Wallingford

Life is good in Wallingford. At least this is the sense one gets driving through this restful, colorful neighborhood. The word satisfied comes to mind.  A sense of urban-quirky intelligence also comes to mind.

Located between the University District, Fremont and north of Lake Union and downtown, Wallingford is known for its gorgeous bungalows and craftsman-style homes. There are also condominiums, modern designs and apartment buildings sprinkled amidst the early- to mid-century houses. Corners seem to sprout some enormous magnificent houses and a few Victorians were spotted as well.  The new construction is tasteful, and respects the going style.

Many of the homes are propped up off the street, seeming to reach for views that can go east or west, north and south: to Lake Union, Green Lake, or to either of the mountain ranges. Steep and curved cement stairways run up to porch entrances.

Two main arteries run through Wallingford: 45th  Street  and 50th  Street. The main downtown district is the always-bustling 45th  Street, a busy thoroughfare that runs east-west and is filled with pedestrians. People from all over the city come here for the wide array of restaurants, coffee shops, a tea house, movie theaters and funky retail stores.

Wallingford is packed with good schools, and has been a tight-knit community for years.  Another main thoroughfare is the Burke-Gilman Trail, a paved recreational path for bicyclists, runners and walkers. The trail begins at the nearby Gas Works Park, off Lake Union. And the zoo, in nearby Woodland Park is a short drive or manageable walk for those north of 45th.

POPULATION: 4,800

DEMOGRAPHICS: young singles, couples, families with children

TYPES OF HOMES: Bungalows, Craftsman, Victorian, Condominiums, Apartment Buildings

COMMUNITY BLOG: My Wallingford, Wallyhood

LIBRARY: Seattle Public Library Wallingford Branch, located at 1501 N. 45th St., Seattle, WA 98103, Tel. 206-684-4088

FARMERS MARKET: Wallingford Farmers Market, located at the corner of Meridian Avenue N and N 50th Street. Open every Wednesday, 3:30-7 p.m., from June 1 to September 28, 2011.

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS: Tilth,Musashi’s, RoRo BBQ & Grill,Cantinetta

FAVORITE COFFEE SHOPS: Fuel Coffee, A Muddy Cup, Diva Espresso