Eastlake

Eastlake is one of the oldest and funkiest communities in Seattle. Located between the University district and downtown, the atmosphere here is colorful, cozy and homespun. The living options include bungalows, condos, apartments and Eastlake’s special feature: houseboats. The houseboat community has a personality all its own. Docks and boardwalks connect multi-story modern homes and quaint, primary-color cottages with gardens and roof balconies.

The main strip, Eastlake Avenue, is populated with landmark restaurants and taverns, salons, burger joints, small businesses, art galleries, fine dining and shops. Eastlake spreads itself like a saddle over two bodies of water: Lake Union and Portage Bay. Eastlake possesses the warmth and eccentric feel of a beach community, with lush gardens and brightly painted houses. One street had a line of homes in green, pink, purple, yellow and red.

The north end of the Eastlake side sits on an old boatyard. From the Lake Union side, the views overlook downtown, the Olympic Mountains and the sunsets. From Portage Bay, the view faces the University of Washington. The land-locked homes here rise up along a steep hill, to catch views of the Cascade Mountains, Lake Washington and the moon rises.