Boulevard Bluffs - Everett, WA

Although the land along Port Gardner Bay was claimed by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott granted the United States possession that included the area now known as Everett. The first European settlement began in 1861. Early developers envisioned the area as an industrial city, and they invested in mining, lumber production and shipbuilding industries that supported the growth of the city. Eventually, the city welcomed economy-building operations, including the Boeing factory and Naval Station Everett, home to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. As the population grew, the city expanded southward, creating new suburban communities. At Everett's most western point, Boulevard Bluffs stands as one of the city's younger neighborhoods.

The Flying Heritage Collection of restored Spitfires, Bearcats and P-38s makes a fitting museum for the city that Boeing calls home. The annual airshow puts these wartime aircraft into the sky for demonstrations.

Boulevard Bluffs supports little commercial activity. A few businesses occupy the area near the intersection of 23rd West and Merrill Creek Parkway, but locals typically go outside the neighborhood for drinks and dining out.

An unusual mix of convenience store and deli, Pickle Time Deli on Hardeson Road makes unexpectedly good wraps, grinders, and deli sandwiches, such as the chicken Caesar with provolone, lettuce, and tomato, all with a crisp wedge of pickle. You can stop in on your way to work for a cheesy breakfast burrito stuffed with sausage, bacon, egg, and veggies, or bring the kids on the weekend for a Western omelet with hash browns.

For the spicy bite of Mexican eats, check out El Sabor de Chihuahua. Choose from a selection of quesadillas, burritos, tortas and enchiladas, but make sure to try the gorditas. Made from scratch, grilled to order and full of meat, cheese, beans onions and salsa, the gorditas get the highest praise from the locals.

Madison Avenue Pub sits less than 10 minutes away to the southeast, making it a convenient gathering spot for locals to share beers, bar bites and laughs with friends. Enjoy a plate of prime rib sliders and listen to live music while you knock back your choice of 23 beers on tap.

Locals in search of nightlife have to go outside Boulevard Bluffs, and they head north to the downtown area or south to Seattle for clubs, concerts and nightlife entertainment.

The natural beauty of Boulevard Bluffs makes for scenic, leisurely walks, but when it comes to running errands, the area rates low for walkability. Only a few businesses exist within the district, and residents depend heavily on their vehicles for getting around. Highways don't run so close that locals have to put up with freeway traffic noise, but I-5 is only 10 minutes away for those who wish to head north to Canada or south as far as the Mexican border. Sparse bus service follows the southern edge of the neighborhood, heading for Boeing or back into downtown Everett. You're welcome to take your dog on the bus if you keep him on-leash and under control. Sounder Commuter Rail makes four trips per day from Everett to Seattle, and its route crosses along the northern edge of Boulevard Bluffs.

You won’t find a cab to hail in this neighborhood, but you can call ahead or use your Saytaxi app to call a cab for airport service. Uber doesn't do pick-ups in the neighborhood.

A bike-friendly route runs across the northern portion of the neighborhood along West Mukilteo, and near the district's eastern edge, a connecting bike trail leads to the Boeing factory.

With its well-treed landscape, elevated location and stunning views, the Boulevard Bluffs neighborhood features a park-like appearance. Nearby city parks enjoy the same viewpoint advantage and also provide amenities for outdoor enjoyment.

Harborview Park sits just outside the neighborhood's northeast tip. This 8-acre park features trails, picnic tables and unrivalled views over Possession Sound. Outdoor areas, including the Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens, can be rented for weddings and special events of up to 100 guests. With goals of educating and unifying the community, the Arboretum offers free gardening classes, sponsors garden tours and hosts an annual plant sale and Family Fun events.

A little further east, 28-acre Howarth Park has something for everyone. Kids can frolic in the playground or on the sandy beach, sports enthusiasts can jog the trails or play a few sets of tennis, dogs can go off-leash in their own designated area and the whole family can enjoy the water views.

Secluded properties, lush green vegetation and spectacular views come at a premium, and not surprisingly, the cost of living in Boulevard Bluffs runs higher than the Everett average. Rental rates hover around $1,103 a month on average for a one-bedroom apartment.

Daily expenses are more than reasonable. A one-way trip to downtown on an Everett Transit bus costs $1. Drivers don't make change, so be sure to carry the exact fare. A beer costs about $5 at the pub.

Boulevard Bluffs locals understand it costs money to distribute fuel to the West Coast, and they expect to pay about 12 percent more than the national average for gas in this neighborhood.

Don’t plan to shop in Boulevard Bluffs, but if you want to do some serious shopping, go to Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood. Anchoring department stores include Nordstrom, JCPenney, Sears, and Macy's. Shop for a pair of jeans for a tween at Justice, a charm to commemorate a special event at Pandora, or a Seahawk jersey for the 12th man of the family at Lids. You can update your cell phone, have your hair styled and pick up a new pair of glasses while you're there.

Soundview Deli & Grocery at the neighborhood's northwest corner and Elki at the southeast corner provide the area with groceries and prepared foods. For farmer's markets, locals head to downtown Everett for the weekly seasonal market on the waterfront.