Wallingford - Seattle, WA

After the 1920s, the electric trolley spurred the development of what later became known as Wallingford. Named for John Wallingford, who purchased the land located between two lakes, this community quickly emerged as one of Seattle's most successful neighborhoods for residential and commercial business under his guidance.

Part of the residential prosper that residents enjoy is the annual Wallingford Wurst Festival, which takes place at St. Benedict's Church. It brings more than 10,000 people from all over the city for an activity-filled day. Enjoy live entertainment, craft booths and local food vendors at this family-friendly event.

Though Wallingford does not have any museums within the area, the Burke Museum on 17th Ave NE is only a five-minute car dive away. With over 15 million objects in its collection, this museum features timeless exhibits of fossils, geological history and plants and so much more. Bring your children for some educational fun.

A short walk around the Wallingford area will leave you with so many one-of-a-kind restaurants to choose from, you'll never want to cook again. Grab a cup of coffee at Muddy Cup or a pastry at Eltana. Musashi's on North 46th Street transports you to another world with its mouth-watering sushi. Residents go crazy for this extremely affordable restaurant and its chirashi bowl brimming with yellowtail, albacore, tuna, salmon and unagi. Bring the necessary bills, because this is a cash-only establishment.

Just down the street, Tilth has a James Beard award-winning chef and an eclectic menu to match. It blends organic, locally grown ingredients with unique twists on new American cuisine like the mini duck burgers. Indulge in the extensive vegan and gluten-free menu. Bizzarro Italian Café on North 46th Street offers customers a cozy feel despite its upscale food.

The nightlife down 45th Street always keeps locals busy with plenty to do and drink. Stroll on over to Kate's Pub for live music, a casual atmosphere and free billiards — the ideal hang-out spot. Top the evening off at the Octopus Bar, a popular hot spot where friends and dogs are all welcome.

As one of the most walkable communities in Seattle, residents usually opt to run most errands on foot since parking can be difficult to find. Bike lanes are also plentiful and easily accessible. Extensive bus routes, trolleys and rail routes connect residents to the rest of the city, making public transportation as common as the rain. Interstate 5 lays just beside the Wallingford area for efficient travel to the rest of the city. Be sure to call ahead to Uber to schedule your next trip if you need a taxi.

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life by visiting one of the three parks available in the area. Gas Works Park, a family favorite and historic landmark, overlooks Lake Union and gives spectators a breathtaking view of downtown Seattle, especially on the fourth of July. Explore the old factory equipment or have a scenic picnic on the best spot in town. Meridian Playground on Sunnyside Avenue has a spacious grassy area, a playground and the historical gardens of the Good Shepherd Center. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this park makes for a perfect afternoon for families and their pets. Come out to the annual Wallingford Family Parade and Festival. Families come from all over Seattle to see the parade march down 45th Street and to participate in the festivities at the playground. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, a wine tasting garden and a bouncy house for the children.

Unfortunately, this prosperous commercial neighborhood with its close proximity to Lake Union comes at a relatively high price. Though grocery and health care costs parallel that of the entire Seattle area, housing expenditures climb significantly higher than the state average. The prominence of apartment living makes for expensive rental rates that average out to $1,229 for a one-bedroom apartment. That's 16.9 percent higher than the city.

Residents appreciate the ever-available shopping in the Wallingford area. Several unique boutiques and shops characterize the subtle charm of the area. North 45th Street is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon enjoying endless hours of browsing fun. Keep your feet warm in the cold Seattle months by stopping by the Sock Monster, a quirky store filled with funky socks for any occasion. Close by, Archie McPhee specializes in eccentric toys and party supplies. Find the perfect gag gift, or enjoy an afternoon of exploring this weird world. Open Books, a cozy bookstore, is also nearby. Peruse the shelves full of new, old and out-of-print poetry books. The Wallingford Center, also on 45th Street, hosts even more specialty stores to explore.

For groceries and household items, residents frequent QFC and Bartell Drugs, both conveniently located on 45th Street. Durn Good Grocery is also available on Wallingford Avenue. Locally grown vegetables, fruits and select meats can be purchased at the Wallingford Farmer's Market in Meridian Playground. Open May through September, swing by any Wednesday afternoon for delicious samples and neighborly conversations with the local vendors.