Leschi

Leschi, like Madrona, represents an interesting mix of seattle. Walking East from 12th to the Water, down near 40th will bring you through and interesting range of socio-economic income levels. 23rd, one of the mainstreets that cuts through this area becomes worse and worse the farther south or east you travel it, until about Jackson or 33rd where gentrification seems to have hit hard. However, east of 33rd you’ll find stunningly beautiful houses with breathtaking views of Lake Washington. The change in wealth transitions in a matter of blocks, making it difficult to believe such a dichotomy could exist in Leschi. If rent seems to be cheaper in Leschi, do SPECIFICresearch on where you will be renting from. I can’t stress this point enough for those interested in renting.

King County needs to rework exactly where this neighborhood exists in conjunction with where development and gentrification exist, and where drug dealings and hookers exist. It’s hard to evaluate this area because it is both incredibly poor and incredibly rich, dangerous at night, but pleasant during the day.

Christopher M.

Named after Chief Leschi of the Nisqually tribe, the community is one of the best-kept secrets of Seattle. Leschi is a safe community with polite locals ranging from young professionals and families to empty nesters. The area encompasses Lake Washington and provides a tranquil environment as well as a panoramic view of Mount Rainier and Bellevue’s skyline. Leschi gives front row seating to Seafair, the annual summer festival in July, and presents an exciting show by the Blue Angels and hydroplane racers. An assorted mix of parks are located close by including Leschi Park, Frink Park, Flo Ware and Powell Barnett. Seward Park, a prominent area shaped similar to a peninsula, is only a 3.5-mile walk or jog from the family-owned market of Leschi. Also located near the market is a hair salon, Starbucks, Pert’s Deli, Bluwater Bistro, Daniel’s Restaurant Steakhouse & Bar, and a new Thai place close by. Bus 27 allows an easy commute to downtown Seattle, Ballard, and the University District. Leschi is a delightful community and is perfect for families, dog lovers, and those training for the next half marathon.

What a weird microcosm of the conflict between rich and poor, nice and crappy, this nabe has become. Hard times have befallen the area closest to I-90, while the rest of the nabe has been experiencing rapid gentrification, likely due to the popularity of being near the water. As is the case with most coastal cities and nabes, the areas of Leschi closest to Lake Washington are much more expensive than the parts further inland. Leschi and Frink Park’s give residents a woodsy respite from the intense urbanity of the area around them.

Sean M.