Silver Lake Everett, WA

The shores of Silver Lake were first settled in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Despite a working mill at the south end of the lake, the waters soon developed into a popular area recreational destination, a tradition which continues today. As with many nearby neighborhoods, the population of the Silver Lake steadily increased as Seattle's workforce moved further from the city center in the 1970s and 1980s. The commercial areas along Highway 527 and Highway 96 have witnessed increased development since the 1990s.

The Silver Lake neighborhood offers a solid mix of regional chain restaurants, fast food establishments and local eateries, most of which can be found along Highway 527. If you like a view with your meal, head to Emory's on Silver Lake, which features indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the lake. House specialties include fresh steamed Northwest clams, wild Alaskan cod and salmon and the Lake House Bistro Steak, which comes char-grilled in a red wine and mushroom sauce. Live music plays every Friday and Saturday night, and happy hour specials are available every day in the lounge.

For a treat, head to L'Artisan French Bakery just across Highway 527 for traditional French pastries, breads and desserts. If you're in the mood for a light lunch, you can pick up a quiche or one of the many sandwiches piled on freshly baked bread and top it off with a cup of coffee. Locals who want a family-friendly night out head to Everett Skate Deck for roller skating. Affordable per-person rates, concession foods and a video game arcade are offered here, and you can also rent the entire rink for special events such as birthdays. If you're looking to grab a beer and watch the big game, head over to Shawn O'Donnell's American Grill & Irish Pub, which serves a full pub food menu from breakfast to dinner.

The main road through town is the Bothell-Everett Highway (Highway 527), which runs north and south in the western half of the neighborhood and connects it with the rest of Everett, as well as Mill Creek and Bothell. The primary east and west street is Highway 96 (128th Southwest and 132nd Street Southeast). Interstate 5 lies on the western edge of the area, with access from Highway 96 at the south end, Jordan Road at the north end, and for carpool vehicles, from 112th Street Southwest. Interstate 5 connects with the highly populated areas of the region to the south, including downtown Seattle and downtown Bellevue, while Highway 96 connects to the town of Snohomish and rural areas to the east.

For commuters, there's easy freeway access, as well as multiple park-and-rides, with Sound Transit commuter bus service to Seattle via routes 510 and 512, and to Bellevue via route 532. Everett Transit and Community Transit provides local bus service, connecting to Everett and the rest of Snohomish County.

Thornton A. Sullivan Park, found on the west shore of Silver Lake, contains picnic shelters, a sandy beach, and a seasonal swimming area. A walking and biking trail circumnavigates the lake, and in the summer, events such as canoe races and miniature hydroplane races begin from the park. On Friday nights in July and August, the park hosts "Cinema Under the Stars," a public outdoor showing of family friendly films. Movies begin at dusk, with pre-show entertainment beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The lake is open to fishing year around, with rainbow trout, large mouth bass, and yellow perch calling the waters home. Small boats can be launched by hand from the park or along the southeast corner of the lake.

The cost of living in the neighborhood is slightly below average for the suburbs of the Seattle. A one bedroom apartment averages a little more than $900 a month, which is around $400 less per month than in the city of Seattle. A pint of beer at a local pub runs about $4. Gas prices in the neighborhood average a few cents more per gallon than the national average, but about 10% less than in the city of Seattle. Bus fares on Community Transit range from $2 a ride for local routes to $4.25 for commuter routes. Sound Transit fares average $2.50 per ride. Everett Transit charges $1 per ride.

Shopping areas in the neighborhood are centered around Highway 527, Highway 96 and 112th Street Southwest. Several large chain retailers call the neighborhood home, including Costco, Lowe's, Fred Meyer and Radioshack. A greater abundance of shopping options is available just across Interstate 5 in the South Everett Mall area. Several large grocery stores serve Silver Lake, including Safeway, Fred Meyer, Albertsons and Winco Foods.

A number of local retailers can also be found along Highways 527 and Highway 96, offering services and wares including hardware, medical services, insurance and video rentals. Clothes shopping is limited in the neighborhood beyond Costco, Fred Meyer and a Docker's retail outlet. Expectant mothers and parents of small children can head to Just for Kids to shop for maternity clothes and toddler duds. This place looks like a dollhouse inside and out and offers deals on used and consignment merchandise. Locals have fun shopping here for vintage attire as well as contemporary wear.

For craft makers, The Ceramic Place offers the one-of-a-kind experience of painting your own ceramic gifts or creating glass fusion crafts. Once you have selected and painted your ceramic piece, be it an animal sculpture or decorative plate, employees fire your creation in a kiln for a permanent keepsake or gift.