Ballard Seattle: You Can Be Yourself Here

The Ballard area of Seattle is a blend of hip yet relaxed, “be yourself” energy and is home to Seattle-ites of a range of ages and demographics. The vibe is decidedly young and on-trend, yet this bustling neighborhood is also enjoyed by thirty-and forty-something raising families as well as those from the older set. Ballard Seattle began as a Norwegian fishing village in the city's formative years, and the influence of both fishing and the Norwegian culture are still evident in the area. However, the vibe is also decidedly modern, resulting in a compelling blend of past and present that both visitors and locals adore.

Hard to Get to – in a Good Way

Some lament that the Ballard neighborhood feels a little isolated in its Northwest coastal location in Seattle; however that’s precisely what many Ballard residents love about it. Yes, the Interstate is a slow four to five mile drive away through rambling residential streets, but some find this part of their commute charming. (As an alternate route, you can access thoroughfare Hwy. 99/Aurora Ave. about 2.5 miles away.) Ballard is one of the larger Seattle neighborhoods and residents have been flocking here in droves for the past decade or so. This surge in popularity has resulted in a number of sleek new living options in the area, from towering condo complexes to refurbished homes to efficient micro-apartments. Parking and traffic can be a challenge, so be ready to contend with both if you become a Ballard resident. Relaxing and going with the flow are essential and fortunately the many excellent amenities in Ballard making this fairly easy to do.

A Study in Contrasts

The Ballard neighborhood has distinct elements that range from highly residential to industrial to brimming with culinary and retail delights. There is a historic area (“old” Ballard, on Ballard Avenue) that features charming stores and restaurants in quaint old brick buildings. Market Street, Ballard’s “main street,” features specialty shops as well as restaurants that serve a range of cuisines including Italian, Indian, Thai-fusion, Pho and Mexican. Of course, there’s also pub fare, coffee shops, healthy café food and even a gourmet cupcake shop as well as a pie and liquor establishment.

Bars and Shopping in Ballard

From 8th Avenue to 3rd Avenue on 65th Street you’ll find a strip nicknamed “Stumbletown” due to its proliferation of bars and after-hours eateries. The area between 14th and 17th Avenues NW south of NW 50th street offers even more brewpub options, and this area has recently been dubbed The Brewery District. Here you’ll find numerous budding microbreweries, some of which offer tours and tastings. There are at least half dozen supermarkets in Ballard ranging from Safeway and QFC to Trader Joe’s and healthier specialty options. The Ballard Farmer’s Market is open year-round on Sundays, 10 am to 3 pm, and is another must-try for amazing produce, organic choices and artisan fare.

Everything a Seattle-ite Needs

While Ballard is a bit isolated from the rest of Seattle (and some would say too congested), the truth is that this popular, thriving neighborhood has just about everything you might need within a reasonable distance. It has good schools, an amazing public library, numerous parks and play places for the kids, and even a designated skateboarding park. Ballard also has a movie theater, a Fred Meyer retail store, and plenty of boutique clothing shops for your adornment. There’s a crystal shop on Market Street and even a metaphysical library tucked away in the Kress building for those with more esoteric interests; the Seattle Metaphysical Library is a Seattle gem that’s been around in some form or other in the city since 1961.

Ballard: A Draw for Tourists

Head further West down Market Street, and you’ll encounter more coffee shops, stores, restaurants, and the Ballard Locks. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are the third most popular tourist destination in Seattle (after the Space Needle and Pike Place Market), and there you can watch boats and ships make the transition from salty Puget Sound to the inland freshwaters of Lake Union and Lake Washington. Continuing West from the Ballard Locks you’ll find a mostly residential area with a sprinkle of restaurants and businesses, all with abundant water views of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains over on the peninsula. You’ll also encounter Shilshole Marina, where residents from around the area moor their sailboats and pleasure vessels. The sheer number and variety of boats is a feast for the senses, even when they’re not out at sea. You’ll also have access to two fantastic waterside seafood restaurants just east of Shilshole: Ray’s and Anthony’s. Both have phenomenal menus and lovely Puget Sound views, and people make the trek from all around the area to experience them. Just past the marina is Golden Gardens park and beach, a destination for sun-starved Seattle-ites whenever weather allows. As you can imagine, this beach is extremely busy during the warm Seattle summer months, and traffic to this area peaks in July and August. Bonfires on the beach are allowed, and most nights you can smell the heady aroma of campfires after dusk. If you have a tolerance for traffic, pedestrians and finding parking spots even when they’re scarce, your reward could be living in a vibrant neighborhood like Ballard. This trendy Seattle area is a compelling mix of old and new, historic and contemporary, shabby and chic, classic and modern. If this appeals to you, you’re in luck; there are plenty of condos and homes to buy in Ballard.