Roxhill - Seattle, WA

Founded as part of the Delridge District, Roxhill forms part of the open space community that lies south of the city. Located between the eastern ridge of the Longfellow Creek valley to the southern city limits, across the Duwamish River, Roxhill developed as a residential area for city workers and the industrial district and has changed little over the course of its century-long history.

No museums or annual events exist within neighborhood borders, but the White Center is a short drive to the east to visit the Cambodian Cultural Museum and Killing Field Memorial on 16th Avenue SW. For arts in Roxhill, visit the Evergreen City Ballet on Lind Avenue SW for a fine arts ballet presentation or the Balorico dance studio on 35th Avenue SW. Kenyon Hall sponsors a variety of cultural events, from jazz nights to silent movies.

Restaurants within Roxhill tend to center around quick eats and comfort food. Located toward the northern and southern ends of the neighborhood, these prime eateries are a short walk or drive away from any residence in the area.

For a clever and well-designed restaurant featuring a small selection of locally lauded treats, visit Locol Barley and Vine on 35th Avenue SW. The Reuben is a must have, according to locals, with corned beef, sauerkraut and Russian dressing all served on marbled rye bread.

Giannoni's Pizzeria on Barton Street offers charm and a great atmosphere, thanks largely to the hand-painted mural within the eating area. Watch the chefs throw pizza dough about as you choose from classically made pizza options at affordable prices. Try the Bar-B-Que Chicken Pizza, served on a BBQ-sauce base with mozzarella, chicken and red onion rings.

Taqueria Guaymas, a casual Mexican eatery, provides quick and easy countertop service. Locals love indulging in the carne asada tacos. The huge salsa bar provides a great range of flavors and spice levels.

There may be just a few options for nightlife in Roxhill, but the establishments themselves are top notch. Visit Westy Sports and Spirits for a sports bar with several televisions, a tasty food selection, unique cocktails and even skee ball. For a night out beyond the typical, Roxbury Lanes Bowl and Casino fits the bill. The venue advertises regular bowling as well as special events, with a full bar and grill and a casino attached to the alley. Take advantage of the bowling rewards card if you plan to visit often, and watch out for some of the best Asian cuisine in the neighborhood in the grill. Find comedy clubs within easy driving distance of the neighborhood as well as some live music venues.

Find plentiful public transportation in Roxhill, with the RapidRide Line available to take you from Westwood Village into the center of Seattle, frequent all-day bus routes throughout the neighborhood and a Park and Ride on the southeast border of the neighborhood. Find a ferry service just west of Roxhill, at Fauntleroy, to take you to Southworth or Vashon Island.

As part of Seattle's push to encourage more travel via bicycle, several bicycle lanes and trails are positioned throughout Roxhill. Make use of the pedestrian routes on major streets in the neighborhood if you prefer to travel on foot.

Order a taxi easily from one of the local firms, or use Uber instead. Head east to access Highway 509 if travelling by personal vehicle. Street parking is available, but can be limited.

Free to the public, E.C. Hughes Park on 30th Avenue SW features a half basketball court, as well as ball fields, a children's play area, a wading pool and space to play soccer. Bring your dog for a walk, or head to the picnic tables and BBQs for outdoor dining on a summer afternoon.

Visit to Roxhill Park, on SW Roxbury Street, for a stroll through the winding gravel trails, to exercise your bird-watching skills or to make use of the skate park, soccer and baseball fields. Kids enjoy the fun play area.

Get involved with the Barton Street P-Patch, a community garden filled with growing plants. Locals turned a vacant lot into a public green space, which hosts regular events such as the Harvest Festival and Potluck.

A cheaper living space than the rest of Seattle, Roxhill nevertheless costs around 10 percent more than the average for Washington State - and 23 percent more than the national average. Expect to pay just a few dollars to travel to the city center on public transportation and around $8 to $9 for a glass of beer. The median rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment sits at around $975, while gas prices are around 10 percent higher than the national average.

Head to Westwood Village, a large and comprehensive mall that attracts visitors from the surrounding area, for all your shopping needs. Find chain and high-end stores ranging from Radio Shack and Barnes & Noble to Staples and Bed, Bath and Beyond, as well as a few specialty boutiques.

Big 5 Sporting Goods stocks athletic and outdoor sports items for camping, hunting, golf, snowboarding, and more. For alternative health, try West Seattle Wellness. To bring a sparkle to your day, visit Wyatt's Jewelers. Stop in Chico's, a favorite local women's clothing store, to ask about the retailer's wardrobe parties, where you can invite your friends and receive a discount on your purchases.

Grocery stores in Roxhill are plentiful, including the Super Deli & Grocery on 35th Avenue SW and QFC or Target in Westwood Village. Head to Tony's Market on 35th Ave SW, a farmer's market open every day of the week, for bread, eggs, and milk as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.