Upper Rainier Beach? (Seattle, Renton, Tukwila: houses, safe area, private schools)

[westcoastbestcoast]

Hi all, thanks so much for input on neighborhoods, I've been learning as much that can be allowed through a computer screen

I am wondering about the safety of Upper Rainier Beach? I know it's South Seattle, and having lived in South Seattle for a few years in the mid-nineties, it was certainly a rougher area. Has the area changed a bit? The schools are not good score-wise, but online the houses look great, so we may go the private school route if the schools don't stack up.

Thank you

[westcoastbestcoast]

Lakeridge as well? We are wanting an affordable home with Lake Views and South Seattle seems to match up with that. We will consider Private School but wondering if this is a relatively safe neighborhood where one can walk their dog? Thanks so much!

[Ira500]

Lakeridge, very nice. Upper Rainier Beach depends on location. Avoid the area near Creston Street. The part of Upper Rainier Beach near Waters St is nice, as well as the avenues in the 60's, like 63rd Ave S, 65th, etc.

[westcoastbestcoast]

Thank you so very much!!

[Ira500]

In fact, I think of that area as one of Seattle's best undiscovered neighborhoods. Public schools are especially bad, and not a lot very nearby restaurants etc. Lakeridge Park/Deadhorse Canyon is great for a nature walk, and Columbia City and. downtown Renton are nearby for better dining.

[westcoastbestcoast]

Yes, we would look into Private Schools if we decide we like the area! Are Columbia City/Renton safe areas to venture out to for restaurants, etc?

[westcoastbestcoast]

Also, can anyone tell me how easy is it to get to Downtown from Lakeridge?

[Ira500]

1. Columbia City and downtown Renton are both safe areas to venture out for restaurants, etc. Columbia City has a particularly good Farmer's Market in the summer on Wednesdays, an insanely great bakery, and tons of vitality. Downtown Renton has arguably the best steak house in the Seattle area, a Tuesday Farmer's Market, good non chain restaurants, places to get good local beers and wines, and quirky shops. Not as vibrant as Columbia City, but most of it is pleasant enough.
2. Easy schmeesy getting to downtown Seattle from Lakeridge. There's a quick shuttle bus( Metro Rte 107) in the neighborhood that goes to the Rainier Beach light rail station. Depending on where you live, there's also a #7 express bus near Waters. Access to I-5 is easy, and there are surface street alternatives to I-5, like Airport Way. If you drive it on I-5 and there's no traffic, it'll take 15 to 20 minutes.
3. I live in the 98178. It's the Seattle area's weirdest zip code. Most of it is in unincorporated King County, also known as the West Hill. All of the unincorporated area is in the zip code, including Skyway, most of Lake Ridge, Bryn Mawr, some of Earlington, and other small neighborhoods.
Some of it is in the city of Seattle, in Rainier View, parts of Rainier Beach, parts of Lakeridge. A tiny bit of the 98178 is in the Renton city limits(Earlington), and a tiny bit is within the Tukwila city limits. I can't think of another zip code in the United States than encompasses parts of three separate cities(plus an unincorporated area).

[tobester]

Might also look into Seward Park neighborhood ... close to lake and park ... 20 minute walk to Columbia City.

[westcoastbestcoast]

Thank you so much, I'll check Seward Park as well.

Ira500, I especially appreciate the wealth of information that you share!!