Ravenna area for families (Seattle, Redmond: houses, neighborhoods, movies)

[running-girl]

We're moving up in May (for Microsoft) and we're considering Ravenna for our family (girls age 7 and 5). We want something close to the city and Ravenna seems like a good fit as far as not being too far from Redmond, being close to the action in Seattle, and still having good public schools and families around for the kids.

Does anyone live in that area? I haven't actually visited yet--should be going up in the next few weeks. But I'm narrowing down my areas, and this one seems to be the best fit.

[CityGirl72]

I live in Ravenna neighborhood (or pretty darn close by)

My son goes to Wedgwood Elementary. Ravenna's elementary is Bryant and it's quite a nice school. We picked Wedgewood because of it's Spectrum program.

What are you looking for in a neighborhood and what does your family like to do?

It's is a 20 minute commute for me to downtown via bus using the Greenlake park & RIde

[scirocco22]

Ravenna is one of the established older areas of Seattle. It is, of course, inside the city limits and immediately north of the University of Washington.

It's typical of the "city neighborhoods" in that it will have narrow streets and houses that are close together. It is so quintessentially Seattle as so many neighborhoods will have such an ambiance. You'll love it if you are into this type of atmosphere ...not suburban living at all.

[CityGirl72]

Please note the schools in REdmond and bellevue are far better then anything you will find in Seattle

[running-girl]

I just can't do the suburbs. And although we might get better schools, test scores for Bryant and Wedgwood are great, so I feel like we as a family will be happiest in a more urban neighborhood.

I don't want to have to get in my car and drive everywhere I go, passing strip malls and megaplexes and McMansions. I want an older home that has some character (we've owned a 1920's English tudor and a mid-century modern ranch). I want narrow streets with homes close together. I want to see diversity in people and homes when I'm out running.

In Portland where we live now, we are always exploring little interesting neighborhoods with great locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, art galleries. We go downtown and run along the waterfront. We take the train to the big metro library or funky toystores. We play in neighborhood parks. We see a lot of live music and indy movies. We hike in Forest Park.

We've tried living in the burbs twice in twelve years. It was okay. But I feel more comfortable in a more urban setting. And Ravenna/Wedgwood seems like a good fit.

My husband will hate the commute to Redmond every day, but he can read or listen to music on the bus, and come home to an energetic neighborhood and a happy wife.

[SaltyDawg]

Ravenna sounds like an excellent place for you. I'd warn that of all the close-in neighborhoods in town, it likely has the fewest walkable amenities, though some of the most charming old world houses and streets. And while perhaps not walkable, just about everything you'd need is very close - in fact, some of the Roosevelt district is pretty walkable from Ravenna, come to think of it.

Given your preferences, I might also suggest that you look at the Wallingford side of Greenlake (Tangletown in particular), Phinney Ridge, Madrona and possibly Sandpoint.

You sound like a perfect candidate for Seattle living... good luck!

[seattlerain]

Depending upon where in Raveena it is not too far of a walk to the Whole Foods Market.

[jwb123]

What about Ballard? Great for young families, and decent schools!