Northgate

“Kind of lovely!” was a recent response to driving down one of Northgate’s streets. Despite its settlement behind the Northgate Mall, this is the kind of neighborhood that remind you of a careless childhood. An assortment of Northwest trees rise above the modest homes. Rose gardens, fruit trees, hedges and maples give Northgate’s residential gem a fairy tale feel.

The homes here are older-ranging from ramblers and bricks to two-story mid-century family houses. There’s a coziness of a well-lived in town here, with homes you can move right into or revamp.

Northgate is in the process of a big revitalization program. The city has dedicated funds to redeveloping the mall and improving the public parks, community center, library and pedestrian connections.

A little trivia: the Northgate Mall was the first regional mall in the country. But there are other shopping options too, like a bustling business district on Roosevelt Avenue-grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, everything you need, mall-free.

POPULATION: 4,800

DEMOGRAPHICS: Singles, families with children, married couples

TYPES OF HOMES: Ramblers, Bricks, Two-story mid-century, Townhomes, Appartments

COMMUNITY BLOG: not yet

LIBRARY: closest is Seattle Public Library Northgate Branch, located at 10548 Fifth Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98125, Tel. 206-386-1980

FARMERS MARKET: closest is Lake City Farmers Market 

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS: Saffron Grill, Chaiyo Thai Cuisine

FAVORITE COFFEE SHOPS: Family Donut Shop, Bark Espresso