Kate Pedersen

As I was recently jogging around Green Lake in the last couple of weeks, I've noticed the work being done around the inner jogging trail and the new benches installed. Then I noticed the beginnings of a new arch and trail leading to the eastside pool area.

I always like to know what's going on and figure others do too so I did some research:

The project replaces existing asphalt paving with new compacted crushed rock paths and concrete paved focal areas. The project will also include the restoration and relocation of an arch from the demolished Martha Washington School. This project was originally due to complete in 2008 and then the Parks Department was shooting for this March. Still not quite done but the progress can easily be seen.

Where is it:

Like all Seattle neighborhoods, Wedgwood has no official agreed-upon borders. The unofficial boundaries are:

North - NE 95th Street; East - 45th Avenue NE; South - NE 75th Street; and West - by a route coming north from NE 75th Street along 25th Avenue NE, then jogging west along NE 85th Street and winding up Lake City Way NE to NE 95th Street.

Why it is a Great Neighborhood:

• It is a pocket of affordability among more expensive neigborhoods. Single family residences are currently selling from $283,000 to $1,050,000.
• The schools have a good reputation for high academics and parent involvement.
• Easy access to I-5 and the 520 Bridge make it within minutes to Downtown Seattle and Bellevue.

• Dahl Park is on the western border; The Burke-Gilman Trail and Magnuson Park are just a few blocks east. "Downtown" Wedgwood has all the necessary amenities and more: Two grocery stores, a Post Office, banks, gas stations, a Seattle Public Library, a dry cleaner, yoga and dance studios, hair salons, a variety of churches, a bakery, a community p-patch garden and even Seattle-based Top Pot Doughnuts. The Fiddlers Inn, a cozy, live music venue sits near the Northern boundary.

Neighborhood Trivia:

The Wedgwood neighborhood is named after the English bone china-maker of the same name.

Started sometime in the 1960's, the P-patch garden is the oldest community garden in Seattle.

The Wedgwood neighborhood branch library is the largest branch library and the 2nd busiest public library in the city.

When the neighborhood was developed during the 1940's, many of the large trees were preserved.

Another north Seattle neighborhood not well known is Pinehurst.

Determined by the very active Pinehurst Community Council the boundaries are NE 130th Street to the north, NE Northgate Way to the south, I-5 to the west, and Lake City Way to the east.

Geographically, the eastern area slopes east and many homes enjoy a great territorial view. East of 15^th NE, is the Pinehurst Green Grid with a model natural drainage system. The grid is 12 beautiful, meandering, tree-lined streets and the project incorporates new sidewalks, roadways, and landscaping with native and non-native plants to enhance the pedestrian experience.

The western area of Pinehurst borders Northgate Mall on the north boundary and many businesses outline the arterials.

Homes are currently selling from $288,000 to $625,000.

Okay, I didn't even know about this neighborhood before I became a Realtor.

Cedar Park is a hill rolling up from Lake City Way (west) down to Lake Washington (east). The southern boundary is NE 125^th and the northern boundary is NE 145^th. The steep hills and very little traffic toward the lake make for excellent bicycle hill training!

This residential area has no retail or business except on the border of Lake City Way.

The Burke Gilman trail runs through Cedar Park, although there are no entrances to the trail available from this neighborhood. East of the trail are waterfront homes.

The two plus acre park in this neighborhood, appropriately named, Cedar Park, was created with the help of several neighborhood volunteers.

This neighborhood has the most affordable, nice water view homes in North Seattle. Prices currently range from $360,000 to over 2 million.

Broadview is a quiet residential neighborhood, tucked away in Seattle's northwest corner and many locals have never heard of it, even though it is an easy commute to downtown. It is one of my favorite neighborhoods as I find it very charming. On the western edge of Broadview is a bluff, overlooking the Sound and below runs the Railway. Its western boundary is the Puget Sound; northern is NW 145^th street; Greenwood Avenue N is the eastern boundary and south is NW 105^th Street and Carkeek Park.

Despite its low-key demeanor, the neighborhood is not small. 13,000 residents live here and turnover in the neighborhood is relatively low. Residents stick around which has built a strong sense of community.

Just west of Greenwood between 110th and 120th, are a couple of my favorite Seattle streets. Beautifully designed by Seattle's pilot Street Edge Alternatives project, are curving, natural landscaped roads with sidewalks and improved drainage systems.

Carkeek Park offers more than 6 miles of trails. A pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks takes you to the sandy beach with views of the Olympic Mountains.

The northwest side of Broadview holds one of Seattle's best-kept secrets, Llandover Trail, a 9-acre "open space" at 145th and Third Northwest. This is an escape into nature with Native Animal and Plant Species such as owls, eagles, mountain beavers, and old-growth trees.

Broadview is also home to EB Dunn Gardens and can be toured Thursdays-Saturdays, by advance reservation.

West of Third Avenue Northwest, and along the waterfront, are the more-expensive homes, many with large lots and Puget Sound views. East of Third, up to Greenwood, buyers can find smaller, more affordable homes. Many buyers love the open floor plans of Broadview's mid-century homes. Currently, homes are selling from $225,000 (without a view) to over 4 million (with a view).