus and Carpenter, La Carta de Oaxaca
Shop local: inballard.com
Greenlake
Greenlake Park is the cornerstone of this bustling and popular neighborhood. Its man-made lake and surrounding park provides a perfect place for Seattleites and tourist to gather for walking, running, biking or rollerblading, rain, wind or shine (it is Seattle folks!) The Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, located on the west side of the park, offers theatergoers a chance to watch a performance in an intimate setting right in their own hood. Plus, there is a diverse array of shops, restaurants and bars surrounding the lake so folks can enjoy an evening within blocks for their homes. Speaking of homes, Greenlake is dotted with stunning examples of quintessential Seattle Craftsmans. Many a buyer has been stricken with “love at first site” while exploring this hood. But be forewarned – this is a hot neighborhood with home prices starting at around $500K – and it is worth every penny!
Eat Local: BluWater Bistro
Local Blog: My Greenlake
Greenwood
Nestled in the northwest of Seattle just above Phinney Ridge is the bungalow capitol of Seattle known as Greenwood. Living here, one definitely feels part of a tight knit and slightly quirky community. Anchored by businesses like Gordito’s, Diva Espresso, Taproot Theater and Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co (the front biz for one of our Community Partnerships, 826-Seattle), one can see this hood is alive and thriving. Greenwood Avenue, the main thoroughfare, is full of local cafes, pubs, antique shops and unique boutiques. And let’s not forget that Greenwood is hosts to the annual Greenwood Classic Car Show and the Greenwood Seafair Parade. A northwest hood anyone would be proud to call home.
Shop Local And Diva Deals: Tasty
Local Blog: PhinneyWood
Magnolia
Driving through Magnolia, you may just forget that you are actually in Seattle. Located on a small peninsula and bordering Ballard and Queen Anne, this hood is isolated from the hustle and bustle of Seattle life, but still only minutes away from downtown. In many ways, Magnolia dwellers seem to reside in a small town, often running into other neighborhood dwellers on their daily jaunts around the hood. Despite the small-town feel, the Magnolia plays host to a number of Seattle’s top restaurants and has a thriving business district, referred to as “the Village” by the locals. Finally, Magnolia is also home to Discovery Park & Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. While Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest park, offers the visitor calming trail walks, vigorous hikes and relaxing sunset views, Daybreak Star, provides an opportunity to learn about Seattle’s Native American history through workshops and cultural events like the Seattle Seafair Pow Wow.
Hood Blog: Magnolia Voice
Eat Local: Szmania’s, Palisade
Shop Local: The House
Phinney Ridge
Phinney Ridge is a lovely eclectic north Seattle hood that is located on the north/south hill between Greenlake and Ballard. Established in the early 1900s, Phinney is full of vintage architecture and is a Craftsman lover’s paradise. The neighborhood is probably best known for its main attraction – The Woodland Park Zoo. Located at the south end of Phinney Avenue, the zoo and surrounding park have been drawing families to the area for decades. Don’t have kids? Phinney also has attractions for adults. The many neighborhood shops, restaurants, galleries and pubs make Phinney a neighborhood where you can live, work and play.
Shop Local And Diva Deals: Hip Zephyr — Diva Kaz trusts the Hip Zephyr gals to keep her looking fabulous, whether she is going casual or needs to dress up.
Local Blog: PhinneyWood
Wallingford
Wallingford has been known for years as a creative and green hub of Seattle. Much of this is due to the work of Seattle Tilth (located in the Good Shepard Center), which has helped bring the eating local/ urban gardening movement to the forefront in Seattle. Discover a community filled with stunning gardens, friendly neighbors, quirky shops and world renowned restaurants.
Shop Local Spot: Tilth Restaurant
Hood Blog: Wallhood
Seattle - Northeast
Maple Leaf
Swing on up Roosevelt Way past 70th street and you will run right into Maple Leaf - a quaint and quiet hood tucked away from the hustle and bustle but still just minutes to all the city has to offer. This is a place where neighbors get to know each other and often meet up in one of the local coffee shops or restaurants situated along Roosevelt Way or 5th Ave. We love Maple Leaf because of its diversity of architecture with mid-centuries, Tudors & bungalows all mingling together. We also love it because it is home to one of our fav Seattle institutions, Snappy Dragon Restaurant, where they make the best home made noodles this side of the ID. If you are looking for an affordable and cozy NE neighborhood – Maple Leaf is the place.
Shop Local And Diva Deals: Wild Root Salon & Spa — Diva Kaz's favorite place to have her hair done. This Aveda concept salon specializes in thermal hair straightening.
Local Blog: Maple Leaf Life
Olympic Hills
Technically the tallest point in Seattle, Olympic Hills is perched high above the city. Here you are struck by how this quaint, wooded area is just minutes to downtown with easy cross town access as well. Let this cozy neighborhood embrace you in its warmth and friendliness!
Shop Local Spot: Treehouse Coffee Company
Close to the Hood Blog: Lake City Live
Ravenna/Roosevelt
Just north of the U District you will find two of the most quintessential Seattle neighborhoods, Ravenna & Roosevelt. Down to earth and unpretentious, residents here like their businesses small, their food organic and their free time to be spent outdoors. Businesses like, East West Bookshop, the Sunlight Café, the Tummy Temple and Bagel Oasis define the nature of these hoods – small, simple, local and well loved. With easy access to Lake Washington, Greenlake and the Burke-Gilman Trail, there are many options for residents to enjoy the beauty of the region. Some of our very own favorite ethnic food restaurants and natural product stores line 65th and Roosevelt.
Shop Local: McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants
Local Blog: Roosiehood
Wedgewood
This pleasant hood with a small town feel is sometimes compared to the fictional town of Mayberry. Take a stroll through its tree-lines streets you will understand why folks who crave that Northwest feel without being too far afield, flock to this hood. Wedgewood’s commercial district is packed with family-owned shops and restaurants, and even the largest community garden in Seattle, called the P-Patch. Although this tight-knit community offers a haven for small-town hearts, it is also highly accessible to the activity of the city.
Hood Blog: Wedgwood View
Eat Local: Top Pot Doughnuts, Fiddler’s Inn
Shop Local: Swash
Seattle - East
Cental District
The Central District (the CD as it is called by locals) is one of the oldest and most diverse neighborhoods in Seattle. This is a community teaming with an ecelectic mix of residents and architecture, where modern designer dwellings sit next to beautifully restored turn of the century homes. Its proximity to Downtown & Capitol Hill and easy access to the Eastside makes the CD a perfect place for any urbanite to call home!
Shop Local Spot: All Purpose Pizza
Hood Blog: Central District News
Madrona
Madrona is just east of Capitol Hill and the Central District and home to some of the most amazing revitalized Grand Craftsmans and Tudors. The east slope of Madrona offers direct views of Lake Washington, Bellevue and the Cascades. Many of these homes have been renovated and highly prized for their location and vintage detailing. The community offers easy access to downtown Seattle and is right between 520 & I-90 — perfect for the eastside commuter. Plus, every Diva loves another Diva and Madrona is home of the original Cupcake Royal. Founder Jody Hall is a Diva after our own heart. She gives back to the community every chance she gets and makes a mean Salted Carmel Cupcake! Madrona is also home to St. Cloud’s where owners John and Pablo and their amazing staff host our Diva Dwellers each year for our annual summer Client Party. So whether it is coffee and cupcakes or Sunday brunch - just call us. We would love to meet you in Madrona!
Eat Local: Hi Spot Cafe — This place is a Seattle staple that has been around since I was a wee lass. A perfect place for eggs, bacon and biscuits any day of the week.
Local Blog: Madrona Blog
Madison Park
This hood has long been seen as one of Seattle’s most sought after and chicest hoods. Still easily accessible to the center of the city, Madison Park’s proximity to Lake Washington offers plenty of opportunity for relaxation, rejuvenation and views galore. On a sunny day, grab some friends and head over to Madison Park Beach, which was recently named the third-best beach in Seattle for “brown-baggin’ it.”
Hood Blog: Madison Park Blogger
Eat Local: Cactus, Harvest Vine
Shop Local: City People’s Garden Store
Madison Valley
Over the last 20 years Madison Valley has transformed itself from a somewhat undefined hood on the way to Madison Park to a chic diverse community full of some of Seattle’s best restaurants and modern dwellings. As you walk along Madison, you will be pass by stellar restaurants, small local boutiques and, of course, City People’s Garden Store — one of the first to stake their claim in this hood. And let’s not forget two great restaurants that also forged a path for this hood, Rover’s and Café Flora, who have also been here since the late 80’s/ early 90’s. The Divas adore this part of Seattle. It’s where we practice Pilates with our pal Echo. It’s also where we go with friends for some of the best sushi at Jae’s. Since it is a smidge more affordable than Madison Park and Madrona but still offers just as many amenities it can be a great place for first time homeowners to settle down.
Local Diva Deal: Pilates with Echo Norris — The Divas have been practicing Pilates with Echo for years and she is one of the best. Plus, she offers a Diva Deal to all our Diva Dwellers. (To find out more about this Diva Deal and others go to our Diva Deals Page.)
Seattle - Southeast
Columbia City
Sometimes regarded as a microcosm of the entire city of Seattle, this hood is one of the most diverse, yet intimate places to call home. The economic and cultural diversity paired with the excellent walkability (a walking score of 92) in this quaint hood, makes it a perfect place for stumbling across something new and intriguing. Plus, it is just a quick jaunt to the new Link Light Rail and you are downtown or at SeaTac in minutes! In the Spring & Summer this hood boasts one of the friendliest neighborhood Farmers Markets and on Friday nights you can cruise the hood and listen to great music during the Columbia City Beat Walk. What makes this an amazing place to call home beyond its mega-diversity is the super-charged and über-organized community presence. It’s this sense of “we all belong here” that makes people flock to Columbia City.
Hood Blog: Columbia City Blog
Eat Local: Geraldine’s Counter, Flying Squirrel Pizza Co.
Shop Local: Andaluz
Mount Baker
South of Leschi, also bordering on Lake Washington, sits Mt Baker, named for the snow-topped peak that is visible when looking north over the lake. Mt Baker was and still is, one of the most culturally, economically and geographically diverse neighborhoods in Seattle. Tucked between Franklin High School and the Lake, there are wooded parks, urban streets and a rolling hill with killer views that contribute to this hood’s uniqueness. Stroll down Hunter Blvd with your pooch and take in the beauty of the many historical turn-of-the-century homes or stop by Repast to mingle with neighbors over coffee and fresh scones. Mt. Baker is also home to Bradner Gardens, an organic community garden dedicated to cultivating and teaching green gardening practices to Seattlites.
Shop Local and Diva Deals: Dog Mania — When you're a Diva, your pups need to look as fabulous as you. After being bathed and groomed, pups get to run around and play in the kennel-free daycare.
Blog: Mount Baker Community Club
RainierBeach
The light rail has changed the way this neighborhood thinks about itself. As soon as the station opened in 2009 we saw an immediate improvement in home prices in this community. Was it just the improvement in the transportation or were people finally discovering all that is cool about Rainier Beach — stunning Lake Washington views, prime Blue Angels watching spots and community involved neighbors and Kubota Gardens. Take an afternoon and walk up Waters off Rainier and check out the homes perched on the eastern slope of Upper Rainier Beach. This multi-ethnic hoods brims with craftsmans next to stunning custom mid-century ramblers with huge yards and fabulous views of the lake and downtown Seattle. This hood has come a long way baby!
Eat Local: Café Vignole - This is also one of Diva Kim’s fav Italian places. Intimate atmosphere and excellently executed dishes that are worth the wait.
Local Blog: Southend Blog
Seward Park
Seward Park is a haven for the mid-century home/view lover. This is why Diva Chavi & Kim made this hood their home. Not only is the neighborhood comprised of some of the city’s best custom built mid-century homes but where else can you take a stroll through an old growth forest and watch the Eagles dive into Lake Washington for fish. Seward Park is also home to several of Seattle’s important Synagogues. One of our favorite things to do is to take walk with the dogs through the Seward Park then pop up to meet one of our many Diva Dweller pals for a cup of coffee at Café Vita. We also spend loads of time shopping at our PCC Natural Market for fresh local ingredients for Diva Chavi to create her amazing dinners. Bottom line — We love Seward Park!
Eat Local: Bent Burgers — A new fun and fabulously burger-ific experience. And — they have veggie burgers for our veggie loving friends.
Seattle - Southwest
Alki/Admiral Area - West Seattle
Driving over the West Seattle Bridge and hanging a right onto Admiral one feels like they have been transformed into a village. During the summer we take the dogs for a long walk along Alki Beach and soak up the flavor of folks having fun time along the water. We love meeting friends for a sunset drink at Cactus or finger linking good fish & chips at Alki Crab & Fish Co.A quick hop away is the Admiral district, which is perched right over Alki Beach and is home to Schmitz Park, Metropolitan Market and the historic Admiral Theater. This is the market where gourmets flock to take in the ambience of pure food porn. Together these two hoods in West Seattle offer breathtaking views, fabulous food and a fun spot to spend the seasons overlooking the Puget Sound.
West Seattle
First time homebuyers often ask us what we think about West Seattle. This is like asking what we think about Brooklyn. It is way more like a borough then a neighborhood. It has crazy cute beach house, expensive view homes and affordable view homes, modern townhouses and swanky waterfront condos and a level of cultural diversity that could rival any New York borough. Originally it was a pure working class fishermen’s community intermixed with summer cottages that lined up around Alki. Between the sandy beaches, the mountain/sound/city views, the amazing restaurants, the water taxi, Lincoln Park, Fautleroy Ferry dock, diving classes, parasailing and Salty’s there is an eccentric and expansive thriving Seattle alter ego. It’s more than a hood - it’s a destination!
Eat Local: Luna Park Cafe — This place is the epitome of West Seattle — quirky, fun and in a category all by itself. Oh, and the shakes are “to-die-for!”
Local Blog: West Seattle Blog
Seattle - Surrounding Areas
Burien
Want to find one of the best and most affordable views within 15 minutes of downtown Seattle? Go south on 509 and get acquainted with the fabulous community of Burien. Burien’s political environment has done a lot to revive their transit systems and spruce up their downtown area. Walking around one finds Burien brimming with quaint shops, fine eateries, farmers markets, and an old fashion feed store. Plus, let’s not forget the Wild Strawberry Festival every June. One can find all of this in a truly thriving multi-cultural community. Burien makes the Divas grade for AWESOME!
Eat Local: Bistro Baffi -Owner Michael Vujovich and one of our own Diva Dweller’s Tom whip up some of the best Italian fare this side of the Atlantic. (Trust Diva Kim — she is an Italian gal from Jersey — she knows!)
Local Blog: B-Town Blog
Watch this page for updates as we add our insightful and entertaining summaries of what each of Seattle's neighborhoods offers its residents.
