A Blend of Aesthetics the Ineffable Queen Anne
Queen Anne is a neighborhood located in northwest Seattle, Washington. Queen Anne is a wildly popular neighborhood to live in, and people relocate there in droves. This neighborhood is just north of Seattle Center in downtown Seattle and south of the Washington Ship Canal. Queen Anne sits on top of Queen Anne Hill, and overlooks downtown Seattle to the south from an elevation of 450 ft., which is rather considerable for Seattle, which slopes downward toward the ocean. From this high point, Queen Anne has the best views of the Seattle anywhere in the city. Queen Anne residents can easily see the city sprawled beneath them, with Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier unfolding in the distance behind the city skyline. This neighborhood has been voted the “Best Neighborhood in Seattle” by Seattle Magazine two years in a row. And the views are only the beginning.
Historically, Queen Anne was where the wealthy residents of Seattle in the 1800’s and 1900’s imported and built their mansions. This is actually the reason that this neighborhood is called, “Queen Anne;” it is named so after the historic architecture that is so prevalent. In fact, there are walking and driving guided tours where tourists and history lovers can tour the 19th century architecture. While this area is steeped in culture and rich history, however, it is also known for its particular brand of modernism. There is an eclectic, funky aesthetic that is utterly unique to Queen Anne. Queen Anne Avenue is the main thoroughfare through this neighborhood, and it is lined on both sides by funky shops, restaurants, cafe’s, bistro’s and coffee shops. Queen Anne Boulevard is the street that runs in a loop around the crown of the hill. It’s decorative walls are actually considered a Seattle landmark, as the art along it and decorative brickwork should not be missed. There are actually 29 official landmarks located in Queen Anne alone. 12 of these landmarks are some of the historic homes for which the neighborhood is named after.
The seemingly clashing nature of the historic, upper-crust feel mixed with the young, ultra-modern aesthetic is actually quite pleasing, and makes Queen Anne one of the most unique places to live in all of Seattle. There is an attention to the environment and community seen in smaller scale in surrounding areas. This neighborhood is truly family-friendly, while still paying attention to a thriving nightlife and upscale bar/club scene. Queen Anne is full of activities for kids, teens and adults alike. The restaurants in Queen Anne deserve a mention as well- from local and eclectic to the finest in Seattle, this neighborhood has it all. For example, the newest Ethan Stowell restaurant has its home in Queen Anne. It is called How To Cook A Wolf, and features rustic, simple, Italian-inspired dishes that are undoubtedly some of the best meals you can buy.
Whether you are looking for relaxed or opulent, Queen Anne features it. This neighborhood is especially green, with trees and landscaping accenting the whole area. If you are a nature lover, a history lover, a lover of classy or modern, a lover of classic or eclectic, Queen Anne can offer it.
This article was produced by Eric Badgley; specializing in Queen Anne Real Estate and Seattle Real Estate.
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