Runners/Joggers--best neighborhoods w/out car? (Seattle: how much, movie theater, live in)

[Purplegrrl]

Hi there! I just moved here 2 months ago from NYC and am loving it so far. My husband and I are looking for a neighborhood that fits our specs.
We don't have a car. I work in the U District, and would like to be in a place:

1. With amenities like reasonable grocery shopping, maybe some nice restaurants, in WALKING distance
2. 20-30 minute bus commute to U District
3. No more than 10 minute walk to a running path of at least 6 miles. Preferable NOT trail running, huge hills, industrial stretches, or street running.
4. Quiet
5. Rents around $1200 for a 1 bedroom (we're from NYC--to us this is a steal).

Thoughts?
So far, I think we're looking at:
Wallingford, Fremont, U District (as long as we find a quiet place), Ballard, and possibly Phinney, Lake City (less likely, too car-oriented), Greenlake. What do you think is best?

If you are a runner, what routes do you like best?

[Ira500]

You may want to add Montlake and Ravenna to that list. From Montlake, you can run in the UW Arboretum, with lots of running paths.. Ravenna is close to the U and very walkable with great restaurants.

[Prple]

Almost anywhere in North Seattle would work. All of the places you mentioned sound like good ideas. I was going to suggest Freemont, Green Lake and Wallingford before seeing that you had already mentioned them.

Somewhere within walking distance to the Univesity Village might also be nice. (Ravenna, Bryant, Laurelhurst/Sandpoint area) Also close to the Burke-Gillman Trail.

[ky4444]

I would say Wallingford and Green Lake.

From Wallingford you could walk or bike to the U district. North 45th street in Wallingford has grocery store, shops, restaurants, movie theater, summer farmers market. I am biased because I live in Wallingford but I love that I can walk everywhere. I have a 9 month old baby and I rarely get in the car at all. We can quickly catch the bus to downtown and I almost daily walk down 45th street or to Green Lake.

I have no idea how much rents are in the area. Now is the time to find something though with UW being out for the summer.

Good luck!

[Seattletony]

You are already there if you already live in the U district you are in a perfect place. Close proximity to the Burke Gilliaman trail trail as far as jogging. Wow from NYC? and you love Seattle I love you!