Ballard is one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods. It was originally settled by the Duwamish after the last glacial period, and then by Nordic fishermen. In 1890, Ballard formed as its own city in what is today the northwest part of Seattle. What started as a small maritime center home to many people of Scandinavian descent has transformed into a lively, hip neighborhood known for its eateries, shops, craft beer scene, venues, and various historical and local attractions. It is also a very desirable place to live, with great schools and a low crime rate.
Parks and Attractions
One of Ballard’s most-visited attractions is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. The locks connect Lake Washington, Salmon Bay, and Lake Union to the Puget Sound. Another popular spot in Ballard is Golden Gardens Park. It’s one of the few sandy beaches in Seattle, and on a warm summer evening you can find its shores filled with locals barbecuing, roasting marshmallows over beach fires, or watching the beautiful sunset.
Why Residents Love Ballard
This neighborhood is a great combination of quiet leafy streets, both low density and high-density living, a bustling Old Town center, and great outdoor parks to escape to. You can have quiet solitude or you can have bustling humanity, but it’s all within easy access. Ballard has everything you need without having to drive your car. And even though downtown Seattle is just 15 minutes away, you won’t have the urge to go there when you live in a neighborhood that has it all.
