Westlake - Seattle, WA

The nomadic Duwamish people occupied the Seattle area long before the pioneers arrived, but land claims made by settlers of European descent in the mid- to late 1800s initiated the development of the area. To facilitate the transport of coal and timber from mines and the Lake Union sawmill, Seattle's first railway was constructed along the western shore of the lake. As technological advances phased out rail service, the railway corridor was paved and became Westlake Avenue in the neighborhood now known as Westlake.

A much-loved community event, the monthly pancake breakfast sponsored by the Swedish Cultural Center presents an opportunity to mingle with neighbors while enjoying pancakes, music and folk-dancing. The center also presents movies, offers craft courses and provides a venue for socializing. The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is steps away in South Lake Union.

Westlake has a limited number of food and drink establishments, and most sit along Westlake Avenue. Residents can easily access eateries in other downtown districts, but the area has a few gems of its own.

Don't expect to browse a menu at Pasta Freska — there are no menus. Instead, the chef visits your table, determines your likes, dislikes and allergies, and returns to the kitchen to work his culinary magic. Course after delightful course arrives at your table. Maybe you'll be served eggplant Parmesan, spinach-and-cheese stuffed chicken in marsala sauce or pepper-encrusted ahi. Perhaps your sampler plate of desserts will include tiramisu, decadent chocolate cake and fruity sorbet. Only the chef knows, but you won't be disappointed with the food.

One of the top restaurants in Seattle, Canlis takes fine dining seriously. Valet parking, exquisite atmosphere, superb service and spectacular food define this restaurant. Natural stone walls, wood-beam ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows create an elegant dining space with spectacular views of Lake Union and the city skyline beyond. Dinner options include three- or four-course meals or seven-course tasting meals. For the vegetarian palate, cauliflower soup with tart apple and chives makes a divine first course. Try the Muscovy Duck which features two features slices of roast duck that are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy inside and served with orange marmalade and fennel puree. The Canlis souffle with Grand Marnier is a dessert must.

For take-out or eat-in Asian food, China Harbor delivers good food and good prices. From the lunch menu, Mongolian beef sauteed with green onions and peppers and egg flower soup, a spring roll and fried rice costs a mere $6.75. The most expensive item, Kung Pao shrimp with soup, spring roll, BBQ pork and fried rice, will set you back only $7.95.

For an evening of drinks with friends, Westlake locals make the short trip to Nabob in Queen Anne or the urban beer garden at Fremont Brewing. Clubs and music venues in the downtown core can also be easily accessed from Westlake.

Westlake rates well for transportation options. Although there are some steep hills, most of the area is quite walkable. The main roads carry heavy traffic, and only a few safe bike lanes run through the district, but they connect to expanded routes in neighboring communities.

The area has good bus service on its primary north-south arteries, and it sits within two main highway systems. You can join Highway 99 at the district's western edge to travel the length of the Seattle metropolitan area, or make the short drive through South Lake Union and hop on I-5 for an express trip to Vancouver.

Parking is not always easy to find in Westlake, and if you'd rather avoid parking and other maintenance issues, you can lease by the hour with Zipcar or by the minute with Car2go. If you'd like a driver after enjoying a night out be sure to call ahead for a cab or an Uber.

The Westlake region's biggest playground might just be Union Lake. Favorite activities, mostly free, along the shore and into nearby Lake Union Park include lakeside strolls, picnics with kids and dogs, boat rentals and children's programs such as toy-boat building. Keep a watch on the calendar for seasonal events at the Center for Wooden Boats and MOHAI.

Dedicated to the late Assistant U.S. Attorney and Queen Anne resident, Thomas C. Wales Park sits at the northern end of the neighborhood close to the Queen Anne border. This 1.3-acre city park features winding gravel pathways, sculptural landscape elements and spectacular views of the lake. Designed by artists and created by landscape architects, this park provides treasured green space while promoting the arts. If you'd like to enjoy a peaceful walk and breathtaking views, take your puppy for a stroll in this hilltop park.

Lake and city views and close proximity to the downtown core come at a premium. Not surprisingly, the cost of living in Westlake sits slightly higher than the Seattle average. Renters make up about 60 percent of the neighborhood population, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment comes in at about $1,500 per month.

Routine expenses won't hurt your wallet. A quick trip by city bus to downtown costs $2.25 and Westlake gas prices run about 11 percent above the national average. Westlake doesn't have its own bar scene, but a beer in nearby Queen Anne typically goes for about $6.

Close enough to access the trendy shops in Queen Anne or the big-name stores downtown, Westlake residents rely on the retail sectors of neighboring districts for their shopping needs. Only a few specialty retailers dot the Westlake Avenue corridor.

Serving new mothers and mothers-to-be, Bella Materna presents a selection of nighties, bras and maternity essentials designed to fit and flatter the changing female shape. Their locally made garments make women look good and feel sexy throughout pregnancy. Arrive for a personal-fitting appointment at this gorgeous little bra salon, enjoy knowledgeable, attentive service, and leave with pretty, feminine undergarments that just happen to be comfortable and supportive.

The independent Seattle uniform-maker Intrepid Sportswear makes its home in Westlake. High-quality uniforms for cheerleaders, basketball teams and other athletic programs are made to order at a fraction of the cost of the big-name counterparts, making good-looking uniforms possible for tight school budgets.

Providing beer, wine and grocery essentials, Lyon's Grocery takes care of the area's corner-store grocery needs. Prices come in on the high side, as you'd expect from a small-market store, but the owner makes special orders for regular customers and keeps the store open until 10:00 p.m. every day. For major grocery shopping, Westlake residents can hop over to one of Queen Anne's supermarkets.

Locals don't have far to go for the farm-to-table produce experience. Queen Anne Farmers' Market provides lots of fresh fruits, veggies and food-truck foods from June to October.