Need info. on Capitol Hill area: 23rd Ave E & E John St. (Seattle: condo)

[daftdavy]

Hello everyone!
I just got a job in Seattle and will be relocating shortly from Toronto, Canada

I am looking into a condo in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood, close to the intersection of 23rd Ave E. & E John St.
Can anyone give me an idea of the area in terms of: safety, amenities (nearby gyms, grocery stores and the like) and general ambiance (nightlife, parks, etc)?

All help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[Ira500]

I wouldn't call 23rd and John part of capitol Hill, but I'd bet the realtor or condo promoter did. It's really part of the Central District. It's an area that's seen a lot of growth and improvement in recent years, but formerly was a pretty bad neighborhood, and still is fairly close to 23rd and Union, which is still considered not so good. I'd say 23rd and John is reasonably safe, and has supermarkets nearby, including a Safeway right there, and a Trader Joe's 7-8 blocks away. There's not a lot of nightlife right thee, but 15th and Broadway are both close by and have their share of nightlife and restaurants.
23rd is a busy, noisy street, but the location is also pretty close to the Arboretum and not too far from Volunteer Park, and on 19th, just a few blocks away is an incredible upscale soul food restaurant.
It's not a bad area, but it's not really Capitol Hill, which is nearby and has a lot more going on.

[cyouinhell]

Even though 23rd and John is not Capitol Hill proper, it's close enough to walk there. It's a fun area with lots of restaurants, bars, clubs, and there are a few grocery stores and gyms nearby. You are definitely within walking distance of a Trader Joe's, Safeway and Starbucks. I just sold my house on 23rd and Union and it's not as bad as people say it is. I guess it just depends on your perspective... I really like the Central District/Capitol Hill area and never experienced problems at my house. The nightlife on the hill is young and predominantly gay. Broadway is the main street running through and is great in the summer time for sitting outside and people watching. I think it's a good place to meet people too, b/c people are out and about a lot on the hill and pretty friendly. It's also very close to downtown, as well as freeway entrances.

[daftdavy]

Thanks for the info!