Differences between Alki vs Admiral vs Junction

[Natalie_W]

Originally Posted by Ira500

The junction is a little more dense than Admiral/North Admiral, but they're really pretty close to each other( just a walk down California Ave). Traditionally, people who lived in the Admiral district tended to have a little more money. It's got some big plusses: the movie theater, the PCC store, the Metropolitan Market, and it has it's share of nice places to eat and drink. it's just a little quieter than the junction. If I were given the choice, I'd pick the Admiral district over the Junction, but I like them both. I just prefer things a little quieter.

This is GREAT -- thanks for the insight! I would prefer Admiral over Junction for the same reasons that you described. Good to know in advance!!

[Natalie_W]

Originally Posted by Kayela

Just like everyone else I loved Alki at first sight. However, it didn't take many visits for me to realize I could absolutely not tolerate the traffic, noise, and throngs of people.

Admiral vs Junction is tough, and I don't think you could go wrong either way. I think Junction has a bit more of the urban vibe and energy, but Admiral has nice stores and is closer to Alki. However, after having lived here many, many years, my biggest recommendation is to find a view and as much western light as possible - that can really help a gloomy day seem much brighter, so I'd personally go with the best view/light I could find within walking distance to at least one decent grocery store.

Thanks for the advice! I will take it and apply it to my search. I appreciate it!

[Natalie_W]

Originally Posted by Gardyloo

Why not take a stroll up California Ave. SW through the N. Admiral neighborhood using Google maps' "street view" option? Start at Hiawatha Playground and head north - https://goo.gl/maps/eenMPPhABpm

You'll see the Admiral Theater, various shops and supermarkets, and get a feel of the area. Go down some side streets while you're at it. Go all the way up to the Hamilton Park viewpoint - https://goo.gl/maps/5yqKVC7ynst .

Admiral is a great neighborhood, increasingly oriented to the same sorts of households that are heading to Columbia City, Ravenna/Maple Leaf etc. in terms of socioeconomic characteristics. There are good transport links to downtown - a bit quicker than the more limited options from Alki - and things like grocery stores are more convenient.

One thing about Alki (which I love, BTW) is that traffic, especially on weekends in the summer, can be atrocious. If you're looking to locate there, having secure, private parking - and guest parking if possible, will be imperative.

Ohhhhhhh! This is fun!!! And so helpful, all of it -- thank you!

[Natalie_W]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

A downside for Alki: no grocery stores. You could take the Water Taxi to go shopping at the Market or Uwajimaya's.

While North Admiral has PCC, the Junction has Trader Joe's.

Grocery stores are a big deal; you are right. I always drive to them anyways and am already used to a bit of a distance. But thanks for telling me where they are - a huge help for when I arrive. Thanks!

[cmswazey]

The Admiral Dist has a Safeway and a Metropolitan Market. PCC was mentioned- yes, it's great but it will close the end of May for 18 months. There's going to be some kind of huge apartment complex there and the PCC will be in it.

[Natalie_W]

Originally Posted by cmswazey

The Admiral Dist has a Safeway and a Metropolitan Market. PCC was mentioned- yes, it's great but it will close the end of May for 18 months. There's going to be some kind of huge apartment complex there and the PCC will be in it.

Thanks for this important clarification!

[homesinseattle]

Good point about the PCC project, waze. That's a little sad as that store had a neat old school, rootsy coop feel. I have stopped in there often over the years. West Seattle also has a great Trader Joe's near the Junction.