at a glancein&aroundthe neighbourhood
Location
A Scandinavian fishing and railroad town that was once the second-largest city in King County. Now it’s one of Seattle’s most popular neighborhoods, nestled against Shilshole Bay to the west and Salmon Bay to the south. Ballard is home to terrific parks, restaurants, shops, and pubs — and more breweries than any other neighborhood in the Northwest. Ballard Seattle is a great combination of low-density, quiet leafy streets, high-density living, a bustling Old Town center plus some great outdoor spaces to escape to. You can have quiet solitude or you can have bustling humanity all within easy access, depending on what your personal preference may be. Ballard feels completely self-contained and has everything you need without having to jump in a car to get it. Sure, it's nice to have downtown Seattle just 15 minutes away but when you live in Ballard, the urge to go there is not as strong. Ballard had got it all. Ballard Seattle is located NW of downtown in a beautiful setting with water on two sides. The stunning Puget Sound (Salish Sea) and the Olympic mountains lie to the west and to the south there's Salmon Bay where the fresh waters of Lake Washington meet the salty seawater at the Ballard Locks. The Magnolia neighborhood sits on the other side of The Locks, with North Beach / Crown Hill sit to the north, and Greenwood / Phinney Ridge neighborhoods to the east.
Neighbourhood Vibes
Recreation
Old Ballard
One of Seattle’s top hot spots, Old Ballard features boutique shopping, top-rated restaurants, and a bustling nightlife. Officially called the Ballard Avenue Landmark District — located along the stretch of Ballard Ave. from Market St. to Dock Pl. — many of the buildings were built in the 1890s to the 1940s.
Ballard Farmers Market
A prime attraction in Old Ballard, the Ballard Farmers Market features a wide variety of fresh foods and flowers from Washington farmers every Sunday.
Golden Gardens Park
With prime beachfront property, Golden Gardens Park offers stunning views of the Sound and the Olympic Mountains (especially at sunset.) During the summer, Golden Gardens becomes a citywide beach hangout.
Ballard Locks
Often a must-stop for tourists, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks link the Puget Sound with Lake Union and Lake Washington. Visitors can also see an underwater view of the fish ladder and enjoy the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden.
Ballard Breweries
With more breweries than any other neighborhood in the Pacific Northwest, Ballard has become a craft beer lover’s paradise.
Nordic Museum
Coming this May, the new Nordic Museum will open its doors, featuring a variety of exhibits that share Nordic and Nordic-American cultural heritage.
Fishermen’s Terminal
Just off the Ballard Bridge, Fishermen’s Terminal is home for hundreds of fishing boats that spend months on the open sea off the coast of Alaska.
Shilshole Marina
makes for a nice stroll along the waterfront as you gaze at hundreds of moored boats and yachts of varying sizes and price tags. There's a sizable number of people who live on their boats. The ropes constantly tapping off the rigging would keep me awake all night! If you're of the boating persuasion here's some additional information on Shilshole Marina.
Golden Gardens
if you continue past Shilshole Marina and right at the end of the Burke Gilman trail you will hit Golden Gardens, one of my favorite places in Seattle. It's got a lovely sandy beach, volleyball nets, fire pits, BBQ and picnic tables, swings for the kids and of course... those magnificent views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains with spectacular sunsets. It's a great mix of humanity that will vary over the course of the day. It can get busy on those warm summer days but you can usually still find yourself a quiet spot.
Sunset Park
this is just a small grassy area on 32nd Ave NW and 77th. Perched at the top of a cliff that looks down over Shilshole Marina, it's a great gathering spot for watching the sun go down over the Olympics. As the sunset approaches, locals and their dogs will start to gather to take in the views. Bring your camera!
Education
Adams Elementary School (K-5)
Loyal Heights Elementary School (K-5)
Salmon Bay School (K-8)
West Woodland Elementary School (K-5)
Whittier Elementary School (K-5)
Matheia School (K-5, private independent)
Transportation
Downtown Seattle: 6.5 miles / 20-40 minutes by car / 35-45 minutes by transit Bellevue: 16 miles / 35-60 minutes by car / 100-120 minutes by transit Redmond: 20 miles / 35-70 minutes by car / 70 minutes by transit
Restaurant & Retail
- The Walrus and Carpenter
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Located along 4743 BALLARD AVE NW, SEATTLE WA 98107
famed for its oysters and magazine write-ups. Seafood and Tapas restaurant offering live music and happy hour.
- La Carta de Oaxaca
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Located along 5431 Ballard Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107
All you could want in Mexican food with a vibrant atmosphere.
- The Bastille
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Located along: 5307 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, United States
for French and pub food (make sure to check out the unique bar at the back)
- Jhanjay Vegetarian Thai Cuisine
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Located along 1718 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103, United States
Vegetarian restaurant serving varied Thai dishes in a relaxed dining room with an open kitchen.