2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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Greater Seattle

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Your Guide to Life in the Puget Sound Region

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“RE/MAX agents have what it takes to get the job done.”

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Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, having the right agent can make all the difference.

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Equal opportunity employers. ©2010 RE/MAX, LLC All rights reserved. Each RE/MAX® real estate office is independently owned and operated. 101387

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Qwest High-Speed Internet: Service not available in all areas. Connection speeds are based on sync rates. Download speeds will be up to 15% lower due to network requirements and may vary for reasons such as customer location, websites accessed, Internet congestion and customer equipment. Customers qualifying for 7 Mbps speed tier will receive maximum line speeds ranging from 3 to 7 Mbps. Activation fees may apply. Prices exclude taxes, surcharges, and other fees. With approved credit. Requires compatible modem. Subject to additional restrictions and subscriber agreement. All trademarks are the property of Qwest. Copyright © 2011 Qwest. All Rights Reserved.

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“RE/MAX agents have what it takes to get the job done.”

– Margaret Kelly, CEO, RE/MAX International

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, having the right agent can make all the difference.

RE/MAX agents average more sales than other agents. They know their markets.

And they care enough to get to know you, too.

Call RE/MAX today.

Pacific Northwest Region Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results.®

remax.com®

Equal opportunity employers. ©2010 RE/MAX, LLC All rights reserved. Each RE/MAX® real estate office is independently owned and operated. 101387

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Contents GE T TING STARTED

Greater Seattle InfoGuide ®

2011 E DITION EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS ADVERTISING SALES PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHERS

Kathy Newman Debbie Brickman Janice Walters Robyn Logan Office Bob Gene Walters Trevor Vernon

Published by Vernon Publications, LLC 12437 NE 173rd Place • P.O. Box 970 Woodinville, WA 98072-0970 • (425) 488-3211 www.vernonpublications.com Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the 2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide®. However Vernon Publications, LLC can not guarantee the correctness of all information gathered from various sources. The editor welcomes reader response to discovered errors.

Source of Statistical Information Median Household Incomes: WA Dept. of Ecology, Water Quality Program, 2010 estimates.

(2000 Census figures updated using the CPI-U percentage for inflation)

Population Figures: WA State OFM Forecasting, (April 1, 2010 Population Estimates) Real Estate Price Information: NWMLS (Jan 1- August 11, 2010)

6 10 16 18 19 23 26 28 30 31 34 36 37 44 54 66 75

Welcome from Senator Maria Cantwell Economic Overview Moving Checklist Getting Established Value & Variety Green Homes Go Mainstream Welcome to Gardening Paradise Apartment Rental Market Trends Downtown Seattle Neighborhoods Downtown Seattle Map Downtown Living, Something for Everyone Seattle’s Other Neighborhoods Seattle Map North Communities Eastside Communities South Communities West Communities

DAY-TO - DAY L I V I N G 80 92 93 99 101

Staying Healthy Childcare Education Media Transportation

ENJOYING T HE REGION

Rental Figures: SeattleRentals.com Travel Time/Distance: www.mapquest.com (figures rounded to nearest whole number)

Photo Credits COVER: Downtown Seattle from Kerry Park © Don Geyer, www.mountainscenes.com.

Inset Photos: Ferry Landing at the Seattle Terminal © VPLLC; Pier 70 © Roger Hunsperger; Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Framed by Mount Rainer, © Don Wilson/ Port of Seattle CONTENTS: Qwest Field and the Olympic Mountains © Don Geyer, www.mountainscenes.com. Downtown Seattle © Don Geyer, www.mountainscenes.com. Paragliding at Tiger Mountain © VPLLC. University of Washington Medical Center © UW Medicine. SeaTac Airport © Don Wilson/Port of Seattle. Mariners Baseball at Safeco Field © Ben Van Houten, Seattle Mariners.

103 105 106 107 112

Sightseeing Arts Family Fun Outdoors Sports / Advertisers’ Index InfoGuide® is a registered trademark

© 2011 Vernon Publications, LLC

Printed in Seattle on FSC Certified Paper

www.seattleinfoguide.com

GE TTING STARTED

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Seattle Defined

By Senator Maria Cantwell to call this place home and I am honored to introduce you to some of the gems that make this area unique.

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Welcome to the heart of the Pacific Northwest!

Whether you’re a recent transplant, a prospective resident or just passing through, you’ll discover what longtime locals have always known: The northwest corner of our country overflows with beauty, opportunity and character. Among the many qualities that define a “Seattleite” are a love for the outdoors and the seasonal weather that chooses its own course.

The breath-taking scenery instills in us an appreciation for nature and a passion for recycling, while the sometimes damp weather (we like to call it ‘mist’) keeps us down-to-earth, and never far from a cup of hot coffee. And while the stereotype is that it is always raining in the Emerald City, a well-kept secret is that just one sunny day – when both Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains are visible from downtown – will capture your heart, as it did mine so many years ago. I am so proud

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

The area’s seemingly infinite waterways support booming trade and fishing industries as well as recreational activities.

With over 2,500 miles of shoreline, Puget Sound is a complex system of channels, inlets, estuaries, and islands, and the deepest estuary of its kind in the Lower 48. The children in the area grow up learning marine biology not in a classroom but in the tide pools of Puget Sound. Outdoor activities are possible year-round – from skiing in the North Cascades and hiking in Mt. Rainier National Park to kayaking through the San Juan Islands and biking along the BurkeGilman trail from Ballard to Lake Sammamish on the ‘Eastside’ of Lake Washington.

Newcomers should be sure to take in views of the city from Queen Anne’s Kerry Park, the Magnolia Bluff and Gasworks Park.

Seattle delivers all the amenities of a lively urban center with plenty of space to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Easily accessible options include a jog around Green Lake, a hike through the old-growth forest of Seward Park on Lake Washington, or a sunset visit to West Seattle’s Alki beach. Everett’s unusually warm Jetty Island, the tunnels at Whidbey Island’s Fort Casey, glacier-carved Lake Chelan across the Cascade Mountains,

the Bavarian town known as Leavenworth nestled in the foothills of the North Cascades, or the Victorian homes of Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula – accessible via the ferry from my hometown of Edmonds – provide excellent getaways farther out from the city.

Many of Puget Sound’s island communities can be explored using the nation’s largest ferry system – and third largest system in the world. Just a short ferry ride away from downtown Seattle is Bainbridge Island.

Known for its art community, Bainbridge offers the Bloedel Nature Reserve, trendy cafes and island shops, and small town rustic charm. Also reachable from Seattle is Blake Island, an uninhabited state park where the famous Tillicum Village offers a taste of Seattle’s NativeAmerican culture. And then there’s Fauntleroy, a public beach featuring a stunning allsaltwater pool and ferry access to Vashon Island.

Seattle boasts an innovative economy with a highly skilled workforce. The Puget Sound region has the highest per capita share of technology-dependent jobs in the nation, hosting companies such as Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing.

Washington has one of the most robust export economies in the country, with one in three jobs dependent on trade. Puget Sound is also the best-educated region in the country, with Seattle supporting the highest percentage of residents with a

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Photo © Benjamin Benschneider

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LIFE IN THE GREATER SEATTLE AREA

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Downtown Seattle from the Olympic Sculpture Park college degree or higher. With more than 200 global development organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, PATH and World Vision, it is no wonder that the state is home to the highest percentage of Peace Corps volunteers in the nation. The region also prides itself on clean-energy technologies and ‘green’ jobs. Seattle was ranked as America’s number-one ‘smarter city’ based on its government policies and green economy, and Seattle has the highest percentage of people bike commuting compared to other U.S. cities its size.

Seattle’s diverse residents are known for being courteous and for cultivating a true sense of community. Each of Seattle’s neighborhoods has a distinct personality. Head to one of Capitol Hill’s individualistic coffee shops or try dim sum in the International District for a taste of what Seattle has to offer.

Or simply stop by the Bite of Seattle at the Seattle Center in the shadow of the Space Needle. One of three great Seattle Center festivals including culturally-

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2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

diverse Folklife and music-focused Bumbershoot, the Bite collects many of the city’s flavors in one place for one weekend every July. Make sure to check out the weekend Farmer’s Market in Fremont and visit the famous Volkswagen-eating troll under the bridge on your way. Or browse through Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market during Seafair – a month-long summer festival featuring hydroplane races and the Blue Angels.

The Seattle music scene, famous for artists such as Jimmy Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews, and Nirvana, continues to live up to its long-standing reputation. Options include a night out with Benaroya Hall’s Seattle Symphony, or an indie concert at the Crocodile Café – still at the forefront of new music more than a decade after it became the epicenter of grunge. For a unique music history tour, take a trip inside the eclectic shell of the Experience Music Project, which offers a blend of music, memorabilia and one-of-a-kind interactive exhibits.

As a big sports fan, I enjoy heading to Safeco Stadium south of Pioneer Square to cheer on my favorite team, the Seattle Mariners! I keep a whiteboard in my office updated with the latest M’s schedule and scores. And in 2006, I had the honor of watching the Seahawks make it to their first-ever Super Bowl.

These are just some of the area’s gems. If you’re new to the area, have fun building your own list of favorites. In no time at all, you’ll discover how much there is to love about the Pacific Northwest.

About Senator Cantwell: Maria Cantwell serves as a U.S. Senator for the State of Washington. For information on various constituent services including assistance in resolving problems with federal agencies (e.g. Social Security, Veterans Affairs, IRS, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), please visit her official website: http://cantwell.senate.gov.

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LIFE IN THE GREATER SEATTLE AREA

PLANNING RELOCATION

Economic Overview

By The Greater Seattle Chamber Of Commerce

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The continuing growth of the region is a clear indication of its desirability as a place to do business and to live. By 2010, over 1.9 million people were in our region’s labor force and more people consistently moved into the region than out of it. The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) estimates that by 2040, the region will add 1.5 million people and 1.2 million more jobs. This longterm tendency for consistent growth in size and quality is why the Seattle metropolitan area was named the strongest local economy in America on the 2010 Policom Corporation Annual Economic Strength Rankings.

What makes this a great place to live or to start, expand or relocate a business? For starters, this region is: • A hotbed for research and development: The University of Washington, the nation’s top public university in terms of research funding, pulled in an impressive $1.3 billion in 2010. In 2009, 94% of the National Institute of Health grants awarded in our state went to organizations located in the Puget Sound Region.

• An export-driven economy: Nearly three quarters of the state’s exports originate in the central Puget Sound region, and it is estimated that one in three jobs locally is tied to international trade.

• A 24-hour vibe: Seattle is a 24-hour city on Asian commerce routes, making it one of the top ten US markets to 10

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

The Port of Seattle had a record breaking year for cargo in 2010

Photo © Don Wilson, Port of Seattle

• A strategic location: Greater Seattle is equidistant from London and Tokyo— 9 hours by plane to either city. The region’s marine ports are also closer to Asia than any other major ports on the United States’ West Coast.

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US Bank Home Mortgage, Seattle Contact your Local Representative Office: 866-285-0389 www.usbankhomemortgage.com

Loan approval is subject to program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts.

Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. 051010-891 USB18 Member FDIC

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LIFE IN THE GREATER SEATTLE AREA

watch in 2010. (Emerging Trends in Real Estate by Urban Land Institute and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.) • A technology center: The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners 2010 Best Performing Cities named the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett metro area one of the nation’s top five high-tech centers.

• A leader in sustainability: By 2013 Seattle will be one of the largest single owners of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified facilities in the world.

• A great place for business: Washington ranked fifth in the nation on Forbes.com 2010 “Top States for Business” and Seattle was in the top 20 “Best Places for Business and Careers.”

• A diverse economy and population: Minority-owned businesses are a dynamic part of the economy. In 2010 the State of Washington did business with 545 minority-owned businesses.

The total expenditures exceeded $67.1 million.

• A qualified workforce: Approximately 58% of the population is in the prime workforce age of 25-64. Greater Seattle area residents are also among the nation’s most highly educated. Over 40% have at least a bachelor’s degree and nearly one-third of those hold a graduate or professional degree.

• A center for emerging industries: Washington’s gaming industry is the third largest in the nation, the region’s growing Biomedical Device Cluster had an estimated total statewide impact of $4.9 billion, and life sciences attracts 40% of venture capital in the state.

Cost of Living A strong economy and a diverse, welleducated populace mean the Puget Sound region is a relatively affluent area.

Within the four-county area, King County has the highest median household income, projected at $66,398 by the Washington State Office of Financial Management. Snohomish County follows at $63,587, then Kitsap County at $60,455 and Pierce County at $55,302.

Cost of living is generally higher than the U.S. average, but is in line with other metropolitan centers with comparable income levels.

Industry Clusters While Greater Seattle’s economy includes a broad range of industries, seven clusters stand out as essential to the region’s continuing prosperity.

Aerospace The Puget Sound region has a proud

PLANNING RELOCATION

history and a strong future as a leader in the aerospace industry. The Washington Aerospace Partnership reports that there are 585 aerospace and aerospace related companies in the Greater Seattle region, the highest concentration of aerospace jobs in the world.

The largest employer is Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Boeing employees at the 278-acre Renton site, about 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle, produce Boeing’s advanced 737 airplanes. The next generation 787 Dreamliner is assembled in Everett, just north of Seattle.

Information Technology Our region is home to some of the most recognized names in the software and information technology industry. These pioneers include Microsoft, Nintendo, Expedia, Amazon.com, RealNetworks, and many more. With such a strong business base, it is no surprise that information technology is one of the region’s largest employment clusters. Three quarters of all the technology sector jobs in the state are found here.

The region’s rich pool of talent has also led other major companies, such as Google, to identify it as a key location for future growth. It is also critical in helping the region establish an edge in new sectors like interactive media.

With more than 150 current interactive media companies and significant

Cost of Living Index, MSA comparisons, US city average equals 100.

City

Composite Index

Groceries

Housing

Utilities

Transportation

Health Care

Misc. Goods/ Services

Portland

125

114

145

93

116

110

121

San Diego

133

103

184

96

115

112

104

Washington D.C.

133

112

186

99

103

105

104

Seattle

143

106

197

80

123

123

126

Los Angeles

144

106

218

86

112

109

107

Boston

162

117

232

159

101

126

124

San Francisco

206

120

369

93

114

113

131

Source: Sperling’s Best Places • www.bestplaces.net 12

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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growth projected in the next several years the Puget Sound is increasingly recognized as an international hub in this $42 billion-plus sector.

Summary Forecast

Clean Technology

Puget Sound Region

The region’s many experienced technology entrepreneurs are also an important factor in the burgeoning clean technology sector. They, along with others, recognize that clean technology is a natural fit for this region known for its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and early leadership on various environmental issues, from recycling to sustainable building.

Employment Personal income (cur. $) Consumer price index Housing permits Population

Currently, nearly 1,600 clean technology businesess are located in the region. Groups like the Washington Clean Technology Alliance work to maximize the opportunities presented by clean “green” tech and state legislation like House Bill 2227 supports research to promote Washington’s “green economy.” Between 2008 and 2017 jobs in the clean tech sector are projected to increase by 15%.

Annual Percent Change

2008

2009

2010

2011

0.9 -4.9 3.1 -1.6 4.3 0.6 -42.7 -50.1 1.4 1.5

-1.0 2.8 0.3 12.7 0.9

1.5 4.4 1.4 17.7 0.7

0.0 -2.6 -0.6 -4.3 4.0 -1.7 3.8 -0.3 -32.9 -38.4

2.9 -0.4 3.0 1.5 12.2

2.8 1.6 4.5 1.5 28.6

United States* GDP ($05) Employment Personal income (cur. $) Consumer price index Housing starts

Life Sciences

*Source: Blue Chip Economic Indicators

The Puget Sound region boasts one of the most significant concentrations of life sciences companies in the U.S. The life sciences cluster is the 5th largest employer in the state. In King County alone, there are 160 life sciences companies that employ more than 15,000 people.

Courtesy Dick Conway, The Puget Sound Economic Forecaster www.economicforecaster.com

Many of these companies grew out of cutting-edge research conducted at the numerous public and private research institutions based in the region, such as the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Biomedical Research Institute—to name just a few.

Efforts are underway across the region and state to support the development of this critical sector. Examples include the annual Life Sciences Discovery Fund Grand Awards and the redevelopment of Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood into a center for biotechnology and research.

Logistics & International Trade The region’s strategic location with regard to the Pacific Rim, our deep-water ports and vast experience in international trade make it one of the leading trade hubs on the West Coast of North America.

In fact, the Seattle-Tacoma-Everett port region is the third largest container complex in North America, smaller only than New York/New Jersey and Los Angeles/Long Beach. Puget Sound’s ports serve not only the Pacific Northwest, but also the major cities of the Midwest, East Coast and Canada.

Commercial ties are cemented by strong civic, cultural and personal relationships. Greater Seattle is a popular destination for international tourists and students, has extensive sister-city relationships and is a center for research institutions, nonprofits and businesses that conduct groundbreaking work in fields such as global health.

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Tourism/Visitor Tourism and visitor related businesses not only provide over 75,000 jobs in central Puget Sound, but they also contribute tax revenue. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce in 2010, visitors spent $15.2 billion, generating $240 of tax revenue for each family in Washington. King County holds the largest market share of visitor spending (receiving nearly half of all travel expenditures generated by visitors) followed by Pierce and Snohomish Counties respectively.

Military According to the PSRC, the military and nonmilitary employment cluster totals over 125,000. About 90% of these jobs are in Pierce and Kitsap Counties where major military bases are located. Estimates for the total annual payroll for all of the region’s installations are $3.1 billion with an additional $3.7 billion in defense contracts to local private sector contractors and subcontractors.

Beyond these direct impacts are the “multiplier impacts” that generate economic activity. A 2004 State Office of Financial Management Report indicated that sales by Washington companies to local bases totaled $528 million per year.

About the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce Since 1882, the Greater Seattle Chamber has promoted economic prosperity in the Puget Sound region and provided businesses with tools to grow. Visit their website at www.seattlechamber.com for more information about living or working in Greater Seattle.

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SEATTLE KingCounty REALTORS® have been building our communities, serving the public and protecting homeowners since 1908.

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LIFE IN THE GREATER SEATTLE AREA

PLANNING RELOCATION

BUYING A HOME

Moving Checklist A

A little organization goes a long way toward easing the monumental task of relocation. While every move is unique, this checklist should help make it efficient and trouble-free.

One Month in Advance ❏ Arrange for a moving company agent to visit your home and give an estimate of moving costs. Check insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor costs, travel time for the load, and method and timing of payment. ❏ Finalize arrangements with the moving company, or make reservations if you’re renting a truck. ❏ If an employer helps pay moving expenses, confirm what preparations are your responsibility. ❏ Inventory your household goods.

Make a list of items to be moved and those to be discarded, sold or given away. ❏ Be sure important papers (documents for loan applications, insurance policies, etc.) are easily accessible.

Washington is a community-property state, so it is advisable to consult an attorney regarding personal documents such as wills. ❏ Notify the post office of your moving date and new address. Mail changeof-address cards. ❏ Notify newspapers, creditors, insurance companies, attorneys, accountants, health care providers, etc. about your intended move. ❏ Close/clear up outstanding accounts. ❏ Notify schools. Collect transcripts, immunization records, and birth certificates or arrange for them to be sent to the new school district.

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❏ Notify police if your new home will be vacant for any length of time before you move in.

❏ Pack lightweight clothing in dresser drawers for ease in moving and unpacking on arrival.

Two Weeks in Advance

One Day in Advance

❏ Contact moving company to confirm moving date(s). ❏ Transfer insurance coverages to include possessions at new home and en route. ❏ Advise utility companies of shut-off date and new address for billing. Have utilities turned on at new location. ❏ Transfer bank accounts and request credit references to be sent to your new bank. Order checks with your new address. Transfer contents of safedeposit box(es) to new bank. ❏ Cancel any deliveries (papers, etc.). ❏ Begin packing items not needed until you move into the new home. Pack those items you plan to move yourself. ❏ Make/confirm travel arrangements for family members (and pets!). ❏ Service your car, especially if traveling a long distance.

❏ Arrange to spend the next night in a motel. ❏ Give friends/relatives your schedule and expected arrival time. ❏ Defrost refrigerator/freezer. ❏ Check all cabinets, closets and crawl spaces as well as the attic and basement for overlooked items. ❏ Select items needed for immediate housekeeping, food preparation and personal use at new home. Pack all in one box and label accordingly.

One Week in Advance ❏ Clean appliances for shipping; remove television antenna if necessary. ❏ Arrange for all utility meters to be read prior to your move and for payment of any refunds due to you. ❏ Put appliance warranties and instructions in a kitchen cupboard for new tenants.

Two Days in Advance ❏ Drain power tools of fuel. ❏ Label paint cans that you’re leaving for new tenants. ❏ Remove curtains, drapes and other fixtures that you are taking. ❏ Buy travelers checks for funds while en route.

Moving Day ❏ Confirm arrival time with moving company. Check destination directions. ❏ Accompany movers through the house as they tag furniture. You should mark each piece with room location in new house. ❏ Specify what is to be moved and what stays. ❏ Sign and keep a copy of the bill of loading (freight bill) from the operator.

Put it in a safe place for future reference. ❏ Double-check closets, drawers, shelves, etc., to be sure they’re empty. ❏ Turn off lights, close and lock windows and doors. ❏ Leave keys needed by new tenant with real estate agent. ❏ Leave the house only after the moving truck has departed.

On Arrival at New Home ❏ Check circuit breakers or fuse box and all other utilities to be sure everything is on. ❏ Check belongings (furniture, etc.) for damage immediately after arrival, preferably while movers are still there.

Report any damaged or missing items to the movers.

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LIFE IN THE GREATER SEATTLE AREA

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BUYING A HOME

Getting Established T

Medical Advice: Moving more often than not means finding new health care providers and the best time to think about that is before you need care. Fortunately, this region abounds with first-class clinics, hospitals, research facilities, and practitioners. For information, refer to our “Staying Healthy” section.

There are so many aspects to establishing life in a new area that it is often easy to overlook some very important details.

New drivers and all new residents must take both a written exam and a driving test. New residents can waive the driving test by presenting a valid driver’s license from another state within 30 days after becoming a Washington resident. The fee is $45 for a five-year license. (360) 9023900, www.dol.wa.gov.

You have 30 days after moving to Washington to title and register your vehicle or you may be fined a minimum of $330. This can be done by mail or in person at a vehicle licensing office. Visit www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/movi ng.html to find out what documentation you need. Title and registration fees vary depending on your vehicle’s weight, where you live, the type of license plates, etc. To determine the fees for your vehicle call (360) 902-3770, option 5. The first time you register your vehicle, an additional use tax based on its purchase price applies.

Once titled and registered, your vehicle will be issued Washington license plates.

The basic plate fee is $30 plus state and local taxes and fees.

A $15 vehicle emission test is required every other year for vehicles betwen 5 and 25 years old. Motorcycles, scooters, and some hybrids rated at 50 miles per gallon in-city are exempt. (360) 407-6856, www.emissiontestwa.com.

Pets If you own animals, acquaint yourself with the animal laws in your new county.

Remember to license your pets. They are also in a new area and if lost, a license will help identify you as the owner. In King County, call (206) 296-7387 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/pets.

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2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

Seattle is a 2010 “Top Ten” most dog friendly city in the U.S. (www.toptenz.net)

Professional Advisors The right professional can provide information to make your relocation go more smoothly and to help you look out for your best interests.

Insurance Advice: Be it auto, homeowners, renter, health, disability or another personal insurance need, a change of address (especially one from out of state) may require new coverage. To find a local agent, ask for referrals from your previous agent, co-workers, or friends. For more information, contact the State’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner at www.insurance.wa.gov or call their Consumer Hotline at (800) 562-6900.

Legal Advice: Even with a valid will from another state, consult a lawyer to verify that Washington’s community property laws will not affect your intentions for the final disposition of your estate. These local County Bar Associations offer referral services: King County, (206) 267-7010.

Tacoma/Pierce County, (253) 383-3432.

Snohomish County, (425) 388-3018. In Kitsap County, call the Kitsap County Attorney Referral line, (360) 373-2426.

Photo © Dana Thompson

Automobile Licensing and Registration

Tax Advice: Relocating can have ramifications when tax time rolls around. Three major points of consideration are the sale of a home, the purchase of a home, and the cost of moving for a new job. All three have reporting requirements that can be explained by a tax advisor or by obtaining the following IRS Publications: 521 Moving Expenses, 523 - Selling Your Home, and 530 - Tax Information For Homeowners. Don’t forget to keep good records—this is key to taking the deductions that will save you tax dollars!

Voter Registration If you are new to Washington, or if you have moved within the state from one county to another, you need to register in order to vote. Eligible voters must meet the following criteria: 1. You are a US citizen.

2. You are a Washington resident.

3. You are 18 or older by election day.

4. You retain your civil rights.

Register to vote at the clerk’s office at city hall, county elections offices, Drivers Licensing Offices, or the Washington Secretary of State at www.sos.wa. gov/elections. For information call the State Voter Hotline, (800) 448-4881.

Welcome Home Putting down roots in a new place can be challenging. Our best advice is to get involved—volunteer, join a club or organization, take a class—find something that interests you. As you make new friends, keep in touch with old ones. Invite them to visit. Playing tour guide is a great way to get to know your new home!

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Value & Variety From high-rises to “haciendas,” house-hunters have plenty of choices

By Dennis Brown 2010 President, Seattle KingCounty REALTORS®

L

Like many parts of the country, the real estate market in the Greater Seattle area is slowly recovering from a downturn.

For house hunters, this transition can be advantageous. Selection is plentiful, prices are down (but stabilizing), and interest rates are near historic lows.

Those who plan to relocate to the Puget Sound region will find a broad spectrum of prices, currently ranging from under $10,000 for a few manufactured homes on rural lots to palatial mansions on waterfront acreage with multi-million dollar asking prices. Similarly, prices for condominiums reflect a broad range, from around $20,000 to more than $15 million.

While asking prices for homes and condominiums in the four-county region are lower than a year ago, there are fewer homes for sale, whether shopping for pre-owned or newly built.

Builders have scaled back construction of new homes so the selection at mid-year 2010 is considerably smaller than midyear 2009. Prices are also lower, with part of the difference attributed to the trend of more builders constructing smaller, more affordable homes.

Starting the search House-hunting can be a daunting and confusing process, especially if relocating to a new destination. By following a few tips, the task can become exciting and enjoyable!

Photo courtesy of Oki Golf

Prices, while down from a year ago, are showing signs of stabilizing. The median price for a single family home in King County that sold during June 2010 was $383,000. Within Seattle, the median price was $410,000.

A Golfer’s Dream – a home with a backyard fairway!

Start by embracing technology, working from a checklist, and enlisting the services of local REALTORS® and affiliated professionals. Access to indispensable information is just a click or call away.

A visit to the Seattle KingCounty REALTORS® website (ww.nwrealtor.com) will help you find specialists and affiliate members, including lenders and home inspectors, plus an array of resources for multicultural and first-time buyers. The “Find a REALTOR®” information in the consumer section links to a searchable database.

Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) is the local MLS that serves

most of Washington state, including the four-county Puget Sound region plus 17 other counties.

Most real estate brokerages that are part of NWMLS can display the entire database, making it easy for shoppers to preview the inventory. Several have interactive maps for pinpointing listings within specific neighborhoods that match requirements for price space and other criteria.

At mid-year 2010, the NWMLS inventory in the four-country Puget Sound region included around 22,000 single family homes and more than 5,700 condominiums offered for sale. About two2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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thirds of the condo listings are located in King County.

Whether looking for an urban, suburban or rural lifestyle, there’s a good chance the desired home awaits!

Within urban settings are in-city singlefamily homes, many of them impeccably restored, and live-work lofts in quaint

BUYING A HOME

THE GARDEN ZONE

neighborhoods. Also among the choices are compact cottage homes in pocket neighborhoods, high-rise condominiums with floor-to-ceiling window walls that showcase majestic views, and even a few floating homes (houseboats) for those who prefer on-the-water living.

Suburban choices include master planned

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communities on golf courses, traditional homes in established neighborhoods, country estates adjacent to equestrian trails and homes offering a variety of waterfront options (both fresh and salt water) with moorage.

If a newly built home is a priority, wouldbe buyers should be prepared to act quickly. According to NewHomeTrends, a brokerage that tracks new construction, demand is strong, with sales reportedly up more than 28 percent from the prior year.

Residents revel in their proximity to recreational activities, whether the preference is boating, golfing, kayaking, hiking or skiing. Of course, such amenities typically command with higher prices.

If walkability is a priority, newcomers will appreciate Seattle’s sixth place ranking in a recent survey of 40 cities by Walk Score®. The scores measure a property’s proximity to workplaces, neighborhood centers, shopping, dining, public transit, schools, parks, other public spaces. Within Seattle, the Pioneer Square, Downtown and First Hill neighborhoods are noteworthy for their walkability.

Like many regions, Puget Sound is embracing sustainable building and environmental stewardship.

The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region rates among the country’s top 10 “greenest” cities based on a combination of environmental and sustainability criteria, including adoption of green technologies and sound practices pertaining to air and water quality.

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In response to rising demand for “green homes,” member-brokers of Northwest MLS are able to use environmental checklists to search inventory for properties with eco-friendly and resource-efficient features.

Condo Choices Abound

© 2011 Frontier Communications Corporation. Service subject to availability.

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2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

There’s a plentiful selection of condos, both near downtown job centers and in more suburban settings.

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From Olympia to Bremerton, Redmond to Port Orchard, for over 40 years Quadrant Homes has been on the forefront of building Northwest communities with lasting value. Our hands on approach will make customizing your new home simple and personal. Visit QuadrantHomes.com and discover a new community close to you.

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Several new mixed-use developments have been, or are nearing, completion, offering a sensational array of amenities.

Among these are panoramic views, concierge services, spas, fully equipped fitness centers, virtual golf, rooftop gardens and gathering places, wine cellars, tankless hot water systems, secured parking, Zipcars and guest accommodations.

Along with ultra-luxurious penthouses,

ON-LINE RELOCATION RESOURCES Demographic information: www.census.gov Employment information: www.workforceexplorer.com www.wa.gov/esd/employment.html Licensing information: www.dol.wa.gov Merchant information: www.welcomewagon.com Moving Company information: www.wutc.wa.gov/home www.wmcmovers.com Real Estate information: www.realtor.com www.realtor.org.

Rental information: www.seattleapartmentfinders.com www.seattlerentalgroup.com www.seattlerentals.com School information: www.seattletimes.com/schoolguide www.greatschools.org Visitor information: www.experiencewa.com www.seattlesouthside.com www.visitseattle.org WA State Government information: http://access.wa.gov WA Traffic, Roads, Travel information: www.wsdot.wa.gov/choices 22

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

BUYING A HOME

THE GARDEN ZONE

MEDIAN SALES PRICES (for closed sales, Jan–Dec 2010) County KING

Sub-area Single Family Condominium All areas $375,000 $244,000 S.W. King County $237,147 $139,950 S.E. King County $265,000 $161,499 Seattle $410,000 $285,000 North King County $335,000 $184,000 Eastside (E. King County) $520,000 $293,654 Vashon $375,000 $240,000 SNOHOMISH $275,000 $210,000 PIERCE $219,950 $173,000 KITSAP $240,000 $175,000 Source: Northwest Multiple Listing Service

the selection includes condos that are part of master planned communities in outlying areas and affordably priced in-city conversions. Pre-purchase checklists can help with researching details about parking, storage, special assessments, pet policies, maintenance responsibilities and other considerations that may be unique to condominiums.

Smoothing the Move Whether looking for an innovative “edgy” design, a “fixer-upper” or a traditional home on a cul-de-sac, prudent buyers can minimize the stress associated with relocating by following a few guidelines: • Engage the services of an experienced, knowledgeable REALTOR® , ideally someone who works in your destination neighborhoods. This professional can assist in determining your buying power, explain financing options,

provide objective information on available properties, assist with negotiations, and offer guidance throughout the process.

• Prioritize your needs and be ready to make decisions and tradeoffs.

• Get pre-approved for financing.

• Do your homework. Check out commuting times and transit options, proximity to schools, shopping, entertainment and services (e.g., child care, health care).

• Take advantage of technology, including online tours, electronic document processing and instant communication with advisers.

• Assemble a team of professionals, such as a lender, home inspector, escrow/closing agent and title insurance company representative.

About The Author Dennis Brown is the 2010 president of Seattle KingCounty REALTORS® and residential and investment specialist with Windermere Fauntleroy.

About Seattle KingCounty REALTORS® Seattle KingCounty REALTORS®, based in Bellevue, is a nonprofit trade organization whose members include approximately 8,500 licensed real estate professionals and affiliated businesses. Founded in 1908, SKCR is one of approximately 1,800 local associations of the National Association of REALTORS®. Together, these voluntary members subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and engage in activities to preserve and expand real property rights, homeownership and housing affordability. Only members may use the term REALTOR® which is a licensed collective trademark.

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Green Homes Go Mainstream

By David Thyer President of R.C. Hedreen

A

A move to the Puget Sound area is a move to one of the greenest regions in the nation. Reducing and re-using are second nature (in fact, Seattle residents visiting areas where recycling isn’t so common have been known to bring cans and bottles home to recycle because they just can’t bear to put it in the trash).

Organic gardening is more and more the norm. And it seems like every other driver is in a Prius or SmartCar. Homes here are no different—the demand for green, healthy, energy efficient homes is strong and interest in green homes from those relocating is equally strong.

Why buy a green home?

Most people buy a green home because they understand the benefits.

Healthy indoor air. An increasingly important benefit of green building is healthier indoor air quality. Green build-

Photo © R.C. Hedreen

Seattle has long been a hotbed of environmentally-friendly and sustainable building and that has resulted in a wide variety of options, with everything from luxurious downtown high-rise condominiums to quaint cottage communities. There are probably more choices and a wider price range than just about anywhere else in the country. But even in Seattle, words like “green” and “eco-friendly” are often misused and more a marketing ploy than the real deal. By knowing what to look for, you can distinguish authentic sustainability from simple greenwashing, and be able to reap the countless benefits (financial, environmental, and health-related) that come with buying a green home.

The Olive 8 has one of the largest green roofs in Seattle ing materials lack the toxins and pollutants that can trigger reactions in people with asthma or allergies (which now affect one in four Americans) and have a

negative impact on your health over time.

And green building practices also help prevent toxins in the first place while also preventing mold and mildew growth.

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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Better long-term investment value. Of course you want to love the home you’re buying, but you also want to know that it’s an investment that will provide the best return when it’s time to sell. Recent and on-going studies by King County Master Builders and Greenworks Realty show that e-certified green homes in the Greater Seattle area and King County spend less time on the market, sell closer to their asking price and have a higher resale value than their non-green counterparts. In other parts of the country it may still cost more to build green but that tends not to be the case here, where experienced green building professionals are

ON-LINE GREEN RESOURCES

found in every sector; architects, contractors, engineers, plumbers, electricians and all the other trades involved in construction and remodeling.

Build Green NW: www.buildgreennw.com

How do I know it’s green?

Built Green: www.www.builtgreen.net Green Residential: www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/ SingleFamilyResidential Greenworks Realty: www.greenworksrealty.com King County Green Tools: http://your.kingcounty.gov/ solidwaste/greenbuilding Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish County: www.mba-ks.com NW EcoBuilding Guild: http://ecobuilding.org U.S. Green Building Council: www.usgbc.org USGBC Green Home Guide: http://greenhomeguide.com 24

Green homes like those at Olive 8 feature low– or no VOC finishes for healthier indoor air.

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

Green. Eco-friendly. Environmentally sensitive. Sustainable. We’re constantly inundated with products promoted with words like these, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to know when it’s real.

With green homes, the best way to know for sure is to look for properties with LEED®, Built Green or Energy Star certification. These designations mean that the property has been assessed by a thirdparty, and successfully met the criteria outlined by the United States Green Building Council (LEED®), King County Master Builders Association (Built Green) or the EPA (Energy Star). All of these organizations have checklists and rating systems that rank projects based on the number of high-performance and sustainability qualifications they meet. It’s true that some homes are very green even though they lack official certification, but the best bet for the average consumer is to look for formal certification.

What does green look like?

If you think it’s funky or odd looking, look again. Green is gorgeous here. For example, the downtown hotel/condominium Olive 8 building offers a stunning design that attracts the most sophisticated and hip urban dwellers.

Meanwhile, the Ashworth Cottages near Green Lake offer dense, attached homes in traditional Craftsman style right in the middle of a single family neighborhood.

These projects are joined by a wide variety of other green-constructed townhomes and single family homes scattered throughout the city. With more and more brokers becoming e-certified, it’s easier than ever to find a well educated agent to help you find the green home that fits your lifestyle and budget.

About The Author David Thyer is the President of R.C. Hedreen, the developer of Olive 8. Olive 8 is Seattle's tallest residential tower and the city's first LEED Silver certified hotel/condominium building. The hotel Hyatt at Olive 8 is on the first 17 floors with 22 floors of condominiums above.

Photo © R.C. Hedreen

Cost savings. With built-in systems for water and energy efficiency, green properties offer long-term savings in the form of lower utility bills. And while green building materials are often made from recycled or renewable materials, they are also designed to be durable and long-lasting, which translates into less time, energy, and money spent on maintenance over time.

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RENTAL STRATEGIES

Welcome to Gardening Paradise

By Ciscoe Morris,

I

If you’re a newcomer to the Seattle area, get ready for a pleasant surprise. You just moved to gardening paradise! The climate here is moderated by the influence of marine air, and the mild weather enables us to grow spectacular plants from practically every corner of the globe. In my Seattle garden, you’ll find tropical looking palms from China, hummingbird attracting fire trees from South America, winter-blooming Grevilleas from Australia, and a slew of colorful blooming perennials from South Africa. The pièce de résistance, is my hardy banana tree from Asia, capable of reaching 25 feet tall and actually produces bananas! (The bunches of fruit look incredible, but don’t try eating one or you’ll never eat another prune for the rest of your life. They are so high in fiber, it’s like eating plastic!)

Rain is not nearly as prevalent as Seattle’s famous reputation would imply. Winter and spring can be wet, but once summer kicks in, you’ll find we have a mediterranean climate.

We average less than 7 inches of rain from the start of May until the end of September and the temperatures rarely reach into the 90’s. In fact, anyone who moves here has to sign an oath to keep mum about our spectacular summers to keep too many people from moving here.

Vegetable gardeners will love the Seattle climate because it’s so easy to grow cool season crops such as peas, lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower. Growing the big tomatoes can be a bit of a challenge, however, but if you stick to the smaller fruiting varieties and find a hot sunny location, you won’t find yourself shopping for a cook book specializing in recipes for ‘fried green tomatoes’ at the end of the season.

It’s not surprising that in such a gardening mecca, there are a lot of events related to gardening. During the month of April, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (www.tulipfestival.org) draws thousands of visitors to one of the best tulip growing areas in the world. The main attractions are the colorful tulip fields and display gardens, but scattered throughout the event are parades, bluegrass concerts, and even visits to a working dairy farm.

26

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

Another garden-related event you won’t want to miss is the Sequim Lavender Festival (www.lavenderfestival.com). Held in the Sunny Dungeness Valley on the Olympic Peninsula, it’s the biggest lavender festival in North America. The combination of nonstop sun, purple fields swaying in the breeze, air filled with the heady fragrance of lavender and the soft melody of humming bees makes you feel like you’re in Provence. Add to that an incredible street fair filled with lively music, delicious food, and vendors selling hand crafted art and everything imaginable infused with lavender.

Without a doubt, however, the premier gardening event of the region is the Northwest Flower and Garden Show (www.gardenshow.com).

The gardening extravaganza takes place for 5 days in February in downtown Seattle, at the Washington State Convention Center. It’s the third largest show of its kind in North America and offers something for everyone from the serious horticulturist to the novice gardener. The centerpiece is the twenty-plus magnificent display gardens, but the show also features fantastic container gardens and florist displays, a huge orchid show, all sorts of information booths, and the best shopping for plants, garden art and most everything else related to gardening you’ll ever experience. This is the place to go if you want to learn all about gardening in the Pacific Northwest. The show offers more gardening seminars and hands-on demonstrations than any other garden show in the world!

Another fun way to gain new gardening insights, meet garden enthusiasts and see fantastic gardens is to attend one of the gazillions of garden tours offered in the Seattle area. The Elisabeth C Miller Library at the University of Washington, considered by many to be the best public horticultural library on the West Coast lists all the garden tours and plant sales on their website at http://depts.washington. edu/hortlib/calendar/tours_sales.php.

Of course, it wouldn’t be right to finish this piece without a warning about the addictive

Ciscoe Morris in his element nature of gardening here. The Seattle area boasts some of the best nurseries in the country, including many with quality restaurants and spectacular display gardens. Molbak’s Home and Garden, in Woodinville, is not only the biggest nursery in the state, but is also one of the most popular Washington State tourist destinations as well. You’ll find many equally impressive nurseries, albeit smaller, tucked into every corner of the greater Seattle area. The problem is that these nurseries carry such an incredible selection of colorful must-have plants, including spectacular new introductions, that no one can resist buying car-loads.

Before you know it you can become addicted to searching out the newest rare plants to add to your garden. You’ll know you’re in trouble when the neighborhood kids refer to your garden as the jungle and you turn your garage into a greenhouse to overwinter tender plants.

Once you’re hooked, your only hope is to acknowledge your problem and attend a 12 step ‘Plantaholics Anonymous’ program. I’d give you the name of mine, but it won’t be much help. They hold it at my favorite nursery!

About The Author The name Ciscoe Morris is synonymous with gardening here in the Northwest. As an author, TV personality, radio host and newspaper columnist Ciscoe dispenses his gardening wisdom with wit, style and an exuberance that will have you digging in the dirt before you know it! To find out more about Ciscoe, visit www.ciscoe.com.

Photo courtesy Ciscoe Morris

Seattle's Garden Guru

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Inspiration awaits.

A NORTHWEST TRADITION The area’s premier garden and home destination, Molbak’s has been a garden lover’s haven for over a half century.

Molbak’s proudly put down its Northwest roots way back in 1956 – now we’d like to help you do the same by providing you with the ideas and inspiration you need to make your house a home.

ACRES OF HEALTHY PLANTS Molbak’s has a breathtaking selection of gorgeous, vibrant plants – many grown locally at our farm down the road.

LOVELY HOME DÉCOR AND GIFTS Inside our Home + Gift Store, you’ll discover thoughtful gifts and beautiful finds to cozy up your abode.

GREAT GARDEN GEAR From birdfeeders to bypass pruners, we have the tools and supplies you need to make your Northwest garden thrive.

EXPERT GUIDANCE Our horticultural experts and designers are here to help turn your garden vision to reality. Just ask.

for store hours and more information please visit molbaks.com

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RENTAL STRATEGIES

DOWNTOWN SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS

Rental Market Trends

By Patty Dupre & Mike Scott Dupre + Scott Apartment Advisors

I

If you are relocating to the Puget Sound area and renting is the housing option that best fits your needs you’ll be happy to know that market trends are pointing toward a “renters” market. In general, vacancy rates and incentives are up while rents are lower. Here are the fact and figures to explain the trends.

created or taken away. According to Conway Pedersen Economics, in 2009, we lost 78,000 jobs. Vacancies climbed through 2009 and early 2010 as a result of job losses reducing apartment demand.

Vacancy Rates

At the same time that demand was dropping, supply increased significantly. New product hit the market from all directions.

Developers opened almost 6,000 new units in 2009 and another 1,150 units in the first quarter of 2010. We expect almost 3,000 more units will begin lease-up before 2011. So, more supply plus less demand equals more vacancies.

By the spring of 2010, the Puget Sound region’s apartment market vacancy rate was 6.3%, down from 7.2% the previous fall. The “market” vacancy rate excludes vacancies in new construction still in lease-up, and properties undergoing significant renovation. During this same time period, the “gross” vacancy rate, which counts all vacant units, was 7.4%, down from 8.4%.

Mar-10

Mar-09

Mar-08

Mar-07

Mar-06

Mar-05

Mar-04

Mar-03

Mar-02

Mar-01

Mar-00

Mar-99

Mar-98

Mar-97

Mar-96

Mar-95

1.Realistically assess your budget. Consider monthly expenses (utilities, phone, cable, etc.) and initial expenses (last months’ rent and deposits.) A good rule of thumb?

Earn three times the monthly rent.

Source: Dupre + Scott www.dsaa.com

Keep in mind that the 7.4% gross vacancy rate is an average.

On the low end, 8% of the properties had vacancy rates below 1%. At the other extreme, 20% had vacancies of 10% or more.

Vacancy Variations Among other things, vacancies vary by rent level. While vacancies were more common in higher rent units, they spiked at the lower end of the market as well. We found a fairly steady 6% to 8% vacancy rate in the $700 to $1,400 rent range. Above that, vacancies jump significantly. That’s partly because a lot of these units were in new, recently opened properties and it takes time to get through lease-up. But higher vacancies also filtered into existing properties that competed with new units.

Economic Factors A rule-of-thumb estimate states that for every eight or nine jobs added or lost in our market, demand for one apartment unit is 28

In addition to new product, condominiums are impacting vacancy rates. Almost 8,200 condominium units in 20-unit

RENTAL TIPS

Puget Sound Apartments: Market Vacancy Rate 8.0% 7.5% 7.0% 6.5% 6.0% 5.5% 5.0% 4.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.0%

Supply and Demand

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

2.Check your own credit and clear up problems before applying to rent. Get a free copy of your credit report each year from www.annualcredit report.com or for a fee from www.equifax.com www.experian.com and www.transunion.com.

3.Establish your needs - number of bedrooms/bathrooms, amenities, pet and smoking policies, parking for tenants/visitors, utilities included in rent or not, etc.

4.Research neighborhoods. Visit at various times of the day. Note commute time to places you frequent (work, school, stores). Check out the parking, bus lines and other features.

5.Come to properties prepared. Bring picture ID, references (past landlords, personal, credit), employment information, money for non-refundable screening fee ($25 to $55).

6.Read carefully, ask questions, get promises in writing before signing a rental agreement. Put signed copy in a safe place.

Source: The Rental Housing Assn. of Puget Sound.

Visit www.rha-ps.com.

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DOWNTOWN SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS

and larger properties opened between 2007 and 2009 in the Tri-county market (King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties).

While current condominium development has dropped to next to nothing (only about 1,000 units are scheduled to complete between 2010 and 2013), many of the apartment units taken out of the market over the past few years for condominium conversion are back as rentals. Foreclosures and lower sale prices in the for-sale housing market are also increasing the number of units into the rental market.

Lower Rental Rates Higher vacancies mean lower rents. By the end of the first quarter of 2010, the average rent in the region was $945 – a 5.1% decrease over 18 months. That doesn’t sound like much of a drop, but it is. In fact, rents fell more during this time period than at any other time over the past 30 years.

Annual Rent Change 10%

Photo © Vulcan Real Estate

8% 6% 4% 2% 0% -2%

The Alcyone Apartments rooftop garden Mar-10

Mar-09

Mar-08

Mar-07

Mar-06

Mar-05

Mar-04

Mar-03

Mar-02

Mar-01

Mar-00

-6%

Mar-99

-4%

Source: Dupre + Scott www.dsaa.com

COMPARATIVE RENTS – SELECTED AREAS SEATTLE (2 Bedroom Unit) Neighborhood

Average

Alki ..........................$1650 Ballard......................$1350 Beacon Hill ..............$1200 Belltown...................$2000 Bitterlake..................$1250 Capitol Hill..............$1650 Columbia City .........$1200 Eastlake ....................$1500 First Hill...................$1500 Fremont ...................$1450 Green Lake...............$1300 Greenwood...............$1225 Maple Leaf ...............$1200

Neighborhood

Average

Lake City .................$1100 Madison Park ...........$1675 Madison Valley.........$1150 Montlake..................$1300 Pioneer Square .........$1800 Queen Anne.............$1800 Rainier Beach ...........$1150 Rainier Valley ...........$1050 Ravenna ...................$1500 Sunset Hill ...............$1200 University District ....$1250 Wallingford ..............$1350 White Center ...........$1050

Source: SeattleRentals.com

So why does a 5% drop sound too small? First, it’s an average.

Some properties, particularly those that never caught up with the market increases of 2007 and 2008, increased rents during 2009, or at least avoided lowering rents.

Incentives on the rise At the other extreme, some properties saw rents drop 10% or more. Those investors usually got something in return though, lower vacancies. As one investor explained earlier in the year: “We have had an outstanding two months reducing vacancies from 15% to less than 3%. We offered two months free rent at one property. As a result, our actual rents dropped from $1.50 to $1.35 per net rentable square foot (nrsf ), which probably explains why we eliminated so many vacancies. I'm feeling better about the market. We will start raising rents in the third quarter of 2010, maybe 3% on turnover.”

Second, it takes time for rent reductions to filter into the market. Investors usually only lower rents on lease renewal, or turnover. So it can take as long as a year for lower market rents to filter into the market.

About Patty Dupre & Mike Scott Patty Dupre and Mike Scott of Dupre + Scott Apartment Advisors in Seattle, Washington have published apartment rent and vacancy information for the Puget Sound Region for the past 31 years.

Visit their website, www.dsaa.com.

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DOWNTOWN SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS

SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOODS

Living in Downtown Seattle

One of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, Belltown is also one of its most dynamic.

A transformation has BELLTOWN occurred in recent years as young professionals, middle-aged empty nesters and others have relocated here.

Belltown even ranked 29th in the country on Money Magazine’s 2007 “Best Neighborhoods to Retire” list. With approximately 13,000 residents Belltown has the largest residential base of any downtown neighborhood. No longer a gritty, inner-city neighborhood, Belltown is an urban oasis—complete with P-patch garden, historic Cottage Park, Regrade Dog Park, the spectacular Olympic Sculpture Park, and the new Bell Street Park featuring a fountain, play area, and performance space opens in 2011. Belltown’s “in-city” location, amenity-laden apartments, upscale condos, trendy shops and sophisticated new eateries, along with popular musical venues like Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, the Crocodile Café and the Moore Theatre 30

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

A bird’s eye view of Downtown Seattle that showcase local and national talent, exemplify urban living at its best.

This diverse and lively south Downtown neighborhood is home to Greater Seattle's CHINATOWNPan-Asian commuINTERNATIONAL nities.

Here DISTRICT Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Southeast Asians live and work together, side-by-side. Familyowned restaurants, Asian-style bakeries, unique specialty shops, Karaoke bars, Asian art and galleries, stores filled with traditional Asian gifts, goods and groceries, and ethnic-specific social service agencies characterize this historic neighborhood whose central hub is the Chinese pavilion in Hing Hay Park.

Beautiful dragon sculptures and Chinagate emphasize the community’s culture and history. The area's cultural gem, the Wing Luke Asian Museum is a nationally acclaimed, Smithsonian-affili-

ate museum. Multicultural community festivals and events include the Lunar New Year Celebration, Summer Festival, Bon Odori, Lion & Dragon Dances, and Taiko Drumming. Condominiums and apartments are found throughout the neighborhood.

The name “Denny” honors one of Seattle’s founding families whose vision helped shape the fledgling DENNY city. Today a new vision, TRIANGLE blending transit, retail and residential, is transforming the neighborhood into an Urban Center Village. The Denny Triangle is roughly delineated by Olive Way, I-5, Denny Avenue and 5th Avenue. Over 400 businesses, both new and established, are found here including restaurants, small grocery stores, hotels, professional services and retail stores.

Hundreds of new condos and apartments are being built. This is also home to the Seattle Police Department’s West

Photo © Don Wilson/Port of Seattle

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Downtown is the epicenter of Seattle’s culture and commerce. The area’s 974 restaurants, cafés and bars, 29 parks, 12 museums, 117 art galleries and 1,800 retailers (most found within walking distance) sustain a vibrant urban lifestyle that continues to grow in popularity.

Over 58,000 people live in “Center City Seattle” neighborhoods—a number that is estimated to double by 2024. Housing prices vary between neighborhoods, but by mid-2010 the median price for a downtown condominium was $370,700.

Rentals run $900 to $1,450 a month for one bedroom units and $1,200 to $2,000 for two bedrooms. ChinatownInternational District offers less expensive rates while Belltown tends toward the higher end.

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Precinct and the U.S. Federal Courthouse. Educational facilities include The Cornish College of Arts, Antioch University, and the private Spruce Street Elementary School. The South Lake Union Streetcar and Metro buses serve the neighborhood while nearby Westlake Bus Tunnel offers citywide connections.

Although part of the West Edge, Pike Place Market is unique and easily distinguished as a separate PIKE PLACE entity. The boundaries MARKET for this historic district encompass 23 buildings from First Avenue to Western Avenue, Pike Street to Virginia Street. Some 10 million visitors a year come to the Market, one of the nation’s oldest working farmers markets, to soak up the sights and sounds of this lively area. Stalls of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, flowers, and local arts and crafts line the Market while unique shops and restaurants offer exotic wares. Street musicians, performers, and “fish throwing” vendors delight the crowds.

Health, senior and child care centers serve the 500 or so residents who live here. Rental units include senior/low income and 90 “market rate” units ranging from kitchenettes to two bedrooms (Call 206-682-7453).

The Market’s location provides easy access to the attractions along the Waterfront where condominium construction has provided a more European ambience, along with upscale housing prices.

This 20-block area features historic buildings, hotels, art galleries, unique retail stores, PIONEER SQUARE restaurants, and clubs offering exciting nightlife. It is close to Safeco Field, Qwest Field, the Convention Center and the Historic King Street Train Station. Current housing options consist of about 1,000 apartments and condos, but 400 new units and a grocery store are being developed. A tight-knit, residential and business community actively addresses neighborhood issues and promotes events such as monthly art walks (www.firstthursdayseattle.com) and the 32

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Concert Series at Occidental Park This centrally located park features benches, bocce courts and chess tables, as well as totems, history panels, and a pergola.

At the heart of it all, encircled by the other downtown neighborhoods, is the Retail Core. As its RETAIL CORE name implies, this is a prime shopping destination with wellknown department stores, upscale national and international retailers, and shopping centers featuring specialty stores and designer boutiques. Dining establishments, from five star to fast food, will please any palate. Twenty or so hotels provide accommodations and a number of office and residential developments are also found here.

Located on Lake Union’s south end, this neighborhood is at the center of an ambitious redevelopSOUTH LAKE ment plan. Home to an UNION established biotech and life sciences community, including the Fred Hutchinson and the UW Medical Research Centers, South Lake Union continues to add a variety of new businesses.

Amazon.com began moving its corporate headquarters here in 2010. The neighborhood also includes cafés and restaurants, markets, shops, galleries and a hotel.

New residential projects offer lofts, apartments, and condos, many featuring “green” innovations for healthier living.

Commuting downtown is easy on streetcars leaving every 15 minutes. Newly opened Lake Union Park has an interactive fountain and model boat pond. In 2012 it will be home to the new Museum of History & Industry. The Center for Wooden Boats, a neighborhood treasure, provides rentals, classes, and hands-on experiences for would be sailors. The South Lake Union Discovery Center hosts annual events like the South Lake Union Block Party in August. The Center, open daily from 11 – 6, is packed with neighborhood information.

Uptown is located north of Belltown and includes lower Queen Anne. A decade ago rentals domiUPTOWN nated the housing market, but as condos grow in popularity the

Smith Tower and other historic buildings are found in the Pioneer Square Neighborhood owner occupancy rates continue to rise.

Uptown has a self-contained feeling— like a “little town in a big city.” In 2010 a new hotel added to the variety of businesses that also include grocery stores, ethnic restaurants, coffee shops, and trendy lounges found throughout this very walkable neighborhood. Seattle Center, the entertainment hub of Uptown features a myriad of activities.

The Seattle Repertory Theatre and a movie theater also offer entertainment options. Kinnear Park, with play area, benches and tables is a great place to take in 180º views of the city and the Sound.

Although parts of the West Edge are among Seattle’s earliest districts, oldtimers may not recognize this WEST EDGE name for the district bordered by Western and Second Avenues and Cherry and Lenora Streets. By any name though, the West Edge has much to recommend it. The independent retail spirit of this artistic neighborhood is found in its restaurants, galleries, unique stores and boutiques. The Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall and the historic Moore Theatre are among neighborhood notables. Pike Place Market, a Seattle institution is part of the West Edge, as well. The Harbor Steps host some of the popular “Out to Lunch” summer concerts. New high-rises, some featuring luxurious penthouse townhomes, are expanding current housing options.

Photo courtesy Pioneer Square Community Association

RENTAL STRATEGIES

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Downtown Living – Something for Everyone

By Kate Joncas President, Downtown Seattle Association

W

Not only is it a great place to visit, but Downtown’s collection of 12 unique neighborhoods is a great place to live – just ask the 58,000 residents who make Downtown their home. It’s also Seattle’s fastest-growing community. And, as the region grows, more individuals and families are considering Downtown as a place to live – recognizing that the many benefits of urban living are hard to resist.

Inviting, Clean & Safe Downtown Seattle’s vibrancy and urban energy, are matched only by its clean and safe environment – 225-square-blocks of which are maintained by the Metropolitan Improvement District’s team of friendly Downtown Ambassadors who, on a daily basis, sweep and pressure-wash streetscapes, clean alleys, remove graffiti, pick up trash and fallen leaves and much more to maintain the same inviting environment that you’d expect in any other hometown.

Off leash fun in Downtown Seattle But in our hometown, residents also enjoy up-close and personal access to some of the region’s biggest community festivals and events just outside their front door, including the Out to Lunch Summer Concert Series, First Thursday Art Walks, Seattle’s Rock ‘n Roll Marathon, Bite of Seattle, Folklife Festival, Family 4th Fireworks on Lake Union and the Seafair Torchlight and Macy’s Holiday Parades.

Photo © Downtown Seattle Assocation

The activities also continue in Downtown’s wide variety of public playgrounds, off-leash dog areas and parks which host a variety of family-friendly events including concerts, social dancing, outdoor movies, gardening classes, bocce tournaments and much more.

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Convenience Imagine trading in your nearly one-hour drive in bumper-tobumper traffic to work, for a leisurely 15-minute walk in the fresh sea air to your office – every morning.

Fresh, local produce at the Pike Place Market 2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

With time being one of today’s most precious commodities, many are looking for the efficiencies and conveniences of living in close proximity and immediate access to where they also work, shop and play.

Photo © Downtown Seattle Association

When I talk to tourists considering a visit to the Northwest, I tell them that Downtown Seattle offers everything in one great place. From amazing restaurants, world-class retail stores and parks, to renowned art, culture and professional sports – Downtown Seattle, on the beautiful shores of Elliott Bay and Lake Union, has something for everyone.

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Now imagine taking that same 15-minute walk home from work at the end of a busy day, meeting your spouse for a quick drink at your corner watering hole before the two of you catch a 3-minute light rail ride to Safeco Field in time for the opening pitch of the Seattle Mariners/New York Yankees game – all within the time it would have otherwise taken you to drive home, if your home wasn’t located Downtown.

A strong and accessible transportation infrastructure is a key component to a city’s long-term growth, and Downtown Seattle is no exception. In fact, one of the biggest selling points for people moving to Downtown Seattle is the ease of getting around on foot, by bike or on one of Downtown’s numerous public transportation options including bus, commuter train, light rail, monorail, streetcar, water taxi and the Washington State Ferry System.

The past couple years have been marked by numerous milestones in the development of this infrastructure, including the continuation of major Downtown transit corridor upgrades and the official opening of Sound Transit’s Link light rail connecting Downtown’s retail core to Sea-Tac International Airport, and to 11 stops in between.

Last year construction also began on the two stations and tunnel track that will be part of University Link, the next phase of the light rail system. This section of the light rail will run through 3.15 miles of bored-tunnels between Downtown, through Capitol Hill to the University of Washington. Future expansions will also see light rail service to the north, as well as across Lake Washington to the east.

But if human-powered transportation is more your style, Downtown Seattle is considered one of the easiest to navigate, is pedestrian-friendly and one of the most walkable cities with wide sidewalks, curb-ramps, and plenty of way-finding.

Seattle has also consistently been rated one of the top spots in the nation for bicycling, and was recently named as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Not surprising, a substantial portion of Seattleites use their bicycles for recreation and transportation. It’s estimated that about 36 percent of Seattle’s 520,000 citizens engage in recreational bicycling, and between 4,000 and 8,000 people commute by bike in Seattle each day, many into Downtown.

The latest count of bicycle commuters to Downtown Seattle shows a jump of 15 percent since 2007, which is likely the result

Photo © Keith Brofsky

Accessible

The Seattle Streetcar and downtown shoppers of a commitment to improving Downtown’s cycling infrastructure including the addition of 92 miles of new bike lanes and sharrows, 35 miles of signed routes and 800 new bike racks.

Sustainable The type of density that Downtown living provides also helps with sustainability efforts – from reducing air-polluting emissions to protecting open spaces from urban sprawl.

For example, Downtown’s robust transit system enables 50 percent of Downtown employees to avoid driving alone to work, and a typical 200-unit multi-family building on a 15,000-square-foot parcel in Downtown provides as much housing as 45 acres of suburban single-family housing – significantly reducing our carbon footprint.

Rather, residents can do it all – live, work, shop and play – in Downtown’s high-density, mixed-use neighborhoods without ever having to get in their cars, which they may not even need in the first place.

So whether you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, or you simply desire the excitement and convenience that city living has to offer, I invite you to check us out. Downtown Seattle has something for everyone, and is a great place to call home.

About the Author: Kate Joncas is president of the Downtown Seattle Association, a non-profit member-based organization dedicated to making Downtown a great place to live, work, shop and play. www.DowntownSeattle.com.

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Living in Seattle’s Other Neighborhoods S

The Scandinavian fishermen and mill workers who founded this historic neighborhood in the late 1800’s BALLARD would feel right at home in the Nordic Heritage Museum or at annual events like the Norwegian Constitution Day Parade each May or Ballard SeafoodFest in July. While their influence on Ballard remains, much has changed as old buildings are restored, new condos and other exciting projects such as the award-winning “green” library take shape. Unique shops, trendy boutiques, great restaurants, a cinema, and other businesses line downtown streets. Ballard’s lively nightlife draws music fans to establishments like the Tractor Tavern and the Conor Byrne Pub. The Ballard ArtWalk, on the second Saturday of each month, showcases local artisans. A Sunday Farmers Market on Ballard Avenue runs year round. Ballard is also home to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and beautiful Carl S. English Botanical Garden and Visitor Center.

Median Prices: Homes $395,000; Condos $296,725.

Just southeast of Downtown, Beacon Hill, like many Seattle neighborhoods is ethnically and ecoBEACON HILL nomically integrated.

Here stately turn-of-the-century homes stand next to brick ramblers and splitlevels. Active, vocal community groups take great pride in the area’s look, feel and 36

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Each year about 65,000 boats pass through the Ballard Locks safety. NewHolly, one of the nation’s first mixed income developments, is located in south Beacon Hill. Jefferson Community Center hosts classes, programs and the annual Beacon Hill Festival. Newly expanded Jefferson Park, a local treasure, contains one of Seattle’s most used public golf courses. Nearby VA Puget Sound Healthcare Systems is also a familiar landmark. On the west side of Beacon Hill, Dr. Jose Rizal Park has great downtown views. Several p-patch gardens dot the neighborhood.

Median Prices: Homes $311,875; Condos $199,000.

Residents describe Bitter Lake as a little slice of paradise in Seattle’s north end. This small body of BITTER LAKE spring fed water was once the site of a sawmill. Floating logs released tannic acid, thus the lake’s unusual name. From 1930 to 1961,

Playland Amusement Park attracted patrons to the lake. Today, people still enjoy the lake and adjoining park featuring a wading pool, tennis courts, playfield and Community Center that hosts events, programs, and classes. Two main shopping districts, Greenwood Avenue and Aurora Avenue (Hwy 99), offer a wide variety of services, stores, and restaurants. Highway 99 and I-5 are easily accessed—a plus for commuters.

Single-family homes, new condos, and apartment complexes, including senior apartments are available. Median Prices: Homes $295,000; Condos $162,475.

This lovely hillside community, which enjoys some fabulous views of the Sound, was originally built by BLUE RIDGE the Boeing Company.

Five brick houses, locally known as “The Castles,” housed company executives.

Photo © Roger Hunsperger

Seattle’s thriving urban downtown core is surrounded by over 100 distinct neighborhoods. Each possesses its own identity and character—an ambiance, an attitude, a special unique chemistry that sets it apart. Here is an introduction to just some of the city’s many neighborhoods.

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Seattle

Cartography by Trevor Vernon

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Today, 450 homes complete this affluent and exclusive covenant community of 200 acres. It is strictly residential and hosts a private community club, swimming pool, tennis courts, playfield, and beach. Limited street access assures privacy and removes this neighborhood from the typical urban bustle.

Median Prices: Homes $714,000.

This northwest Seattle neighborhood has big trees, big lots, and a quiet, country feeling. Within its 3-square miles is Carkeek Park, known for sweeping Puget Sound views, BROADVIEW hiking trails, beach access, a play area with a unique salmon slide, and an educational center. Broadview is also home to the beautiful Dunn Gardens. Designed in 1916 by the Olmsted Brothers, they are viewed by reserved guided tours.

Broadview’s library hosts various events, programs and meetings for local groups such as the Broadview Community Council and the Broadview Historical Society. The neighborhood’s diverse housing options include apartments, condos, multi-unit senior housing, and homes in a variety of price ranges. A small commercial district is located along Greenwood Avenue. Median Prices: Homes $428,000; Condos $183,995.

Capitol Hill, one of Seattle’s seven hills, was named as an early candidate for Washington’s state capital. The original mansions housed numerous city founders CAPITOL HILL during the opulent turn of the century.

Visitors to the 1901 Alaska Yukon and Pacific Exposition beheld Seattle’s grandeur from atop Volunteer Park’s water tower. Today, people still enjoy the Park and the view. Capitol Hill has several business districts comprised of unique stores offering unusual and specialty items. Restaurants, coffee shops, and brewpubs feature an array of ethnic foods and drinks.

Historic churches, museums, colleges, theaters and clubs add to the vibrancy of the neighborhood. Capitol Hill is a cultural crossroads—mixing young people, senior citizens, artists and professionals. It is also the historic hub for Seattle’s LBGT and alternative communities. A new light rail station on the "U-Link" is being built here. Service between downtown and the University of Washington begins in 2016. Median Prices: Homes $530,000; Condos $287,000.

Located south of Capitol Hill, Central extends east to Lake Washington. Its close proximity to the floating bridges and downtown has prompted real estate CENTRAL AREA agents, developers and homebuyers to “rediscover” Central. The neighborhood contains mostly single-family homes, but new businesses are expanding the commercial district at 23rd and Jackson. Central is home to Swedish Medical Center/Providence Campus, and the Seattle Vocational Institute. The local high school, Garfield, produces a majority of Seattle’s National Merit Scholars. Central supports the Pratt Fine Arts Center, the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, and the Northwest African American Museum, all which offer educational and artistic programs. The popular Central Area Community Festival & Parade is held in August.

Median Prices: Homes $317,000; Condos $249,750.

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Columbia City is a landmark district and many of the buildings, which are on the National Historic Register, have been restored. The neighborhood’s rich COLUMBIA CITY cultural diversity is reflected in the variety of ethnic eateries as well as stores featuring unique items from around the world. In addition, Columbia City offers an art gallery, a cinema, a theatre that hosts live entertainment, and a library overlooking the grassy expanse of Columbia Park. The Farmers Market, held from May to October, and BeatWalk, a monthly live music showcase hosted by local restaurants, list among the many things to do here. A light rail station is just three blocks from downtown Columbia City. Median Prices: Homes $312,500; Condos $192,500.

It's difficult to delineate the boundary between Ballard and Crown Hill. It is mainly defined by Crown Hill's commercial center at the intersection of 15th NW and CROWN HILL NW 85th where a variety of specialty shops, grocery stores, and ethnic eateries are surrounded by welltended homes. Swanson's, a 5-acre nursery located nearby is a "gardener's paradise." The Crown Hill community is very active in the upkeep of its neighborhood and has sponsored the conversion of several lots into neighborhood parks. House styles range from 1920's Tudors to mid-century moderns. New condos and townhomes, as well as apartments are also found here. Median Prices: Homes $381,000; Condos $172,000.

Eastlake, one of Seattle’s oldest and best-defined neighborhoods, sits east of Lake Union, south of the University Bridge, west of I-5, and north of Mercer Street. It is a EASTLAKE pleasing mix of businesses, houseboats, singlefamily homes, apartments and condos, many with incredible water views. In the early 1900s, industries—including Boeing’s first factory—fronted much of the shoreline. During the '40s and '50s, houseboats replaced factories, and Eastlake’s bohemian houseboat character was born. Today, “bohemian houseboats” have become “floating homes,” and high-end condominiums and homes are replacing older models. A new waterfront development offers floating homes, a mega-yacht marina, and offices. Eastlake’s proximity to Lake Union affords many street-end waterfront parks. E. Louisa Street park features outstanding water views and a sand court for Petanque (a French version of Bocce). Fairview Park offers a small-boat hand launch, p-patch, and picnic tables. A block away, businesses, shops, restaurants, and galleries line Eastlake Avenue, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. Median Prices: Homes $525,000; Condos $287,250.

First Hill is composed of a mix of high-rise condominiums, historic homes, classic apartment buildings, state-of-the-art medical facilities and exclusive social clubs—all FIRST HILL with a distinctive urban flair. Many residents walk or bus to work in this pedestrian and transit friendly neighborhood. First Hill, one of Seattle’s major employment centers, supports over 22,000 jobs. This influx of workers actually doubles the neighborhood’s population during the

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workday! Most jobs are health care related, which is not surprising since three of Seattle’s major hospitals are located here—thus the neighborhood nickname “Pill Hill.” The Frye Art Museum, The Sorrento Hotel, St. James Cathedral, Seattle University, and Town Hall (a community culture center) are also found in the area. Median Prices: Homes $482,000; Condos $237,500.

Fremont, the self-proclaimed "Center of the Universe," is Seattle's most artistically eccentric community.

FREMONT A mecca for local artists, it features some of the city’s most famous public art, including Waiting for the Interurban, the Fremont Troll, The Guidepost to the Center of the Universe and the Statue of Lenin. Fremont’s hip and whimsical personality draws residents, visitors, and businesses. Getty Images’ International Headquarters is located here, as are sales offices for Google and Adobe. Fremont’s History House showcases the unique histories of Seattle neighborhoods and offers a free summer musical series. Funky shops, restaurants and brew pubs, antique and vintage dealers, Theo’s Chocolate factory (which offers tours), the Fremont Sunday Market, summer Outdoor Movies, a fantastic first Friday ArtWalk, the country’s 10th largest Oktoberfest in September, the Hopscotch Beer, Wine and Scotch Festival, Head of the Lake Regatta and the famous Solstice Parade and Fremont Fair are all just a part of the Fremont experience. Median Prices: Homes $438,000; Condos $250,000.

Settled in 1851, Georgetown is Seattle's oldest continually-settled neighborhood.

GEORGETOWN Incorporated as the City of Georgetown from 1904 to 1910, it is now home to a mix of artists, gardeners, families, businesses, and industry and has a long history of community activism. Most homes in Georgetown bungalows, Victorians, ramblers, and duplexes - were built before 1939. A revitalized retail core along Airport Way offers stores, bars, coffee shops, and unique and funky restaurants. Each year on the second Sunday in July residents

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open their gardens and artists open their studios to the public during the Georgetown Garden Walk. An Artwalk is also held the second Saturday of each month.

The restored, historic Hat n’ Boots, Seattle’s last remaining example of vernacular architecture, are located in Oxbow Park.

Other notables include the newly restored Georgetown City Hall, the landmark 1906 Power Plant, the Museum of Flight, and the circa 1900 Rainier Brewery building (now an official Seattle landmark). Median Prices: Homes $273,250.

Green Lake is a highly desired neighborhood that curls around its namesake.

GREEN LAKE The lake, considered Seattle’s "Central Park,” attracts over 3.6 million visitors each year who come to walk, jog, bike, skate, fish, rent boats, or just hang out. Other neighborhood Creative art and architecture in Fremont amenities include the Evans Pool, Bathhouse Theatre, Green Lake one of the city’s oldest and largest Community Center, a library, and a summer parades. Median Prices: Homes Pitch and Putt Golf Course, as well as $325,000; Condos $202,000. various eateries and shops. House styles Haller Lake, in north Seattle, includes tend toward bungalows and Tudors.

Condos and some multi-unit apartments the area around Northwest Hospital and Northgate Mall. The are also available. Median Prices: HALLER LAKE neighborhood features Homes $428,888; Condos $278,500.

Seattle’s only Curling Club, Haller Lake North of Phinney Ridge, Community Club, a community P-Patch Greenwood’s narrow streets are quiet and and, of course, Haller Lake. Nearby tidy. Houses present GREENWOOD an interesting architec- Jackson Park Golf Course hosted the 2009 Seattle Amateur Championships. tural mix from brick Tudors to 1950’s- Median Prices: Homes $321,123; style ranch homes to split-levels. Unique Condos $301,475. shops and restaurants of every ethnicity Judkins is experiencing an economic are found around Greenwood Avenue. A popular Artwalk occurs on the second renaissance. Homes and stores are being built and renovated in this Friday of each month except May. That JUDKINS working-class neighborhood month features the annual Greenwood/Phinney Artwalk, a festival bordered by Interstate 90, Yesler Way of unusual performance art. From and Martin Luther King Way. Proximity February through October, Taproot to downtown and easy access to the Theatre productions delight audiences. Eastside has precipitated this new growth Each June, the Greenwood Car Show and is pushing property values up. The draws crowds of over 20,000. A cher- Judkin's Play Field, a popular park, has a ished community tradition, the playground, wading pool and picnic Greenwood SEAFAIR Parade in July is sites. Median Prices: Homes $312,500.

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Photo © Laurel Mercury • Just say cheeze!

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Photo courtesy Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce

includes upscale eateries and shops.

Merchants usually know customers by name in this close-knit neighborhood.

The turnover in housing inventory is low, as people moving here tend to stay.

Median Prices: Homes $975,000; Condos $405,000. Madrona is a much more diverse area—economically, ethnically, and architecturally than its neighbor, and this diversity is a source of community pride. The Madrona Community Council sponsors events and works on local issues. Madrona Park & Beach and the Madrona Playfield are perfect for outdoor fun. East Madrona, with its waterfront locale, is home to higher end real estate, while West Madrona offers a wider mix of home prices. Median Prices: Homes $652,500.

Neighborhoods all over Seattle hold monthly art walks Lake City is located in northeast Seattle, west of Lake Washington. Tall trees, quiet streets and LAKE CITY nice homes, many with views, are found here along with an increasing number of condominiums and apartments. Lake City Way, the neighborhood’s main drag, offers retail shops, restaurants, car dealerships, antique stores and more. Behind the library, Albert Davis Park features the Will Rogers Memorial, a play area, and a Farmers Market from June to October.

The Lake City Pioneer Days Festival and Parade, an annual tradition, takes place the first Saturday in August. Median Prices: Homes $270,000; Condos $175,000.

Situated on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Washington is the much sought after neighborLAURELHURST hood of Laurelhurst.

Once a seasonal campground of the Duwamish Tribe, today the area is comprised of large, stately, and well manicured homes, many with panoramic views of the Lake and Mt. Rainier.

Laurelhurst is convenient to the University of Washington, the University Village Shopping Center, and Children's Hospital. Laurelhurst Park and

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Community Center serves as a gathering place, offering programs and special events. Median Prices: Homes $938,750; Condos $449,000.

Leschi sits between the Mount Baker and Madrona neighborhoods along the shores of Lake Washington.

LESCHI In the late 1800’s an amusement park, serviced by a cable car that ran from Pioneer Square, was located here. While the amusement park is long gone, the tranquility and beauty of Leschi remains. Its hillside terrain optimizes views of the Bellevue skyline, the Cascades and Mount Rainier. Home styles range from multi-million dollar lakefront properties, to classic turn-ofthe-century homes, to more modestly priced houses and condos.

Neighborhood parks like Leschi Park and Peppis Playground are popular with area families.

Median Prices: Homes $872,500.

Snuggled between the Washington Park Arboretum and Lake Washington, are the communities of MADISON Madison Park and PARK Madrona. Madison Park features grand, expensive homes and lakefront MADRONA estates. A quaint commercial area

Nestled between Capitol Hill and Madison Park is Madison Valley, a diverse neighborMADISON VALLEY hood with a healthy and harmonious mix of income, race, religion and age groups. It includes a thriving business district with small stores, boutiques, consignment shops and restaurants. New condos and townhomes add to neighborhood housing options. Residents enjoy easy access to downtown and nearby Washington Park Arboretum. Median Prices: Homes $438,000; Condos $342,250.

Magnolia is situated on a peninsula only five minutes from Downtown Seattle. Surrounded on MAGNOLIA three sides by water, Magnolia has an island-like quality, but is easily accessed by three bridges. Many of its hillside properties provide breathtaking views of the city skyline, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and the Olympics.

This comfortable, quiet area offers a wide variety of living accommodations with its mix of mansions, ranch homes, condos, and apartments. Magnolia’s business district, “The Village,” features a variety of shops and restaurants. The neighborhood also has a library, community center and marina. Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest park, is a neighborhood treasure offering an urban-wilderness experience. Median Prices: Homes $521,000; Condos $292,000.

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Maple Leaf is primarily a single-family residential neighborhood with shaded trees and well-built MAPLE LEAF homes, but apartments are available and generally found close to shopping areas. Maple Leaf is home to about 20,000 people, many neighborhood businesses and restaurants, good schools, a ballpark, Maple Leaf Park, and community garden. The Northwest Puppet Center is also located here, attracting visitors with workshops, museum, and public performances. A community council sponsors events such as the annual Summer Social and keeps on top of local issues. Visit www.mapleleafcommunity.org. Median Prices: Homes $389,900; Condos $135,000.

Montlake is bounded on three sides by water: Lake Washington to the east, Lake Union to the west, and MONTLAKE Lake Washington Ship Canal to the north. It connects to the University District via the Montlake Bridge and accesses Seattle and the Eastside via SR-520. Here quiet, treelined streets are flanked by well-tended properties including historic homes, bungalows, and stately, older mansions.

Montlake is home to a number of businesses, shops, restaurants, and (until June 2012) it continues to be the home of The Museum of History and Industry. The neighborhood is close to the University of Washington, the Washington Park Arboretum, and the Seattle Yacht Club.

Recreational opportunities include the Montlake Community Center, Montlake Tennis Courts and McCurdy Park.

Median Prices: Homes $707,000.

The Mount Baker neighborhood is a mix of parklands, lakefront, wooded hills and quiet residential MOUNT BAKER streets. One in a series of affluent communities nestled along Lake Washington’s southwest shore; it lies on the hills south of I-90. Mount Baker Park is a great place to escape the city’s bustle or to watch the Seafair hydroplane races on the lake. May through September cyclists enjoy “Bicycle Sundays” when parts of Lake Washington Boulevard close to motorized traffic. The Mount Baker Community Club, one of

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the nation’s oldest continuously active community clubs, sponsors activities and events like the annual Mount Baker Home Tour and the Community Garage Sale. Median Prices: Homes $499,950; Condos $385,000.

Phinney Ridge is located on the steep ridge separating Green Lake and Ballard.

This quiet, singlePHINNEY RIDGE family neighborhood is a mix of long-time residents, young professionals, and wild animals— the inhabitants of the Woodland Park Zoo, a neighborhood landmark. The Phinney Neighborhood Association sponsors classes and a variety of programs and events. Phinney Avenue contains many of the area businesses, some that are stops on Artwalks held the second Friday of the month and the annual Greenwood/Phinney ArtWalk in May. Median Prices: Homes $520,000; Condos 304,700.

Named for its two main streets, the Pike/Pine neighborhood is tucked between Capitol Hill and PIKE/PINE First Hill. Residents enjoy easy access to I-5, the neighborhood’s westernmost boundary. Apartments (both modest and high-end), condos, senior housing, and sedate single family homes create the mix of housing styles in this primarily residential area. The majority of residents are renters and of a younger demographic, due in part to the close proximity of Seattle Central Community College and Seattle University. Small shops, offices, cafés, taverns, and a few auto dealers are found along Pike and Pine. The Cal Anderson Park and Bobby Morris Playfield have play equipment, tennis courts, picnic tables, paths and wading pool. Median Prices: Homes $482,000; Condos $237,500.

Upper Queen Anne has a majority of single-family dwellings, many in the classic Queen-Anne QUEEN ANNE style. Lower Queen Anne, also known as Uptown, is more densely populated with condos and apartments. The neighborhood is sprinkled with specialty shops, local eateries and

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pubs. A busy Community Center features a pool and community programs.

Kerry Park, well known to photographers, offers fantastic downtown Seattle views. These views and its great location make Queen Anne a highly desirable address. Rentals are at a premium and homes rarely stay long on the market.

Median Prices: Homes $642,000; Condos $299,995.

Rainier Beach is a diverse, urban neighborhood located adjacent to Seward Park between RAINIER BEACH Beacon Hill and Lake Washington. More than 60 languages are spoken here and ethnic shops and cafés reflect the area's cultural richness. Relatively reasonable prices, even for view homes, have spurred an active market in recent years. Area amenities include several waterfront parks with outstanding views, the historical landmark Kubota Gardens, Dead Horse Canyon, and a new Link Light Rail Station. A new community center, pool, and plaza for outdoor summer concerts will open in late 2012.

Median Prices: Homes $257,500; Condos $137,000.

Rainier Valley is one of Seattle’s most economically, religiously and ethnically diverse neighborRAINIER VALLEY hoods. Known for high levels of community involvement, residents work to retain Rainier Valley’s hometown appeal. Familiar chain stores, a global grab bag of ethnic establishments, restaurants and other businesses are plentiful. Residents enjoy easy access to downtown Seattle and SeaTac Airport via four area light rail stations. The Rainier Valley Cultural Center, home of the Rainier Valley Youth Theatre, hosts workshops and special events. The Rainier Valley Heritage Parade & Festival is celebrated the third Saturday of August.

Median Prices: Homes $217,000.

Ravenna sits directly north of the UDistrict convenient to many amenities including the University of RAVENNA Washington, shopping at University Village, I-5, Ravenna Park and the Burke-Gilman Trail.

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Photo © Laurel Mercury • Just Say Cheeze!

sake, is its crowning jewel featuring nearly 300 acres of old-growth timber, bike and walking trails, art studio, native plant garden, the Environmental and Audubon Center, and an amphitheater which hosts summer events. Median Prices: Homes $420,000.

The Statue of Liberty Plaza on Alki Beach in West Seattle upper middle class, well-educated people, many of whom are active in the local community association. Small bakeries, family restaurants, and unique shops draw locals and visitors alike.

Ravenna is home to the Congregation Beth Shalom, ElderHealth Northwest (a non-profit agency for seniors), a library, and the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center offering special events and programs. Local house styles vary, including bungalows, Tudors, and Craftsman homes.

Median Prices: Homes $447,500; Condos $182,500.

Roosevelt is minutes from Downtown, the University District, University Village and ROOSEVELT Northgate Malls and Green Lake. Metro buses provide service to these and other popular destinations.

A pedestrian friendly commercial district near Roosevelt Way and NE 65th Avenue offers unique shops, restaurants, and major retailers like QFC, Safeway, Whole Foods Market, Magnolia HiFi and Dania. Now renovated Roosevelt High School, built in 1922, is at the heart of

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the neighborhood. Parks, including Froula, Cowen and Banner, provide open spaces, tennis courts, play areas, and city and mountain views. Neighborhood events include the Roosevelt Bull Moose Festival in July and monthly art walks.

An active Neighborhood Association publishes a monthly newsletter at www.rooseveltneighborhoodseattle.org.

Median Prices: Homes $385,000; Condos $213,500.

Seward Park, located east of Rainier Valley on a peninsula jutting into Lake Washington, is a SEWARD PARK quiet neighborhood with the best views of Mount Rainier in Seattle. Beautiful turn-of-the-century homes and large distinctive new homes populate the lakefront ridges while more modest homes are found farther from the water. A small business district on Wilson Avenue includes restaurants, pet supplies and natural foods market.

Seward Park is economically and racially diverse. It is the cultural home to Seattle's Orthodox Jewish community.

Seward Park, the neighborhood's name-

Just west of Ballard and twenty minutes from Downtown, Shilshole is best known for its boating opportunities, restaurants and waterSHILSHOLE / front views. The local SUNSET HILL hub of activity is Shilshole Bay Marina, the state's secondlargest marina and home to 1,400 boats.

The neighborhood's population includes the 600 residents who live aboard boats at the marina, as well as those from the largely residential Sunset Hill neighborhood rising up from the bay. Area attractions include outstanding views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, public fishing piers, waterfront promenade, and the popular Golden Gardens Park. Median Prices: Homes $500,000; Condos $358,000.

The neighborhood surrounding the University of Washington campus is often described as youthUNIVERSITY ful and vibrant. Molded DISTRICT by the presence of the University, the Henry Art Gallery and the Burke Museum, it features an intellectual and artistic lifestyle. University Way NE, or “The Ave” is a popular place to hang out, shop and eat. An award winning Saturday Farmers Market offers fresh, local products year round. Each May, the U District StreetFair attracts upward of 50,000 people with craft and food booths, music and more. Nearby University Village, with over 70 stores, is a shopper’s mecca. The University District is a mix of single-family homes interspersed with rental homes and apartment buildings for student housing.

Median Prices: Homes $398,900; Condos $293,000.

Wallingford, the “Heart of Seattle,” is bordered by Lake Union, I-5, Aurora Avenue and Green WALLINGFORD Lake. Pedestrian and bus friendly Wallingford offers crafts-

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man-style bungalows, residential gardens, historic buildings, quiet streets and a unique shopping district featuring distinct shops and restaurants. Seattle’s landmark hamburger joint Dick’s DriveIn and the 1904 Wallingford Center are both neighborhood institutions.

Wallingford Playfield has tennis courts, wading pool, picnic and play areas, while Gas Works Park is perfect for kite flying.

Wallingford Steps provide amazing city skyline views. Nearby, the Burke-Gilman trail is popular with bikers and walkers.

There is always something to do in Wallingford - the Garden Tour in June, the SEAFAIR Kiddies Parade & Street Fair in July, and the Home Tour in October. The Wallingford Center hosts a Wednesday Farmers Market, May through September. The first Wednesday of May through October there is also an Art Walk. Median Prices: Homes $512,500; Condos $345,000.

Home to Seattle’s first white settlers, West Seattle occupies the peninsula southwest of WEST SEATTLE Downtown Seattle.

While pleasantly removed from downtown by topography and the Duwamish Waterway, the city is accessible within minutes. West Seattle boasts several distinct neighborhoods, most tending toward economic and ethnic diversity, all offering small town charm.

Several business districts, along with Westwood Village, provide an array of shopping ALASKA JUNCTION options. “The Junction,” the retail heart of West Seattle at California Avenue and Alaska Street, features shops, restaurants and markets, as well as award winning murals depicting West Seattle’s historic past. The Junction serves as a transit center for key Metro bus routes. Mixed-use projects, both newly finished and planned, are adding new apartments to the area’s existing condos and small WWII era homes.

At the tip of West Seattle, the Alki neighborhood is known for its beachfront promenade and ALKI sweeping views of Seattle’s skyline from Jack Block Park. Fauntleroy, at the

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peninsula’s southwest side, offers views of Puget Sound and the Olympics. The Fauntleroy Ferry FAUNTLEROY Terminal connects to Vashon Island and Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula. The Admiral neighborhood, containing a number of fine old homes, sits at the crest of the peninsula overlooking both Olympic and Cascade Mountains.

Alki Beach, an 18-hole public golf course, 40-acre Schmitz Park, and Lincoln Park featuring ADMIRAL Seattle’s only saltwater swimming pool are local recreational gems. The Log House Museum and ArtsWest, a community theater and art center, provide a cultural focus. Annual events include West Seattle Summer Fest and the Art of Gardening Tour in July.

Washington’s second largest Farmers Market is held here Sundays, May through December. Median Prices: West Seattle—Homes $319,950; Condos $199,970. Admiral—Homes $425,000; Condos $163,500. Alaska Junction— Homes $397,475; Condos $307,500.

Alki—Homes $440,000; Condos $445,000.

Fauntleroy—Homes $482,500; Condos $396,975.

Located between West Seattle and Burien, White Center offers some of the city’s most affordable WHITE CENTER real estate. Known for its diversity, an amazing 70+ languages are spoken here. The Business District consists of nearly 140 businesses.

Restaurants often host music events sponsored by The White Center Arts Alliance and other groups. Each July, residents celebrate White Center Jubilee Days. The White Center Community Development Association produces signature community enhancement events like Spring Clean and the Community Summit. Local parks include Steve Cox Memorial Park with play and picnic areas, athletic fields, walking path, and community center. Greenbridge, a “green” mixed income community, when complete in 2013 will add 1,000 new homes, a library and a multi-use learning center. Median Prices: Homes $175,000.

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Seattle Statistics Population: 612,000 Greater Seattle area 3,707,400 (King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap Counties)

City Hall: Mail—600 4th Ave., Floor 1, PO Box 94726, Seattle 98124. Main Entrance— 601 5th Ave. (206) 684-2489, www.seattle.gov.

Neighborhood Service Centers: Obtain information about city government and social service referrals.

(206) 684-0464, www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nsc.

Chamber of Commerce: 1301 5th Ave., Ste. 2500, (206) 389-7200, www.seattlechamber.com.

Post Offices: various convenient locations. Zip code and location information, (800) 275-8777, www.usps.com.

Libraries: 26 neighborhood branches.

Central Library, 1000 4th Avenue, (206) 386-4636. www.spl.org.

School District: Seattle Public Schools, (206) 252-0000, www.seattleschools.org.

Utilities: Gas — Puget Sound Energy, (888) 225-5773, (425) 452-1234, www.pse.com.

Electricity: Seattle City Light (206) 684-3000, www.seattle.gov/light.

Sewer/Water/Garbage: Seattle Public Utilities (206) 684-3000, www.seattle.gov/util.

Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111, www.qwest.com Typical Property Tax Rate: $9.04/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $60,029 (city); $69,161 (King County) Average Rent: $1,200 2bd Median Price of Homes: $400,000 Median Price of Condos: $285,000

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Living North S

Snohomish County extends westward from the 10,426 foot Glacier Peak in the Cascade Mountain Range, to the saltwater shores of the Puget Sound. In between lies a county filled with scenic contrasts.

The densely forested, rugged mountain terrain in the east gives way to the flat, gently rolling flood plain of the Snohomish and Stillaguamish Rivers in the west. Over 9,000 acres of parklands provide endless opportunities for recreational fun—skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, and biking are just some of the possibilities. Wildlife areas and sanctuaries, such as Portage Creek Wildlife Area offer unique opportunities to view a variety of local birds and animals in natural settings.

Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Snohomish County grew up primarily around the logging industry. As timber supplies declined, the county's economy shifted to agriculture and dairy farming.

In the late 1960's the Boeing Company located its 747 plant near Everett.

That, along with the presence of Naval Station Everett, contributed to the area's growth.

The 1980's saw new industries moving into the region and another shift in the county's economic base from manufacturing to biotechnology, research and development, and high-tech computer firms. The shift created the "Technology Corridor," a stretch of development along Interstates 5 and 405 that houses hundreds of high technology industries 44

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The landmark Mukilteo Lighthouse was built in 1906 employing thousands. Nearly one quarter of the state’s biotech industries are currently located here.

Gradually people have moved north in search of more reasonably priced homes, creating many suburban bedroom communities along the county’s southwestern border. Today Snohomish County is the state’s third most populous county. The vast majority of people reside in the western half.

Consequently, this region has become highly developed, while other areas have retained a rural and rustic flavor.

Located on beautiful Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is easily accessed by bridges on Highway 20.

ANACORTES Surrounded by water, Anacortes’ rich maritime history has evolved naturally. From early Native dug-out canoes, to the sailing ships of European explorers, to steamers and snagboats, to the state ferries that connect Anacortes to the San Juan

Attractions North of Seattle Antique Malls Aquasox Baseball Camano & Whidbey Islands Cascade Symphony Centennial Recreational Trail Deception Pass Driftwood Players Edmonds Underwater Scuba Park Evergreen State Fair Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tours Hot Air Balloon Rides Imagine Children’s Museum Mount Baker Mukilteo Lighthouse North Cascades National Park Olympic Ballet San Juan Islands Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Tulalip Resort Casino & Amphitheatre Contact Snohomish County Tourism (888) 338-0976, (425) 348-5802, www.snohomish.org

Photo © Snohomish County Tourism Bureau

Snohomish County is named for the Native American Tribe that once lived in the river valleys. Its location makes it ideal for exploring throughout the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is a twenty-minute drive to the south. The border to British Columbia, Canada lies 100 miles northward. To the west, and a short ferry ride away, await the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula.

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Cartography by David Ranta

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Photo © Roger Hunsperger

School District: Anacortes School Dist. (360) 293-1200 Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas, (888) 522-1130 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Anacortes, (360) 293-1909 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: City of Anacortes, (360) 293-1921 Rabanco (recycling) (800) 942-5965 Average Tax Rate: $8.13/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $55,034 Average Rent: $800 Median Prices: Homes $292,000; Condos $225,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Everett=1hr/53 miles.

Seattle=1 1/2 hr/81 miles. Bellevue=1 1/2 hr/81 miles.

A view of the San Juan Islands from Anacortes Islands and Sidney, British Columbia, vessels of all kinds have plied local waterways. The Anacortes History Museum, the Anacortes Maritime Heritage Center, and the annual Waterfront Festival in May celebrate this heritage.

Named 20th in America’s top 100 most livable small towns, this “City within a Park” is a proud steward of the area’s natural beauty. More than 3,200 acres of forest and park lands are city owned.

Recreational pursuits include hiking, boating, scuba diving, camping, and golfing. Anacortes has great restaurants, shops, and lodging options, as well as six marinas and an airport for corporate and personal use. From mid-May through early October a lively Saturday Farmers Market is held downtown. The first weekend of August nearly 100,000 visitors attend the annual Anacortes Arts Festival (www.anacortesartsfestival.com).

This festival, along with the Anacortes Community Theatre, Depot Arts Center, City Arts Commission, and numerous galleries reflect an active arts community.

Anacortes Statistics Population: 16,800 City Hall: PO Box 547, 904 6th St, 98221, (360) 293-1900, www.cityofanacortes.org Chamber Of Commerce: 819 Commercial Ave, Ste F, 98221, (360) 293-3832, www.anacortes.org Post Office: 519 Commercial Ave, (360) 299-6689 Library: 1220 10th St, (360) 293-1910 46

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The city of Arlington welcomes a growing number of new residents each year.

Between 2000 and 2025, ARLINGTON projections call for the population to double. As new neighborhoods take shape, established areas like Olympic Avenue in historic downtown are being redeveloped to include new businesses and residential options.

One of Arlington’s best features is its hometown appeal. Here neighbors line historic downtown streets to enjoy the Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day, and Santa Day Parades.

The Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum celebrates the area’s rich heritage. The Arlington Airport is on the National Register of Historic Places. Home to 500 aircraft, it is the state’s third largest general aviation airport. Each July it hosts the NWEAA Fly-In featuring unique and experimental aircrafts.

Arlington has over a dozen parks including Terrace Park, where outdoor movies, concerts and plays are held each summer. Picnicking, fishing, boating, and camping are possible at nearby Wenberg State Park. The Glen Eagle Golf Course offers additional recreation.

The Byrnes Performing Arts Center provides cultural opportunities.

Three State Highways (SR-9, 530 and 531), as well as I-5 accommodate commuters in most every direction. Whether commuting or working locally, Arlington residents enjoy a high job-to-household ratio (2.2 to 1) when compared to similarly sized towns.

While much has changed since the days of the early homesteaders,

Arlington’s community-oriented character remains, and residents (both old and new) take pride in that achievement.

Arlington Statistics Population: 17,280 City Hall: 238 N. Olympic Ave, 98223, (360) 4033421, www.ci.arlington.wa.us Chamber Of Commerce: Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber, 3710 168th St. NE, Ste. C-101, PO Box 3035, Arlington, 98223, (360) 659-5453, www.arlington-smokeypointchamber.com.

Post Offices: 524 N. Olympic Ave, Arlington 98223.

3621 168th St. NE, Smokey Point 98223, (800) 275-8777 Library: 135 N. Washington Ave. Arlington 98223, (360) 435-3033 School Districts: Arlington School District, (360) 6186200. Lakewood School District, (360) 652-4500 Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas, (888) 522-1130 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (360) 435-7500 Water/Sewer: City of Arlington, (360) 403-3421 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (425) 337-1197 Typical Tax Rate: $9.54/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $60,772 Average Rent: $800 Median Prices: Homes $248,000; Condos $160,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Everett=24 min/24 miles.

Seattle=54 min/48 miles. Bellevue=54 min/48 miles.

In its 100-year history, Bothell has gone from frontier town to vibrant employment and educational BOTHELL center. The City strives to provide even greater opportunities for citizens through new downtown jobs and housing options, new and improved public spaces, and by reconnecting the City to its river heritage. The City is working on several projects to restore the vibrancy to downtown and give the figurative heart of the City its beat.

Economic development is a high priority. From cozy cafés to global corporations, Bothell offers a highly skilled workforce, no Business & Occupation tax, commuter accessibility and transportation, available and affordable commercial properties in prime locations and an improved permit process.

Beyond Bothell’s commercial districts are rolling wooded hillsides and quiet

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neighborhoods. This community prizes its hometown atmosphere and remains rural at heart, yet residents enjoy accessibility to every urban convenience.

Known for its educational facilities, Bothell is the site of the University of Washington Bothell/Cascadia Community College Campus.

Extension programs are also available through the University of Washington and Shoreline Community College.

Bothell also shines when it comes to recreation. Thousands of canoeists, kayakers, walkers, joggers and bicyclists enjoy the Sammamish River/Burke-Gilman Trail. The “Town-Gown Loop,” a 2.7mile walking history tour, links the University of Washington Bothell/ Cascadia Community College Campus to quaint downtown shops and restaurants.

Other unique shops are also found about two miles north at Country Village. The Park at Bothell Landing, once a steamboat stop, has an outdoor amphitheater for free summer concerts. Much anticipated annual events include the summer Music in the Park concert series, Freedom Festival and RiverFest: Family Fun & Then Some!

Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188. Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Typical Tax Rate: King County— $10.54/$1,000 assessed valuation. Snohomish County — $8.92/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $77,785 Average Rent: $1,075 Median Prices: Homes $350,169; Condos $258,985 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=26 mins/20 miles. Bellevue=16 mins/12 miles

Situated between Lake Forest Park and Mountlake Terrace, about 15 miles north of Seattle, is the City of Brier.

BRIER Designed as a residential community, Brier’s focus is on large home-sites and the preservation of open spaces and natural landscape. Its wide, wooded, quiet streets (that still include several horse lots) help maintain a spacious, semi-rural feel despite its urban locale.

While the city has no core commercial zone, there are five shops and some home businesses. Local parks host annual community events including Sea Scare, featuring a parade, food, and other family fun each August. Brier Park, near city hall, has a horse arena and skate park.

Bothell Statistics

Brier Statistics

Population: 33,430 City Hall: 18305 101st Ave NE, 98011, (425) 4863256, www.ci.bothell.wa.us Chambers of Commerce: Greater Bothell Chamber, 10017 NE 185th St., PO Box 1203, Bothell 98041, (425) 485-4353, www.bothellchamber.com South Snohomish County Chamber, 3815 196th St. SW, Ste. 136, Lynnwood 98036, (425) 774-0507, www.s2c3.com Post Office: 10500 Beardslee Blvd, (425) 482-9755 Library: Bothell Regional, 18215 98th Ave. NE, (425) 486-7811 School District: Northshore School Dist. No. 417, (425) 408-6000 Northshore Community Service Ctr: 10808 NE 145th St., Bothell 98011 (206) 296-9840, www.kingcounty.gov/csc Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 783-1000 Water/Sewer: City of Bothell, (425) 486-2768.

Alderwood Water Dist., (425) 743-4605. Northshore Utility Dist., (425) 398-4400. Woodinville Water Dist., (425) 487-4100 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (800) 592-9995

Population: 6,490 City Hall: 2901 228th SW, (425) 775-5440, www.ci.brier.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: South Snohomish County Chamber, 3815 196th SW, Ste. 136, Lynnwood 98036, (425) 774-0507, www.s2c3.com Library: 23303 Brier Rd, (425) 483-0888 School Districts: Edmonds School Dist. No. 15, (425) 431-7000. Northshore School Dist. No. 417, (425) 408-6000 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 783-1000 Water: Alderwood Water District, (425) 743-4605 Sewer: City of Brier, (425) 775-5440 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (425) 481-1100, (800) 592-9995 Typical Tax Rate: $8.42/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $96,546 Average Rent: $1,125 Median Prices: Homes $368,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=26 mins/15 miles. Bellevue=27 mins/17 miles

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Burlington, known as “The Crossroads of the Skagit Valley,” sits at the junction of I5, Hwy 20, and BURLINGTON Chuckanut Drive within minutes of area attractions. The nearby Skagit River, North Cascades National Park and Deception Pass State Park provide the opportunity to camp, fish, bird watch, hike, ski, boat, and more. The Avalon Golf Links features 27 holes amid panoramic views. If shopping is your recreation, several retail markets—downtown, the Cascade Mall, Burlington Crossings, and The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington attract nearly 60,000 shoppers a day—making Burlington the county’s major retail center.

In addition to convenient shopping, Burlington boasts great schools, a new library, and new city hall. Residents enjoy two main community events. Berry-Dairy Days, in June, celebrates the agriculture and dairy industries that are a major employment base in the Valley. Revelers enjoy music, food, parade, vendors, fireworks, car show and other activities. In the fall, Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Pitch features a pumpkin hurling contest via trebuchets, children’s games, activities, and locally grown produce.

Burlington Statistics Population: 8,985 City Hall: 833 S. Spruce St, 98233, (360) 755-0531, www.ci.burlington.wa.us Chamber Of Commerce: 111 S. Cherry St, 98233, (360) 757-0994, www.burlington-chamber.com Post Office: 720 E. Fairhaven Ave, (360) 755-7332 Library: 820 E. Washington, (360) 755-0760 School District: Burlington-Edison School Dist., (360) 757-3311 Utilities: Cascade Natural Gas, (360) 336-6155, (888) 522-1130 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: Skagit County PUD, (360) 424-7104 Sewer: City of Burlington, (360) 755-0531 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (800) 592-9995, (360) 757-8245 Typical Tax Rate: $9.53/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $49,676 Average Rent: $800 Median Prices: Homes $211,000; Condos $167,500 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Everett= 41mins/38 miles. Seattle=1hr 11mins/ 66 miles. Bellevue=1hr 11mins/66 miles

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The picturesque City of Edmonds displays the best of small-town Americana.

Located 15 miles north of EDMONDS Seattle, Edmonds is easy to reach by Amtrak and commuter train, automobile, or Washington State Ferry.

from May to October, connecting the public with local farmers and artisans.

A rich blend of old and new makes Edmonds distinctive. The pedestrian friendly downtown is tastefully accented by a central fountain, colorful hanging baskets, and vintage street lamps, with the Historical Museum (former Carnegie Library) and historic log cabin Visitor Center nearby. Shops and galleries offer everything from best-seller books, art, hardware, and garden supplies, to the latest in clothing styles and contemporary housewares. Enjoy a delicious dining experience at restaurants, cafés, bistros, and beachfront eateries with outdoor tables and scenic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and magnificent sunsets. Shopping and dining options are also found along Highway 99 and in the Westgate, Perrinville, Firdale Village and Five Corners neighborhoods.

The Edmonds waterfront offers many recreational opportunities. Washington State Ferries provide regular service to Kingston, a gateway to Hood Canal and the Olympic Peninsula. Four public parks with beach access and a 27-acre Underwater Diving Park are within walking distance of downtown. The Port of Edmonds has one of the West Coast’s largest covered moorage facilities.

Celebrated as an arts community, downtown Edmonds hosts Third Thursday Art Walks, where participants can meet local artists, tour galleries and purchase art. The Edmonds Center for the Arts presents a variety of rousing performances year-round and is home to a symphony, ballet, and chorus.

Community events draw large crowds year after year and include: the Edmonds Arts Festival; Jazz Connection; The Waterfront Festival; Fourth of July celebration; A Taste of Edmonds; Write on the Sound writers’ conference; Classic Car Show; Puget Sound Bird Fest; Artist Studio Tour; Children’s Halloween Trick or Treat; and Holiday Tree-Lighting. Garden and Summer Markets take place on Saturdays 48

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Whether you come to Edmonds to visit or to make it your home, you'll be welcome in one of Washington's friendliest towns.

Edmonds Statistics Population: 40,900 City Hall: 121 Fifth Ave N, (425) 775-2525, (877) 775-6940, www.VisitEdmonds.com Chambers of Commerce: Greater Edmonds Chamber, 121 5th Ave N, PO Box 146, 98020, office (425) 670-1496, visitor information (425) 776-6711, www.EdmondsWA.com; South Snohomish County Chamber, 3815 196th St SW, Ste. 136, Lynnwood 98036, (425) 774-0507, www.s2c3.com Port of Edmonds: 336 Admiral Way, 98020, (425) 774-0549 Post Office: 201 Main St, 98020, (800)-275-8777 Library: 650 Main St, (425) 771-1933 School District: Edmonds School Dist. No. 15, (425) 431-7000 College: Edmonds Community College, (425) 640-1459 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 7831000, (877) 783-1000 Water/Sewer: Edmonds Water Dept. (425) 771-0241.

Alderwood Water Dist. (425) 743-4605. Olympic View Water & Sewer Dist. (425) 774-7769 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Downtown area —Sound Disposal, (425) 778-2404. Outlying areas—Lynnwood Disposal, (425) 778-0188. Lake Ballinger area—Waste Management, (800) 722-5894 Typical Tax Rate: $8.76/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $70,248 Average Rent: $845 Median Prices: Homes $360,000; Condos $279,950 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=26 mins/15 miles. Bellevue=34 mins/24 miles

Everett is the seat of Snohomish County, one of the state’s fastest-growing counties. The city is home to EVERETT Naval Station Everett, the world’s most-modern Navy base, as well as the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer, the Boeing Company. The Port of Everett links the community to international shipping from around the world.

The city’s transportation center and higher education facility, Everett Station is a model of ingenuity and design.

Residents here enjoy a refreshing quality of life. Everett boasts the largest

public marina on the West Coast, a revitalized downtown and waterfront, vibrant neighborhoods, excellent schools from K-12 and beyond, comprehensive city services, 40 parks and trails, and two public golf courses.

Other attractions include Jetty Island, the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tours, and many annual festivals and markets. The Everett Performing Arts Center, Village Theatre, and others offer cultural entertainment. The downtown Everett Events Center hosts concerts, ice sports, exhibits and more.

Local sports teams include the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League and the Everett AquaSox, a minor league baseball team.

Everett Statistics Population: 104,100 City Hall: 2930 Wetmore Ave, 98201, (425) 2578700, www.ci.everett.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 2000 Hewitt Ave, Ste 205, 98021, (425) 257-3222, www.everettchamber.com Post Office: 3102 Hoyt Ave, (425) 257-3208 Libraries: 2702 Hoyt Ave, (425) 257-8010. 9512 Evergreen Way, (425) 257-8250 School Districts: Everett School Dist. No. 2, (425) 3854000. Mukilteo School Dist. No. 6, (425) 356-1274 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 783-1000 Water/Sewer: City of Everett Utilities, (425) 257-8999 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Rubatino Refuse Removal, (425) 259-0044. Waste Management, (425) 337-1197 Typical Tax Rate: $10.34/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $52,632 Average Rent: $800 Median Prices: Homes $245,883; Condos $200,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=34 mins/29 miles. Bellevue=34 mins/29 miles.

Kenmore is located at the northern tip of beautiful Lake Washington in King County, with excellent KENMORE access to Seattle, Eastside and Snohomish County employment centers. In 2009, Seattle Magazine ranked Kenmore #1 for “Best Metropolitan Neighborhoods to Live” and Family Circle declared it “One of the 10 Best Towns for Families in the US.” The city consists of long-established, predomi-

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nately single-family neighborhoods as well as condominiums and apartments.

Some homes offer water views or front country-club greens at historic Inglewood Golf Club. In recent years, residential values in Kenmore have shown more stability than many other communities.

A redeveloping city center is taking shape integrating commercial, civic, cultural, and residential uses. Kenmore’s top employers include Kenmore Air, which headquarters here, and Bastyr University, a pioneer in natural health education and research. The highly regarded Northshore School District attracts many families, and Inglemoor High School was one of Newsweek’s Top 1500 U.S. High Schools in 2010.

University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College are within 3 miles of downtown Kenmore.

Seven parks are found in Kenmore.

Saint Edward State Park, with 3,000 feet of Lake Washington shoreline, playground, trails, and annual summer concert series is a favorite. Residents enjoy easy access to Lake Washington and the Burke-Gilman Trail where boating, jogging, biking, and picnicking are among the popular pastimes. While many cyclists commute via the Burke Gilman Trail, Kenmore is also served by Sound Transit and Metro Transit.

Kenmore Statistics Population: 20,650 City Hall: 18120 68th Ave NE, PO Box 82607, 98028, (425) 398-8900, www.cityofkenmore.com Post Office: 6700 NE 181st St, (425) 482-9755 (information line for station) Library: 18138 73rd NE, 98028, (425) 486-8747.

New site in 2011: 6531 NE 181st St School District: Northshore School Dist. (425) 408-6000 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: Northshore Utility Dist. (425) 398-4400 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Allied Waste, (206) 682-9730 Typical Tax Rate: $11.63/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $81,055 Average Rent: $950 Median Prices: Homes $370,000; Condos $209,500 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=21 mins/14 miles. Bellevue=19 mins/14miles.

Lake Forest Park is a hilly, forested city at the north end of Lake Washington where the schools are good, LAKE FOREST homes are well mainPARK tained and the sense of community is strong. Since its earliest development, the city's focus has been the preservation of the rustic, natural woods, streams, and open spaces. No industrial development exists within the city limits, and home-based businesses account for more than half of all registered businesses.

Lake Forest Park is primarily a singlefamily residential community. Older homes are built on half-acre to one-acre lots. There are also a small number of duplexes and multi-family units. Rentals account for only about 20% of the city's housing units. The central gathering spot in town is the Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, in the very popular Third Place Commons. Throughout the city, parks and playgrounds, as well as the lakefront Burke-Gilman Trail offer recreational opportunities. Annual events include the Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park garden tour in June and a Sunday Farmers Market from Mother’s Day to October. Each year a communitywide summer “bookclub” culminates in a visit from the author. In 2010, The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig was selected.

Lake Forest Park Statistics Population: 12,840 City Hall/Passport Office: 17425 Ballinger Wy NE, 98155, (206) 368-5440. (Ext 113 for passports), www.cityoflfp.com Post Office: 17233 15th Ave NE, 98155, (800) 275-8777 Library: 17171 Bothell Way NE, (206) 362-8860 School District: Shoreline School Dist. No. 412, (206) 367-6111 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (425) 452-1234 Electricity: Seattle City Light, (206) 684-3000 Water: Shoreline Water Dist. (206) 362-8100. Lake Forest Park Water Dist. (206) 365-3211. Northshore Utility Dist. (425) 398-4400.

Seattle Water Dept. (206) 684-3000 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Sewer: City of Lake Forest Park, (206) 368-5440.

Northshore Utility District, (425) 398-4400 Refuse Collection: Allied Waste, (206) 682-9730 Typical Tax Rate: $12.30/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $97,321

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Average Rent: $875 Median Prices: Homes $387,600; Condos $147,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=20 mins/13 miles. Bellevue=23 mins/16 miles

The changing character of Lake Stevens has long been reflected in the waters of the lake it grew up LAKE STEVENS around. Originally a sawmill town, and later a resort destination, Lake Stevens has evolved into a family-friendly community where conveniences and beauty are both in abundance. Surrounded by views of the Cascade Mountains, the greenery of local parks and lakeside residential lots, Lake Stevens is also located near excellent shopping, cultural opportunities, and easy access to I-5.

The city is centered on a 1,040-acre natural lake with eight miles of shoreline.

Also called Lake Stevens, it is Snohomish County’s largest recreational lake. Home to two competitive rowing clubs, the lake also provides swimming, sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, and year-round fishing opportunities. The nearby Centennial Trail is popular with walkers, joggers, bicyclists and horse riders. Visitors will enjoy the Lake Stevens Historical Museum and the Aquafest celebration held the last full weekend in July featuring parades, a carnival and fireworks.

Lake Stevens Statistics Population: 26,670 City Hall: 1812 Main St, PO Box 257, 98258, (425) 334-1012, www.ci.lake-stevens.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 9327 4th St NE #7, PO Box 439, 98258, (425) 334-0433, www.LakeStevensChamber.com Post Office: 1709 124th Ave NE, 98258, (425) 3979582, (800) 275-8777 Library: 1804 Main St, (425) 334-1900 School District: Lake Stevens School Dist. No. 4, (425) 335-1500 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, 425) 783-1000 Water: Snohomish County PUD, (425) 783-8300 Sewer: Lake Stevens Sewer Dist., (425) 334-8588 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Allied Waste, (800) 942-5965.

Newly annexed areas use Waste Management, (425) 337-1197

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Photo © Donna Foster, Foster Press Photo

core of bioscience, information technology and professional service businesses thrive. Future city center plans include new retail, office and residential space, and open-air plazas and promenades.

Summer fun on Lake Stevens Typical Tax Rate: $11.11/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $85,616 Average Rent: $900 Median Prices: Homes $248,990; Condos $254,990 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=46 mins/36 miles.

Bellevue=43 mins/33 miles. Everett=16 mins/8 miles.

Lynnwood has a rich history of steady growth and strong entrepreneurial spirit.

In the early 1900’s, The LYNNWOOD Puget Mill Company fueled the economy of this scattered community of homesteaders. When logging declined, Puget Mill developed a “demonstration farm” illustrating how to profitably farm small parcels.

Gentlemen farmers arrived via the Seattle to Everett Interurban Railway and soon Lynnwood became the nations’ second largest area for poultry and egg production. In 1927, SR99 expanded through South Snohomish County. Businesses catering to motorists opened and thrived.

Residential growth followed and by 1959 Lynnwood was incorporated.

Today, Lynnwood is located where Interstates 5 and 405 intersect. The city center and Alderwood Mall are easily accessed and as many as 150,000 people come daily to shop and work. Alderwood Mall draws shoppers from far and wide with 175 upscale stores, restaurants, and a state of the art 16-screen cinema.

Situated equidistant from Seattle, Bellevue and Everett, Lynnwood serves a large, growing trade area and workforce.

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While Lynnwood’s commercial center is impressive, the city is primarily residential. Moderately priced single-family neighborhoods, both new and established, are sprinkled throughout the city’s wooded surroundings. Along the city’s western edge are views of Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, and the Olympics.

Residents enjoy a unique quality of life, filled with every amenity. The public school district is exceptional and Central Washington State University’s Lynnwood Center along with nearby Edmonds Community College provide advanced educational opportunities. Year round recreational options include a municipal golf course, 22 city parks, public tennis and basketball courts, sports fields, and a Recreation Center with swimming pool, racquetball courts, and weight room.

Lynnwood Statistics Population: 36,160 City Hall: 19100 44th Ave W, (425) 670-5000, www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us e-mail: cityhall@ci.lynnwood.wa.us.

Chamber of Commerce: South Snohomish County Chamber, 3815 196th St. SW, Ste. 136, Lynnwood 98036, (425) 774-0507, www.s2c3.com Post Office: 6817 208th St SW, (425) 778-3447.

3715 196th St SW Ste 101, (425) 778-3447 Library: 19200 44th Ave W, 98036, (425) 778-2148, www.sno-isle.org School District: Edmonds School Dist. No. 15, (425) 431-7000 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 783-1000 Water/Sewer: City of Lynnwood, (425) 670-5146.

Alderwood Water Dist. (425) 743-4605 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: West of Hwy 99—Rabanco, (425) 778-0188. East of Hwy 99—Waste Management, (425) 481-1100 Typical Tax Rate: $8.78/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $56,194 Average Rent: $775 Median Prices: Homes $295,000; Condos $203,500 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=21 mins/16 miles. Bellevue=25 mins/20 miles.

Situated amid mountains, lakes, rivers and Port Gardner Bay at the mouth of the pristine Snohomish MARYSVILLE River Estuary, Marysville and the neighboring Tulalip Indian Reservation share this colorful panorama. This pioneering town of sawmills and strawberry fields has evolved into a prosperous, diversified city.

Marysville and Tulalip have emerged as Snohomish County’s newest hotspots for family-friendly lifestyle, business, clean industry and affordable housing.

Marysville boasts 360 acres of parks and open space. Their centerpiece park, Jennings Memorial and Jennings Nature Park, has a petting zoo, museum, playgrounds, and trails. Golfers enjoy the award-winning Cedarcrest Golf Club and Restaurant. The rustic, unhurried charm of the downtown district lures shoppers, as does the Marysville Towne Centre Mall. Ebey Waterfront Park, a downtown marine park, features a boat launch, nautical themed playground, and trails that are perfect for leisurely strolls.

Investing in the region’s economic growth, the Tulalip Tribes developed Quil Ceda Village, a thriving industrial park. The Tulalip Resort Casino serves as a key regional draw for the area’s tourism industry. Nearby, the Seattle Premium Outlets offer upscale shopping options while the Tulalip Amphitheater, an intimate 2,600-seat venue, features a variety of concerts and events.

Committed to preserving its sense of community and quality of life, Marysville offers year-round festivals and events including the state’s oldest festival, the Marysville Strawberry Festival. This festival, along with the Poochapalooza Outdoor Dog Event, and the Tulalip Veteran’s Powwow & Salmon Ceremony are held each June. Other annual events such as the Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Biringers’ Pig Out On The Farm and Homegrown Festival, and Merrysville for the Holidays Winter Celebration & Electric Light Parade in December are also celebrated.

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Marysville Statistics Population: 58,040 City Hall: 1049 State Ave, 98270, (360) 363-8000, www.ci.marysville.wa.us email: info@ci.marysville.wa.us Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Information Center: 8825 34th Ave NE, Ste C, 98271, (360) 659-7700, www.marysvilletulalipchamber.com Post Office: 1010 State Ave, (360) 653-6379 Library: 6120 Grove St, 98270, (360) 658-5000 School District: Marysville School Dist. No. 25, (360) 653-7058 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 783-1000 Water/Sewer: City of Marysville, (360) 363-8001 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: City of Marysville, (360) 363-8000.

Outside of City Limits—Waste Management NW, (425) 481-1110 Typical Tax Rate: $10.55/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $61,803 Average Rent: $775 Median Prices: Homes $229,950; Condos $193,250 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=39 mins/34 miles. Bellevue= 39 mins/34 miles.

Mill Creek is known for generous open spaces and well-kept neighborhoods featuring lovely residences MILL CREEK along tree-lined streets.

This is primarily a residential community with strong neighborhood covenants where citizens are encouraged to become actively involved in the growth of their city. In 2009, BusinessWeek.com named it Washington’s Best Affordable Suburb.

Shopping areas are conveniently located and include many family restaurants.

The Town Center, a traditional Main Street design, mixes office, retail, entertainment, parking, and public plazas that connect with the surrounding commercial and neighborhood areas.

Mill Creek’s well-defined neighborhoods offer a diversity of housing options for almost every lifestyle such as single-family homes, condominiums, apartments and a cottage neighborhood located just north of the Town Center.

The city maintains a network of pedestrian and bicycle trails, and supports many parks and recreation programs. Nature preserves and parks are popular places for outdoor fun.

Community get-togethers include a summer Concerts in the Park series, a semi-annual Citywide Garage Sale and the Mill Creek Festival.

Mill Creek Statistics Population: 18,700 City Hall: 15728 Main St, (425) 745-1891, www.cityofmillcreek.com Chamber of Commerce: South Snohomish County Chamber, 3815 196th St SW, Ste. 136, Lynnwood 98036, (425) 774-0507, www.s2c3.com Mill Creek Business Assn.: (425) 673-6200 Post Office: 15833 Mill Creek Blvd, (425) 379-8698 Library: 15429 Bothell-Everett Hwy, (425) 337-4822 School District: Everett School Dist. No. 2, (425) 385-4000 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (425) 454-6363, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 783-1000 Water/Sewer: Alderwood Water Dist. (425) 743-4605.

Silver Lake Water Dist. (425) 337-3647 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (425) 481-1100, (800) 592-9995 Typical Tax Rate: $9.70/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $91,485 Average Rent: $900 Median Prices: Homes $374,150; Condos $272,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=30 mins/22 miles. Bellevue=27 mins/19 miles

Monroe, the portal to the Skykomish Valley, is surrounded by rich farmland and the beautiful Cascade MONROE Mountains. Residents enjoy the best of all worlds—a welcoming community with small town appeal where metropolitan areas are within easy reach and in under an hour there’s boating on Puget Sound or skiing and snow boarding at Steven’s Pass. The city’s location, rural beauty, acreage and affordable housing attract an increasing number of families, workers to local industries, and commuters to high-tech jobs in south Snohomish and north King Counties.

Monroe boasts a wide array of attractions, including the Evergreen State Fair, Evergreen Speedway, two community theatre groups, an orchestra, artist guild, two golf courses, an extensive parks and recreational trail system, Skykomish River and Lake Tye fishing, and Wiggly Field Off-leash Dog Park. Among

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Snohomish County cities, Monroe has the most acreage dedicated to parks and open space.

Family friendly community events include The Evergreen State Fair, The Monroe Fair Days Parade, the Old Main Street Car Show, the Downtown Farmer’s Market, and Outdoor Movies & Shakespeare at Lake Tye Park. Lite Up Monroe occurs the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Monroe Statistics Population: 16,680 City Hall: 806 W Main St, 98272, (360) 794-7400, www.ci.monroe.wa.us Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Information Center: 111 W. Main St, 98272, (360) 794-5488, www.monroewachamber.com Post Office: 122 N Blakeley, (800) 275-8777, (360) 805-1962 Library: 1070 Village Way, 98272, (360) 794-7851 School District: Monroe School Dist. No. 103, (360) 804-2500 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (360) 794-7280 Water/Sewer: City of Monroe, (360) 794-7400 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: City of Monroe, (360) 794-7400.

Outside City Limits—Waste Management NW, (425) 481-1100 Typical Tax Rate: $10.54/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $66,137 Average Rent: $775 Median Prices: Homes $255,000; Condos $64,450 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=40 mins/33 miles. Bellevue=31 mins/26 miles

Mount Vernon, Skagit County’s largest incorporated town and county seat, is located on I-5 MOUNT VERNON along the banks of the Skagit River about midway between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Here amid amazing vistas of farmland, mountains, river valleys, and islands, Mount Vernon is a charming mix of historic river front town and bustling community bursting with the promise of outdoor adventure.

Kayaking, biking, hiking and even hang gliding are possible here. The city boasts a number of parks, cultural and historic experiences, and festivals throughout the year including the world famous Skagit 2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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Valley Tulip Festival each April, the Skagit Highland Games, the Shakespeare Festival and more. A seasonal Farmers Market, the 1926 Lincoln Theatre, and the unique downtown shops and dining establishments are also popular destinations. A library, community college, transit center, and hospital are among the many services found in this “premier small city.”

Visit www.getagreatlifeinmountvernon.com for more information.

conservation and sustainable economy. This residential haven of nearly 21,000 also hosts a growing number of businesses in the city’s downtown core and surrounding shopping areas.

Mount Vernon Statistics Population: 31,020 City Hall: 910 Cleveland Ave, PO Box 809, 98273, (360) 336-6211, www.ci.mount-vernon.wa.us Chamber Of Commerce: 105 E. Kincaid, PO Box 1007, 98273, (360) 428-8547, www.mountvernonchamber.com Post Office: 1207 Cleveland Ave, (360) 336-5812 Library: 315 Snoqualmie St, (360) 336-6209 School District: Mount Vernon School Dist., (360) 428-6110 Utilities: Cascade Natural Gas, (888) 522-1130 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: Skagit County PUD, (360) 424-7104 Sewer: City of Mount Vernon, (360) 336-6218 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: City of Mount Vernon, (360) 336-6218 Average Tax Rate: $12.21/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $49,874 Average Rent: $800 Median Prices: Homes $222,220; Condos $148,250 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=1hr 7 mins/62 miles. Bellevue=1hr 6 mins/62 miles.

Mountlake Terrace is a safe, walkable community with beautiful mountain views and active resiMOUNTLAKE dents full of community TERRACE spirit. For the past two years, Seattle Magazine named Mountlake Terrace one of the top five Best Neighborhoods in the Seattle region for its affordability, low crime rate, abundant parks, short commute times and student test scores.

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Mountlake Terrace’s 260+ acres of parks and playfields offers a variety of recreational opportunities.

Scenic Lake Ballinger is a favorite for boating, fishing, and picnics. A nine-hole The Skykomish River in Monroe golf course winding along the lakeshore, the Recreation Pavilion featuring a nation- Mukilteo is located north of Seattle along ally acclaimed indoor swimming pool, the shores of Puget Sound and at the northern end of the techand an Olympic quality ice rink attract MUKILTEO nology corridor that sports enthusiasts and visitors alike. extends southward into Bothell. Named Everyone enjoys the Tour de Terrace a 2009 Money Magazine Top Ten Best summer festival with a Seafair-sancSmall Towns in America, Mukilteo’s tioned parade and Arts of the Terrace many qualities include excellent schools, annual juried art show. A new Thursday scenic vistas, numerous parks and open Farmers Market near the Civic Campus spaces, the Harbour Pointe Golf Course, runs from May through September. and a growing business district.

Commuters enjoy easy access to I-5, IMountlake Terrace Statistics 405 and the Mukilteo Ferries. This ferry Population: 20,960 route, connecting to Clinton on Interim City Hall: 6100 219th St. SW, Ste. 200, Whidbey Island, is the state’s highest 98043, (425) 776-1161, www.cityofmlt.com volume ferry run.

Chamber of Commerce: South Snohomish County Chamber, 3815 196th St SW, Ste 136, Lynnwood 98036, (425) 774-0507, www.s2c3.com.

Post Office: 23210 57th Ave W, (800) 275-8777, (425) 778-0429 Library: 23300 58th Ave W, (425) 776-8722 School District: Edmonds School Dist. No. 15, (425) 431-7000 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773, (425) 452-1234 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 783-1000 Water/Sewer: City of Mountlake Terrace, (425) 744-6214 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Waste Management NW, (425) 481-1100 Typical Tax Rate: $8.66/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $62,000 Average Rent: $850 Median Prices: Homes $250,000; Condos $178,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=18 mins/14 miles. Bellevue=26 mins/20 miles

South of downtown, the popular, master-planned neighborhood of Harbour Pointe features high-end condominiums, contemporary homes, commercial businesses and restaurants.

Despite its growth, Mukilteo remains true to its small town roots. Many historic buildings have been preserved, including the Mukilteo Lighthouse, a unique wooden lighthouse that has operated for over 100 years. Even the city’s name, which means “good camping ground,” is a reminder of the past.

The Rosehill Community Center hosts a seasonal Farmers Market from June through September. In September the community celebrates The Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival featuring a parade, arts and crafts, food, and fireworks. Visit www.mukilteofestival.org for details.

Photo © City of Monroe

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Mukilteo Statistics Population: 20,150 City Hall: 4480 Chennault Beach Rd, 98275, (425) 355-4141, www.ci.mukilteo.wa.us Chambers of Commerce: Mukilteo Chamber, 304 Lincoln Ave, Ste 104, PO Box 545, Mukilteo 98275, (425) 347-1456, www.mukilteochamber.org. South Snohomish County Chamber, 3500 188th St SW, Ste 490, Lynnwood 98037, (425) 744-0507, www.s2c3.com Post Office: 8050 Mukilteo Speedway, (425) 710-7039 Library: 4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd, 98275, (425) 493-8202 School District: Mukilteo School Dist. No. 6, (425) 356-1274 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 783-1000 Water/Sewer: Mukilteo Water Dist. (425) 355-3355.

Olympus Terrace Sewer Dist. (425) 353-6000.

Alderwood Water Dist. (425) 743-4605 Telephone: Verizon, (800) 483-4000 Refuse Collection: South—Waste Management NW, (425) 337-1197. North—Rubatino Refuse Removal, (425) 259-0044 Typical Tax Rate: $8.46/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $88,362 Average Rent: $880 Median Prices: Homes $439,000; Condos $213,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle: 35 mins/26 miles. Bellevue=35 mins/26 miles

Not far north of downtown Seattle, Shoreline residents enjoy the best of both worlds—the convenience SHORELINE of the suburbs along with the opportunities of city life. Since incorporating in 1995, Shoreline has established a reputation for quality schools, active neighborhood commitment, and ample parks and recreational facilities.

This city has 14 distinct neighborhoods, providing diverse housing options ranging from exclusive, expensive waterfront homes to moderately priced houses and condos. Each neighborhood is represented on The Council of Neighborhoods, a group that actively works to enhance the quality of life in Shoreline.

The city boasts two libraries, the Shoreline Community College, the Shoreline Historical Museum, an arts

council, community pool, recreational center, teen and senior centers, and a growing business community. Area parks offer a wide range of activities including skateboarding, basketball, tennis, fishing, and hiking. Its sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympics make Richmond Beach Saltwater Park a local favorite. The Interurban Trail, a three mile, non-motorized path links Shoreline neighborhoods, businesses, and parks.

Shoreline Statistics Population: 54,580 City Hall: 17500 Midvale Ave N, (206) 801-2700, www.cityofshoreline.com Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center: 18560 1st Ave NE, (206) 361-2260, www.shorelinechamber.com Post Office: North City Station, 17233 15th Ave NE, (206) 364-0656 Libraries: 19601 21st Ave NW, (206) 546-3522.

345 NE 175th, (206) 362-7550 School District: Shoreline School Dist. No. 412, (206) 367-6111 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Seattle City Light, (206) 684-3000 Water: Shoreline Water Dist., (206) 362-8100.

Seattle Public Utilities, (206) 684-3000 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111.

Frontier (877) 462-8188 Sewer: Ronald Wastewater Dist., (206) 546-2494 Refuse Collection: CleanScapes, (206) 763-4444 Typical Tax Rate: $12.97/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $67,802 Average Rent: $815 Median Prices: Homes $316,500; Condos $209,350 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=15 mins/12 miles. Bellevue=23 mins/18 miles

The city of Snohomish offers rural living with a great pride for preservation, excellence in education and SNOHOMISH a commitment to the future. While most residents commute to jobs in Everett, Seattle, and the Eastside, Snohomish maintains a strong community identity.

Founded in 1859, Snohomish is the county’s oldest city. Its commercial and nationally registered historic home districts are highlighted on the Historic Home Tour each September. As “the Antique Capital of the Northwest,”

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Snohomish naturally has antique and collectible shops, but historic First Street is also home to varied specialty shops and unique restaurants. Arts of Snohomish, Blackman Museum and numerous galleries provide a cultural presence. Along Avenue D and Bickford Avenue, larger national retailers and eateries are found in the Snohomish Station Mall.

The Snohomish and the Pilchuck Rivers border Snohomish, adding to recreational opportunities that also include parks, the Centennial Trail, the Snohomish River Trail, skate park, indoor soccer facility, and Boys and Girls Club. Harvey Airfield is home base for a flight school, scenic flights, Hot Air Ballooning, and skydiving.

Surrounded by farmlands, Snohomish offers a month long farmers market in October with area farms featuring corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and produce stands all showcased during the Festival of Pumpkins.

Another popular Snohomish Festival, Kla Ha Ya Days, is celebrated each July with a parade, carnival, music and more.

Snohomish Statistics Population: 9,230 City Hall: 116 Union Ave, 98290, (360) 568-3115, www.ci.snohomish.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 127 Ave A, PO Box 135, 98291, (360) 568-2526, www.cityofsnohomish.com Visitor Information Center: 1301 First St, 98290, (360) 862-9609, www.snohomishvic.com Post Office: 1323 Ave D, (360) 568-0904, (800) 275-8777 Library: 311 Maple Ave, 98290, (360) 568-2898 School District: Snohomish School Dist. #201, (360) 563-7300 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Snohomish County PUD No. 1, (425) 7831000 or (360) 568-8517 Water/Sewer: City of Snohomish, (360) 568-3115 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: City of Snohomish, (360) 568-3115.

Outside City limits—NW Waste Management, (800) 593-9995 Typical Tax Rate: $10.47/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $60,895 Average Rent: $1,000 Median Prices: Homes $354,725; Condos $198,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=40 mins/32 miles. Bellevue=30 mins/24 miles

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Living East

This is software country, home to Microsoft and many other high-tech industries. Affectionately called the "Silicon Forest,” development on the Eastside has in many ways resembled the development of California’s Silicon Valley. There has been a boom of housing

Attractions On the Eastside Bellevue Arts Museum Bellevue Square Cougar Mountain Zoological Park Gilman Village The Herbfarm Kelsey Creek Farm Kirkland Performing Arts Center Kirkland Waterfront Lake Sammamish State Park Marymoor Park Molbak’s Nursery Mt. Si Remlinger Farms Snoqualmie Casino Snoqualmie Falls Snoqualmie Summit Village Theatre Woodinville Wineries Contact the Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, or Woodinville Chambers of Commerce 54

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The landmark Salish Lodge overlooks 268 foot Snoqualmie Falls developments, escalating house values, and an expanding number of business, service, and retail centers to provide for a growing population. There is also a large housing turnover in established neighborhoods where smaller, older homes are replaced by large, multi-storied mansions, changing the entire look of some communities. Condominium and apartment living is becoming increasingly popular.

To control and plan for more organized growth, many Eastside communities support master-planned housing developments and "urban villages," where all the amenities of living like shopping, working, and schooling are included.

Along the Cascade Mountain foothills, small farms, ranches, and dairies dot the countryside. In contrast to their urban counterparts, communities here retain their agricultural feel.

Beaux Arts Village was originally established by the Society of Beaux Arts as a colony where artists BEAUX ARTS could live and work in VILLAGE common, but this vision of a communal art center was never fully realized.

Today, Beaux Arts Village (known as “The Village” to locals) is King County’s second smallest city. Located just south of Bellevue along the shores of Lake Washington, this community retains a relaxed, informal feel, yet values privacy.

Towering evergreens, some with resident eagles’ nests, enhance the secluded beauty of the area. There is no commercial base, rentals are scarce, and houses of various architectural styles and vintages add to the charm. With only 124 housing units, the city is considered completely developed. Existing houses come on the market infrequently.

Photo © Salish Lodge & Spa

T

The “Eastside” refers to the area east of Downtown Seattle that lies between Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, extending north to Bothell and Woodinville and south to Renton. For centuries early native tribes hunted, fished and lived off the abundance of this beautiful wilderness. In the 1860's, homesteaders left the bustling cities of Seattle and Tacoma, moving eastward to stake their claims. Before long, communities formed around early industries of logging, shingle mills, boat building, and farming. Today the Eastside is where cosmopolitan communities merge with pristine outdoor areas. Despite tremendous growth and development, huge swaths of forest and parklands offer a variety of outdoor recreation.

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Cartography by David Ranta

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Residents pay a yearly fee to maintain the private beach, boat dock and tennis courts. A summer beach potluck, a catered winter dinner and a Christmas cookie exchange are annual local events.

Population: 320 City Hall: Mail: 10550 SE 27th St, 98004, (425) 454-8580, www.beauxarts-wa.gov, email: townhall@beauxarts-wa.gov School District: Bellevue School Dist. No. 405, (425) 456-4000 Utilities: Gas/Electric: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: Beaux Arts Water Dept., (425) 454-8580 Sewer: City of Bellevue, (425) 452-6973 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Eastside Disposal, (206) 682-9730 Typical tax rate: $8.17/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $127,203 Average Rent: $1,100 Median Prices: Homes $725,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=16 mins/12 miles. Bellevue=5 mins/1 mile

The largest city on the Eastside and the fifth largest in the state, Bellevue offers a high quality of life, strong BELLEVUE sense of community, robust neighborhoods, and a commitment to building a healthy, vibrant future economy.

Bellevue incorporates 31 square miles between the pristine waters of Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington. The city has acres of trails, open spaces and wetlands, and nearly 100 parks that offer activities ranging from a working farm and play areas, to waterfalls and wildlife habitat. Quiet wooded neighborhoods and parks flourish along with a bustling downtown that is truly the urban heart of the Eastside.

Downtown is a vibrant collage of high-rises, parks, museums and excellent shopping, including the Pacific Northwest’s first Neiman Marcus store.

Nearby, The Bellevue Collection is arguably the destination shopping capital of the Northwest.

The city’s strong public art program has helped to shape a distinctive, peoplefriendly downtown that is the focal point 56

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Bellevue’s inviting Downtown Park of a thriving arts community. The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center features performances by Ballet Bellevue, the Bellevue Philharmonic, Bellevue Chamber Chorus and Bellevue Civic Theatre. The Bellevue Arts Museum offers enriching exhibits, lectures, and workshops. Within walking distance is the Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art. The Bellevue Jazz Festival each spring is among the region’s premier celebrations of national and regional musical talent.

Each July, the arts & crafts fair weekend in downtown is one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious art festivals.

Another summer attraction, the Bellevue Farmers Market, is open Thursdays and Saturdays just north of the city center.

Nearly 6,000 people call Downtown Bellevue home. Over the next 20 years, most of the city’s job and residential growth will occur downtown and in the city’s Bel-Red Corridor. As its population increases and becomes more diverse, it reflects Bellevue’s status as a growing metropolis and international economic center. Income levels are well above both King County and Puget Sound regional averages. With an estimated 140,000 jobs within the city, Bellevue has more jobs than residents. Its diverse economy

includes a strong employment base in growing industries such as information technology. Bellevue also benefits from a highly skilled and educated workforce.

Education is a priority here and it shows. In 2010, Newsweek ranked five Bellevue schools in the top 100 high schools in America.

Bellevue offers diverse housing choices to suit any lifestyle—from stunning waterfront estates to suburban ramblers to downtown condominiums. New construction leans toward larger, more expensive homes. On the hills southeast of downtown, Newport Hills (one of the County’s first planned residential areas) has a thriving commercial center that includes Factoria Square Mall, as well as a multitude of single and multi-family housing options.

Apartment complexes and smaller homes dominate the Crossroads and Lake Hills neighborhoods where some of Bellevue’s most reasonably priced homes are located. Crossroads Shopping Center is the people-packed heart of this area featuring a seasonal farmers market, ethnic and folk music, cultural events and the smells of global cuisine.

Photo © Tamela Wolff

Beaux Arts Village Statistics

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Bellevue Statistics Population: 122,900 City Hall: 450 110th Ave. NE, 98004, PO Box 90012, 98009, (425) 452-6800, www.bellevuewa.gov Chamber of Commerce: 302 Bellevue Square, 98004, (425) 454-2464, www.bellevuechamber.org Bellevue Downtown Association: 400 108th Ave NE, Ste. 110, 98004, (425) 453-1223, www.bellevuedowntown.com Post Offices: 1171 Bellevue Way NE, (425) 453-5655; 11405 NE 2nd Pl., (425) 462-7508 Libraries: Bellevue, 1111 110th Ave NE, (425) 450-1765. 15590 Lake Hills Blvd, (425) 7473350. 14250 SE Newport Wy, (425) 747-2390 School District: Bellevue School Dist. No. 405, (425) 456-4000 Convention Center: Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St., (425) 637-1020 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Bellevue, 11511 Main St, (425) 452-6973 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111. Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Rabanco, (425) 452-4762 Typical Tax Rate: $7.89/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $81,819 Average Rent: $1,165 Median Prices: Homes $557,550; Condos $267,475 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=16 mins/10 miles

East of Seattle, near where the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers meet in the scenic Snoqualmie CARNATION Valley, you’ll find the quiet, rural community of Carnation with its casual atmosphere, acreage properties, and short eastside commutes.

Remlinger and Carnation Farms are well known reminders of days past when dairy cows put this town on the map as “the home of contented cows.” Carnation now sits in the middle of King County’s largest organic production district with ample opportunities for u-pick vegetables and CSA subscriptions. Local produce and live music bring patrons to Carnation’s Farmers Market on Tuesdays from May through September.

For outdoor fun, Tolt MacDonald Park has 400+ acres of biking, hiking, fishing, camping, and sports fields. Valley Memorial Park features a BMX track and outstanding skate bowl. Great riding opportunities abound for bicycle and 58

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motorcycle enthusiasts. Golfers enjoy the Carnation Golf Course, home of the non-profit Pacific Northwest Junior Golf Association. A 100-acre Seattle Audubon Preserve is perfect for bird watching.

Other attractions include the Tolt Historical Museum and a diverse collection of unique downtown shops. Residents annually celebrate the Great Carnation 4th of July Celebration, the Citywide Garage/Craft/Sidewalk Sale in August, the Harvest Festival in October, and Christmas in Carnation on the first Saturday in December. To live or to visit, make Carnation your destination!

Carnation Statistics Population: 1,915 City Hall: 4621 Tolt Ave, PO Box 1238, 98014, (425) 333-4192, www.ci.carnation.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: PO Box 603, 98014. www.carnationchamber.com Post Office: 4440 McKinley Ave, (800) ASK-USPS Library: 4804 Tolt Ave, (425) 333-4398 School District: Riverview School Dist. No. 407, (425) 844-4500 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Carnation, (425) 333-4192 Telephone: CenturyTel, (800) 201-4099 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (425) 814-1695 Typical Tax Rate: $10.71/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $78,955 Average Rent: $1,000 Median Prices: Homes $313,250 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle: 39 mins/27 miles. Bellevue=29 mins/20 miles

Cle Elum was originally settled as a gold mining town in 1883, but coal, rather than gold, proved most CLE ELUM plentiful. For the next 50 years coal mining sustained the economy.

Located east of Seattle off Interstate 90, Cle Elum is situated on the “dry and sunny” side of the Cascade Mountains.

Surrounded by a vast wilderness, Cle Elum is the perfect gateway to yearround outdoor fun. Suncadia, a nearby residential resort, features lodging, shopping, dining and 3 golf courses.

The Carpenter House and the Cle Elum Historical Telephone Museums are

popular with visitors, as are annual community events like the Pioneer Days Celebration held each July. Various businesses fill the old town shopping district. A new business and technical park will add other options upon completion. The desirable combination of acreage, warmer drier weather, and rural lifestyle attracts a number of residents who work elsewhere. Consequently, King County Metro partners with www.RideshareOnline.com to provide weekday commuter vanpools into Bellevue and Seattle.

Cle Elum Statistics Population: 1,870 City Hall: 119 W First St, 98922, (509) 674-2262, www.cityofcleelum.com Chamber of Commerce: Cle Elum-Roslyn Chamber of Commerce, 401 W 1st St, PO Box 43, Cle Elum 98922, (509) 674-5958, www.cleelumroslyn.org Post Office: 305 E. 1st St, (509) 674-2444 Library: 302 Pennsylvania Ave, (509) 674-2313; www.carpenter.lib.wa.us School District: Cle Elum-Roslyn School Dist., (509) 649-4850 Utilities: Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773. Public Utility District No. 1, (509) 674-2790 Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Cle Elum, (509) 674-2262 Refuse Collection: City of Cle Elum, (509) 674-2262 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Typical Tax Rate: $5.42/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $36,939 Average Rent: $735 Median Prices: Homes $360,000; Condos $160,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle: 1hr, 22 mins/83 miles. Bellevue= 1hr, 17 mins/77 miles

Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point and Hunts Point are four CLYDE HILL affluent communities where many of Washington’s most prosperous and promi- MEDINA nent business, sports and entertainment figures have settled. Located along the edge of Downtown YARROW POINT Bellevue, Lake Washington and The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge these cities are virtually all HUNTS POINT residential with only four retail businesses between them. The crime rate is very low. Traffic and neighborhood patrols account for most police activity.

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Recreational opportunities in these four communities include the Wetherill Nature Preserve, Fairweather Nature Preserve, Medina Park, Medina Beach Park and Clyde Park Beach. The 5.4 mile Points Loop Trail links the communities providing a great place to walk. The private Overlake Golf & Country Club is located in Medina. Community events include the Fourth of July Celebration held jointly by Yarrow Point and Hunts Point, Medina Days and Clyde Hill Community Celebration in August.

Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point and Hunts Point Statistics Population: Clyde Hill: 2,845. Hunts Point: 470.

Medina: 2,980. Yarrow Point: 995 City Halls: Clyde Hill: 9605 NE 24th St, 98004, (425) 453-7800, www.clydehill.org Hunts Point: 3000 Hunts Point Rd, 98004, (425) 455-1834, www.huntspoint-wa.gov Medina: 501 Evergreen Point Rd, PO Box 144, 98039, (425) 233-6400, www.medina-wa.gov Yarrow Point: 4030 95th Ave NE, 98004, (425) 454-6994, www.ci.yarrow-point.wa.us Post Office: Medina: 816 Evergreen Point Rd, (425) 646-8111. Bellevue: 1171 Bellevue Way NE, (425) 453-5655 School District: Bellevue School Dist. No. 405, (425) 456-4000 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Bellevue, (425) 452-6973.

Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Allied Waste (Rabanco) (206) 682-9730, (425) 646-2400 Typical tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: Clyde Hill: $7.46. Hunts Point: $6.68. Medina: $7.71.

Yarrow Point: $7.00/$1,000.

Median Household Income: Clyde Hill: $173,866.

Hunts Point: $236,118. Medina: $175,556. Yarrow Point: $154,797

Photo © the City of Duvall

Houses are expensive and situated on generously sized lots. Over the years large-scaled residences have replaced most small homes. Vacant tracts are scarce, so notable growth in population or number of housing units is unlikely.

Streets in these tranquil, private neighborhoods are neatly landscaped. Located within minutes of State Route 520 and three interstate highways, these communities are well connected to the rest of the Puget Sound, yet removed from the urban bustle.

Historic downtown Duvall Median Prices: Clyde Hill—Homes $1,025,000. Hunts Point—Homes $6,725,000. Medina—Homes $1,110,000. Yarrow Point—Homes $1,550,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle: 14 mins/8 miles.

Bellevue=7mins/3 miles

Incorporated in 1913, Duvall lies in northeastern King County in the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley. Early DUVALL homesteaders were drawn to this area between the Snoqualmie River and the foothills of the Cascade Mountains for logging and agricultural opportunities. Today this popular residential community draws workers from Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle seeking more reasonably priced homes and respite from the urban bustle. New housing developments on the plateau east of the city are fast replacing farms and timberlands, but the small town, rural traditions remain.

Despite its small size, Duvall's citizenry represents a diverse mix of occupational, cultural, and economic backgrounds committed to retaining the friendly, open atmosphere that defines this community.

Duvall’s active arts community supports popular annual productions like

Arts Onstage and SummerStage. Local community festivals include Duvall Days and Sandblast Summer Arts Festival.

Parks in Duvall range from the Central Park Tot Lot, to the beautifully renovated Taylor Park, to McCormick Park on the Snoqualmie River with nearly 19 acres of trails, picnicking, and open spaces.

Duvall Statistics Population: 5,990 City Hall: 15535 Main St NE, PO Box 1300, 98019, (425) 788-1185, www.duvallwa.gov Chamber of Commerce: PO Box 581, 98019, (425) 788-9182, www.duvallchamberofcommerce.com Post Office: 26400 NE Valley St, (425) 788-5645 Library: 15619 NE Main St, (425) 788-1173 School District: Riverview School Dist. No. 407, (425) 844-4500 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Duvall, (425) 788-1185 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (425) 814-1695 Typical Tax Rate: $11.84/$1,000 assessed valuation Average Rent: $950 Median Household Income: $93,582 Median Prices: Homes $375,000; Condos $211,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=36 mins/25 miles. Bellevue=27 mins/18 miles

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Fall City and Preston are tucked away in the valley between the Sammamish Plateau and the town of FALL CITY Snoqualmie. These two unincorporated towns have largely remained the rural, bucolic communities they were when first founded more than 130 PRESTON years ago. Change is taking place on the ridge above these towns, though. Large, new high end homes are being built and bought by residents attracted to this peaceful, beautiful area. Home prices closer to Fall City and Preston proper are more moderate. Preston also has some light industrial and business properties and is home to the Talking Rain Beverage Company.

The nearby Snoqualmie and Raging Rivers provide a number of recreational activities including fishing. Abundant trout, whitefish and steelhead runs are an angler’s dream come true. The

Snoqualmie Preston Rails to Trails offers great hiking with a view of Snoqualmie Falls at its endpoint. Fall City hosts Fall City Days in June and the Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater in summer.

Community groups include the Fall City Arts Council, Fall City Community Association, Fall City Historical Society and the Preston Community Club.

Fall City / Preston Statistics Population: Fall City — 1,750 (core area); Greater Fall City—5,500. Greater Preston — 2,200 Chamber of Commerce: Snoqualmie Valley Chamber, PO Box 357, North Bend 98045, (425) 888-6362, www.snovalley.org Post Office: Fall City: 4225 335th Pl. SE, (425) 222-7501. Preston: 30365 SE High Point Way, (425) 222-5536 Library: 33415 SE 42nd Pl., Fall City, (425) 222-5951 School District: Snoqualmie Valley School Dist. No. 410, (425) 831-8000 Utilities: Gas/Electric: PSE, (888) 225-5773

Water: Fall City (main area)—Fall City Water Dist., (425) 222-7882. Preston (main area)—Water Dist.

123, (425) 222-5680 Telephone: CenturyTel, (800) 201-4099 Refuse Collection: Rabanco, (206) 682-9735 Average Tax Rate: $9.69/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: Fall City: $81,176 Average Rent: Fall City $1,155. Preston $1,000 Median Prices: Fall City: Homes $720,000. Preston: Homes $692,500 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle: 30 mins/24 miles. Bellevue=25 mins/18 miles

Small-town ambiance keeps a permanent home in Issaquah, a city with turnof-the-century origins and 21st century opportunities.

Nestled ISSAQUAH between the Issaquah Alps and Lake Sammamish, Issaquah embraces its Northwest heritage and beautiful natural setting. The Issaquah Alps (Cougar, Tiger and Squak Mountains) attract hikers, paragliders and mountain bikers. Each year over 1.2 million people swim, boat, water ski, fish and picnic at Lake Sammamish State Park. The Cougar Mountain Zoo and the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery are also popular attractions. The Hatchery is central to the Salmon Days Festival. More than 150,000 visitors attend this annual Issaquah tradition held the first weekend in October. Other not to be missed notables include the Saturday public market, Boehm’s Candies chocolate factory, the historic Issaquah train depot and the Gilman Town Hall Museum. Numerous shopping and dining experiences are provided at Olde Town Front Street, East Lake Sammamish Center, Gilman Village, and Pickering Place. Cultural offerings include live performances at the award-winning Village Theater, as well as ArtWalk Issaquah on the first Friday of the month from May to September.

Issaquah’s charm and livability has brought steady growth. Lovely new neighborhoods in the surrounding hills continue to develop while other housing options include historic homes, homes on acreage and multi-unit urban apartments. Issaquah is also home to John L. Scott, the international headquarters for Costco and many other regional offices.

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Population: 27,160 City Hall: 130 E Sunset Wy, PO Box 1307, 98027, (425) 837-3000, www.ci.issaquah.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 155 NW Gilman Blvd, 98027, (425) 392-7024, www.issaquahchamber.com Post Office: 400 NW Gilman Blvd, (425) 837-8795 Library: 10 W Sunset Wy, (425) 392-5430 School District: Issaquah School Dist. No. 411, (425) 837-7000 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (425) 455-5120 Water/Sewer: City of Issaquah, (425) 837-3070 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Rabanco, (425) 392-6651.

Waste Management, (800) 592-9995 Typical Tax Rate: $10.84/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $75,984 Average Rent: $1,175 Median Prices: Homes $480,403; Condos $250,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=21 mins/17 miles. Bellevue=17 mins/11 miles

A bridge away from Seattle, Kirkland offers a quick escape from the big city.

Kirkland’s tree-lined KIRKLAND boulevards, hidden lanes of one of a kind boutiques, plentiful restaurants, and prominent outdoor sculptures invite exploration. The city has preserved 25 percent of its waterfront with numerous locations to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Washington, Seattle’s skyline and the Olympics.

Kirkland is also home to a number of independent businesses, high-tech and medical technology companies, and several well-known corporate headquarters. Adding to this diverse group of cutting edge companies, are new businesses, like Clearwire, a global telecommunications company, and downtown’s upscale Heathman Hotel.

Along with new businesses, downtown Kirkland attracts new residents - all ages, ethnicities and tax brackets welcome! Condominiums, many with prime views, populate downtown and the waterfront. Nearby neighborhoods, like Rose Hill, offer reasonably priced older homes with easy downtown access.

Bridle Trails, in southeast Kirkland, surrounds a 482-acre wooded preserve and features homes on large lots, many

Photo © City of Kirkland

Issaquah Statistics

Marina Park Pavilion in Kirkland which accommodate the area’s 400+ horses. At the opposite end of town, the Totem Lake neighborhood has large retail centers including the Totem Lake Mall, car dealerships, and the Evergreen Hospital & Medical Center.

Juanita, in northwest Kirkland, boasts Juanita Village, an award-winning mixed-use complex. Single-family homes, condos and apartments are found in nearby established pocket and beach communities around popular Juanita Beach Park.

Kirkland is a delight for walkers, art lovers and diners. Restaurants offer a medley of culinary experiences. Juanita Beach and downtown Marina Park host seasonal farmers markets. Art galleries, stylish furniture and decoractive arts stores, designer consignment stores, specialty boutiques, and bridal shops provide eclectic shopping options.

Cultural opportunities include Kirkland’s International Ballet Theatre, a variety of shows at the Kirkland Performance Center, art galleries and dozens of public art installations. The Kirkland Arts Center offers exhibits, classes and workshops. Heritage Hall, on the Market Street Walking Tour of historic buildings and vintage architecture, dates to the 1880’s.

Kirkland hosts a number of annual events. The Kirkland Artist Studio Tour is

on Mother’s Day weekend. July features Kirkland Uncorked, a celebration of local wine, food and art. For car lovers, Septembers’ Kirkland Concours ‘d Elegance presents one-of-a-kind classic automobiles. Visit www.explorekirkland.com or www.ci. kirkland.wa.us for information.

Kirkland Statistics Population: 49,620 City Hall: 123 5th Ave, 98033, (425) 587-3000, www.ci.kirkland.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 401 Parkplace, Ste 102, (425) 822-7066, www.kirklandchamber.org Post Office: 721 4th Ave, (800) 275-8777 Libraries: 308 Kirkland Ave, (425) 822-2459.

12315 NE 143rd, (425) 821-7686 School District: Lake Washington School Dist. No. 414, (425) 702-3200 Community Center: 12421 103rd Ave NE, (425) 587-3350 Senior Center: 352 Kirkland Ave., (425) 587-3360 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 or (425) 454-2000 Water: City of Kirkland, (425) 587-3150 In Juanita—Northshore Utility Dist., (425) 398-4400 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: City of Kirkland, (425) 587-3150.

Waste Management, (800) 592-9995.

Rabanco, (206) 682-9735 Typical Tax Rate: $9.15/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $79,186 Average Rent: $1,235 Median Prices: Homes $481,500; Condos $244,500 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=20 mins/12 miles. Bellevue=11 mins/6 miles

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Unique among Seattle's neighboring cities, Mercer Island is located in the middle of Lake MERCER ISLAND Washington. This island locale provides a quiet, secluded feeling with a quick express-lane commute to downtown Seattle or the Eastside via Interstate 90.

Refuse Collection and Recycling: Allied Waste, (206) 682-9730 Typical Tax Rate: $7.81/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $120,625 Average Rent: $1,650 Median Prices: Homes $891,500; Condos $262,250 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=11 mins/7 miles.

Bellevue=13 mins/6 miles

Mercer Island schools are a source of pride and the single most important reason that many families live here. The School District’s longstanding tradition of excellence includes consistently posting the state’s highest test scores.

More than ninety percent of the High School’s graduates go on to college.

Newcastle is one of the Eastside’s most desirable communities. Located near the crossroads of I-405 and NEWCASTLE I-90, Newcastle’s central location provides easy access to fine shopping and dining, and borders some of the region’s most spectacular natural scenery.

This city boasts more than 400 acres of parks and open space, multi-use trails, tennis courts, swimming and picnicking areas, a boat launch, and a skateboard park. The Community Center at Mercer View has game, dance, fitness, and event rooms featuring state of the art equipment. Quality cultural art, including the I-90 Outdoor Sculpture Gallery and The Mostly Music in the Park summer concert series reflect an active Arts Council.

Although primarily a single-family residential community, new apartments and condominiums are being developed in Town Center on the Island’s north end. Proximity to a vibrant, growing business district as well as convenient public transportation help to make this neighborhood a great place to live.

Mercer Island Statistics Population: 22,890 City Hall: 9611 SE 36th St, (206) 275-7600, www.mercergov.org Chamber of Commerce: 7605 SE 27th St, Ste. 109, PO Box 108, 98040, (206) 232-3404, www.mercerislandchamber.com Post Office: 3040 78th Ave SE, (206) 230-5636 Library: 4400 88th Ave SE, (206) 236-3537 School District: Mercer Island School Dist. No. 400, (206) 236-3330 Community Center at Mercer View: 8236 SE 24th St., 98040, (206) 275-7609 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773, (425) 454-2000 Water/Sewer: City of Mercer Island, (206) 275-7783 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 or (206) 345-5552 62

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Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, this inviting community of nearly 10,000 residents offers long-time neighborhoods, newly established highend housing developments and multifamily housing options found among beautifully tree-lined areas throughout the city.

Newcastle’s recent expansion of Coal Creek Parkway and the new Transit Center at the main downtown intersection serve as a vital Eastside transportation link. Newcastle is also the proud home of The Golf Club at Newcastle, an award winning, tournament-caliber complex with sweeping panoramic views of Seattle and the Olympic Mountains.

Newcastle has 12 neighborhood parks and a network of trails. Each summer the City sponsors a Concerts in the Park series at Lake Boren Park. Another summer highlight, the July 4th fireworks show, is always a crowd pleaser. In September, people come to the park from near and far to celebrate Newcastle Days, a weekend of activities, entertainment, food, fun, and relaxation.

Newcastle Statistics Population: 9,925 City Hall: 13020 Newcastle Wy, 98059, (425) 649-4444, www.ci.newcastle.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 6947 Coal Creek Pkwy SE #150, 98059, (206) 719-8122, www.newcastlecc.com Library: Opening soon at Newcastle Way and S.E. 129th.

School District: Issaquah School Dist., (425) 837-7000; Renton School Dist., (425) 204-2300

An estimated 350,000 visits are made to Mt. Si each year Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: Coal Creek Utility Dist., (425) 235-9200 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection/Recycling: Waste Management, (800) 592-9995 Typical Tax Rate: $11.00/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $105,421 Average Rent: $1,084 Median Prices: Homes $589,515; Condos $229,975 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=19 mins/13 miles. Bellevue=14 mins/7 miles

Nestled in the upper Snoqualmie River Valley amid rugged mountains and lush pastures is the small NORTH BEND city of North Bend.

Its history is tied to this strategic location between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. Early foot trails, wagon roads, railroads, and finally, highways brought travelers here, shaping North Bend's character and service-oriented economy.

North Bend, “easy to reach…..hard to leave” is more than just a slogan. Each year more and more people relocate to this lovely valley, many who commute on I-90 into Bellevue and Seattle. As its size increases, the city’s focus remains on preserving pastureland and open spaces, as well as economic prosperity and growth.

North Bend looks out on Mount Si, a 4,167-foot monolith where one of the state’s most used trails leads to the top.

The city’s location is the perfect jumpingoff point to Washington’s wilderness areas and year round recreation. Rock climbers

Photo © City of North Bend

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and white water paddlers have made this area a destination.

The city maintains eight public parks, including the historic Meadowbrook and Tollgate Farms both of which are over 400 acres in size. Downtown, Torguson Park has a climbing wall, tot lot, and picnic shelter. For the artistically inclined, both the Mt. Si Artist Guild and the Valley Center Stage offer classes and special events. The interesting Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum is open seasonally. A factory outlet mall convenient to I-90 is a shopper’s paradise. Each August, Festival at Mt. Si features family fun, food, music, arts & crafts, train rides. and the Tour de Peaks Bike Ride.

North Bend Statistics Population: 5,665 City Hall: 211 Main Ave N, PO Box 896, 98045, (425) 888-1211, www.ci.northbend.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: PO Box 357, 98045, (425) 888-6362, www.snovalley.org Post Office: 451 E North Bend Wy, (425) 831-7020 Library: 115 E. 4th St, (425) 888-0554 School District: Snoqualmie Valley School Dist. No. 410, (425) 831-8000 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773. Tanner Electric, (425) 888-0623 Water/Sewer: City of North Bend, (425) 888-1211. Sallal, (425) 888-3650 Telephone: Century Tel, (800) 201-4099 Refuse Collection and Recycling: Allied, (425) 392-6651. Meridan Valley Disposal, (206) 682-9735 Typical Tax Rate: $10.32/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $80,764 Average Rent: $1,085 Median Prices: Homes $375,000; Condos $130,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=33 mins/30 miles. Bellevue=28 mins/24 miles

The state’s only veledrome is in Redmond’s Marymoor Park

Photo © King County Parks & Recreation

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projects, planned and underway, bring a vibrant mix of businesses, residential and open space to this neighborhood.

Redmond has dozens of parks and an extensive trail system for hiking, biking, horseback riding and even skating.

Cultural attractions include the Redwood Theatre, Eastside Symphony and SecondStory Repertory Theatre, as well as a summer concert and performing arts series.

From its early days as a small logging community, Redmond has evolved into a thriving center of business and community life. Home to several nationally and internaREDMOND tionally recognized companies, including Microsoft, Nintendo, Genie Industries, and AT&T, Redmond’s healthy economic base attracts workers from all around Greater Seattle.

Housing options here are diverse and new construction is common. Schools are in the Lake Washington School District, featuring strong academics and athletics. Located on the north end of Lake Sammamish, many of the city’s ten neighborhoods, like the Viewpoint neighborhood, sit on forested hills with lake and mountain views.

Other neighborhoods include Overlake, where Microsoft is located, and Willows/Rose Hill, home to the new DigiPen Institute of Technology campus. These high-tech centers are the site of increasing commercial and residential development. Downtown, Redmond Town Center offers shopping, dining, entertainment and lodging, and hosts the popular Redmond Saturday Market from May to October. Downtown

“Our mission is to help the Redmond business community prosper through advocacy, networking and collaborative community involvement.”

16210 NE 80th St Redmond, WA 98052 425.885.4014 www.RedmondChamber.org

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An assortment of residential neighborhoods, including the upscale, gated community of Sahalee, are located in and around Sammamish. "The Plateau," as it is commonly referred to, is developing at a dizzying pace as its popularity and land value increases.

Photo © City of Redmond

Sammamish Statistics

The annual Redmond Lights Celebration

Redmond Statistics Population: 53,680 City Hall: 15670 NE 85th St, (425) 556-2900, www.redmond.gov Chamber of Commerce: 16210 NE 80th St, 98052.

Mail: PO Box 628, 98073, (425) 885-4014, www.redmondchamber.org Post Office: 16135 NE 85th St, (800) 275-8777, (425) 885-1057 Library: 15990 NE 85th St, (425) 885-1861 School District: Lake Washington School Dist. No. 414, (425) 702-3200 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Redmond, (425) 556-2152 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (425) 814-9240 Typical Tax Rate: $9.48/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $87,590 Average Rent: $1,180 Median Prices: Homes $510,000; Condos $255,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=21 mins/15 miles. Bellevue=10 mins/8 miles

Rising from the eastern shores of Lake Sammamish, nestled between Issaquah and Redmond, is the SAMMAMISH city of Sammamish.

Since incorporating in 1999, Sammamish has been shaped by the vision of 64

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a community of families living where small town atmosphere blends with suburban character. The City is obviously doing it right. In 2009 it ranked 12th on Money’s top 100 Best Places to Live among small U.S. towns.

Sammamish is located within easy commuting and shopping distance to Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle. Treelined streets in well-groomed neighborhoods make it an ideal community for families. Children are well served by three distinguished school districts. The City has trails, sports fields and parks, including several that host annual events.

Pine Lake Park is home to a summer concert series, Sammamish Commons Park hosts the July 4th Celebration and a farmers market, and Beaver Lake Park’s Halloween Event is always a hit. The Parks & Recreation Department along with various private entities, also provides an array of youth activities. Recreational options for all ages include fishing, swimming, boating and golf.

Sahalee Country Club, one of America’s top 100 courses, hosted the 2010 US Senior Open Championship.

Population: 41,070 City Hall: 801 228th Ave SE, 98075, (425) 295-0500, www.ci.sammamish.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 704 228th Ave NE #123, 98074, (425) 681-4910, www.sammamishchamber.org King County Community Service Center: 801 228th Ave. SE, 98075, (425) 295-0750, www.metrokc.gov/csc/sammamish.aspx Library: 825 228th Ave NE, (425) 392-3130 School District: Lake Washington School Dist., (425) 702-3200. Issaquah School Dist., (425) 837-7000.

Snoqualmie Valley School Dist., (425) 831-8000 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773, (425) 455-5120 Water/Sewer: Sammamish Plateau Water & Sewer, (425) 392-6256. NE Sammamish Water & Sewer, (425) 868-1144 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Refuse Collection: Rabanco, (425) 392-6651. SnoKing Waste Management, (425) 814-9240 Typical Tax Rate: $11.86/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $133,341 Average Rent: $1,225 Median Prices: Homes $568,998; Condos $294,500 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=25 mins/18 miles. Bellevue=16 mins/10 miles

Snoqualmie is located 25 miles east of Seattle within the Mountains to Sound Greenway. While its SNOQUALMIE most well-known feature, Snoqualmie Falls, attracts visitors worldwide, it is Snoqualmie’s spectacular natural setting, easy accessibility to Seattle and the Eastside, new housing options, and high quality of life that attracts new residents.

Part of the quality of life quotient is the abundance of things to do. There is hiking, fishing, kayaking and many other activities. Organized youth sports programs are offered and a new YMCA-

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operated community center is planned.

Park facilities range from playgrounds to athletic fields. The city hosts a wealth of year-round community activities and special events like the historic Railroad Days festival and the Boeing Classic PGA Champions Tour. Snoqualmie’s Northwest Railway Museum, the Salish Lodge & Spa, and the Snoqualmie Casino are all popular destinations.

A new city hall recently opened in the historic district where significant revitalization projects are underway. Such projects reflect the City government’s focus to preserve its small-town character while promoting a live, work, play environment that supports new and established residents, local business owners, and companies in the Snoqualmie Ridge Business Park.

Snoqualmie Statistics Population: 9,850 City Hall: 38624 SE River St, PO Box 987, 98065.

(425) 888-1555, www.ci.snoqualmie.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 8051 Falls Ave SE #2A, Snoqualmie. mail: PO Box 357, North Bend, 98045, (425) 888-6362, www.snovalley.org Post Office: 8264 Olmstead Lane SE, (425) 888-4317 Library: 7824 Center Blvd SE, (425) 888-1223 School District: Snoqualmie Valley School Dist. No. 410, (425) 831-8000 Utilities: Gas/Electric: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Snoqualmie, (425) 888-1555 Telephone: CenturyTel, (800) 201-4099 Refuse Collection: Allied Waste, (425) 392-6651 Typical Tax Rate: $11.00/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $69,165 Average Rent: $1,050 Median Prices: Homes $454,990; Condos $308,744 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=35 mins/25 miles. Bellevue=30 mins/23 miles

Photo © the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce

Snoqualmie also has restaurants, stores, professional services, a library, a hospital, a dedicated school district, outstanding public safety services, and great neighborhoods. These neighborhoods vary from the master-planned community of Snoqualmie Ridge, where most residents live, to the historic downtown.

The view from DeLille Cellars in Woodinville Woodinville is one of east King County's premier tourist destinations. Located northeast of Seattle in WOODINVILLE the Sammamish Valley, Woodinville is flush with wineries, outdoor recreational opportunities and plant nurseries. Visitors can enjoy Merlot, microbrews and marigolds!

The city's tourist district is home to world-class wineries Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia, DeLille Cellars and Silver Lake. Wine tasting and tours are complimented by fantastic dining at the Barking Frog and The Herbfarm restaurants on-site at the Willows Lodge.

Once complete, Woodinville Village will feature wineries, restaurants, a hotel, shops, and residential options.

For a little exercise, bicycle, roller blade, stroll or ride horses along the Sammamish River Trail; resting at either Wilmot Gateway Park or Woodin Creek Park. There’s also a new sportsfield complex and updated community center. Nearby, Woodinville's vibrant downtown offers retail, personal services, Molbak’s Nursery, and a seasonal Farmers Market.

Residents and visitors appreciate Woodinville’s quality of life attributes including its rich history, natural environment and economic vibrancy.

Woodinville Statistics Population: 11,350 City Hall: 17301 133rd Ave NE, 98072, (425) 489-2700, www.ci.woodinville.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 14421 Woodin-ville-Redmond Rd NE, 98072, (425) 481-8300, www.woodinvillechamber.org Post Office: 17610 Woodinville- Snohomish Rd NE, (800) 275-8777; (425) 487-0995 School District: Northshore School Dist. No. 417, (425) 408-6000 Community Center: 17401 133rd Ave NE, (425) 398-9327 Library: 17105 Avondale Rd NE, (425) 788-0733 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Telephone: Frontier, (877) 462-8188 Water: Woodinville Water Dist., (425) 487-4100.

Alderwood Water Dist., (425) 743-4605 Refuse Disposal: Waste Management, (800) 592-999 Typical Tax Rate: $11.14/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $89,400 Average Rent: $1,130 Median Prices: Homes $502,000; Condos $155,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=25 mins/20 miles. Bellevue=16 mins/12 miles

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P

Pierce County is located south of Seattle and King County. Rising from the shores of South Puget Sound to the summit of Mount Rainier, it covers 1,794 square miles - 217 miles of which are saltwater shoreline. From Mount Rainier’s densely forested foothills, to the fertile Puyallup River Valley, to the deep-water port on Commencement Bay, Pierce County offers diverse economic, cultural, recreational and living opportunities.

During WWI, Fort Lewis Army Base was established just south of Tacoma. In 1935, McChord Air Force Base was added nearby. Together they are the County’s largest employer, with a net impact on the local economy of over $2 billion. Other important industries include agriculture, government service, healthcare, international shipping, manufacturing, wood products, and wholesale and retail trade.

Development centers mainly around the I-5 corridor, the Port of Tacoma and the County’s western half where most major population centers are located.

The County’s eastern half contains quiet agricultural and logging communities that, while still rural and full of country charm and appeal, are experiencing a boom of housing, retail and light manufacturing development.

Auburn is centrally located in the growing, thriving Green River Valley between Seattle and AUBURN Tacoma. Auburn’s location, abundant land and many amenities provide a unique opportunity for business and industry, as well as residents seeking big city amenities with a warm, hometown feel.

Currently Auburn boasts 28 developed parks, over 23 miles of trails and almost 247 acres of open space. Amongst its four golf courses, Washington National is home to the UW Husky golf team and the city-owned 18-hole 66

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Tacoma ranked in the top 100 best places for business and careers in 2010. (Forbes.com)

Auburn Golf Course hosts over 50,000 rounds of golf each year. Other local attractions include Emerald Downs thoroughbred racetrack, the award-winning White River Valley Museum, the Muckleshoot Indian Casino, the Iron Horse Casino and the White River Amphitheatre. The SuperMall, along with downtown craft, antique, and specialty shops offer diverse shopping options.

Auburn Performing Arts Center, home to the Auburn Symphony Orchestra and Auburn Arts Commission is the city’s cultural hub. This 1,100-seat venue offers an array of world-class programming. Local parks host outdoor summer concerts, movies, and free cultural performances. Festivals here have become regional family favorites. They include Auburn’s KidsDay, the 4th of July Festival, Petpalooza, and the Veterans Day Observance and Parade (the largest parade of its type west of the Mississippi).

Auburn Statistics Population: 68,270 City Hall: 25 W Main St, 98001, (253) 931-3000, www.ci.auburn.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 108 S Division St., Ste B, 98001, (253) 833-0700, www.auburnareawa.org Post Office: 11 3rd St NW, 98002, (253) 333-1377 Library: 1102 Auburn Way S, 98002, (253) 931-3018

School District: Auburn School Dist. No. 408, (253) 931-4900 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Auburn, 25 W Main St, (253) 931-3038 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse/Recycling: Allied Waste, (800) 322-8709 Murrey’s Disposal, (253) 414-0345 Waste Management, (800) 592-9995 Average Tax Rate: Pierce County— $11.97/$1,000 assessed valuation. King County— $12.69/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $51,461 Average Rent: $700 Median Prices: Homes $248,950; Condos $185,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=32 mins/28 miles. Bellevue=30 mins/25 miles

Named after the natural resources that spurred its development in the late 1800’s, this hisBLACK DIAMOND toric community is located at the base of the Cascade foothills in southeast King County. For many, the relaxed and rural life of Black Diamond provides a welcomed relief from the hectic pace of urban life. The City’s vision for the future seeks to retain this rural character while accommodating new housing and employment opportunities. Residents take pride in their growing community—it’s school, new library, police and fire departments.

Photo courtesy Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau

Living South

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Cartography by David Ranta

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Black Diamond has one of the nation’s finest historical museums dedicated to the history of coal mining. The community celebrates this heritage in two annual events. Black Diamond Miners Days, the second weekend of July, has cooks from across the U.S. competing in a BBQ & Chili Cook-Off, as well as local artists and merchant booths, and a citywide sidewalk sale. In September, the weekend long Black Diamond Labor Days Celebration spotlights traditional, old-fashioned fun.

Wheelbarrow, three legged, and gunny sack races are perennial favorites. A parade, car show, arts & craft booths, live entertainment, and a teen dance round out events. Year round recreation ranges from bicycling on quiet roads to fishing, sailing and skiing on Lake Sawyer, the county’s fourth largest recreational lake.

Black Diamond Statistics Population: 4,190 City Hall: 24301 Roberts Dr., PO Box 599, 98010, (360) 886-2560, www.ci.blackdiamond.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: Maple Valley/Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce, 23745 225th Way SE, Ste 205, Maple Valley. Mail: PO Box 302, Maple Valley 98038, (425) 432-0222, www.blackdiamondchamber.org Library: 24707 Roberts Dr, (360) 886-1105 Post Office: 25228 Baker St, (360) 886-9429 School District: Enumclaw School Dist., (360) 802-7100 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Black Diamond, (360) 886-2560.

Lake Sawyer Area—Covington Water Dist., (253) 6310565. Soos Creek Water & Sewer, (253) 630-9900 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Allied Waste, (206) 682-9735 Typical Tax Rate: $11.50/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $88,059 Average Rent: $975 Median Prices: Homes $263,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=45 mins/33 miles. Bellevue=41 mins/28 miles

Burien offers a glorious Puget Sound shoreline, striking mountain views, small town ambiance, and convenBURIEN ient highways connecting to Seattle, Tacoma, and SeaTac Airport.

Burien’s award winning Town Square includes a city hall, library, park, plaza, and transit center. Burien’s specialty shops and large auto dealers on 1st Avenue South have won a loyal follow68

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ing. The downtown Southwest 152nd Street corridor hosts festivals, art walks, and a Farmers Market.

Many of Burien neighborhoods enjoy stunning views of the mountains, Puget Sound, or Lake Burien. Housing choices include ramblers, starter homes, elegant high-end homes, condominiums, and apartments of all sizes, including senior apartments.

Attractions in Burien include the long Puget Sound beachfront and wooded uplands at Seahurst Park, Eagle Landing Park's saltwater beach and wildlife habitat, summer Concerts and Movies in the Park, and seven neighborhood parks. A skate park, teen and senior centers, and children's programs and camps offer popular year round recreation. A new community center also opened in 2010. Among community events, the annual Strawberry & Arts Festival in June is a favorite.

Burien Statistics Population: 31,730 City Hall: 400 SW 152nd, 98166, (206) 241-4647.

City Hall North (limited hours) 11846 Des Moines Memorial Dr. www.burienwa.gov Chamber of Commerce: SW King County, 14220 Interurban Ave S, Ste. 134, Tukwila 98168, Mail: PO Box 58591, Seattle 98138, (206) 575-1633; www.swkcc.org Post Offices: 609 SW 150th St, (206) 248-8647.

2116 SW 152nd St, (206) 244-6947 Library: 400 SW 152nd (206) 243-3490 School District: Highline School Dist. No. 401, (206) 433-0111 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Seattle City Light, (206) 684-3000.

PSE, (888) 225-5773 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Water: King County Water Dist. 20, (206) 243-3990.

Dist. 49, (206) 242-8535. Highline Water Dist., (206) 824-0375. Seattle Water Dept., (206) 684-5900.

Water Dist. 125, (206) 242-9547 Sewer: SW Suburban Sewer Dist., (206) 244-9575.

Midway Sewer Dist., (206) 824-4960. ValVue Sewer Dist., (206) 242-3236 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (800) 592-9995, (253) 833-3333 Typical Tax Rate: $12.41/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $54,570 Average Rent: $725 Median Prices: Homes $264,500; Condos $140,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=17 mins/11 miles. Bellevue=23 mins/18 miles

The gateway to southeastern King County, Covington is rich with engaged citizens, new young COVINGTON families, good schools, quality businesses, strong leaders and safe neighborhoods – all key in making it one of King County’s fastest growing cities.

Set in an idyllic Northwest landscape just 40 minutes out of Seattle, Covington offers small community attributes with big city amenities.

In Covington’s growing downtown, retail giants like Costco, Home Depot, Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, and well known restaurants like Applebee’s and Red Robin thrive alongside many locally owned, long-time Covington businesses.

From its location in south King County at the intersection of Highway 18 and State Route 516, the urban attractions of Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, as well as recreational opportunities like skiing, hiking, and camping are just a short drive away. Covington’s growing park system and award-winning aquatics center offer activities for all ages. Family-friendly events include the Covington Days Festival, usually the third weekend in July, and Hollydaze, featuring a Christmas tree lighting event the first Friday in December.

Come to Covington and see why they’re proud to say, “Covington – Unmatched Quality of Life!”

Covington Statistics Population: 17,640 City Hall: 16720 SE 271st St, Ste 100, 98042, (253) 638-1110, www.ci.covington.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: PO Box 8041, 98042, (253) 631-6117, www.covingtonchamber.org Post Office: 17300 SE 270th Pl, (253) 639-6833 Library: 27100 164th Ave SE, (253) 630-8761 School District: Kent School Dist. No. 415, (253) 373-7000 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: Covington Water Dist., (253) 631-0565.

King County Water Dist. #111, (253) 631-3770 Sewer: Soos Creek Water & Sewer Dist., (253) 630-9900 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 475-7526 Refuse Collection: Kent-Meridian Disposal, (253) 872-7220 Typical Tax Rate: $12.61/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $83,621 Average Rent: $800 Median Prices: Homes $246,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=39 mins/27 miles. Bellevue=38 mins/27 miles

www.connerhomes.com

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Homes from the mid $100s

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Des Moines is situated on Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma. Its western border consists of six DES MOINES miles of shoreline— and residents enjoy every mile. From the Des Moines Beach Park Historic District southward to Saltwater State and Redondo Parks, the waterfront is full of public beaches, natural areas, scenic lookouts, and endless recreational opportunities. Mid-shoreline is an 900 slip, full service marina, complete with fishing pier, boardwalk, nearby shops and eateries, and a Farmers Market held Saturdays, June to October.

A second commercial district, along Pacific Highway South, provides a variety of retail stores, lodging, offices, and light industry. The city is also home to Highline Community College and a Central Washington University satellite campus.

Des Moines’ many lovely neighborhoods offer numerous housing options from affordable apartments and senior housing to high end waterfront estates.

Annual celebrations include the Poverty Bay Wine Festival in March, July 4th Fireworks Over Des Moines, and the Italian Councours ‘d Elegance in September. Special summer events like the Waterland City Seafair Parade, 5K Run, circus, outdoor concerts, and car & boat shows in July add to the fun.

Des Moines Statistics Population: 29,290 City Hall: 21630 11th Ave S, (206) 878-4595, www.desmoineswa.gov Chamber of Commerce: SW King County, 14220 Interurban Ave S, Ste. 134, Tukwila 98168, Mail: PO Box 58591, Seattle 98138, (206) 575-1633; www.swkcc.org Post Office: 2003 S 216th St, (206) 824-3647 Libraries: 21620 11th Ave S, (206) 824-6066.

26809 Pacific Hwy S, (253) 839-0121 Recreation: Des Moines Field House, 1000 S 220th St, (206) 870-6527 School District: Highline School Dist. No. 401, (206) 433-0111. Federal Way School Dist., (253) 945-2000 Utilities: Gas / Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Water: Highline Water, (206) 824-0375. Water Dist. 54, (206) 878-7210. Lakehaven Utility Dist., (253) 941-1516 Sewer: Midway Sewer Dist., (206) 824-4960. SW Suburban Sewer Dist., (206) 244-9575 70

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The Scottish Highland Games closing ceremony in Enumclaw Refuse Collection: Allied Waste Management, (253) 872-7220 Typical Tax Rate: $12.29/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $64,275 Average Rent: $815 Median Prices: Homes $260,000; Condos $118,949 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=25 mins/ 15 miles. Bellevue=29 mins/20 miles

Enumclaw is the Native word for "strong wind" or "thundering mountain." With Mt. Rainier, the nation's ENUMCLAW tallest volcano just 50 miles away, the name seems apropos.

Located in southeast King County, Enumclaw is the center of business and shopping for the surrounding agricultural communities. The Enumclaw Plateau is among the nation’s largest thoroughbred horse breeding and boarding areas.

Despite growth, Enumclaw has retained its traditional, small-town character exemplified in friendly neighborhoods, quality schools and community involvement. The Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Historical Society and others are some of the civic groups that are active in the community.

Golfing, skiing, hiking, boating, horseback riding, and swimming at the city pool are popular pastimes. In July, the city hosts the Enumclaw Street Fair, Stars and Stripes 4th of July Celebration & Parade, Enumclaw’s King County Fair, and the Scottish Highland Games. Other annual events include the Mutual of Enumclaw Stage Race, a Stratocruiser’s

Car Show and a Christmas Parade.

Cultural offerings include performing arts series, theater and vocal groups, and summer concerts in the park.

Enumclaw Statistics Population: 11,490 City Hall: 1339 Griffin Ave, 98022, (360) 825-3591, www.ci.enumclaw.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 1421 Cole St, 98022, (360) 825-7666, www.enumclawchamber.com Post Office: 1742 Cole St, (360) 825-8325 Library: 1700 1st St, (360) 825-2938 School District: Enumclaw School Dist., (360) 802-7100 Utilities: Gas: City of Enumclaw, (360) 825-3591 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Water/Sewer: City of Enumclaw, (360) 825-3591 Refuse Collection: City of Enumclaw, (360) 825-3591.

Waste Management, (800) 592-9995 or (253) 288-9909 Typical Tax Rate: $11.28/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $57,514 Average Rent: $715 Median Prices: Homes $252,950; Condos $156,950 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=52 mins/42 miles. Bellevue=51 mins/39 miles

Just eight miles north of Tacoma, this one time logging settlement sits on a high plateau between Puget FEDERAL WAY Sound and the Green River Valley. It is the world headquarters for the Weyerhaeuser Company, World Vision, Totem Ocean Trailer Express and Baden Sports. An exciting City Center is taking shape, adding a mix of transit, office, retail and residential spaces.

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Federal Way’s wide variety of housing options features single-family homes, apartments, townhouses, condominiums, and senior housing. Neighborhoods on bluffs, area lakes, and Puget Sound waterfront boast exceptional views of the Cascades, the Olympics, or Mount Rainier.

Residents enjoy abundant recreational activities, such as the Celebration Park Regional Sports Park, the WeyerhaeuserKing County Aquatics Center, Wild Waves Theme Park, Dash Point State Park, and West Hylebos Park. Cultural attractions include the Federal Way Symphony, several chorale and theatre groups, and the Knutzen Family Theatre. Among annual community events are the spring Han Woo-Ri Cultural Festival, Buds and Blooms in May, and the 4th of July Red, White & Blues celebration.

Federal Way Statistics Population: 88,760 City Hall: 33325 8th Ave S, (253) 835-7000, www.cityoffederalway.com Chamber of Commerce: 31919 1st Ave S, Ste 202, (253) 838-2605, www.federalwaychamber.com Post Office: 32829 Pacific Hwy S, (253) 924-1692 Libraries: 34200 1st Way S, (253) 838-3668.

848 S 320th St, (253) 839-0257 School District: Federal Way School Dist. No. 210, (253) 945-2000 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: Lakehaven Utility Dist., (253) 941-1516 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (253) 833-3333 Typical Tax Rate: $12.36/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $64,678 Average Rent: $775 Median Prices: Homes $245,000; Condos $130,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=26 mins/22 miles. Bellevue=31 mins/25 miles

Over the years, people of many ethnicities - Native Americans, Italians, Swiss, Scandinavians, and Japanese have FIFE settled here, influencing the culture and history of Fife. Today this diverse and thriving city continues to welcome new residents to quiet, family friendly neighborhoods, both established and newly developed. As it grows, the city plans to add more trails, open spaces and parks like Fife’s newest additions, Dacca, Wedge and Brooksville Parks. Residents

enjoy a variety of recreational programs and services at the community center and saltwater swim center. For those who like to explore, the region’s most scenic attractions such as the North Olympics, Seattle, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Saint Helens and Victoria, BC are within easy reach.

Fife’s central location in South Puget Sound also attracts commercial growth.

Local lodging, manufacturing, distribution, and retail businesses enjoy easy access to I-5, close proximity to SeaTac Airport and the Port of Tacoma, favorable taxes and fees, and reasonable utility costs. Major employers include Milgard Windows, Mission Foods, Gensco, and the Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino.

Fife Statistics Population: 8,210 City Hall: 5411 23rd St E, 98424, (253) 922-2489, www.cityoffife.org Chamber of Commerce: 2026 54th Ave E. Mail: 5303 Pacific Hwy E, PMB272, 98424, (253) 922-9320, www.fifechamber.org Post Office: (substation) 5303 Pacific Hwy E, (253) 922-0223 School District: Fife School Dist. No. 417, (253) 517-1000 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773.

Tacoma Public Utilities, (253) 502-8600 Water/Sewer: City of Fife, (253) 922-9623 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111. CLICK! Network (253) 502-8900 Refuse Collection: Murrey's Disposal Co., (253) 922-6681 Average Tax Rate: $8.87/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $41,746 Average Rent: $805 Median Prices: Homes $225,500; Condos $202,475 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=32 mins/29 miles. Bellevue=36 mins/31 miles

If one word describes the feeling in Kent it is “momentum.” This city is actively enchancing the community’s KENT quality of life, diversity, and commercial strength. Examples include the revitalization of historic downtown and the Kent Station area, retail development on the West and East Hills, major road improvements, and the ShoWare Events Center, home of the Seattle Thunderbirds Hockey Team.

Kent is clearly a great place to put down roots and raise a family. The city enjoys a diverse economic base including

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professional offices, manufacturing, distribution/logistics, retail shops and eateries. Two-thirds of the 72,000 local jobs are in manufacturing, distribution and transportation. Most of these are familywage jobs, allowing people to live and work in the same community. New residents will find affordable homes in established neighborhoods, as well as new houses on the East and West Hills. A well received Neighborhood Program continues to improve and strengthen neighborhoods. Local school districts have excellent reputations and are in close proximity to Green River Community College, Highline Community College and Renton Technical College thus providing educational opportunities for a lifetime of learning. Kent is also recognized for outstanding parks and sports programs. Kent hosts scores of annual softball, baseball, basketball and soccer tournaments, drawing thousands from all over the world. From its farming roots to manufacturing prowess, to unique urban center, Kent’s momentum is moving toward an exciting future.

Kent Statistics Population: 88,760 City Hall: 220 4th Ave S, (253) 856-5200, www.choosekent.com Chamber of Commerce: 524 W Meeker St, Ste 1, 98032. Mail: PO Box 128, 98035, (253) 854-1770, www.kentchamber.com Post Office: 10612 SE 240th St, (253) 852-1080.

216 W Gowe St, (800) ASK-USPS. Library: 212 2nd Ave N, (253) 859-3330 School District: Kent School Dist. No. 415, (253) 373-7000 King County Licensing: 401 N 4th Ave, Room 1A, 98032, (206) 205-7330, www.metrokc.gov/csc/kent.aspx Utilities: Gas/Electricity: Puget Sound Energy, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer — City of Kent, (253) 856-5201.

Soos Creek Water & Sewer, (253) 630-9900.

Water Dist. 111, (253) 631-3770 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Kent-Meridian Disposal, (206) 6829735. Waste Management, (253) 833-3333 Typical Tax Rate: $12.30/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $60,436 Average Rent: $655 Median Prices: Homes $257,998; Condos $170,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=25 mins/20 miles. Bellevue=24 mins/19 miles

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Over a century ago, pioneers were drawn here by abundant natural resources. Years later, Gaffney’s Lake MAPLE VALLEY Wilderness Resort attracted Seattle area residents looking for a relaxed change of pace. Today, people are still drawn to Maple Valley’s unique quality of life – a quality best expressed by the city’s slogan “Where community and nature unite. Away from it all and in the middle of everything!” Young, professional families in particular find this value true, making Maple Valley one of the state’s fastest growing cities and most appealing bedroom communities in the Puget Sound region.

Families locate here because of the quality education provided by the Tahoma School District, where test scores are consistently higher than state averages. Families also appreciate that Maple Valley is a safe place to call home. Here neighbors form strong social networks and actively participate in Block-Watch programs while local businesses unite to support the Business Watch program.

These efforts result in vibrant neighborhoods and a low crime rate. Well-educated professionals are attracted by Maple Valley’s affordable housing found within easy commuting distance to employment in nearby cities. Access to State Routes 18, 169, and 516 provide portals to all the Puget Sound region has to offer.

No travel is necessary, though, when it comes to recreation. The city has access to three lakes, two golf courses, and miles of trails for the hiking, biking, and walking enthusiasts. Lake Wilderness Park, home to the annual Lake Wilderness Fishing Derby, the annual Maple Valley Days, and the outdoor summer movie and concerts in the park, offers a variety of activities for all ages. Lake Wilderness Lodge and the Maple Valley Library are architectural gems.

Both are AIA National Honor Award Recipients. The Lodge, also on the National Registry of Historic Places, recently received the King County John B. Spellman Award for restoration of historic buildings.

With residential and business growth certain, Maple Valley celebrates its rich heritage, offers a bright future, and is a great place to call home!

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Maple Valley Statistics Population: 23,130 City Hall: 22017 SE Wax Rd, Ste 200 Mail: PO Box 320, 98038. (425) 413-8800, www.maplevalley.wa.us Maple Valley/Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce: 23745 225th Way SE, Ste 205 Maple Valley 98038 (425) 432-0222, www.maplevalleychamber.org Post Office: 22023 SE Wax Rd, (800) 275-8777, (425) 423-4174 Library: 21844 SE 248th St, (425) 432-4620 School District: Tahoma School Dist. No. 409, (425) 413-3400 Utilities: Electricity/Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: Covington Water Dist., (253) 631-0565.

Cedar River Water & Sewer Dist., (425) 255-6370 Sewer: Soos Creek Water & Sewer Dist., (253) 630-9900 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (800) 5929995. Outside City—Allied Waste, (206) 682-9735 Typical Tax Rate: $12.03/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $88,147 Average Rent: $975 Median Prices: Homes $295,000; Condos $255,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=33 mins/26 miles. Bellevue=28 mins/20 miles

Normandy Park began in the 1920's as a planned community featuring homes in the French Normandy NORMANDY Style of architecture, but PARK the depression derailed completion. Years later people rediscovered the area and by 1953 Normandy Park became incorporated. Today this quiet community, located between Burien and Des Moines, is known for lovely neighborhoods (many with spectacular sound views), well-maintained parks and facilities, good schools, and strong community spirit. While primarily residential, the city has two main retail areas, Normandy Park Towne Center and Manhattan Plaza. This city is also home to the Northwest Symphony Orchestra and the Normandy Park Community Club (The Cove). The City of Normandy Park has over 100 acres of parkland that are open to the public, six major parks that include two low intensity nature preserves, a recreation center, and several pocket parks.

Normandy Park Statistics Population: 6,540 City Hall: 801 SW 174th St, 98166, (206) 248-7603, www.normandyparkwa.gov School District: Highline School Dist., (206) 433-0111

Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Seattle City Light, (206) 684-3000.

PSE, (888) 225-5773 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Water: King County Water Dist. 49, (206) 242-8535.

Dist. 54, (206) 878-7210. Highline Water Dist., (206) 824-0375 Sewer: SW Suburban Sewer Dist., (206) 244-9575 Refuse Collection: Allied Waste, (206) 682-9735 Typical Tax Rate: $12.12/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $92,357 Average Rent: $890 Median Prices: Homes $441,000; Condos $289,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle= 21 mins/13 miles. Bellevue=28 mins/20 miles

Puyallup, gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, and the county’s third largest city, also serves as PUYALLUP East Pierce County’s regional hub for retail and medical services. Located ten miles east of Tacoma, it is easily accessible from Interstate 5 via State Routes 161, 512, and 167.

Walkable downtown streets feature quaint shops, restaurants, and an outdoor sculpture gallery that rivals big city collections. Pioneer Park hosts a Farmer’s Market from May to September, and during the summer there are concerts twice a week. City Hall and the library are downtown, as is Sound Transit’s Sounder train that provides easy weekday commutes to Seattle.

Expanding retail, housing and business on Puyallup’s South Hill and in the unincorporated neighborhood north of Graham has made it a magnet for young families. Pierce College of Puyallup, the All New South Hill Mall, and popular parks such as DeCoursey, Bradley Lake and Wildwood are found here.

Puyallup's scenic Riverwalk Trail, evolving in phases, will eventually meet Pierce County’s Foothills Trail and create a regional trail system that connects to Mt. Rainier National Park, into Sumner and north to Tukwila on the Interurban Trail.

For a trail map, visit the City’s website.

Visitors to Puyallup enjoy the Meeker Mansion, the Karshner Museum, the Downtown Valley Arts Tour, the Antique Districts, and various annual events. In April, The Spring Fair and Daffodil Festival are held, followed in June by the Meeker Days Festival, the county’s largest

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street fair. The Puyallup Fair, the nation’s 6th largest fair, occurs each September.

Another fall favorite is the Puyallup Main Street Association Art and Wine Walk.

The Hometown Santa Parade, Tree Lighting and Community Reception is on the first Saturday in December

Puyallup Statistics Population: 38,900 City Hall: 333 S. Meridian, (253) 841-4321, www.cityofpuyallup.org Chamber of Commerce: 323 N Meridan, PO Box 1298, (253) 845-6755, www.puyallupchamber.com Post Office: 204 2nd St SW, (253) 435-5146 Library: 324 S Meridian, (253) 841-5454 School District: Puyallup School Dist. No. 3, (253) 841-1301 Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773, (425) 454-2000 Water/Sewer: City of Puyallup, (253) 841-5550 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: D.M. Disposal, (253) 845-6955 Average Tax Rate: $11.26/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $62,041 Average Rent: $850 Median Prices: Homes $229,000; Condos $149,495 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=41 mins/36 miles. Bellevue=40 mins/33 miles

This city on Lake Washington’s southern shore offers an abundance of natural beauty, from spectacular RENTON views of the Olympics, the Cascades and Mount Rainier to the Cedar River that runs through the heart of its downtown.

Affordability, location and a tremendous quality of life enhanced by beautiful parks, safe streets, a growing downtown, and abundant housing make Renton the right choice to live, work and play. Urban apartments, downtown condominiums, luxury homes, beautiful multi-family developments along Lake Washington, and quality, affordable single-family subdivisions are among the various housing options attractive to all income levels.

Looking for something to do? Stroll the Cedar River Trail, visit the Renton Historical Museum, take in breathtaking lake views at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, or golf at the Maplewood Golf Course. Renton’s community and senior activity centers have programs for all ages. Exceptional community events such as Renton River Days and Clam

Lights are annual traditions. Renton also offers an outstanding library system, fine artwork, and several professional and community theater groups.

Downtown Renton with its regional transit center, park-like piazza, and mixeduse developments featuring housing and retail is a central gathering place. A performing arts center, parking garage, and several restaurants add to the area’s appeal.

North Renton’s urban village, The Landing, offers open air shopping, a movie theater, restaurants and apartments.

Renton is home to The Boeing Company Commercial Airplanes and PACCAR Parts and PACCAR Technology; all respected and recognized worldwide. Renton's friendly, pro-business climate attracts scores of businesses, including Washington’s only IKEA and Fry's Electronics stores, Wizards of the Coast, Sam's Club, Topics Entertainment, and Brotherton Cadillac. The Seattle Seahawks headquarters and training facility are also located in Renton.

Renton Statistics Population: 86,230 City Hall: 1055 S Grady Wy, 98057, (425) 430-6400, www.rentonwa.gov Chamber of Commerce: 300 Rainier Ave N, 98055, (425) 226-4560, www.GoRenton.com Post Office: 17200 116th Ave SE, (425) 255-6389 Libraries: Main—100 Mill Ave S, (425) 226-6043.

17009 140th SE, (425) 226-0522. 2902 NE 12th St., (425) 277-1831 School District: Renton School Dist. No. 403, (425) 204-2300. King County Community Service Ctr: 900 Oakesdale Ave SW, 98057, (206) 296-7810, www.metrokc.gov/csc/blackriver.aspx Utilities: Gas/Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Renton, (425) 430-6852 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: City of Renton, (425) 430-6852. Waste Management, (206) 243-4050. Rabanco, (206) 682-9735 Typical Tax Rate: $11.12/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $60,139 Average Rent: $915 Median Prices: Homes $310,000; Condos $165,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=17 mins/12 miles. Bellevue=19 mins/13 miles

The City of SeaTac, where “Everywhere’s Possible," is a transportation-centric community perfectly positioned SEATAC and highly motivated to help

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both residents and businesses succeed.

Located between Seattle and Tacoma, SeaTac’s proximity to the Seattle International Airport, several major highways, and two light rail links make the city a regional hub. Each day thousands of visitors, nearly 37,000 workers and 26,000 residents join to make SeaTac one of the state’s most culturally diverse cities. A flourishing business community includes over 900 businesses, with hotel, passenger airline, air cargo and food services among the largest industry sectors. Companies such as Horizon and Alaska Air have their headquarters in SeaTac. SeaTac offers a number of quality residential neighborhoods and housing options to suit most every income. Residents share in the variety of cultural and community events found in southwest King County such as the International Festival on the last weekend in June and the Theatre in the Park summer concert series. The city maintains seven parks, two community centers, a skate park, off-leash dog park, Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, the Seike Japanese Garden, and hosts a seasonal Sunday Farmers Market at Valley Ridge Park.

SeaTac Statistics Population: 25,890 City Hall: 4800 S 188th St, 98188, (206) 973-4800, www.ci.seatac.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: SW King County, 14220 Interurban Ave S, Ste 134, Tukwila 98168. Mail: PO Box 58591, Seattle 98138, (206) 575-1633, www.swkcc.org Post Office: 15250 32nd Ave. S, (206) 241-7061 Library: 17850 Military Rd S, (206) 242-6044 School District: Highline School Dist. No. 401, (206) 433-0111 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Seattle City Light, (206) 684-3000.

PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: Highline Water Dist., (206) 824-0375.

King County Water Dist. 125, (206) 242-9547 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: SeaTac Disposal/ Rabanco, (206) 682-9735 Typical Tax Rate: $11.57/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $54,078 Average Rent: $740 Median Prices: Homes $210,000; Condos $203,482 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=18 mins/12 miles. Bellevue=25 mins/18 miles

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Tacoma, the state’s third largest city, is ideally located on Commencement Bay halfway between Seattle and TACOMA Olympia. With over 204,000 residents, Tacoma’s size supports “big city” conveniences with the charm of a smaller town.

Tacoma has eight main neighborhoods, each with a distinct character, offering houses of every style—elegant, charming Victorians, classically lined Craftsman, Northwest contemporary, and the simple architecture of WWII-era housing. Many neighborhoods and area suburbs enjoy views of Mount Rainier, the Olympics, or Commencement Bay. Active neighborhood councils work to improve business districts, public transportation, libraries and parks.

When it comes to parks, Tacoma has over 100 parks and open spaces. Point Defiance Park’s 700+ acres feature gardens, beaches, forests, trails, Fort Nisqually, Camp 6 Logging Museum, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

The nearby Ruston Way promenade offers fine waterfront dining and lodging, as well as the chance to bike, rollerblade, run, and walk along Commencement Bay. If golf is your game, just west of downtown is the Scottish, linkstyle Chambers Bay Golf Course (host of the 2015 US Open and 2010 US Amateur Championships.) Baseball fans will appreciate Tacoma’s long tradition of minor league baseball in Cheney Stadium with the Rainiers, the Seattle Mariners’ AAA farm team.

For the arts aficionado, Tacoma is a dream come true. The Chihuly Bridge of Glass, in the heart of the Museum District, boasts three striking glass art displays by Tacoma native, Dale Chihuly.

The bridge links the Museum of Glass, featuring glass art and a hot shop where visitors watch artists create with molten glass, with the Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum, historic Union Station, and the University of Washington campus. Free light rail connects the Museum and Theatre Districts to the nearby Dome District, home of the Tacoma Dome Events Center, Historic Freighthouse Square Market, and in 74

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2011, the new LeMay America’s Car Museum.

Tacoma’s vibrant performing arts scene attracts national and international productions. Three main venues serve the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts: the 1918 Louis XIV-style Pantages Theater featuring drama, dance and comedy; the 1918 Beaux Arts-style Rialto offering Tacoma Youth Symphony and chamber orchestras; and the modern Theatre On The Square.

This international and progressive city has been on the cutting edge for years. It was the first city in the state with light rail service, is among the ten largest container ports in North America, and boasts the nation’s largest, municipally owned telecommunications system.

Diversity, affordability and convenience make Tacoma the perfect place to work, live, or play.

Tacoma Statistics Population: 204,200 City Hall: 747 Market St, (253) 591-5000, www.cityoftacoma.org Chamber of Commerce: 950 Pacific Ave., #300.

Mail: PO Box 1933, 98401, (253) 627-2175, www.tacomachamber.org. Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau: 1119 Pacific Ave, 5th Floor, 98402, (253) 627-2836, www.traveltacoma.com Post Office: (9 locations) main station—1102 A St, (253) 627-4026 Library: (10 branches) main branch— 1102 Tacoma Ave S, (253) 591-5666 School District: Tacoma School Dist. No. 10, (253) 571-1000 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Tacoma Power, (253) 502-8600 Water: Tacoma Water, (253) 502-8247 Sewer: City of Tacoma, (253) 591-5588 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Tacoma Solid Waste Utility, (253) 591-5543. Out of City limits— Pierce Co. Refuse, (253) 537-8687 Average Tax Rate: $11.82/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $49,717 Average Rent: $745 Median Prices: Homes $174,950; Condos $194,432 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=39 mins/34 miles. Olympia=36 mins/31 miles

Just south of downtown Seattle, Tukwila has something for everyone—excellent hotel accommodations, TUKWILA shopping, fine dining, recreational fun, and residential areas. Tukwila’s Westfield Southcenter, the Northwest’s largest shopping mall, draws millions of shoppers annually. Local parks, biking and walking trails, a pool, golf course, and community center offer hours of enjoyment. Annual Tukwila celebrations include the Backyard Wildlife Festival each May, Tukwila Days on the second Saturday in July, the summer-long Music in the Park concert series, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon & ½ Marathon each June. The City is proud to be the headquarters for the region’s first major league soccer team, Seattle Sounders FC, located in Starfire Sports Center.

Tukwila also has great transportation options with walkable access to a light rail station, commuter rail station, Amtrak station, and a major bus transfer location. The City offers some of the best places to live and work that are only a short drive, train or bus ride to downtown Seattle.

Tukwila Statistics Population: 18,190 City Hall: 6200 Southcenter Blvd, 98188, (206) 433-1800, www.ci.tukwila.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: SW King County, 14220 Interurban Ave S, Ste. 134, Tukwila 98168. Mail: PO Box 58591, Seattle 98138, (206) 575-1633, www.swkcc.org. Seattle Southside Visitor Ctr: 3100 S. 176th St, Seattle 98188 (877) 885-9452, www.SeattleSouthside.com Post Offices: 225 Andover Park W, (800) 275-8777.

15250 32nd Ave S, (206) 241-7061 Library: 4060 S 144th, (206) 242-1640 School District: Tukwila School Dist., (206) 901-8000 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Seattle City Light, (206) 684-3000.

PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Tukwila, (206) 433-1849 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Allied Waste, (206) 682-9735 Typical Tax Rate: $11.17/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $53,443 Average Rent: $760 Median Prices: Homes $223,500; Condos $135,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=15 mins/11 miles. Bellevue=25 mins/18 miles

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Living West T

The Kitsap Peninsula is unsurpassed for scenic beauty. Winding roads cut through densely forested hills and travel along the low cliffs of the peninsula's 236 miles of saltwater shoreline where most population centers are located. Towns are small, quaint, and welcoming.

Tourists come from all over the Puget Sound region and beyond to visit these communities and local attractions. Fresh seafood, world-class golf, parks, museums, and recreational activities of every kind make this a favorite regional vacation destination.

Bainbridge Islanders are proud of their home and its colorful history of Native settlements, shipyards, BAINBRIDGE sawmills, and agriculISLAND ture. Traces of this heritage are found among the 28 square miles of gently rolling hills, farms, vineyards, pristine shoreline, and abundant streams where salmon return yearly to spawn. Once known for berry farms and summer homes, now upscale housing developments, good schools, low crime, a sophisticated population and friendly atmosphere characterize this island.

With its spacious parks (including two waterfront State Parks), hiking, jogging, equestrian and bike trails, two golf courses, a swimming pool, boat harbor, library, medical clinics, teen and senior centers, Bainbridge is an ideal

Photo © Roger Hunsperger

The Kitsap Peninsula, 400 square miles in size, is bounded on the east by Puget Sound, Seattle, and Tacoma, and on the west by Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. Early economic activity centered around logging. Related industries like milling and shipbuilding soon evolved. Today, Naval Base Kitsap sites drive the local economy and employ the majority of area residents. Recently, more people are living on the peninsula and commuting to jobs in Seattle and Tacoma via ferry.

The Winslow Ferry Terminal on Bainbridge Island place to live and raise a family. Convenient mainland access is available via a 35minute ferry ride to Seattle, while a bridge at the island’s north end provides Kitsap Peninsula connections. Shops, eateries, museums, retail and residential developments are all walkable from the ferry terminal.

The island boasts a strong arts community. Local artists display works on First Friday Gallery Walks and at a twiceyearly island-wide studio tour. Four theater groups produce plays, musicals and comedy improv and there are several regular music venues. Movie fans find first-run films at the Bainbridge Cinemas 4-plex and art films and classics at the Historic Lynwood Theatre.

Other attractions include the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, a designated satellite National Historic Monument. Battle Point Park houses the Edwin E. Ritchie Observatory where the largest amateur telescope on the West Coast and a monthly planetarium show delight astronomers of all ages. Seven island wineries offer tastings on select weekends and at downtown tasting rooms.

Bainbridge Island Statistics Population: 23,380 City Hall: 280 Madison Ave N, (206) 842-7633, www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 395 Winslow Way E, (206) 8423700, 1-866-805-3700 www.bainbridgechamber.com Post Office: 271 Winslow Way E, (206) 855-9571, (800) 275-8777 Library: 1270 Madison Ave N, (206) 842-4162 School District: Bainbridge Island School Dist. No. 303, (206) 842-4714 Utilities: Gas: Natural Gas not available. Propane provided by various dealers Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Bainbridge Island, (206) 780-8603. Kitsap PUD (360) 779-7656 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Bainbridge Disposal, (206) 842-4882 Typical Tax Rate: $9.51/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $92,020 Average Rent: $1,260 Median Prices: Homes $550,000; Condos $315,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=47 mins/9 miles by ferry. Bremerton=45 mins/31 miles by car

In 2004, the Bremerton Harborside complex opened featuring the Kitsap Conference Center, Hampton Inn, Anthony’s Restaurant, BREMERTON shops, offices, and the musical fountains of Harborside Foun2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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tain Park. New waterfront condos and the Norm Dicks Government Center brought additional residents and workers downtown while the expanded 350-slip marina became a boating destination.

Other waterfront notables are the Puget Sound Navy Museum, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (homeport to some of the world's largest warships), and the USS Turner Joy, a restored destroyer that offers public tours.

The nearby historic downtown, a recognized official arts district, has two galleries, restaurants, museums, and a performing arts venue housed in a renovated 1940's theater. Future plans call for a variety of new retail shops. Other shopping options include familiar chain stores and eateries found a few miles from downtown proper, as well as the boutiques, art and coffee shops of Manette in east Bremerton.

Just one hour by ferry from Seattle, Bremerton’s unique quality of life and affordable housing attracts new residents and businesses. It is known for the scenic beauty of area waterways and shorelines, and spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Bremerton has over 675 acres of parks and boasts several award winning golf courses. City-owned Gold Mountain Golf Complex will host the 2011 Junior Amateur Golf Championship. A thriving arts community includes the Bremerton Symphony, Bremerton Community Theater, Peninsula Dance Theater and the Kitsap Opera.

Downtown Bremerton is revitalized and open for business and pleasure! Visit www.ci.bremerton.wa.us. for updates.

Bremerton Statistics Population: 36,190 City Hall: Norm Dicks Gov’t Ctr, 345 6th St., 6th Floor, (360) 473-5290, www.ci.bremerton.wa.us Chamber of Commerce: 286 4th St, 98337 (360) 479-3579, www.bremertonchamber.org Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside, (360) 377-3785, www.kitsapconferencecenter.com Post Office: 602 Pacific Ave, (360) 475-0248 Libraries: 612 5th St N, (360) 377-3955. 1301 Sylvan Way, (360) 405-9100 School District: Bremerton School Dist. No. 100-C, (360) 473-1000

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Harborside Fountain Park in Bremerton Utilities: Gas : Cascade Natural Gas Co., (360) 3731403, (888) 522-1130 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: Bremerton Public Works, (360) 473-5316 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection/Recycling: Waste Management, (800) 592-9995. Brem-Air Disposal, (360) 674-3006 Typical Tax Rate: $11.02/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $40,622 Average Rent: $765 Median Prices: Homes $202,949; Condos $111,998 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle (car)= 1 hr 18 mins/66 miles. Seattle (ferry)=1 hr. Bellevue, by car=1 hr 23 mins/68 miles

At the south end of the Kitsap Peninsula, Gig Harbor is home to spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the GIG HARBOR Olympics and the Cascades. This harbor town is proud of the nautical, Scandinavian, and Croatian heritages that shaped its past and are still reflected today.

The new waterfront Harbor Heritage Museum preserves and celebrates this history. Once considered a remote community, Gig Harbor is now a destination spot for visitors and a growing population. Many residents commute to jobs in Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the Nation’s fifth longest suspension bridge. Gig Harbor offers amenities to meet a variety of business, shopping, dining or recreational needs. St. Anthony’s Hospital provides emergency, medical and surgical services.

Popular annual events include a farmer’s market from April to October featuring nearly 100 vendors, the Maritime Gig Festival in June, and the Gig Harbor Quilt Festival each October. The first Saturday of the month the Gig Harbor Artwalk showcases local galleries. Several community theatre groups perform throughout the year.

Gig Harbor Statistics Population: 7,520 City Hall/Civic Ctr.: 3510 Grandview St, 98335, (253) 851-8136, www.cityofgigharbor.net Gig Harbor Visitor & Volunteer Information: 3125 Judson St, 98335, (253) 857-4842, 1-888-ViewGig, www.gigharborguide.com Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center: 3311 Harborview Dr, Ste. 101, 98332, (253) 851-6865, www.gigharborchamber.com Post Office: 3118 Judson St, (253) 858-7262 Library: 4424 Pt. Fosdick Dr NW, (253) 851-3793 School District: Peninsula School Dist. No. 401, (253) 530-1000 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Electricity: Peninsula Light Co, (253) 857-5950.

PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: City of Gig Harbor, (253) 851-6157. Outside City limits—Call Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept, (253) 798-7683 to determine your water supplier.

Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 201-4099 Refuse Collection: American Disposal, (253) 857-2545 Average Tax Rate: $8.92/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $57,036 Average Rent: $1,400 Median Prices: Homes $336,500; Condos $222,750 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=51 mins/45 miles. Bellevue=56 mins/47 miles

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“Kingston on the Cove” in north Kitsap is big on community spirit and natural beauty. Second-growth KINGSTON trees, wetlands, streams, old farmhouses and views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound provide a picturesque setting. The town’s main street, State Highway 104, starts at the Edmonds-Kingston State Ferry Terminal.

This terminal serves more than 4,000,000 passengers each year making Kingston not only a destination for visitors, but also a gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. A new passenger ferry debuted in 2010 featuring direct service to downtown Seattle.

Many residents commute by ferry to jobs in Seattle and Snohomish County (the ride to Edmonds is only 35minutes). Others work in North Kitsap or commute about a half-hour to work at government installations in Bangor, Keyport, or Bremerton.

The town is home to specialty stores, restaurants and services, as well as the 320-berth Port of Kingston Marina. The Port of Kingston Park hosts a seasonal farmers market and free Saturday Night Concerts. Community events include Kites Over Kingston each April, Homecoming Week in October and Kingston Country Christmas in December. During July, don’t miss the Kitsap Arts & Crafts Festival or the 4th of July celebration that includes a parade, Tiny Town (a Children’s Festival) and fireworks on the cove.

Kingston Statistics Population: Greater Kingston - 4,500.

Kingston proper - 1,800 Chamber of Commerce: 11201 State Hwy 104, PO Box 78, 98346, (360) 297-3813, www.kingstonchamber.com or Facebook Post Office: 10990 NE State Hwy 104, (360) 297-3346 Libraries: 11212 State Hwy 104, (360) 297-3330.

31980 Little Boston Rd. NE, (360) 297-2670 School District: North Kitsap School Dist. No. 400, (360) 779-8704 Utilities: Gas — Cascade Natural Gas, (800) 660-1403 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: Kitsap County PUD No. 1, (360) 7797656, or (800) 739-6766 Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 201-4099 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (360) 779-9403, or (800) 592-9995 Typical Tax Rate: $9.98/$1,000 assessed valuation 78

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Median Household Income: $52,956 Average Rent: $765 Median Prices: Homes $249,00; Condos $99,475 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=59 mins/23 miles. Bellevue=1 1/2 hr/29 miles

West of Seattle across Puget Sound on the shores of Sinclair Inlet is Port Orchard, a PORT ORCHARD city that boasts “19th century charm in a 21st century world.” This historic county seat town enjoys a relaxed rural pace with all of the urban conveniences and attractions of Tacoma and Seattle easily reached by highway and ferry. Port Orchard sits at the heart of the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula and is a portal to the Olympic Peninsula - the perfect spot for outdoor recreation! Residents also enjoy an active civic spirit, great schools and outstanding extracurricular activities.

Course, Elandan Gardens, Manchester and Blake Island State Parks, Horseshoe and Long Lake County Parks, Springhouse Dolls and Victorian Tea Room, and the Log Cabin Museum.

Port Orchard Statistics

Affordability and selection describe local real estate options where new buildings, many fine historic homes, and a few fixer-uppers are scattered through established neighborhoods. Golf course, waterfront and view properties are widely available.

Population: 10,910 City Hall: 216 Prospect St, (360) 876-4407, www.cityofportorchard.us Chamber of Commerce: 1014 Bay St #8, 98366, (360) 876-3505 or (800) 982-8139, www.portorchard.com Post Office: 1125 Bethel Ave, (360) 874-6903 Library: 87 Sidney Ave, (360) 876-2224 School District: South Kitsap School Dist. No. 402, (360) 874-7000 Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas, (360) 373-1403, or (888) 522-1130 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: City of Port Orchard, (360) 876-4407 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (360) 674-3166, or (800) 592-9995 Typical Tax Rate: $10.27/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $44,652 Average Rent: $900 Median Prices: Homes $229,668; Condos $161,500 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=1 hr 10 mins/61 miles. Bellevue=1 hr 15 mins/63 miles

Port Orchard’s excellent 410-slip marina is located near the historic downtown core. Visitors can browse the art galleries, antique, book, wine, and gift stores or dine at one of the many restaurants. In late June, Thursday evening outdoor concerts are offered, while weekends feature a farmers’ market and community theatre. In August, downtown Port Orchard hosts The Cruz, a large classic car show.

Norwegian settlers landing on the shores of Liberty Bay immediately thought it reminiscent of their POULSBO homeland and founded a community, which officially became a town on January 7, 1908. Known as “Little Norway on the Fjord,” the charming North Kitsap County town of Poulsbo delights in sharing its cultural heritage.

The unique Marina Park, with boardwalk, gazebo, playground and beach access is a popular destination and the site of annual community events such as the Saturday Farmers Market, the Fourth of July Fathoms O’ Fun, the quirky Seagull Calling Festival, and the Murder Mystery/Pirates Weekend. A Mosquito Fleet ferry replica carries foot passengers from the local ferry dock to Bremerton where it’s easy to catch a ride to Seattle.

Other Port Orchard area attractions include McCormick Woods Golf

While many early residents were fishermen, today most employment is found in defense, tourism and light manufacturing. A number of residents work at Naval Base Kitsap or commute to jobs in Seattle and other larger cities.

Homes in Poulsbo are reasonably priced with great choices in style, age and lot sizes. Not far from downtown, Poulsbo Place I and II offer a village-like atmosphere. In addition, several retirement communities attract seniors who are ready to leave yard work behind.

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Poulsbo, a popular day trip destination from Seattle, also offers modern inns and B&B’s for extended-stay visitors.

Everyone is drawn to the picturesque downtown core with its parks, expanded waterfront boardwalk, bakeries, gift shops, world-class restaurants and panoramic views of Liberty Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The Jewel Box Theatre offers a variety of productions while The Zone provides hours of fun for young people. Boaters enjoy the Port of Poulsbo’s full service marina that includes 398 permanent and guest slips. Come for a visit or stay a lifetime - Poulsbo is a special place!

Poulsbo Statistics Population: 8,920 City Hall: 19050 Jensen Wy, PO Box 98, 98370, (360) 779-3901, www.cityofpoulsbo.com Chamber of Commerce: 19351 8th Ave, Ste. 108, PO Box 1063, 98370, (360) 779-4999, www.poulsbochamber.com Post Office: 19240 Jensen Wy NE, (800) 275-8777 Library: 700 NE Lincoln Rd, (360) 779-2915 School District: North Kitsap School Dist. No. 400, (360) 779-8704 Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas, (888) 522-1130 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water/Sewer: City of Poulsbo Public Works, (360) 7794078. Outside City limits—PUD No. 1, (360) 779-7656 Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 201-4099 Refuse Collection: City of Poulsbo, (360) 779-3901.

Outside City limits—Waste Management, (360) 674-2400 Typical Tax Rate: $10.47/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $51,024 Average Rent: $975 Median Prices: Homes $299,700; Condos $115,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=1 hr 3 mins/21 miles. Bellevue=1 hr 10 mins/ 27 miles

In the heart of Kitsap County, Silverdale is a thriving economic community as well as a choice place to SILVERDALE live. Among the area’s top employers is Naval Base Kitsap.

Total impacts of base sites in the County include employment of 46,935 and labor earnings of over 1.75 billion dollars.

Housing is abundant and great values are to be had - a fact noted when Money named Silverdale a 2009 top 100 best

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small towns in America. Moving out from the central community core, homes on acreage can be found. Many apartments are available, reflecting the needs of the area’s mobile military personnel.

beauty, and peaceful, low-key lifestyle is above all, rural. Many residents commute to larger outlying cities or work from home as telecommuting fast becomes a way of life for island workers.

Silverdale’s Kitsap Mall is the largest shopping area west of Puget Sound.

With 100 retail establishments it attracts shoppers from three counties. Old Towne Silverdale, located next to the popular Waterfront Park, provides an alternate choice for shoppers with its charming mix of retailers and services.

A passion for the arts is also a way of life here. Local artists display works at various galleries, studios, and at the semiannual Arts Tour held the first two weeks of May and December. Music, drama and dance performances occur monthly and there is a local theater for film fans.

Hunting, hiking, fishing, waterskiing, and boating opportunities abound here. Residents enjoy community theater, galleries, art walks and various annual events like the Thunderbird Pro Rodeo in June, Whaling Days Community Festival in July, and the Silverdale Shootout 3-on-3 basketball tournament in August.

The abundance of woodlands, open spaces, and a number of parks that include three public beaches combine to provide endless activities for residents and visitors. Community celebrations are popular with both as well.

Downtown Vashon welcomes more than 30,000 people each July for the Strawberry Festival, featuring arts & crafts, music, parades, food, dancing, and carnival fun. A Saturday Farmers Market is held from April to October.

Silverdale Statistics Population: 19,140 Chamber of Commerce: 3100 Bucklin Hill Rd, Ste 107, PO Box 1218, 98383, (360) 692-6800, www.silverdalechamber.com Post Office: 10855 Silverdale Way NW, (360) 308-0301 Library: 3450 NW Carlton, (360) 692-2779 School District: Central Kitsap School Dist. No. 401, (360) 662-1610 Utilities: Gas: Cascade Natural Gas, (360) 373-1403, or (888) 522-1130 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: Silverdale Water Dept., (360) 447-3500 Sewer: Kitsap County Public Works, (360) 337-5777 Telephone: Qwest, (800) 244-1111. CenturyLink, (800) 201-4099 Refuse Collection: Waste Management, (360) 674-3166 Typical Tax Rate: $10.55/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $63,216 Average Rent: $875 Median Prices: Homes $273,638 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle by car=1 hr 21 mins/71 miles. Bellevue=1 hr 10 mins/73 miles

A scant 15-minute ferry ride from West Seattle, Vashon Island is a place where one can get back to the VASHON ISLAND land without giving up the benefits of the city. Vashon, known for its friendly residents, scenic

Vashon Island Statistics Population (Vashon/Maury Island): 10,800 Chamber of Commerce: 17205 Vashon Hwy SW, PO Box 1035, 98070, (206) 463-6217, www.vashonchamber.com King County Community Service Ctr: 19021 Vashon Hwy SW, (206) 296-4510, www.metrokc.gov/csc/vashon.aspx Post Offices: 10005 SW 178th St, (206) 463-6842.

23830 Vashon Hwy SW, (206) 463-2091 Library: 17210 Vashon Hwy SW, (206) 463-2069 School District: Vashon Island School Dist. No. 402, (206) 463-2121 Utilities: Gas: PSE, (888) 225-5773. Propane: VI Energy, (206) 463-2600 Electricity: PSE, (888) 225-5773 Water: Dist. 19, (206) 463-9007 is the largest of several water providers. Call them to determine your water company.

Telephone: CenturyLink, (800) 201-4099 Refuse Collection: Vashon Disposal, (206) 463-3123 Typical Tax Rate: $10.50/$1,000 assessed valuation Median Household Income: $76,468 Average Rent: $1,185 Median Prices: Homes $353,750; Condos $240,000 Est. Travel Time/Distance To: Seattle=58 mins/19 miles. Bellevue=1hr 10 mins/27 miles

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The Leap Frog Group named Swedish a 2010 Top Hospital

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To respond to residents’ health care needs, Washington State and area counties have established various public health services.

The Washington State Department of Health at www.doh.wa.gov provides helpful information regarding health related topics, as well as a provider credential search system. The Health Systems Quality Assurance Division, at (360) 236-4700, answers questions regarding complaints or claims against practitioners. The Consumer Hotline at (800) 525-0127 addresses concerns about public health issues, provides referral numbers, and directs residents to resources in their area. Local County Medical Societies also provide referral and community resource information: King County, (206) 621-9396, www.kcmsociety.org. Kitsap County, (360) 689-2928, www.kcmedical.org.

Pierce County, (253) 572-3666, www.pcmswa. org. Snohomish County, (800) 532-4139 or (206) 956-3646, www.snohomishmedical.org.

The Senior Information and Assistance Program directs seniors to counseling, nutrition specialists, housing assistance, transportation help, day centers, and retirement residences.

(206) 448-5757, (888) 4ELDERS, www.senior services.org.

Greater Seattle’s health care options also include quality dental services. The SeattleKing County Dental Society, (206) 443-7607, www.skcds.org or the Washington State Dental Association, (206) 448-1914 or (800) 4483368, www.wsda.org offer information and referrals.

The following profiles are an introduction to some of the major hospitals and top multispecialty clinics found in the Greater Seattle area.

Auburn Regional Medical Center Auburn Regional Medical Center (ARMC), the area’s premier health care provider of choice, is dedicated to providing outstanding medical, surgical, and emergency care and health education and rehabilitation programs to the South King and North Pierce county communities. With nearly 300 physicians representing dozens of specialties, ARMC is a progressive acute-care hospital that has been serving the community since 1921. Owned by Universal Health Services, Inc., ARMC is licensed for 162 beds and is a Level III Trauma Center. Patients treated at ARMC receive the widest spectrum of healthcare services in the area. Patients report a high level of satisfaction,

Photo © Swedish Medical Center

DAY-TO-DAY LIVING

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• St. Joseph Medical Center (Tacoma) Comprehensive heart care, cancer treatment, birth center with a Level II special care nursery, 24-hour emergency services, inpatient and outpatient medical/surgical care, orthopedic services, diabetes treatment, kidney dialysis center, pharmacy, mental health services, community education, support groups.

Photo © Seattle Children’s

• St. Francis Hospital (Federal Way) - 24hour emergency care, inpatient and outpatient medical/surgical services, radiation oncology program, orthopedic services, birth center, weight-loss surgery, Women's Health and Breast Center, diagnostic imaging, sleep disorders center, community education, support groups.

Seattle Children’s reports nearly 292,000 patient visits each year due in part to the personalized, quality care they experience at Auburn Regional Medical Center. For information call (253) 833-7711 or visit www.auburnregional.com.

Cascade Valley Hospital & Clinics Cascade Valley Hospital & Clinics are part of a community based healthcare system serving the residents of North Snohomish County. Together, primary care physicians, specialists, registered nurse practitioners, and certified physician assistants provide patients with personalized care in a small clinic environment backed by a full range of health care resources at Cascade Valley Hospital. Among its services, the hospital offers a birthing center, wound care center, surgery center, sleep disorders center, a 24-hour emergency room, acute care, intensive care and more. (360) 4352133, www.cascadevalley.org.

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County residents a broad range of primary and specialty care programs and services. Its medical staff represents more than 80 specialties including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, surgery and women's and children's services. Other specialties include the Breast Center, Evergreen Neuroscience Institute (the MS and the Booth Gardner Parkinson’s Centers) and rehabilitation services. Eight Evergreen medical groups serve the communities’ primary care needs.

As a public hospital district, Evergreen provides health education and access for the needy. It offers home health care, palliative care and hospice care at home or in the Eastside’s only in-patient Hospice Center.

For referrals, information and class registration call the Evergreen Healthline at (425) 899-3000 or go to www.evergreenhospital.org.

Franciscan Health System Franciscan Health System serves residents of Pierce, south King and south Kitsap counties. More than 7,500 employees and nearly 1,500 of the region's finest primary and specialty physicians work as a team in a variety of settings:

• St. Clare Hospital (Lakewood) - Inpatient and outpatient medical/surgical services, sleep disorders center, 24-hour emergency care, orthopedic services, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging, community education, support groups.

• St. Elizabeth Hospital (Enumclaw) 24-hour emergency care, inpatient medical care, inpatient and outpatient surgery, diagnostic imaging, birth center, gastrointestinal procedures, cardiopulmonary therapy, physical therapy, laboratory services.

• St. Anthony Hospital (Gig Harbor) 24-hour emergency care, inpatient and outpatient medical/surgical services, diagnostic imaging, gastrointestinal services, heart catheterization and vascular unit, outpatient cancer care center.

• Franciscan Medical Group - More than 60 primary and specialty care clinics throughout South Puget Sound.

• Franciscan Hospice House (University Place) – 24-hour inpatient hospice care.

For Franciscan Health System information, facility locations, to find a doctor or more, visit www.fhshealth.org.

Group Health Cooperative Patient-centered. Consumer governed.

Transformative. Evidence-based medicine. These are approaches to care Group Health believes in.

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nership with the Swedish Cancer Institute, the most advanced radiation therapy available. Highline’s Specialty Campus provides addiction recovery, physical rehabilitation, geriatric psychiatry and home health and hospice care. For information or physician referral call our physician referral line at (206) 444-8419, or visit www.HighlineMedicalCenter.org.

Photo © St. Joseph Medical Center

Island Hospital

St. Joseph’s unique patient tower overlooks downtown Tacoma Group Health has expanded access to health care through a 24/7 consulting nurse service and opportunities for sameday appointments.

pediatric rehabilitation; women's and children's care; a sleep center, and emergency services at their Level III Trauma Center.

Through information technology, Group Health is transforming the way patients and physicians interact – with secure email, online prescription orders and lab results, and their award-winning website, www.ghc.org.

Port Orchard and Belfair locations provide urgent care, primary care, and outpatient imaging and laboratory services.

A range of outpatient cancer care treatments and complementary therapies are offered in Poulsbo.

Group Health plans provide choice options that allow you keep your current doctor or receive care at state-of-the-art Group Health Medical Centers. Group Health is also affiliated with the best hospitals in Washington and Idaho.

Harrison is fully accredited by the Joint Commission. (866) 844-WELL or www.harrisonmedical.org.

Harrison Medical Center Harrison Medical Center is one of the region's busiest not-for-profit acute-care medical centers. Five locations serve Kitsap County and surrounding areas with 400 physicians representing 40 specialties.

Campuses in Bremerton and Silverdale provide a comprehensive range of advanced programs, such as award-winning cardiovascular services; nationally recognized cancer care; an array of surgical services including da Vinci® roboticassisted surgery, orthopedics; adult and 84

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Highline Medical Center Highline Medical Center, Washington’s first Planetree hospital, offers southwest King County quality health care close to home. Highline’s medical staff provides advanced medical technology with compassionate, respectful and personalized health care.

Highline’s Main Campus offers a 24-hour emergency room, childbirth center, inpatient medical/oncology unit, surgical services, critical care unit, and cardiac care services. The nationally accredited Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technology, board-certified specialists, chemotherapy, clinical trials and in part-

Residents of west Skagit County, North Whidbey, and the San Juan Islands have relied on Island Hospital for their healthcare needs since 1962. Staffed by more than 100 physicians and healthcare providers, Island Hospital offers a quality and range of services that belies its size.

With 43 beds, Island is the smallest hospital in Washington providing Level III Trauma Care. Other services include cancer care, diagnostic imaging, in- and outpatient surgery, birth center, acute/critical care, respiratory care, home healthcare, sleep wellness, wound care and more. Support and Education Programs are also available. Call (360) 2991300 or visit www.islandhospital.org for information.

Minor & James Medical For over 50 years the staff and physicians at Minor & James Medical have provided high-quality, personalized medicine.

Their success has not gone unnoticed, as year after year, Minor & James physicians are named “Top Doctors” in Seattle Metropolitan and Seattle Magazine. Medical specialties include Allergy, Audiology, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine/Primary Care, Nephrology, Neurology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Otolaryngology, Pulmonary Care, Rheumatology, Senior Wellness, Sleep Disorders, and Sports Medicine. In addition, MJM offers onsite laboratory and imaging services, Infusion Center, Coumadin Clinic and endoscopy suites. This multi-specialty approach is designed to offer patients as many options as possible in convenient locations including Seattle, Bellevue and

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Looking for a doctor?

Ask someone who’s been here for 100 years.

As the largest nonprofit health system in the Seattle area — and the one people here say has the best doctors — we’ve got a pretty good idea of who might be a good choice for you.

Call us at 1-800-SWEDISH or find a doctor online at swedish.org.

We’d love to do a little medical matchmaking for you.

For a free physician referral, call 1-800-SWEDISH or visit swedish.org.

Consumer preference data is from NRC Healthcare Market Guide, a survey of King County, WA residents conducted in 2010.

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Providence Regional Medical Center Everett Nationally recognized for excellence, Providence Regional offers patients the highest standard of care and a range of innovative, award-winning programs at several campuses.

Photo © UW Medical Center

The Colby Campus offers an emergency department, acute inpatient care and award-winning Heart and Vascular care.

The Pacific Campus features an expanded range of outpatient services. At the Pavilion for Women & Children, patients enjoy family-centered medical care.

Providence Physician Group features a network of 31 medical clinics in six Snohomish County communities, with over 90 physicians and mid-level providers.

U.S. News & World Report's 2010 "America's Best Hospitals" issue ranked UW Medical Center No. 12 in the nation Mercer Island. For information visit www.minorandjames.com or call the main clinic at (206) 386-9500.

MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital Founded in 1952, MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup is part of MultiCare Health System, the largest health care system in the South Sound region.

Good Samaritan Hospital, a 225-bed acute care facility provides Level 1 trauma rehabilitation, a Level III Trauma Center, Cancer Center, two Sleep Medicine Centers, a Family Birth Center, out-patient surgery center, two new catheterization labs, an accredited chest pain center, surgical programs including robotics, behavioral health and community service programs, and the internationally renowned Children's Therapy Unit.

Good Samaritan Hospital’s exciting, new 9-story Patient Care Tower opens for patients in the spring of 2011 and features a new Emergency Department, Surgery and Imaging Suites and private patient rooms.

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Providence Hospice & Home Care of Snohomish County assists during illness or injury recovery, and during chronic or terminal illness.

To find a physician, visit www.multicare.org, or call (800) 342-9919.

Contact www.providence.org/everett or (425) 261-2000 for information.

Overlake Hospital Medical Center

Seattle Children’s

Overlake Hospital Medical Center is a nonprofit, non-tax supported regional medical center. Overlake's 337-bed facility offers a comprehensive range of services including cardiac care, cancer care, general and specialty surgery, women’s programs, senior care and the only Level III trauma service on the Eastside.

Overlake also has clinics in Bellevue, on Mercer Island, and a medical center in Issaquah that includes one of the region's only 24-hour urgent care centers. Overlake provides exceptional patient care and strives to meet the community’s growing needs through innovative care, community partnerships and donor support. For several years running, Overlake has received the Patient Safety Excellence Award from HealthGrades®, and ranks in the top five percent of U.S. hospitals for overall patient safety. For information, call (425) 6885000 or visit www.overlakehospital.org.

Seattle Children's delivers superior patient care, advances new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and serves as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical referral center for the largest landmass of any children’s hospital in the country (Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho). Consistently ranked as one of the best children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Seattle Children’s is comprised of Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation. Children’s is internationally recognized for advancing discoveries in cancer, genetics, immunology, pathology, infectious disease, injury prevention and bioethics. Children’s also serves as the primary clinical, research and teaching site for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. For more information visit www.seattlechildrens.org or call (206) 987-2000.

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Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon is dedicated to understanding and meeting the health care needs of people in Skagit, Island and North Snohomish counties. Driven by the mission to be the best regional integrated health system in the Northwest, the hospital expanded in 2007 and in July 2010 merged with Skagit Valley Medical Center, a 100provider multispecialty clinic with six locations. The 137-bed hospital provides surgery, orthopedics, advanced diagnostics, heart care including state of the art cardiac catheterization, well-appointed Family Birth Center, a Level III Emergency and Trauma Center and private patient rooms throughout the facility.

The comprehensive Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center is located on the Mount Vernon campus with a satellite clinic in Arlington. For information, call (360) 424-4111 or visit www.skagitvalleyhospital.org.

Swedish Medical Center Established in 1910, Swedish – Greater Seattle’s largest, most comprehensive non-profit health provider – now includes five campuses (First Hill, Cherry Hill, Ballard, Edmonds, and Issaquah), Swedish Visiting Nurses Services and the Swedish Physician Division, which includes more than 40 primary care and specialty clinics throughout the Puget Sound area. Nationally recognized for comprehensive care, Swedish provides a range of inpatient and outpatient services.

Childbirth services feature state-of-theart birthing suites and Level III intensive care for newborns. The Swedish Cancer Institute treats more people for more types of cancer than any other regional facility. The Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute offers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. The Swedish Neuroscience Institute provides progressive treatments for virtually every neurological disorder. A leader in orthopedics, Swedish performs the most joint replacements and spine surgeries in Washington state. For information, call 1-800SWEDISH or visit www.swedish.org.

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Overlake Hospital was a 2010 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient

UW Medicine Healthcare System This nationally recognized health-care system provides the most complete patient care, scientific research, and physician training in the Pacific Northwest. It includes Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical Center, Northwest Hospital & Medical Center, UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics, UW School of Medicine, UW Physicians, and Airlift Northwest.

• Harborview Medical Center is the only Level I adult and pediatric trauma and regional burn center serving Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Harborview was the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Foster G. McGaw prize honoring excellence in community service and outreach in health care. Harborview and UW School of Medicine faculty physicians based there provide more than $150 million in charity care annually.

• University of Washington Medical Center ranked in the top 1 percent out of more than 5,000 major medical centers in the 2009 “Best Hospitals Honor Roll” by U.S. News & World Report and was the

country’s first medical center to achieve Magnet Hospital certification, the highest honor awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. It is also a leader in solid organ and stem cell transplantation, Regional Heart Center care and high-risk neonatal care.

• Northwest Hospital & Medical Center is a full-service, nonprofit community hospital offering personalized, technologically advanced medical, surgical and therapeutic services. Its staff of healthcare professionals promotes wellness through early detection and prevention, minimally invasive interventions and innovative clinical practices. Recognized for excellence, HealthGrades has ranked Northwest Hospital among the top 5 percent of hospitals in the nation for patient safety for four years.

• UW Neighborhood Clinics is a network of primary care clinics with seven neighborhood locations throughout the Puget Sound. A complete spectrum of primary care services for the entire family, from pediatrics to geriatrics, as well as ancillary services, including on-site laboratory and X-ray facilities and nutrition services are offered.

Photo © Overlake Hospital & Medical Center

Skagit Valley Hospital

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GIVME THE TOP TEAM.

Virginia Mason was founded in 1920, when a group of physicians decided to pioneer a new approach.

Their goal: to work as one team, to provide a single place for patients to go with virtually any medical problem or need. This was considered radical at the time. Today, everyone wants to talk about team, but there is only one Team Medicine.

VirginiaMason.org

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Photo © Virginia Mason Medical Center

Northwest at their Seattle and Tacoma divisions. Primary and specialty care programs, state-of-the-art technology, and a strong mission of teaching research and patient care foster quality care and service. Convenient outpatient clinics offer primary care in North Seattle, Bellevue, Federal Way, Mount Vernon, Bremerton, and Port Angeles.

Virginia Mason connects patients with top medical experts • Airlift Northwest, an air medical transport program founded by a consortium of area hospitals including Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center and Seattle Children’s, has provided air medical transport for more than 80,000 patients since 1982.

For UW Medicine Healthcare System information, visit www.uwmedicine.org.

Valley General Hospital Located near the intersection of US 2 and SR 522 in Monroe, Valley General Hospital provides quality health care services with respect, sensitivity and compassion for East Snohomish County residents.

VGH physicians are committed to providing medical excellence in a healing environment. Hospital services include a 24-hour emergency department with Fast Track services, surgical services, critical care, in- and out-patient care, a birth center with private birthing suites, wound healing center with hyperbaric chambers, inpatient psychiatric treatment unit, and adult chemical dependency services.

Valley General also has 24/7 hospitalists, sports medicine and physical therapy, and imaging services providing the most upto-date technology. For referrals or information regarding VGH community health and safety classes, call (360) 79490

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

1411. For other information contact (360) 794-7497, www.valleygeneral.com.

Valley Medical Center Valley Medical Center (VMC) is a public District hospital and the largest nonprofit healthcare provider between Seattle and Tacoma, proudly serving over 400,000 residents. In addition to the medical and surgical services offered by the hospital, the Medical Center operates a network of more than two-dozen primary care, urgent care and specialty clinics. Located in Renton, VMC is South King County’s only disaster recovery facility and offers the region 24-hour emergency care and a Level III Trauma Center. Tertiary specialties include a Orthopedic Center specializing in joint replacement & spine; a Neuroscience Institute with stroke care/rehabilitation; oncology; heart & vascular; childbirth & neonatal care; and sleep medicine. Valley Medical Center provides the community with many award-winning services and remarkable recognitions. For more information, visit valleymed.org.

VA Puget Sound Health Care Systems VA Puget Sound Health Care System serves veterans throughout the Pacific

Partnerships with the University of Washington Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Department of Defense have created nationally recognized programs including residential blind rehabilitation, treatment and research in diabetes and Alzheimer’s, a comprehensive cancer program, and centers on rehabilitation for amputations, limb loss and spinal cord injuries. Centers of Excellence include geriatric research, multiple sclerosis, health services research, substance abuse and treatment and mental illness research. (206) 7621010, www.puget-sound.med.va.gov.

Virginia Mason Medical Center Virginia Mason Medical Center includes a multispecialty physician practice, eight regional locations, a 336-bed teaching hospital and an internationally recognized research institute.

U.S. News and World Report, HealthGrades and others rank Virginia Mason's specialties among the top regionally and nationally. Virginia Mason was the only Pacific Northwest Hospital named a 2009 Top Hospital by The Leapfrog Group.

Virginia Mason's Team Medicine is unique, with more than 400 physicians on staff for a coordinated, team approach for virtually any medical need. Services range from primary care and pediatrics to the most complex specialties. Virginia Mason is recognized for heart and cancer care, orthopedics and sports medicine, neurosciences, digestive diseases, urology, surgery and more.

Locations include Seattle, Bellevue, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kirkland, Lynnwood and Winslow. Visit VirginiaMason.org.

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The Childcare Search M

Moving to a new area always has its challenges. Some are easily resolved, while others take a bit more thought, time, and research. For parents, choosing childcare is a major (and often stress inducing) decision.

According to the experts, knowledge is the key—the more you know, the more confidence you’ll have in your decision. Interview multiple providers, make on-site visits, and ask plenty of questions. Don’t be shy or intimidated. Your child is your utmost concern and any good provider will understand that motivation.

The Greater Seattle area has abundant resources for families seeking childcare, as well as quality childcare options. Whether a childcare center, family daycare, after school program or nanny is the best fit for your family’s childcare needs, the following information should help get you started.

Childcare Resources Provider licensing information in Washington: Department of Early Learning (866) 48-CHECK • www.del.wa.gov/lccis Statewide childcare information and referral service: WA State Child Care Resource & Referral Network Consumer Education Line (800) 446-1114 www.childcarenet.org County Childcare Resources and Referrals www.childcare.org In Seattle/North King County, Redmond/East King County, and Kent/South King County (206) 329-5544 or 1-877-512-3948 toll free Pierce County - (253) 591-2025 Snohomish County - (425) 258-4213 King County After School/Summer Programs (ages 5-18): www.afterschoollearning.org

Nanny Costs In Greater Seattle Full-time Nanny $2,600 - $3,500 per month (d.o.e.)

Based on 40 to 50 hours a week Live-in Nanny $1,700 - $2,500 per month (d.o.e.) plus room and board Part time Nanny $15 - $20 per hour Temporary Nanny $13 - $16 Source: Annie Davis, www.anihouseholdstaffing.com.

Nanny Information: International Nanny Association in Washington www.nanny.org/state/WA Association of Premier Nanny Agencies www.theapna.org Magazines Geared to Parents in Puget Sound: Seattle’s Child, (206) 441-0191, www.seattleschild.com Parent Map, (206) 709-9026, www.parentmap.com

Median Rates For Monthly Childcare County King Kitsap Pierce Skagit Snohomish

Infant $1,259 $808 $862 $826 $932

Childcare Centers: Toddler (1 - 2.5 yrs) $1,044 $705 $715 $689 $823

Pre-School $888 $607 $666 $595 $745

*School Age (6yrs+) $464 $325 $377 $336 $433

County King Kitsap Pierce Skagit Snohomish

Infant $868 $650 $672 $737 $780

Family Daycare: Toddler (1 - 2.5 yrs) $811 $620 $650 $688 $758

Pre-School $693 $563 $575 $559 $650

*School Age (6yrs+) $325 $347 $347 $254 $412

*based on the rates for school-age children (no kindergarten) during the school year for providers using an hourly rate/20 hour week schedule.

Provider Discounts for multiple children from the same family are not included.

Source: 2010 WA State Child Care Resource & Referral Network Mid-Year Data

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Puget Sound Educational Opportunities

F

From preschool to PhD’s and everything in between, the Puget Sound area is filled with high quality educational opportunities and options.

Colleges and Universities A recent study by bizjournals.com placed Seattle in the top 10 “smartest” big cities in the U.S. Nearly 38% of the adult population has received a bachelor degree, while 13% have graduate or professional degrees. When it comes to higher education, Washington State is well represented with 6 public four-year colleges and universities, 34 public community and technical colleges, and over 300 independent colleges, universities and career schools. Many of these institutions are located within the Puget Sound area and rank among the Nation’s finest, attracting students from all over the state, the country and the world.

Home schooling Washington State allows home-based instruction, but requires certain conditions to be met. Parents interested in this option should familiarize themselves with the “Pink Book” which contains all of the laws regulating home schooling. Contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for more information. Home schooled students are eligible to participate on a part-time basis in taking classes, joining activities, and receiving services offered by the public school system. Contact your local school district’s Superintendent for details. The Family Learning Organization offers free home school information as well as help understanding the State’s legal requirements pertaining to home-based instruction.

Private Schools Of the nearly 500 private, religious, and independent schools in Washington, 75% are located west of the Cascades. They educate over 80% of the state’s private school students. Private Schools must be approved by the State Board of Education and meet minimum standards of health, safety and education.

Public Schools Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, public

schools offer a broad range of programs and enrichment activities. Whether a school is traditional or offers an alternative learning style, the focus is still the same—to promote student achievement and academic excellence. Most districts offer enrollment services to help relocating families with the registration process. Check with your district website or call their office directly for assistance. Parents who wish to visit schools before registering their children should call the school office to make arrangements. Helpful tips for choosing a school, as well as profiles and data regarding area schools and districts are found at http://schoolguide.seattletimes.nwsource.com.

Vocational/Technical Education This education option can prepare students for a number of different careers in a wide range of fields. The level of education required depends on the career choice and can vary from a high school program certificate to two and four year college degrees. These programs help students build the foundation of basic academic, life, leadership, and employment skills. Various high schools, skill centers, community colleges, technical institutes, private vocational schools, and two and four year colleges and universities offer career and tech-ed opportunities.

School Enrollment Checklist The following information may be required when enrolling a student. For a complete list, contact the school district office. ❑ Registration Form (available from school office). ❑ Photo ID of parent, guardian who registers the student. ❑ Proof of residence (two documents that verify your address. For example, telephone bill, insurance document, etc.). ❑ Birth certificate (for preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade). ❑ Immunization history of student (CIS, or Certificate of Immunization Status form ust be filled out and signed). ❑ Name & phone number of two people to contact in an emergency if you can’t be reached.

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Public School Districts

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District Name

Address

Phone

Anacortes School District No. 103

2200 ‘M’ Avenue, Anacortes 98221

(360) 293-1200

Arlington Public Schools

315 N. French Ave, Arlington 98223

(360) 618-6200

Auburn School District No. 408

915 4th Street NE, Auburn 98002

(253) 931-4900

Bainbridge Island School District No. 303

8489 Madison Ave NE, Bainbridge Island 98110

(206) 842-4714

Bellevue School District No. 405

12111 NE 1st St, Bellevue 98005

(425) 456-4000

Bremerton School District No. 100-C

134 Marion Ave. N, Bremerton 98312

(360) 473-1000

Burlington-Edison School District No. 100

927 E. Fairhaven Ave, Burlington 98233

(360) 757-3311

Central Kitsap School District No. 401

9210 Silverdale Way NW, PO Box 8, Silverdale 98383

(360) 662-1610

Cle Elum-Roslyn School District No. 404

2690 SR 903, Cle Elum 98922

(509) 649-4850

Conway School District No. 317

19710 SR 534, Mount Vernon 98274

(360) 445-5785

Edmonds School District No. 15

20420 68th Ave W, Lynnwood 98036

(425) 431-7000

Enumclaw School District No. 216

2929 McDougall Ave, Enumclaw 98022

(360) 802-7100

Everett School District No. 2

4730 Colby Ave, Everett 98203

(425) 385-4000

Federal Way School District No. 210

31405 18th Ave S, Federal Way 98003

(253) 945-2000

Fife School District No. 417

5802 20th Street E, Tacoma 98424

(253) 517-1000

Franklin Pierce School District No. 402

315 129th Street S, Tacoma 98444

(253) 298-3000

Highline Public Schools

15675 Ambaum Blvd SW, Burien 98166

(206) 433-0111

Issaquah School District No. 411

565 NW Holly Street, Issaquah 98027

(425) 837-7000

Kent School District No. 415

12033 SE 256th Street, Kent 98030

(253) 373-7000

Lake Stevens School District No. 4

12309 22nd St. NE, Lake Stevens 98258

(425) 335-1500

Lake Washington School District No. 414

16250 NE 74th St, PO Box 97039, Redmond 98073

(425) 702-3200

Marysville School District No. 25

4220 80th St. NE, Marysville 98270

(360) 653-7058

Mercer Island School District No. 400

4160 86th Ave SE, Mercer Island 98040

(206) 236-3330

Monroe School District No. 103

200 E Fremont St., Monroe 98272

(360) 804-2500

Mount Vernon School District No. 320

124 E Lawrence St., Mount Vernon 98273

(360) 428-6110

Mukilteo School District No. 6

9401 Sharon Drive, Everett 98204

(425) 356-1274

North Kitsap School District No. 400

18360 Caldart Avenue, Poulsbo 98370

(360) 779-8704

Northshore School District No. 417

3330 Monte Villa Pkwy, Bothell 98021

(425) 408-6000

Peninsula School District No. 401

14015 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor 98332

(253) 530-1000

Puyallup School District No. 3

302 2nd St SE, PO Box 370, Puyallup 98371

(253) 841-1301

Renton School District No. 403

Kohlwes Education Ctr., 300 SW 7th St, Renton 98057

(425) 204-2300

Riverview School District No. 407

32240 NE 50th Street, Carnation 98014

(425) 844-4500

Seattle Public Schools

2445 3rd Ave S, Seattle 98134, PO Box 34165, Seattle 98124

(206) 252-0000

Shoreline School District No. 412

18560 First Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

(206) 393-6111

Snohomish School District No. 201

1601 Ave D, Snohomish 98290

(360) 563-7300

Snoqualmie Valley School District No. 410

8001 Silva Ave SE, PO Box 400, Snoqualmie 98065

(425) 831-8000

South Kitsap School District No. 402

1962 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard 98366

(360) 874-7000

Tacoma School District No. 10

601 S 8th St, Tacoma 98405, PO Box 1357, Tacoma 98401

(253) 571-1000

Tahoma School District No. 409

25720 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd SE, Maple Valley 98038

(425) 413-3400

Tukwila School District No. 406

4640 S 144th Street, Tukwila 98168

(206) 901-8000

Vashon Island School District No. 402

9309 Cemetery Rd SW, PO Box 547, Vashon Island 98070

(206) 463-2121

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The chart below contains information about the school districts around the Puget Sound area. Reading, Math, and Writing scores are based on the Measurement of Student Progress (MSP) 7th grade scores and reflect the percentage of students that met or exceeded state standards. The 2009-2010 state average for 7th grade scores is 63.3% for reading, 55.2% for math and 70.2% for writing. Visit www.k12.wa.us for additional data, reports, and information.

Website

Reading/Math/ Writing Scores

(2009-2020)

Enrollment Communities Served

www.asd103.org

79.2%/76.4%/82.0%

2,737

Anacortes

www.asd.wednet.edu

76.5%/56.5%/79.6%

5,537

Arlington

www.auburn.wednet.edu

57.5%/50.9%/66.8%

14,785

Auburn, Algona, Pacific

www.bainbridge.wednet.edu

87.5%/87.9%/89.6%

3,926

Bainbridge Island

www.bsd405.org

78.4%/77.1%/80.0%

17,578

Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Hunts Pt.

www.bremertonschools.org

58.9%/42.5%/48.5%

4,855

Bremerton

www.be.wednet.edu

60.6%/51.9%/70.2%

3,928

Burlington, Edison

www.cksd.wednet.edu

67.4%/61.2%/70.6%

11,365

Silverdale

https://sharepoint.cleelum.wednet.edu

58.0%/50.7%/78.3%

897

Cle Elum, Roslyn, Ronald

www.conway.k12.wa.us

73.7%/68.4%/47.4%

431

Mount Vernon

www.edmonds.wednet.edu

67.3%/58.6%/73.8%

20,609

Edmonds, Lynnwood, Brier, Mountlake Terr.

www.enumclaw.wednet.edu

64.5%/61.5%/69.0%

4,757

Black Diamond, Enumclaw

www.everett.k12.wa.us

74.6%/64.4%/82.7%

19,049

Everett, Mill Creek

www.fwps.org

62.4%/55.0%/71.4%

21,390

Federal Way, Des Moines, Auburn, Kent

http://fifeschools.com

63.7%/37.11%/73.6%

3,548

Fife, Milton, Edgewood

www.fp.k12.wa.us

53.6%/41.5%/67.4%

7,545

Tacoma

www.hsd401.org

52.1%/41.4%/55.5%

17,563

Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Pk, SeaTac

www.issaquah.wednet.edu

79.1%/83.3%/89.4%

16,948

Issaquah, Newcastle, Preston, Sammamish

www.kent.k12.wa.us

57.7%/58.2%/65.1%

27,196

Kent, Covington, Auburn, Black Diamond

www.lkstevens.wednet.edu

64.4%/67.5%/74.7%

7,858

Lake Stevens

www.lwsd.org

81.1%/77.7%/86.0%

24,178

Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish

www.msvl.k12.wa.us

61.0%/47.3%/62.7%

11, 774

Marysville

http://misd.k12.wa.us

99.2%/86.1%/94.2%

4,125

Mercer Island

www.monroe.wednet.edu

58.2%/47.0%/69.4%

7,940

Monroe, Maltby

www.mv.k12.wa.us

56.3%/40.0%/66.3%

6,231

Mount Vernon, Conway

www.mukilteo.wednet.edu

65.6%/57.9%/72.1%

14,443

Everett, Mukilteo

www.nkschools.org

70.1%/60.6%/69.0%

6,786

Kingston, Poulsbo, Hansville

www.nsd.org

75.5%/70.2%/83.0%

19,707

Bothell, Brier, Kenmore, Woodinville

www.peninsula.wednet.edu

79.2%/72.6%/77.1%

9,365

Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula

www.puyallup.k12.wa.us

69.1%/63.4%/73.4%

20,959

Puyallup

www.rentonschools.us

66.5%/47.6%/68.6%

14,219

Renton, Newcastle, Bellevue, Kent, Tukwila

www.riverview.wednet.edu

75.9%/63.7%/82.3%

3,227

Carnation, Duvall

www.seattleschools.org

67.5%/64.2%/71.0%

46,522

Seattle

www.shorelineschools.org

71.8%/68.2%/77.7%

9,012

Lake Forest Park, Shoreline

www.sno.wednet.edu

70.3%/63.9%/81.2%

9,961

Snohomish, Clearview, Machias

www.svsd410.org

80.7%/74.0%/91.0%

6,085

North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City

www.skitsap.wednet.edu

63.2%/50.3%/58.8%

10,073

Port Orchard, Olalla, Manchester

www.tacoma.k12.wa.us

46.9%/33.9%/57.9%

28,890

Tacoma

www.tahomasd.us

80.2%/79.1%/90.0%

7,476

Maple Valley

www.tukwila.wednet.edu

51.0%/41.3%/47.8%

2,935

Tukwila

www.vashonsd.org

75.7%/78.3%/86.1%

1,536

Vashon Island

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Private Schools

96

Name

Address

Phone

Annie Wright School Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School Auburn Adventist Academy Bellarmine Preparatory School Bellevue Christian School (5 campuses) Bishop Blanchet High School Brighton School Buena Vista Seventh-Day Adventist School Bush School (The) Cedar Park Christian Schools (5 campuses) Charles Wright Academy Christ the King Academy Christ the King School Christian Faith School (2 campuses) Chrysalis School (2 campuses) Concordia Lutheran School Covenant High School Eastside Catholic School Eastside Christian School ETC Preparatory Academy Eton School Evergreen Academy (2 campuses) Evergreen Lutheran High School Evergreen School (The) Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart Grace Academy Heritage Christian Academy Holy Names Academy Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle John F Kennedy Memorial High School King’s Schools (Bremerton & Seattle campuses) Lakeside School (2 campuses) Life Christian School and Academy Meridian School Northwest School (The) Northwest Yeshiva High School O’Dea High School Overlake School (The) Pacific Crest School Seattle Academy of Arts & Sciences Seattle Country Day School Seattle Lutheran High School Seattle Preparatory School South Sound Christian Schools (2 campuses) St. Thomas School University Child Development School University Prep

827 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma 98403 12911 39th Ave SE, Everett 98208 5000 Auburn Way S, Auburn 98092 2300 S Washington St, Tacoma 98405 District Office: 1601 98th Ave NE, Clyde Hill 98004 8200 Wallingford Ave N, Seattle 98103 6717 212th St SW, Lynnwood 98036 3320 Academy Drive SE, Auburn 98092 3400 E Harrison St, Seattle 98112 16300 112th Ave NE, Bothell 98011 7723 Chambers Creek Rd W, Tacoma 98467 705 NE Lincoln Rd, PO Box 2460, Poulsbo 98370 415 N 117th St, Seattle 98133 Administration: 33645 20th Ave S, Federal Way 98003 14241 NE Woodinville Duvall Rd, Woodinville 98072 7040 36th Ave NE, Seattle 98115 620 S Shirley St, Tacoma 98465 232 228th Ave SE, Sammamish 98074 14615 SE 22nd St, Bellevue 98007 9655 SE 36th St, Mercer Island 98040 2701 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue 98008 16017 118th Pl NE, Bothell 98011 2021 S 260th St, Des Moines 98198 15201 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline 98133 4800 139th Ave SE, Bellevue 98006 8521 67th Ave NE, Marysville, 98270 10310 NE 195th St, Bothell 98011 728 21st Ave E, Seattle 98112 15749 NE 4th St, Bellevue 98008 140 S 140th St, Burien 98168 19303 Fremont Ave N, Seattle 98133 14050 1st Ave NE, Seattle 98125 1717 S Union Ave, Tacoma 98405 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle 98103 1415 Summit Ave, Seattle 98122 5017 90th Ave SE, Mercer Island 98040 802 Terry Ave, Seattle 98104 20301 NE 108th St, Redmond 98053 600 NW Bright St, Seattle 98107 1201 E Union St, Seattle 98122 2619 4th Ave N, Seattle 98109 4141 41st Ave SW, Seattle 98116 2400 11th Ave E, Seattle 98102 Tacoma Campus: 2052 S 64th St, Tacoma 98409 8300 NE 12th St, Medina, 98039 5062 9th Ave NE, Seattle 98105 8000 25th Ave NE, Seattle 98115

(253) 272-2216 (425) 379-6363 (253) 939-5000 (253) 752-7701 (425) 454-4402 (206) 527-7711 (425) 672-4430 (253) 833-0718 (206) 322-7978 (425) 488-9778 (253) 620-8300 (360) 779-9189 (206) 364-6890 (253) 943-2500 (425) 481-2228 (206) 525-7407 (253) 759-9570 (425) 295-3000 (425) 641-5570 (206) 236-1095 (425) 881-4230 (425) 488-8000 (253) 946-4488 (206) 364-2650 (425) 641-0700 (360) 659-8517 (425) 485-2585 (206) 323-4272 (425) 460-0200 (206) 246-0500 (206) 289-7700 (206) 368-3600 (253) 756-2190 (206) 632-7154 (206) 682-7309 (206) 232-5272 (206) 622-6596 (425) 868-1000 (206) 789-7889 (206) 323-6600 (206) 284-6220 (206) 937-7722 (206) 324-0400 (253) 475-7226 (425) 454-5880 (206) 547-8237 (206) 525-2714

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CHILDCARE

EDUCATION

MEDIA

T

The Greater Seattle area is home to hundreds of private and parochial preschools, primary, secondary and special schools. The chart below contains information about just a few of these schools. Please contact them directly for more detailed information on curriculum, national test scores and specific educational needs. For a directory of private schools approved by the state, contact the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Private Education, Old Capitol Building, 600 Washington St. SE, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, (360) 7256433 or visit www.k12.wa.us/PrivateEd/.

Website

Director

Grade Range

www.aw.org www.archbishopmurphyhs.org www.auburn.org www.bellarmineprep.org www.bellevuechristian.org www.bishopblanchet.org www.brightonschool.com www.buenavista22.adventistschoolconnect.org www.bush.edu www.cpcsschools.com www.charleswright.org www.ckaeagles.com www.ckseattle.org www.christianfaithschool.com www.chrysalis-school.com www.concordiaseattle.com www.chstacoma.org www.eastsidecatholic.org www.eastsidechristian.net www.etcinc.org www.etonschool.com www.evergreenacademy.net www.elhs.org www.evergreenschool.org www.forestridge.org www.graceacademy.net www.hcabothell.org www.holynames-sea.org www.jds.org www.kennedyhs.org www.kingsschools.org www.lakesideschool.org www.life-christian.org www.meridianschool.edu www.northwestschool.org www.nyhs.net http://odea.org www.overlake.org www.pacificcrest.org www.seattleacademy.org www.seattlecountryday.org www.seattlelutheran.org www.seaprep.org www.southsoundchristian.org www.stthomasschool.org www.ucds.org www.universityprep.org

Christian Sullivan, Head of School preschool–12 Fran Ennis, Principal 9–12 Samir Berbawy, Principal 9–12 Christopher J. Gavin, Principal 9–12 Ron Taylor, Superintendent preschool–12 Dr. Kristine A. Brynildsen-Smith, Principal 9–12 David Locke, Principal preschool–8 Ron Trautwein, Principal K–8 Frank E. Magusin, Head of School K–12 Dr. Clinton Behrends, Superintendent preschool–12 Robert A. Camner, Headmaster preK–12 DeAnna Henning, Principal K–8 Terry Maguire, Principal preschool–8 Dr. Natalie Ellington, Principal preschool–12 Karen L. Fogle, Director K–12 Dave Meyer, Principal preschool–8 Richard Hannula, Principal 9–12 Sister Mary E. Tracy, SNJM, Head of School 6–12 Dr. Brian Fitch, Principal preschool–8 Ruth Hayes-Short, Executive Director K–12 Dr. Patricia Feltin, Director preK–8 Dana Mott, Principal preschool–6 Gregory Thiesfeldt, Principal 9–12 Margaret Wagner, Head of School preschool–8 Mark Pierotti, Head of School 5–12 Timothy J. Lugg, Administrator preK-12 Cliff Ridgely, Principal preschool–9 Elizabeth A. Swift, Principal 9–12 Maria Erlitz, Head of School preschool–8 Mike Prato, Principal 9–12 Eric Rasmussen, Superintendent preschool–12 Bernie Noe, Head of School 5–12 Ross Hjelseth, Headmaster preschool–12 Ron Waldman, Head of School K–5 Ellen Taussig, Head of School 6–12 Rabbi Bernie Fox, Head of School 9–12 Brother D. Murray, Principal 9–12 Francisco Grijalva, Head of School 5–12 Jacquie Maughan, Director preK–8 Joe Puggelli, Director 6–12 Michael Murphy, Head of School K–8 Mark Henderson, Principal 9–12 Kent Hickey, President 9–12 Debbie Schindler, Superintendent preK–12 Dr. Kirk Wheeler, Head of School preschool–6 Paula Smith, Head of School preschool-5 Erica Hamlin, Head of School 6–12

Enrollment 440 520 300 1,035 1,300 994 225 190 580 1,700 648 145 154 300 190 81 105 800 230 100 314 184 105 376 387 310 260 670 230 950 1,190 790 900 183 460 95 455 535 213 600 327 140 680 510 279 310 508

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CHILDCARE

Name

EDUCATION

MEDIA

Colleges, Universities & Trade Schools Address

Antioch University Seattle 2326 Sixth Ave, Seattle 98121 Argosy University 2601-A Elliott Ave, Seattle 98121 Art Institute of Seattle (The) 2323 Elliott Ave, Seattle 98121 Bastyr University 14500 Juanita Dr. NE, Kenmore 98028 Bates Technical College (3 campuses) main campus: 1101 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma 98405 Bellevue Community College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue 98007 Cascadia Community College 18345 Campus Way NE, Bothell 98011 Central Washington University at Lynnwood 20000 68th Ave. W, Lynnwood 98036 City University (11 WA locations) Ridgewood Plaza, 11900 NE 1st St, Bellevue 98005 Clover Park Technical College (2 campuses) 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood 98499 Columbia College (2 WA locations) 13910 45th Ave. NE, Ste. 802, Marysville 98271 Cornish College of the Arts 1000 Lenora St, Seattle 98121 DeVry University (2 WA locations) 3600 S. 344th Way, Federal Way 98001 DigiPen Institute of Technology 9931 Willows Rd., Redmond WA 98052 Eastern Washington University at Bellevue 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue 98007 Edmonds Community College 20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood 98036 Evergreen State College (The) 2700 Evergreen Pkwy NW, Olympia 98505 Everett Community College 2000 Tower St, Everett 98201 Green River Community College (4 campuses) main campus: 12401 SE 320th St, Auburn 98092 Highline Community College 2400 S. 240th St, Des Moines 98198 ITT Technical Institute (3 WA locations) 12720 Gateway Dr, Ste. 100, Seattle 98168 Lake Washington Technical College 11605 132nd Ave. NE, Kirkland 98034 North Seattle Community College 9600 College Way N, Seattle 98103 Northwest College of Art 16301 Creative Dr. NE, Poulsbo 98370 Northwest University 5520 108th Ave NE, Kirkland 98033 Olympic College (3 campuses) 1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton 98337 Pacific Lutheran University 12180 Park Ave S, Tacoma 98447 Pierce College (2 campuses) 9401 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood 98498 Pima Medical Institute (2 WA locations) 9709 3rd Ave NE, Ste 400, Seattle 98115 Renton Technical College 3000 NE 4th St, Renton 98056 Saint Martin’s University 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey 98503 Seattle Central Community College 1701 Broadway, Seattle 98122 Seattle Pacific University 3307 3rd Ave W, Seattle 98119 Seattle University 901 12th Ave, PO Box 222000, Seattle 98122 Shoreline Community College 16101 Greenwood Ave. N, Shoreline 98133 Skagit Valley College (2 campuses) 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon 98273 South Seattle Community College 6000 16th Ave. SW, Seattle 98106 Tacoma Community College (3 campuses) 6501 S. 19th St, Tacoma 98466 Trinity Lutheran College 2802 Wetmore Ave, Everett 98201 University of Phoenix (6 WA locations) 3380 146th Pl. SE, Ste. 200, Bellevue, 98007 University of Puget Sound 1500 N. Warner St, Tacoma 98416 University of Washington visitors info.: 022 Odegaard, Seattle 98195 University of Washington at Bothell 18115 Campus Way NE, Bothell 98011 University of Washington at Tacoma 1900 Commerce St, Tacoma 98402 Washington State University at Vancouver 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave, Vancouver 98686 Western Washington University 516 High St, Bellingham 98225 98

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

Phone

Website

(206) 441-5352 (206) 283-4500 (206) 448-0900 (425) 823-1300 (253) 680-7000 (425) 564-1000 (425) 352-8000 (425) 640-1574 (425) 637-1010 (253) 589-5800 (425) 304-4480 (206) 726-5151 (253) 943-2800 (425) 558-0299 (425) 564-5100 (425) 640-1459 (360) 867-6000 (425) 388-9100 (253) 833-9111 (206) 878-3710 (206) 244-3300 (425) 739-8100 (206) 527-3600 (360) 779-9993 (425) 822-8266 (360) 792-6050 (253) 531-6900 (253) 964-6500 (800) 477-PIMA (425) 235-2352 (360) 491-4700 (206) 587-3800 (206) 281-2000 (206) 296-6000 (206) 546-4101 (360) 416-7600 (206) 764-5300 (253) 566-5001 (425) 249-4800 (425) 572-1600 (253) 879-3211 (206) 543-2100 (425) 352-5000 (253) 692-4000 (360) 546-9788 (360) 650-3000

www.antiochsea.edu www.argosy.edu/locations www.ais.edu www.bastyr.edu www.bates.ctc.edu www.bellevuecollege.edu www.cascadia.edu www.cwu.edu/lynnwood www.cityu.edu www.cptc.edu www.ccis.edu www.cornish.edu www.devry.edu www.digipen.edu www.ewu.edu/bellevue www.edcc.edu www.evergreen.edu www.everettcc.edu www.greenriver.edu www.highline.edu www.itt-tech.edu www.lwtc.edu www.northseattle.edu www.nca.edu www.northwestu.edu www.olympic.edu www.plu.edu www.pierce.ctc.edu www.pmi.edu/locations www.rtc.edu www.stmartin.edu www.seattlecentral.edu www.spu.edu www.seattleu.edu www.shoreline.edu www.skagit.edu www.southseattle.edu www.tacomacc.edu www.tlc.edu www.phoenix.edu www.pugetsound.edu www.washington.edu www.uwb.edu www.tacoma.washington.edu www.vancouver.wsu.edu www.wwu.edu

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MEDIA

TRANSPORTATION

Catch the News M

Many Greater Seattle area neighborhoods, communities, ethnic groups, organizations and political parties produce their own digital and in some cases, printed products. Here is a listing of a few of them.

DIGITAL & PRINT MEDIA Airlifter (McChord AFB).......(253) 584-1212 www.62aw.af.mil Anacortes American...............(360) 293-3122 www.goanacortes.com Argus, The (Mount Vernon)..(360) 424-3251 www.goskagit.com/argus Arlington Times.....................(360) 659-1300 www.pnwlocalnews.com/north_sound/arl Auburn Reporter ..................(253) 833-0218 www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/aub Bainbridge Island Review....(206) 842-6613 www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/bir Ballard News-Tribune ..........(206) 708-1378 www.ballardnewstribune.com Bellevue Reporter .................(425) 453-4270 www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel Bothell/Kenmore Reporter ...(425) 483-3732 www.pnwlocalnews.com/north_king/bkn Capitol Hill Times................(206) 461-1300 www.capitolhilltimes.com Cascade Times.......................(206) 280-1478 www.snoqualmiepass.com/thesptimes.html Catholic Northwest Progress..(206) 382-4560 www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Progress/default.aspx Des Moines News/ Highline Times .....................(206) 388-1850 www.highlinetimes.com Edmonds Beacon, The.........(425) 347-1711 www.edmondsbeacon.com Enterprise Newspapers (S. Snohomish County) ..................................(425) 673-6500 www.enterprisenewspapers.com Enumclaw Courier-Herald..(360) 825-2555 www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ech Everett Herald, The ..............(425) 339-3000 www.heraldnet.com Federal Way News.................(206) 388-1850 www.federalwaynews.net Ft. Lewis Ranger...................(253) 584-1212 www.ftlewisranger.com International Examiner .......(206) 624-3925 www.iexaminer.org Issaquah Press .......................(425) 392-6434 www.issaquahpress.com

JTNews (The Voice of Jewish WA) ................................................(206) 441-4553 www.jtnews.net Kent Reporter .......................(253) 872-6600 www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ken Kirkland Courier Reporter...(425) 822-9166 www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/kir Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal ................................................(360) 876-7900 http://kpbj.com Kitsap Sun.............................(360) 377-3711 www.kitsapsun.com Korea Central Daily News...(206) 365-4000 www.koreadaily.com Lake Stevens Journal ............(425) 334-9252 www.lakestevensjournal.com Lynnwood Journal................(425) 775-2400 www.journal-newspapers.com Madison Park Times ............(206) 461-1311 www.madisonparktimes.com Magnolia News .....................(206) 461-1310 www.queenannenews.com Marysville Globe...................(360) 659-1300 www.pnwlocalnews.com/north_sound/mar Mercer Island Reporter........(206) 232-1215 www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/mir Monroe Monitor...................(360) 794-7116 www.monroemonitor.com Mukilteo Beacon ..................(425) 347-5634 www.mukilteobeacon.com Newcastle News.....................(425) 392-6434 www.newcastle-news.com News Tribune (Tacoma)........(253) 597-8742 www.thenewstribune.com North Kitsap Herald ............(360) 779-4464 www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh North Seattle Herald-Outlook (206) 461-1346 www.northseattleherald-outlook.com Northwest Asian Weekly......(206) 223-5559 www.nwasianweekly.com Northwest Navigator (Navy Region NW) ................................................(360) 308-9161 www.northwestnavigator.com Peninsula Gateway (Gig Harbor) ................................................(253) 851-9921 www.thenewstribune.com/gigharbor Port Orchard Independent..(360) 876-4414 www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/poi Puyallup Herald....................(253) 841-2481 www.thenewstribune.com/puyallup Puget Sound Business Journal.(206) 876-5500 www.bizjournals.com/seattle

Queen Anne News................(206) 461-1310 www.queenannenews.com Redmond Reporter...............(425) 867-0353 www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/red Renton Reporter...................(425) 255-3484 www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren Sammamish Review .............(425) 392-6434 www.sammamishreview.com Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce ................................................(206) 622-8272 www.djc.com Seattle Gay News ..................(206) 324-4297 www.sgn.org Seattle Post-Intelligencer......(206) 448-8000 www.seattlepi.com Seattle Times (Daily paper)...(206) 464-2111 www.seattletimes.com Seattle Weekly .......................(206) 623-0500 www.seattleweekly.com Skagit Valley Herald .............(360) 424-3251 www.goskagit.com/herald Skanner (Black News Group)..(206) 233-9888 www.theskanner.com Snohomish County Business Journal ................................................(425) 339-3445 www.snohomishcountybusinessjournal.com Snohomish County Tribune(360) 568-4121 www.snoho.com Snoqualmie Valley Record ...(425) 888-2311 www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/svr SnoValley Star .......................(425) 392-6434 www.snovalleystar.com South Everett Journal...........(425) 775-2400 www.heraldnet.com South Seattle Beacon............(206) 461-1311 www.southseattlebeacon.com Stranger, The (Seattle)...........(206) 323-7101 www.thestranger.com Tacoma Weekly.....................(253) 759-5773 www.tacomaweekly.com University/Wallingford Journal ................................................(425) 775-2400 www.journal-newspapers.com Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber ................................................(206) 463-9195 www.pnwlocalnews.com/vashon/vib Voice of the Valley (Maple Valley-Black Diamond) ..(425) 432-9696 www.voiceofthevalley.com West Seattle Herald-White Center News ................................................(206) 932-0300 www.westseattleherald.com Woodinville Weekly..............(425) 483-0606 www.nwnews.com 2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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MEDIA

TRANSPORTATION

AM RADIO STATIONS — COMMERCIAL

FM RADIO STATIONS – Cont.

570 630 710 770 820 850 880 950 1000 1050 1090 1150 1210 1250 1300 1330 1360 1380 1420 1450 1540 1560 1590 1620 1680

104.9 105.3 106.1 106.9 107.7

KVI KCIS KIRO KTTH KGNW KHHO KIXI KJR KOMO KBLE KPTK KKNW KTBK KKDZ KKOL KGRG KKMO KRKO KRIZ KSUH KXPA KZIZ KLFE KYIZ KDOW

Seattle www.kvi.com Talk Christian Seattle www.kcisradio.com Seattle www.mynorthwest.com ESPN Sports Talk Seattle www.mynorthwest.com Christian Talk Seattle www.kgnw.com Tacoma www.southsoundsports850.com Fox Sports Nostalgia Bellevue www.kixi.com Talk, Sports Seattle www.kjram.com Seattle www.komonews.com News, Sports www.sacredheartradio.org Catholic-24hrs Seattle Seattle seattle.cbslocal.com Progressive Talk Bellevue www.newschannel1150.com Alternative Talk Auburn www.bustosmedia.com Spanish Seattle www.radiodisney.com Radio Disney News/Talk Seattle www.kkol.com Enumclaw www.kgrg.com Alternative Dance Tacoma www.radiosol1360.com 24 hr. Hispanic Everett www.northsound1380.com News, Sports Seattle www.ztwins.com Oldies, Blues Korean Puyallup www.radiohankook.com Bellevue www.kxpa.com Multicultural Gospel Seattle www.ztwins.com/ Seattle freedom1590.com Christian Talk Seattle www.ztwins.com R&B/Hip Hop Spanish Seattle www.kdow.biz

KFNK KCMS KBKS KWRM KNDD

Tacoma Edmonds Tacoma Bellevue Seattle

www.genx1049.com Rock www.spirit1053.com Christian www.kiss1061.com Top 40 www.warm1069.com Adult Contemp. www.1077theend.com Alternative Rock

FM RADIO STATIONS 88.5 88.9 89.5 89.9 90.1 90.3 90.7 90.9 91.3 91.7 92.5 93.3 94.1 94.9 95.7 96.5 97.3 98.1 98.9 99.9 100.7 101.5 102.5 102.9 103.7 104.5 100

KPLU KMIH KNHC KASB KMWS KEXP KSER KVTI KBCS KXOT KQMV KUBE KMPS KUOW KJR KJAQ KIRO KING KWJZ KISW KKWF KPLZ KZOK KNBQ KMTT KMCQ

Tacoma www.kplu.org NPR, Jazz Mercer Island www.hotjamz.org HipHop/R&B Seattle c895worldwide.com Top 40/Dance Bellevue Alternative Mount Vernon www.nwpr.org NPR Seattle kexp.org Innovative/Eclectic Everett www.kser.org World/Inde/Folk Classical Lakewood nwpr.org Folk, Jazz, Blues Bellevue kbcs.fm NPR Tacoma kuow2.org Bellevue www.movin925.com Rhythmic Hits Seattle www.kube93.com Hits/Hip Hop Country Seattle kmps.radio.com NPR Seattle www.kuow.org www.957kjrfm.com 60’s & 70’s Rock Seattle Seattle jackseattle.radio.com Eclectic Rock Seattle www.mynorthwest.com News, Talk, Classical Seattle www.king.org Modern Music Seattle click989.com Hard Rock Seattle www.kisw.com Country Seattle www.seattlewolf.com Seattle www.star1015.com 80’s, 90’s, Today Classic Rock Seattle kzok.radio.com Country Seattle www.qcountry1029.com Tacoma www.kmtt.com Adult Alternative Covington www.americanpopradio.com Oldies

2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

Fisher Plaza, home to KOMO 4 TV and KOMO AM 1000

TELEVISION CHANNELS Ch. 4

KOMO-TV (206) 404-4000 Ch. 5 KING-TV (206) 448-5555 Ch. 7 KIRO-TV (206) 728-7777 Ch. 6/16 KONG-TV (206) 448-3166 Ch. 9 KCTS-TV (206) 728-6463 Ch. 11 KSTW-TV (206) 441-1111 Ch. 13 KCPQ-TV (206) 674-1313 Ch. 22 KZJO-TV (206) 674-1313 Comcast Broadband DirecTV® Fios®

Seattle

ABC affiliate www.komonews.com Seattle NBC affiliate www.king5.com Seattle CBS affiliate www.kirotv.com Seattle UHF Independent www.kongtv.com Seattle PBS (KCTS Assoc.) www.kcts9.org Tacoma CW Network http://kstw.com Tacoma Fox affiliate www.q13fox.com Seattle MyNetwork TV www.joeswall.com (cable TV) 1-800-COMCAST (satellite TV) 1-800-531-5000 (fiber optic) 855-211-3733

Photo courtesy of KOMO 4 TV

EDUCATION

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MEDIA

TRANSPORTATION

SIGHTSEEING

Transportation Options Get Your Bearings It is always a challenge to find your way around in unfamiliar territory. The Greater Seattle area, with its lakes, bridges, and islands can be confusing to new arrivals so a good map is essential. The Thomas Guide® produces several atlases covering the area. Order a free state highway map at www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/highwaymap. For driving directions between addresses visit online options include google, mapquest and yahoo.

Check Ahead Check traffic, road and weather conditions on-line before leaving home. Seattle: www.seattle.gov/trafficcams or for real time travel information, http://web5.seattle.gov/travelers. Bellevue: http://trafficmap.cityofbellevue.net.

Other King

County cities: http://your.kingcounty. gov/kcdot/mycommute. State highways: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic.

cortes. (206) 464-6400, (888) 808-7977, www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.

Getting Around Without a Car Washington State Ferries Our state has the nation’s largest ferry system with 28 vessels and 20 terminals.

Seattle’s downtown Pier 52 terminal has daily scheduled departures for Bainbridge Island and Bremerton. A passenger only ferry connects Seattle’s Pier 50 with Vashon Island. The Fauntleroy terminal in West Seattle has sailings to Vashon Island, as well as Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula. Tacoma’s Point Defiance Terminal connects to Vashon Island (Tahlequah).

Ferries also run from Edmonds to Kingston on the Kitsap Peninsula, and from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island (Clinton). Sailings to the San Juan Islands and Sidney (Victoria) BC depart from Ana-

Transportation options abound in this region! Sound Transit, a regional public transit agency delivers a mix of rail, bus routes, and new transit facilities to urban King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties.

Sound Transit’s popular commuter rail line, Sounder, offers service between Everett and downtown Seattle with stops in Mukilteo and Edmonds, as well as service between Tacoma and Seattle with stops in Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent, and Tukwila. By 2012, the line will extend south to Lakewood. Sound Transit’s new light rail line currently runs from the Airport to downtown Seattle and by 2016 will extend to the University of Washington.

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888.389.0500

www.aboda.com

ABODA also offers the following services to residents throughout the Puget Sound.

High quality, stylish ABODA furnishings at hundreds off retail or for lease at our Redmond store. 425.883.9491

Full service leasing and rental management of homes, condos, and townhomes. 888.389.0500

Furnishings 2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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MEDIA

TRANSPORTATION

SIGHTSEEING

Transit Information Community Transit • www.commtrans.org (425) 353-RIDE • (800) 562-1375 Everett Transit • www.everettwa.org/transit 425) 257-7777 King County Metro • metro.kingcounty.gov (206) 553-3000 • (800) 542-7876 Kitsap Transit • www.kitsaptransit.org (360) 373-2877 • (800) 501-RIDE Pierce Transit • www.piercetransit.org (253) 581-8000 (800) 562-8109 (Western WA outside of Pierce County) Ridematching • www.rideshareonline.com (888) 814-1300 Skagit Transit • www.skagittransit.org (360) 757-4433 • (877) 584-7528 Sound Transit • www.soundtransit.org (206) 398-5000 • (800) 201-4900 Local and commuter express bus service is provided by Metro Transit in King County, Pierce Transit in Pierce County, Community Transit in Snohomish County, Skagit Transit in Skagit County and Kitsap Transit in Kitsap County. Everett Transit provides direct and frequent service throughout Everett.

Park and Ride Lots are conveniently located in all counties. For help planning a bus trip within King, Pierce, or Snohomish Counties: (206) 553-3000, http://triplanner.kingcounty.gov.

For another alternative, try a King County Water Taxi.

These two passenger-only ferries connect both West Seattle and Vashon Island to downtown Seattle. The West Seattle route sails out of pier 50 in downtown Seattle and Seacrest Dock in West Seattle. (one-way: $3.50 cash, $3.00 ORCA) The second route runs weekdays only between pier 50 and Vashon Ferry Terminal. (one-way: $4.50 cash, $3.75 ORCA).

Cash, ORCA transit pass and e-purse are accepted. (206) 6841551, www.kingcounty.gov/watertaxi.

Other fun ways to travel in downtown Seattle include the Seattle Center Monorail and the Seattle Streetcar. The Monorail provides daily service from 9am to 11pm between Seattle Center and Westlake Center. Trains depart every 10 minutes.

The 2-minute, one-mile ride costs an adult $4.00 round-trip.

(206) 905-2620, www.seattlemonorail.com. For service between downtown and South Lake Union, hop aboard the Seattle Streetcar. Adult fare: $2.50. Routes and schedules: (206) 553-3000, www.seattlestreetcar.org.

Carpools and Vanpools Ride with neighbors or co-workers and save time, money, and stress. The Regional Ridematch system makes it easy to find someone to share the ride in a carpool or vanpool. You can 102

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even share a ride to a game, festival, or other public event.

Contact (888) 814-1300, www.rideshareonline.com. For King County Metro Ridematch: (206) 625-4500, (800) 427-8249.

Bicycling Seattle consistently rates among the nation’s top spots for bicycling. Nearly three percent of its residents commute by bike - that is five times the national average! Transit buses are equipped with bike racks, and bike lockers are available at many transit centers and park and ride lots. The Bicycle Alliance of Washington provides support for bicycle commuters with maps, educational information, and bicycle parking in Downtown Seattle at BIKE PORT in Pioneer Square.

(206) 224-9252, www.bikeport-seattle.org. Greater Seattle has miles of bike trails, on-street lanes, and signed bike routes to accommodate both commuter and recreational bicyclists.

For bike maps and information: In Seattle, (206) 684-7583, www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikeprogram.htm. In King County, (206) 263-4741, www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/roads/bicycling. Helmets are mandatory in King and most other local counties. In Seattle, the fine plus court costs for nonuse is $103.

Other Options Rental cars, limos, shuttle services, and taxis are all readily available. Seattle taximeter rates run $2.50 for the drop charge with distance charges of $2.50 per mile ($0.25 per 1/10th mile after the first 1/10th mile). A special $32 flat rate applies for rides from the downtown hotel district to SeaTac airport. Zipcar, a membership car-sharing program, operates in many local cities and neighborhoods. (866) 4ZIPCAR, www.zipcar.com.

For ground travel out of Seattle, trains and commercial bus service are options. Amtrak runs out of the historic King Street Station at 303 S. Jackson St., (800)-USA-RAIL, www.amtrak.com. The Greyhound Bus Station is located at 811 Stewart Street, (206) 628-5526, www.greyhound.com.

Take To The Sky! The following are some of the airports found in the Greater Seattle area:

Primary Seattle Tacoma International • Bellingham International

Reliever Auburn Municipal • King County International/ Boeing Field • Harvey Field (Snohomish) Renton Municipal • Snohomish County/Paine Field

General Aviation Arlington Municipal • Bremerton National • Cle Elum Municipal • Pierce County/Thun Field (Puyallup) Skagit Regional (Burlington) • Tacoma Narrows Airport Vashon Municipal

TRANSPORTATION

SIGHTSEEING

ARTS

E

Exploring Seattle area sights is an ongoing endeavor, even for long-time residents. Many an exciting day or evening can be spent at the various tourist attractions that make the city unique.

Arboretum The Washington Park Arboretum, located near the University of Washington just south of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, offers 230 acres of exploring possibilities among more than 5,000 kinds of trees, shrubs and vines, plus waterfront trail and display gardens. Free admission, except for the Japanese Garden, (206) 684-4725.

Download maps and audio tours at depts.washington.edu/uwbg or contact the Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle 98112, (206) 543-8800. For a different view of the park, rent a canoe from the University Waterfront Activities Center and paddle the surrounding waterways. (206) 543-9433.

Chinatown-International District In South Downtown Seattle near Qwest and Safeco Fields, this district is home to Seattle's Pan-Asian community. Neighborhood highlights include the Chinese pavilion in Hing Hay Park, the Wing Luke Asian Museum, Chinagate, community gardens, dragon sculptures, various multicultural festivals and events, and Uwajimaya, one of the region’s largest Asian retail stores. (206) 382-1197, www.cidbia.org.

Chittenden Locks The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks connect the freshwater Lake Washington Ship Canal with the saltwater Puget Sound. Designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Locks have raised and lowered vessels of all sizes from the Lake to the Sound since 1917. An underwater viewing room reveals salmon swimming up the Locks’ fish ladder from June through October.

The grounds also feature the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens and a Visitors Center with exhibits and gift shop. Free tours March through November. (206) 783-7059.

Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour The Seattle area’s largest employer and the world’s largest manufacturer of airplanes offers tours at its Everett plant. The one-third mile

Photo © VPLLC

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The International Fountain and Space Needle at the Seattle Center walking tour and video presentation showcases the plane building process. Reservations advised, (800) 464-1476. Sales start on-site at 8:30 a.m. for limited number of same day/nonreserved tickets. Tours include admission to The Future of Flight. You can also visit the Future of Flight featuring interactive displays, exhibits, gift shops and café without taking the Boeing Tour. www.futureofflight.org.

Museums and Galleries The Seattle Art Museum, or SAM, is known for its Asian, African, Pacific Northwest and contemporary American art holdings, as well as its diverse line-up of programs. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the first Thursday of each month is free. 1300 1st Ave, Seattle 98101. A ticket to SAM also provides admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum if used within one week. Renowned for its Chinese, Korean and Japanese collections, this museum is located in Volunteer Park, 1400 E. Prospect. (206) 6543100, www.seattleartmuseum.org.

Other Area Museums: • Bellevue Arts Museum: 510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, (425) 519-0770, www.bellevuearts.org.

• Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture: UW campus, 17th Ave NE and NE 45th St, Seattle, (206) 543-5590, www.washington.edu/burkemuseum.

• Experience Music Project (EMP): Seattle Center, (206) 770-2700, (877) EMP-SFM1, www.empsfm.org.

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• Frye Art Museum: 704 Terry Ave, Seattle, (206) 622-9250, www.fryeart.org.

• Henry Art Gallery: UW campus, 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St, Seattle, (206) 543-2280, www.henryart.org.

• Museum of Flight: 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, (206) 764-5720, www.museumofflight.org.

• Museum of History & Industry: 2700 24th Ave E, Seattle, (206) 324-1126, www.seattlehistory.org.

• Nordic Heritage Museum: 3014 NW 67th St, Seattle, (206) 789-5707, www.nordicmuseum.org.

• Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art: 1116 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, (425) 455-1116, www.dollart.com.

• Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame: Seattle Center, (206) 770-2700, www.empsfm.org.

• Wing Luke Asian Museum: 719 S. King St, Seattle, (206) 623-5124, www.wingluke.org.

Pike Place Market More than a one-time sightseeing destination, Pike Place Market’s indescribable energy attracts natives and visitors alike.

The Market’s multiple connected levels feature an array of restaurants, specialty food shops, and novelty, antique and clothing stores. Rent a Market Heritage MP3 Tour for an insiders look at the market, (206) 774-5249. At First Avenue and Pike Street in downtown Seattle the market is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. (206) 682-7453, www.pikeplacemarket.org.

Farmers and artisans also offer a bounty of fresh produce, crafts, flowers and food statewide at weekly farmers markets. View an online directory of markets at www.wafarmersmarkets.com. For a list of crops, farms and events: www.pugetsoundfresh.org.

Pioneer Square This historic district at the southern edge of downtown Seattle is, in essence, the “second” downtown Seattle. Its quaint brick buildings were built atop what remained of the original business district 104

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ARTS

Olympic Sculpture Park, Father and Son after the great fire of 1889. The Underground Tour offers a unique view of these buried remains. (206) 682-4646, www.undergroundtour.com.

The Klondike Gold Rush Visitors Center also provides a glimpse into the past. (206) 220-4240, www.nps.gov/klse. Nearby, the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum is the largest police museum in the western U.S. (206) 748-9991. Vintage fire engines and more are displayed at the Last Resort Fire Department Museum. (206) 783-4474, www.lastresortfd.org. One can also easily spend the day in Pioneer Square browsing the bookstores, galleries, antique and specialty shops. After dark, the fun continues when Pioneer Square comes alive with music and entertainment.

Seattle Center/Space Needle/EMP The 74-acre Seattle Center features yearround activity. Originally the site for the 1962 World's Fair, the Center's landscaped grounds are free to visit and include the dramatic International Fountain. Over 12 million visit each year to ride the Monorail or enjoy one of the 30plus campus organizations offering outstanding arts and entertainment. A "must see" is the 605-foot Space Needle, easily one of Seattle's most recognizable landmarks. The Experience Music Project (or EMP) is a unique, interactive rock music Museum. Co-located with EMP,

the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame is the world’s first museum to honor this dynamic genre. The Pacific Science Center and the Children's Museum offer hours of family fun. A state-of the-art skatepark has features for all skill levels. Concerts and sporting events are held at Key Arena and Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. Seattle Center also hosts many of the region’s major festivals and cultural events. (206) 684-7200, www.seattlecenter.com.

Waterfront Seattle’s waterfront is a hive of activity and sights. Rows of boats, fishing piers, the Seattle Aquarium, hotels, shops and restaurants fill the docks along Alaskan Way. The Coast Guard Museum on Pier 36 is free and has unique nautical displays. Call ahead, (206) 217-6993. Ferries to Vashon Island leave from Pier 50, while Bainbridge Island and Bremerton bound ferries depart Pier 52. Pier 57 hosts a waterfront arcade and Pier 59 is home to the the award winning Seattle Aquarium. Cruise ships dock at Pier 66 and parasailing boats, as well as harbor tours leave from other waterfront piers.

Beyond Pier 70, the Olympic Sculpture Park features art in a fabulous 9-acre waterfront setting. (206) 654-3100. Ride Metro Bus Route 99 for free between the various waterfront attractions, Pioneer Square and the International District.

Photo © Benjamin Benschneider Photography

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Applaud the Arts Seattle’s art scene is large and diverse. The following list is only an introduction.

ACT Theatre Since 1965 ACT has featured the best in new and contemporary dramas and comedies. (206) 292-7676, www.acttheatre.org.

5th Avenue Theatre The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre produces quality musical revivals, premieres of boundfor-Broadway shows, and touring Broadway musicals in the beautifully restored 1926 Vaudeville House. (206) 625-1900, www.5thavenue.org.

Intiman Theatre The Tony Award winning Intiman Theatre presents intimate, high-quality experiences of classical drama and modern masterpieces.

(206) 269-1900, www.intiman.org.

Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers From classic masterpieces to new compositions, performances are featured October through June at several Seattle concert venues. (206) 682-5208, www.osscs.org.

Pacific Northwest Ballet PNB, one of the nation’s largest and most acclaimed ballet companies, presents over 100 performances yearly, September through June at McCaw Hall. (206) 4412424, www.pnb.org.

Seattle Arts & Lectures World renowned writers, thinkers and poets discuss their work and contemporary issues from September through May at Benaroya Hall. (206) 621-2230, www.lectures.org.

Seattle Opera Nationally and internationally acclaimed Seattle Opera presents both European classics and new works of American opera. The 2011 season includes Madama Butterfly and Carmen. (206) 389-7676, www.seattleopera.org.

Seattle Repertory Theatre One of the country’s largest and most renowned regional theatres, the “Rep” produces classic comedies, recent Broadway hits and cutting-edge new dramas at Bagley Wright and Leo K. Theatres at Seattle Center. (206) 443-2222, www.seattlerep.org.

Other Area Theaters • Annex Theatre: Original musicals, off-beat dramas. (206) 728-0933, www.annextheatre.org.

• Book-It Repertory Theatre: Great literary works as theatre.

(206) 216-0833, www.book-it.org.

• The Gorge Amphitheatre: Outdoor venue overlooking the Columbia River. www.livenation.com • Kirkland Performance Center: Theatre, Dance, Music, Comedy.

(425) 893-9900, www.kpcenter.org.

• Knutzen Family Theatre: Centerstage presents dramas and musicals. (253) 661-1444, www.centerstage.com.

• Moore Theatre: Headliners, off-Broadway theatre, dance, comedy. (206) 682-1414, www.stgpresents.org.

• Paramount Theatre: Broadway musicals, plays, headline concerts. (206) 682-1414, www.stgpresents.org.

• Seattle Musical Theatre: The best in live musical theatre.

(206) 363-2809, www.seattlemusicaltheatre.org • Taproot Theatre Co.: Meaningful theater. (206) 781-9707, www.taproottheatre.org.

• Tulalip Amphitheatre: Intimate outdoor venue. (360) 716-5010 www.tulalipamphitheatre.com.

• VillageTheatre: Musical Theater.

(Two locales) Issaquah: (425) 3922202. Everett: (425) 257-8600 www.villagetheatre.org.

• White River Amphitheater: Open-air concert venue near Auburn. (360) 825-6200 www.whiteriverconcerts.com.

Seattle Symphony The Grammy nominated Seattle Symphony performs September through July at Benaroya Hall. Programming ranges from favorite classics to innovative works by talented new composers. (206) 215-4747, (866) 833-4747, www.seattlesymphony.org.

The Seattle Scene Sample some of the city’s hot spots!

• Chop Suey: National and local acts, every genre (206) 324-8000, www.chopsuey.com • Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley: Jazz, premier concert nightclub (206) 441-9729, www.jazzalley.com • Little Red Hen: Live Country. Entertainment nightly.

(206) 522-1168, www.littleredhen.com • Neumo’s: Indie, Hip Hop, Punk, Rock and more.

(206) 709-9467, www.neumos.com • Re-Bar: Comedy, Theater, DJ, and House (206) 233-9873, www.rebarseattle.com • Showbox: Headline bands at two venues (206) 628-3151, www.showboxonline.com • Tractor Tavern: Local & national acts of every genre.

(206) 789-3599, www.tractortavern.com • Triple Door: Live music, dining, full bar (206) 838-4333, www.tripledoor.com • Venom: Dance, DJ, House (206) 448-8887, www.venomseattle.com

Comedy • Comedy Underground, (206) 628-0303, www.comedyunderground.com • Laughs Comedy Spot, (425) 823-6306, www.laughscomedy.com • Jet City Improv, (206) 352-8291, www.jetcityimprov.com

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ARTS

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GREAT OUTDOORS

Fun for Families T

There’s always something to do in the Puget Sound region, particularly with energetic children in tow. Here are a few attractions that the whole family can enjoy:

The Children’s Museum, Seattle Children ages birth to ten and their families enjoy hands-on fun and learning. Cultural exhibits, imaginative play, and art studio. Located on the first level of the Center House at Seattle Center. (206) 441-1768, www.thechildrensmuseum.org.

Wild Waves Theme Park Located in Federal Way, this park is 70 acres of fun. Enjoy thrilling attractions and rides, or games of skill at the Midway.

Wild Waves has waterslides, wave pool, and Zooma Falls, the ultimate rafting ride. Open May to September and weekends in October. (253) 661-8000, www.wildwaves.com.

Northwest Trek Located 55 miles south of Seattle, this 725-acre park is a treasure for wildlife enthusiasts. It has free-roaming wildlife, naturalist-guided tram ride, two interactive learning centers, 5 miles of nature trails, café, and gift shop. (360) 832-6117, www.nwtrek.org.

Pacific Science Center Located under the arches near the Space Needle you’ll discover five buildings of hands-on science exhibits, two IMAX® theaters (one with IMAX® 3D technology), laser light shows and a planetarium. The West Coast premiere of the King Tut exhibit opens in May 2012. (206) 443-2001, www.pacsci.org.

Point Defiance Park, Zoo and Aquarium The Northwest’s only combined zoo and aquarium is located in Tacoma’s beautiful, 702-acre Point Defiance Park. The Park is also home to Fort Nisqually, trails, and beaches. (253) 5915337, www.pdza.org.

Seattle Aquarium See, touch and explore local animals in astounding exhibits.

Enjoy three daily dive shows in the 20’ x 40’ viewing window, peruse the gift store, or lunch at the café. Located on Pier 59 on the waterfront. (206) 386-4300, www.seattleaquarium.org.

Seattle Children’s Theatre Acclaim as a leading producer of professional theatre for children and families, SCT generally presents seven productions between September and June in one of their two theatres at Seattle Center. (206) 441-3322, www.sct.org.

Wolf Haven An 80-acre reserve dedicated to wolf conservation. Guided 45-minute walking tours, seasonal programs and special events, gift store, picnic area. Located in Tenino, 77 miles southeast of Seattle. (800) 448-9653, www.wolfhaven.org.

Photo © Seattle Aquarium

Woodland Park Zoo

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More than 300 animal species from around the world and a thousand plant species are displayed in this award-winning, 92-acre Zoo. More than a million visitors a year are transported to the world of lions, elephants, gorillas, reptiles, birds and more. A new, state-of-the-art exhibit even brings them nose-to-beak with Humboldt penguins! Open every day except Christmas day. (206) 548-2500, www.zoo.org.

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The Great Outdoors T

The Seattle area enjoys a national reputation for its outdoor lifestyle. Residents are blessed with beautiful waters to sail, mountains to climb, trails to ride and parks to explore — all in a climate that allows year-round enjoyment.

Bicycling Pedal the Burke-Gilman trail, ride the Redmond Velodrome, race the annual Seattle-to-Portland, or hit the trails on Tiger Mountain. Rated a “Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community,” Seattle is perfect for all biking personalities. There are dozens of local clubs. The Cascade Bicycle Club offers links to some of them at www.cascade.org/Community/Contacts.cfm, or call (206) 522-3222. For trail maps and other biking resources, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike. The Bicycle Alliance of Washington promotes biking statewide. (206) 224-9252, www.bicyclealliance.org.

British Columbia

Photo © Oki Golf

Travel out of the country to nearby Canada. Visit the charming cities of Victoria and Vancouver (site of the 2010 Winter Olympics), or the beautiful Canadian Gulf Islands. Contact Tourism BC Travel for information or reservations.

(800) 435-5622, www.hellobc.com.

Camping From tents to yurts to RV’s, whatever your camping style, you’ll find it here.

• Washington State Parks: Information at (360) 902-8844, www.parks.wa.gov.

Reservations at (888) 226-7688, http://secure.camis.com/WA/ • Outdoor Recreation Information Center: (206) 470-4060.

• National Forests in Washington: visit www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.

Click on “Washington.”

The Golf Club at Newcastle

Fishing and Hunting Washington's lakes, reservoirs, streams and the nearby waters of Puget Sound and the Pacific create a year-round fishing passion. Contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) at (360) 902-2700, www.wdfw.wa.gov/fish-

ing for regulations or licenses. For openings call the Fishing Hotline, (360) 9022500. Before harvesting shellfish, call the Red Tide Hotline at (800) 562-5632 and the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline at (866) 880-5431. For hunting regulations, contact (360) 902-2515, www.wdfw.wa. gov/hunting.

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Golfing in the Greater Seattle Area The greater Seattle area is widely known for its easy access to a wide variety of outdoor adventures. With all of the competition for leisure time, golf and Seattle are not always synonymous. Washington golf, however, is gaining more notoriety outside of the Northwest and Seattle area golf courses are front and center.

Chambers Bay Golf Course, a wide open links-style layout near Tacoma, will host one of the most prominent national events, the 2015 U.S. Open. The 2010 U.S. Senior Open, held at the private Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, saw Seattle native Fred Couples narrowly ousted for the championship during an exciting final day.

At the college level, The University of Washington Huskies have also done Seattle proud, ranking in the top ten among all

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collegiate golf teams and winning the 2010 PAC-10 championship. The expansive, yet highly challenging Washington National Golf Club is the “Home of the Huskies” and a local favorite with its championship layout.

All of this recognition is likely to bring new notoriety to what local golfers have long known. Puget Sound golf combines diverse layouts, golf for all budgets, and a local landscape that offers great views at many courses. Nowhere is the view as spectacular as at The Golf Club at Newcastle, which is 15 minutes from Seattle and offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Lake Washington, and downtown Seattle. Other local gems include Druid’s Glen Golf Club, Mount Si Golf Course, and The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge.

Great golf can also be found on the Kitsap

Peninsula where Trophy Lake Golf & Casting, Gold Mountain Golf Course, and McCormick Woods Golf Course form a triumvirate that’s appealing enough to justify a weekend across the sound.

But you need not stray far from downtown Seattle for a round of golf. Premier Golf Centers manages three tracks within the city limits—Jefferson Park, Jackson Park, and West Seattle Golf Course—and several other municipal courses in the outlying areas that offer quality layouts at reasonable prices.

In the Puget Sound area, the temperatures typically remain mild enough to allow golfers to play year round. The courses mentioned above constitute but a fraction of the area courses at the public’s disposal so you’ll need the full year to explore them all.

Submitted by Oki Golf, www.okigolf.com

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• Twin Lakes Golf Club, 3583 SW 320th St, Federal Way, (253) 927-4440 • Washington National, 14330 SE Husky Way, Auburn, (253) 333-5000 • Willows Run, 10402 Willows Rd NE, Redmond, (425) 883-1200

Hiking With the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains so near, hiking is a popular weekend activity. Buy a hiking guide at a local bookstore or visit the Washington Trails Association at www.wta.org for trail suggestions. Contact area hiking organizations like The Mountaineers Club, (206) 521-6000, www.mountaineers.org or The Pacific Northwest Trail Association, (877) 854-9415, www.pnt.org. For trail maps and information, visit www.wsdot.wa. gov/walk/hike.htm.

ALL-STAR SPORTS

Mount Rainier National Park Ninety miles south of Seattle, Mount Rainier at 14,410 feet, is the tallest volcano and one of the highest mountains in the country. Located in Mount Rainier National Park, over 1.7 million people come here each year to hike, bike, camp, climb, fish, snowshoe, cross country ski or just to enjoy the beauty. For information about Visitor Centers, food, lodging, road conditions, fees & permits contact (360) 569-2211, www.nps.gov/mora.

Mount St. Helens After the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980 over 110,000 acres of devastated land were set aside as a national monument. Today, plants and animals are returning and seismic activity is still being recorded. Several visitor centers allow travelers within a few miles of the crater. Contact: Mount St. Helens National Monument Headquarters (360) 449-7800, www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm.

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Seaquest. (360) 274-0962.

North Central Washington The sun shines on outdoor activities yearround at Lake Chelan, about 180 miles from Seattle. Swimming, waterskiing, fishing, parasailing, and golfing are popular pastimes. Each winter, urban residents escape to Lake Chelan resorts for snowmobiling and skiing. (800) 4-CHELAN, www.lakechelan .com.

To the northeast is Grand Coulee Dam, North America’s largest concrete dam.

Nightly, from late May to Sept. 30, a free laser-light show depicts the history and creation of the dam. Free tours of the dam are also offered. (509) 633-9265, www.grandcouleedam.org. For a free visitors packet call (800) 268-5332.

Point of Arches in Olympic National Park

Photo © Don Geyer, www.mountainscenes.com

The following are among Greater Seattle’s more popular courses: • Bellevue Municipal Course, 5500 140th Ave NE, Bellevue, (425) 452-7250 • Gold Mountain, 7263 W Belfair Valley Rd, Bremerton, (360) 415-5432 • The Golf Club at Echo Falls, 20414 121st Ave SE, Snohomish, (877) 395-2138 • The Golf Club at Newcastle, 15500 Six Penny Ln., Newcastle, (425) 793-5566 • The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge, 11825 Trilogy Parkway NE, Redmond, (425) 836-1510 • Harbour Pointe Golf Club, 11817 Harbour Pointe Blvd, Mukilteo, (425) 355-6060 • Jackson Park Municipal Course, 1000 NE 135th, Seattle, (206) 363-4747 • Jefferson Park Municipal Course, 4101 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, (206) 762-4513 • McCormick Woods, 5155 McCormick Woods Dr SW, Port Orchard, (360) 895-0130 • The Plateau Club, 25625 E Plateau Dr, Sammamish, (425) 868-6063 • Port Ludlow Golf Club, 751 Highland Dr, Port Ludlow, (888) 793-1195 • Trophy Lake Golf & Casting, 3900 SW Lake Flora Rd, Port Orchard, (360) 874-8337

GREAT OUTDOORS

hiking, rafting, and skydiving are just a start! Contact: Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, (800) 487-2032 or (360) 671-3990, www.bellingham.org.

For a leisurely drive amid beautiful scenery, the Cascade Loop is vibrant spring through fall. Each winter, usually late November to April, a section of State Route 20 closes so always call ahead to 51-1 for road conditions. Contact the Cascade Loop Association for free travel guides and event information, (509) 6623888, www.CascadeLoop.com. During the summer, boat tours of Diablo Lake and Dam are popular. (206) 684-3030, www.Skagit Tours.com.

North Cascades National Park near the Canadian border offers over 684,000 acres of pristine high-country wilderness.

It features over 300 glaciers—more that half of all the glaciers in the lower 48 states—miles of breathtaking scenery, fishing, hiking and climbing. (360) 8547200, www.nps. gov/noca.

Northwestern Counties/North Cascades National Park

Ocean Beaches

On the water or on the slopes, the northwestern most part of Washington sparkles with recreation. Skiing, scuba diving,

The beaches of the Pacific Ocean are just two hours from Seattle. The shoreline is varied, from the high craggy cliffs of 2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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Photo © Port of Friday Harbor

The moderate, rarely humid summers and mild winters are well-suited to running. A myriad of annual events include the Seattle Marathon, the Saint Patrick’s Day Dash and the Beat-the-Bridge Run — a uniquely Seattle race between two drawbridges. Visit www.nwrunner.com for a Washington Club Report.

Sailing/Boating

Public Parks

According to estimates, 74 million Americans enjoy the pleasures of recreational boating each year. In Washington, boating is a central part of the culture. There are about 287,000 registered boats - not including small kayaks and canoes.

From the conservatory and art museum in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill to tiny, scenic Kerry Viewpoint on Queen Anne, area parks come in all shapes and sizes and offer special attractions or just a peaceful place to sit. For a free park guide or information regarding recreational and educational programs, contact Seattle Parks and Recreation, (206) 684-4075, www.seattle.gov/parks. For King County Parks and Programs contact (206) 296-8687, www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks.

Whether your craft is powered by wind, motor, or muscle, you’re in the right place. The local climate permits this activity year round and even in the dead of winter you’re apt to see sailors clad in bright yellow rain gear. Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca are beautiful cruising grounds—from the gunkholer’s paradise of the south Sound to the islandhopping pleasures of the San Juans. Further north, spectacular Vancouver Island and the Inside Passage to Alaska await.

The San Juan Islands are a boating paradise Moclips and Pacific Beach to Grayland’s wide, sandy expanses that are perfect for flying kites. Several State Parks located in the area offer camping opportunities. At Ocean Shores you can ride horses, rent mopeds, dig clams, collect shells, or golf at a PGA-rated course. (800) 762-3224, www.oceanshores.org.

In the southwestern part of the state, Long Beach, North America's longest sandy beach, offers 28 miles of recreation and beauty. (800) 451-2542, www.funbeach.com.

Olympic Peninsula A drive around the peninsula to the west of Seattle offers a variety of scenery—from snowcapped mountains and jagged ocean coastlines, to moss-draped rain forests in the Olympic National Park. Hood Canal, on the Puget Sound inlet west of Bremerton, provides miles of beach, caches of clams and numerous state parks.

Also on the peninsula, the Makah Indian Reservation hosts Makah Days in August featuring traditional dancing, singing, Slahal games and canoe races.

(360) 645-2201, www.makah.com.

For information regarding Olympic Peninsula events, activities and attractions, contact Chambers of Commerce in key cities such as Port Angeles, Bremerton, Port Townsend and Sequim, or the Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center at (360) 437-0120, (800) 9424042, www.olympicpeninsula.org.

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Rain Forests The Olympic Peninsula is home to three temperate rain forests, the Quinault, Hoh and Queets. These unique ecosystems are the product of an amazing 12 to 14 feet of annual rainfall. Visitors of all fitness levels can take short day hikes through moss-draped Sitka Spruce, some that are hundreds of years old and 250 feet tall.

Contact: Olympic National Park Visitors Center, (360) 565-3130, (800) 8336388, www.nps.gov/olym.

Running Running reigns supreme in Greater Seattle. The biggest challenge for some is finding a flat course. At the downtown waterfront during lunch time, around Green Lake after work, along Shilshole Bay at sunset — if you like to run, there’s a route that meets your training requirements.

Before setting sail, visit nwboat.com and purchase a copy of Northwest Boat Travel. The Seattle District Corps of Engineers also offers a free brochure and boating classes providing guidelines for passing through the locks, bridges and local waterways. (206) 764-3750, http://go.usa.gov/3sV. For kayaks, canoes, and other humanpowered craft, the 140-mile Cascadia Marine Trail stretches from Olympia through Puget Sound up to the Canadian border.

The route offers up-close encounters with Northwest sea life and over 50 shoreline campsites. The LakesTo-Locks Water Trail, which joins the Cascadia Marine Trail, has 100 launch sites for non-motorized boats. (206) 5459161, www.wwta.org/trails.

Local maritime festivals celebrate maritime skill and culture. The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival held each September is a favorite. (360) 3853628, www.woodenboat.org/festival.

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FAMILY FUN

San Juan Islands Natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere make these islands north of Seattle in the Salish Sea a popular getaway destination.

Their relatively gentle terrain and rural roads are a special haven for bicyclists.

The islands are accessed by ferry, private boat, airplane or floatplane. Several companies also offer charter cruises from Seattle. Island accommodations fill up well in advance, so call ahead. Contact: San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, (888) 468-3701, www.visitsanjuans. com.

Washington State Tourism For information on statewide activities, events, and attractions, or to order community guides visit www.experience wa.com or call a State Travel Counselor at (800) 544-1800.

Water Fun Lake Washington, Lake Union, Puget Sound and numerous area rivers offer a bounty of year-round aquatic activities.

The Washington Outfitters & Guides Association can assist you in finding a reputable river guide for sports fishing or white water rafting. (509) 997-1080, www.woga.org.

Photo © Snohomish County Tourism Bureau

Puget Sound, one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, is home to resi-

GREAT OUTDOORS

dent pods of killer whales and the world’s largest species of octopus. For a unique experience, go whale watching out of Westport where more than 20,000 gray whales migrate each year along the Washington coast. Or, go scuba diving. Underwater parks, like those in Edmonds and West Seattle, offer close-up views of local sea life - dungeness crab, rockfish, anemones, wolf eels and even the occasional sea lion.

Winter Sports Although Seattle rarely gets more than a dusting of snow, great skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding and other winter fun await at these Western Washington Ski areas: • Crystal Mountain (76 miles SE of Seattle, near Mount Rainier): (360) 6632265, Snowline (888) 754-6199, www.skicrystal.com.

• Mount Baker (2 1/2 hours NE of Seattle): (360) 734-6771, Snowline (360) 671-0211, www.mtbaker.us.

• Steven’s Pass (On US Hwy 2, 78 miles NE of Seattle): (206) 812-4510, Snowlines (206) 634-1645 or (425) 3534400, www.stevenspass.com.

• The Summit at Snoqualmie (On I-90, 45 minutes east of Seattle): (425) 4347669, Snowline (206) 236-1600, www.summitatsnoqualmie.com.

A little heart pumping fun for white water rafters

ALL-STAR SPORTS

• White Pass (3 hours SE of Seattle): (509) 672-3101, Snowline (509) 6723100, www.skiwhitepass.com.

Road conditions: DOT Pass Report, (800) 695-7623 or dial 5-1-1, www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes.

Sno-Park Programs: (360) 902-8684, www.parks.wa.gov/winter.

Outdoor Organizations The Puget Sound lifestyle includes outdoor recreational activities too numerous to list. The following organizations may help you find information on your favorite activity: Backcountry Horsemen: www.bchw.org Cascade Orienteering Club: (425) 778-7202 www.cascadeoc.org Emerald Sea Dive Club: (425) 775-2410 www.emeraldseadiveclub.org Evergreen Fly Fishing Club: www.evergreenflyclub.org Evergreen Soaring (Glider Club): www.evergreensoaring.com Evergreen State Volkssport Assn: www.esva.org Issaquah Alps Trails Club: www.issaquahalps.org Northwest Paragliding Club: www.nwparagliding.com Seattle Audubon Society: (206) 523-4483 www.seattleaudubon.org Seattle Marathon Assn: (206) 729-3660 www.seattlemarathon.org Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club: www.seattleoutrigger.com Washington Alpine Club: www.wacweb.org Washington Outdoor Women: (425) 455-1986 washingtonoutdoorwomen.org Washington Ski Touring Club: (206) 784-8741, www.wstc.org Washington State Soccer Assn: (425) 485-7855, www.wssa.org 2011 Greater Seattle InfoGuide

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ALL-STAR SPORTS & ADVERTISER INDEX

All-Star Sports The Seattle Mariners play at Safeco Field, a unique open-air, retractable-roof stadium.

Tickets: (206) 346-4001, www.mariners.org.

The Seattle Seahawks won the 2010 NFC West Championship. Tickets: (888) NFL-HAWK, www.seahawks.com.

The University of Washington Huskies play 21 men’s and women’s sports. (206) 5432200, www.gohuskies.com.

The Seattle Thunderbirds play high caliber hockey in ShoWare Center in Kent. (253) 239-PUCK, www.seattlethunderbirds.com.

The Seattle Sounders FC won U.S. Open Cup titles in 2009 and 2010. (877) MLS-GOAL, www.soundersfc.com.

The Tacoma Rainiers were cheered on by over 350,000 fans in Cheney Stadium last season. (800) 281-3834, www.tacomarainiers.com.

The Everett AquaSox, farm team for the Seattle Mariners, play in Everett Memorial Stadium.(425) 258-3673, www.aquasox.com.

Emerald Downs is Seattle’s premier Thoroughbred racing venue, located in Auburn. (888) 931-8400, www.emeralddowns.com.

Pacific Raceways, located east of Kent, hosts a variety of motor sports events. (253) 639-5927, www.pacificraceways.com.

2010 WNBA champions, the Seattle Storm play in Key Arena. Tickets: (206) 217-WNBA or Ticketmaster, (206) 622-4487, www.wnba.com/storm.

The Everett Silvertips set a franchise record 14 game winning streak in the ‘09-’10 season. (425) 252-5100, www.silvertips.com.

Advertiser Index Aboda Inc. .............................................................................101 The Burnsteads ........................................................................57 Coldwell Banker Bain Relocation...............................................1 Conner Homes ........................................................................69 DirecTV ..................................................................................17 Evergreen Hospital...................................................................91 Frontier....................................................................................20 Group Health ..........................................................................81 Issaquah Chamber of Commerce .............................................60 John F. Buchan Homes .................................Inside Front Cover Lozier Homes.............................................................................7 Molbak’s...................................................................................27 MYNorthwest.com.....................................................................4 Oki Golf ................................................................................108 Polygon Northwest ..................................................................13 112

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Quadrant Homes .....................................................................21 Qwest.........................................................................................2 RE/MAX International ..............................3, Inside Back Cover Realogics/Sotheby’s ..................................................................25 Redmond Chamber of Commerce ...........................................63 Seattle Children’s Hospital ....................83, Outside Back Cover Seattle’s Convention & Visitors Bureau....................................33 Seattle KingCounty Realtors ....................................................15 Swedish Medical Center...........................................................85 US Bank ..................................................................................11 UW Medicine ..........................................................................87 Virginia Mason ........................................................................89 Washington State Lottery...........................................................9 This index of advertisers is offered as an editorial service to assist the reader and in no way implies liability for errors or omissions.

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