North Delridge - Seattle, WA

The area now known as North Delridge was once called Youngstown and, before that, simply Humphry. What began as a small settlement of Scandinavians and Italians built up around a steel mill prospered with its own tavern, meat market, grocery store, pool hall, church and Salvation Army hall.

No museums are located within the boundaries, but the Loghouse Museum, operated by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, documents the area’s history. Additionally, cultural exhibits within Seattle can be reached with relative ease.

Artistic locals rent the available spaces at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, including a recording studio, theater, kitchen and office space, offered at below-value rental prices. This center fosters the local arts community and regularly exhibits work by different artists and produces live shows. Despite the lack of advertised annual events, the North Delridge Neighborhood Council hosts regular community-driven events.

Due to the mostly residential nature of North Delridge, not many restaurants lie within the neighborhood's boundaries. Nevertheless, the eateries dotted around the neighborhood remain heavily frequented by locals, neighbors and visitors to Seattle alike.

A bit off the beaten track, Pearls Tea and Coffee on Delridge Way SW hides amid residential buildings. This small coffee shop features a variety of snacks and light food alongside a comprehensive drink assortment. Try one of the crepes, either sweet or savory, with toppings that range from ham and cheese to salmon and tuna. In colder weather, try the chicken soup for a taste of home. Alternatively, pair a baguette with one of the cafe's renowned bubble teas, blended and iced in flavors such as coconut, blueberry and lychee.

Located just outside of North Delridge on the other side of the golf course, Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe sells a selection of locally sourced, sustainable and organically made items such as sandwiches and soups. Try one of the specials such as a tamale plate or a green lentil daal bowl. Just outside North Delridge to the south, Elliott Bay Brewing Company remains a popular place for a quick bite and a pint of beer.

Public transportation for locals living in North Delridge tends to be limited to the public bus system that runs along SW Avalon Way and Delridge Way. Parking in this residential neighborhood, aside from on the streets, is limited to reserved lots for customers of businesses. The NDNC has put significant funding into walking and biking trails in the area, and both means are possible. A health conscious city, the Seattle area dedicates resources to making biking and walking around the neighborhoods safe and easy.

Several taxi companies operate within Seattle and service the North Delridge area, but as none located in North Delridge you should expect considerable wait times. Car share services such as Uber are not currently operating in the area but, as the business expands, this is expected to change in the future. For travel by personal vehicle, North Delridge sits immediately south of the West Seattle Bridge, which connects it and West Seattle with Downtown Seattle.

Head to Pigeon Point Park, a free public park that features a comprehensive walking path throughout the acreage for both residents and dogs. Delridge Playfield, meanwhile, offers facilities for sports, a skate park for the kids, lawn areas and a community center. Puget Park features a large tract of wildland habitat that includes trails for hiking and bike riding. The NDNC frequently hosts a walk on the Longfellow Creek Trails, which serves as both a nature walk to learn about unique trees and a way to get to know your neighbors.

The cost of living in North Delridge is marginally lower than in Seattle proper. The average household income in the area may be about 12 percent higher than the rest of the city, but the median rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment sits at around $1,202, which is about 14 percent higher than the Seattle average. Expect to pay a few dollars to reach the city center, while the price of gasoline per gallon is just over 10 percent higher than the national average, and a pint of beer costs just under $9.

Though shopping options in North Delridge are almost nonexistent, a thriving shopping district exists nearby on California Avenue SW. Within the neighborhood itself, head to Easy Street Records for special music and CDs. This record shop also serves an assortment of menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Swing by the Pegasus Book Exchange to pick out the latest thriller or an older classic. If you’re in need of a unique piece of jewelry, Menashe & Sons offers a wide range of items ranging from ladies’ trinkets to custom designs.

To restock your fridge and cupboards, a Safeway grocery store is located on 42nd Avenue that covers basic needs. Find speciality ingredients for Asian or Hispanic cuisine at Castillos Supermarket. While no farmers markets operate in North Delridge itself, find a year-round market located on SW Alaska Street, open every Sunday, for all manner of locally sourced foods.