Atlantic Seattle, WA

Atlantic forms part of Seattle's oldest residential neighborhood as part of the Central District. The area changed rapidly due to the extension of Interstate 90 through its center during the 1960s, which caused construction crews to demolish a number of homes while dividing the west part from the east.

In the 1990s, widespread development attracted large numbers of new residents thanks to the neighborhood's affordable, trend-setting ambiance. With the onset of new development, residents have a nice mixture of newer and older homes, included some restored vintage houses, from which to choose when settling down in this neighborhood. Parks, public transit, and nearby Lake Washington make this an attractive addition to central Seattle.

Visit the Northwest African American Museum on South Massachusetts Street to find out more about African-American history in the United States as it pertains to this part of the nation. The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, at the north end of the neighborhood, stages regular art performances and a yearly African American Film Festival.

Head to the intersection of Jackson Street and 23rd Avenue South to find the entertainment hub of the district. Eateries branch out in all directions from that central point. Expect plenty of variety in terms of international cuisine, ranging from American comfort food to Ethiopian and Japanese.

Wonder Coffee & Sports Bar features Ethiopian dishes alongside American favorites in a classic sports bar setting. Yesimir Watt contains red lentils and onions in a spicy sauce. Yesiga Alicha features cubed lamb cooked in a sauce made with onions, garlic, and ginger. Come in and relax with a beer while trying cuisine unique to the area.

Head to Toshio's Teriyaki for authentic Japanese cuisine, famed for its tender teriyaki. Choose from katsu, curry, tempura, donburi and tofu dishes accompanied by generous portions of rice.

Nightlife in Atlantic remains limited, with few bars or pubs within the neighborhood itself and no theaters or live music venues. Aside from Wonder Coffee & Sports Bar, locals head west a short distance to reach Seattle proper where nightlife options abound.

When you rent an apartment in Atlantic, you'll probably want to leave your car at home. Atlantic residents commonly choose to get around the neighborhood via public transit, walking, or biking. Parking opportunities can be difficult to locate and often come with a cost, so most locals reserve their personal automobiles for leaving the neighborhood during longer-distance travel. Interstate 90 provides easy access to the rest of the city.

To travel within the neighborhood, opt for either a bus or your own two feet -- Atlantic is a very pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. When leaving the neighborhood, choose between public transportation and taxi, with several taxi companies located elsewhere in the city that service Atlantic. Expect wait times when calling for a cab, or you can contact an Uber driver to take you anywhere in Seattle.

Atlantic was originally divided by Interstate 90, and the same roads that take you to I-90 also go to Interstate 5. The northern area of Atlantic remains friendly to bicycles, with considerable bike infrastructure in place. This neighborhood is also easy to walk, with locals claiming that a five-minute walk takes you past at least three restaurants or coffee shops.

There are several parks throughout Atlantic, ranging from small community garden-sized patches to larger, more elaborate public spaces.

Judkins Park, one of the larger open spaces in the area, features ample parking, public restrooms, playground equipment, barbecues, and plenty of space for walking. Enjoy a unique feature at this park due to the sprinkler system that runs from May until September to help you cool off on those hot summer days. For the exercise-minded, Judkins Park also connects to the I-90 trail for walking, biking, dog walking, or running.

Pratt Park is a smaller open space near the Pratt Fine Arts Center. It offers a playground, partial mountain views, basketball courts, and picnic tables for the whole family to enjoy. All parks in the neighborhood are free to enjoy.

Atlantic residents enjoy a lower cost of living than the rest of Seattle, by about five percent. Public Transportation into downtown Seattle will cost between $2.25 and $3, depending on distance.

The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlantic is $1,470 per month, similar to the median rate in other parts of Seattle. Pay slightly less than $9 for a glass of beer in Atlantic, while a tank of gasoline sets you back around 10 percent more than the national average.

Shopping options for all your daily needs can be found dotted throughout Atlantic, with plenty of specialty and boutique stores hidden along the main streets. Try Two Big Blondes for plus-sized fashion for women, ranging from casual to wedding dresses. Head to Western Beauty Supply for wigs, hair wefts, hair extensions, and all of your beauty needs.

For groceries, try the Promenade Red Apple Market on South Jackson Street for fresh produce and to pick up a prepared lunch ranging from Chinese food to fried chicken at the deli. Locals can't get enough of the Franz Bakery Outlet Store on South Weller Street, selling discounted bakery items ranging from muffins and cookies to whole grain bread and bagels.

Find the Four Seasons Farmer Market just to the south of the neighborhood's border on Rainier Avenue South, featuring exotic and local fruits and vegetables.