Haller Lake - Seattle, WA

Originally platted by Theodore N. Haller, this neighborhood first formed in 1905. Despite the Seattle-Everett Interurban Railway running through the area and the traveling ease it offered potential residents, development was still slow. Mostly farmhouses and summer cabins until 1921. People saw little reason to venture to this underdeveloped land. It wasn't until 1950, when the Northgate Mall brought significant development to the community and Haller Lake extended its city limits, bringing seven square miles of land and new residents, did the neighborhood see significant growth.

Though this community does not have any museums within its city limits, several are mere minutes away, such as the Seattle Official Bad Art Museum of Art and The Burke Museum.

The Haller Lake Community Club hosts several annual events for residents to enjoy. The fall Halloween party is a family-friendly, spooktacular event with candy and games for the little ones.

Despite its size, Haller Lake has a thriving culinary scene that attracts diners from all over the city of Seattle. Aurora Avenue North and North Northgate Way are especially popular areas within the neighborhood, known for quality eateries like Mekong Village and Pop Pop Thai Street Food.

Featuring an expert chef's thoughtful creations and an innovative Indian menu, Saffron Grill transports diners into another world with its savory flavors and romantic ambiance. The contemporary, authentic Indian and Mediterranean cuisine appeals to the palettes of many sophisticated diners. Try the specialty butter chicken, served over a smooth tomato buttercream sauce, or Jaipuri Masala, prepared with tomatoes, onion, ginger, garlic and paneer. Be sure to ask for the lightly spiced Indian Tea with milk, a crowd favorite.

Just down the road, La Pasadita specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine. Its intriguing food truck, convenient location, and scrumptious tacos such as the carnitas tacos make this a Seattle must for a quick lunch on the go. Bring your appetite and the proper bills, this is a cash-only establishment.

Heads or Tails on Aurora Avenue North is a quality dive bar with events, such as trivia and free pool, going every night. Known for its strong drinks and karaoke weekends, this makes for the ideal hang-out spot for relaxing with a group of friends. Only five minutes away, try Boud’s Pinehurst Pub on 15th Street NE or Rickshaw Restaurant & Lounge, both notorious for their happy hour prices and cool environments.

Conveniently located by Interstate 5, Haller Lake provides residents with a location that gives them the ability to travel throughout the city with ease. A largely car-dependent area, few errands can be accomplished on foot. Parking can be difficult to find, because the majority of residents choose to drive. Though there are a few accessible bike lanes, many residents choose to take advantage of available public transportation via bus or Amtrak station. If you need a taxi, call Uber to schedule your next trip.

Haller Lake, the namesake of the community, feels like a secret garden. Spanning 15 acres of land, it encompasses a lake with a shore that's a great spot for a picnic. Surrounded by a forest, Northacres Park on First Ave NE is the perfect place to bring your dog to run or go hiking along the park's woodsy trails. The park hosts a spray park and playground for the kiddos too. In April, its annual Easter egg hunt includes a visit from the Easter Bunny. Haller Lake also offers the only granite curling facility in the area. Grab a broom and come to North 128th Street to try your hand at this quirky sport.

Even though houses next to the beautiful Haller Lake puts residents in proximity to a thriving urban area, housing is surprisingly affordable, when compared to the rest of Seattle. About 30 percent of the community consists of renters, and median rental rates average around $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Because of the inexpensive housing, the cost of living in Haller Lake is 9.7 percent lower than the whole of Seattle/Puget Sound.

A $2.50 fare will get you a one-day pass to downtown. The cost of an imported beer averages at $5, while gas prices are around 9 percent higher than the nation's average. Groceries and health care expenditures are comparable to the whole of Seattle, but housing expenditures fall far below the average for the entire state.

Several unique boutiques and shops characterize the charm of the area. Aurora Avenue North or NE Northgate Way in particular are perfect places to spend a lazy afternoon window shopping. Residents appreciate familiar store names, such as Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, and Target. Northgate Mall, located nearby, has popular stores such as Nordstrom, the Walking Company, and Torrid.

Other popular boutiques include, Zapffe Silversmiths, which sells quality sterling silver gifts and speciality decoration items for the home. Browse the custom selection, or get your silver polished and refinished. Avant Garden Florist on Aurora Ave North offers unique arrangements of fresh flowers with budget-friendly price tags.

For groceries and household items, residents frequent a nearby Albertson's, Sam's Club, or Cash & Carry. Lake City Farmers' Market, though not in the neighborhood, is only a five-minute drive away. Located next to the library, off of Lake City Way, the farmers' market opens on Thursday afternoons to provide residents with locally-grown fruits and vegetables, fresh samples, and neighborly conversations with the local vendors.