Woodmont - Des Moines, WA

Traditionally, the Duwamish and Muckleshoot tribes came to the area to catch spawning salmon and dig clams. Settlements in Des Moines focused on farming, which drove the local economy until WWII. Though officially incorporated in 1959, Des Moines was a busy waterway attracting visitors and new residents with food and recreation throughout the 1900s. It was also a major point of transportation for Vashon Island farmers looking to ships their produce into the valley for canning.

The Des Moines Historical Society Museum has a collection of antiques, memorabilia and other artifacts accompanying images and newspapers to take visitors back into everyday living on homesteads in the 1870s up to today.

The annual Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival acts as a fundraiser for music programs in local schools while bringing the community together to enjoy live music and taste a variety of local brews and bites.

Restaurants and bars dot the area, but many hover near the water's edge. Ethnic and exotic foods can be a little rare in this neighborhood, but a trip to New Tokyo Teriyaki or Mandarin Kitchen satisfies cravings for Asian style creations. Mandarin Kitchen's honey walnut prawns and wonton soup are both excellent choices. New Tokyo Teriyaki serves up flavorful dishes like chicken katsu and yakisoba for very reasonable prices.

Being this close to the water, you know there's bound to be a great seafood restaurant nearby, and Wally's Chowder House Broiler fits that bill. Naturally their chowder draws people in, but they also offer sides like the garlic cheese bread and a variety of fish dishes. Their almond crusted halibut comes topped with a mouthwatering cream sauce and mushrooms, and customers love their blackened salmon. Top the meal off right with some blackberry pie or cobbler.

Walking the sands of Redondo Beach can really work up an appetite, but Salty's is ready and waiting with seafood and steak. Their Sunday brunch starts the day off right, and their happy hour wraps it up nicely. Residents also enjoy starting the day with crepes and coffee at Marine View Espresso. They also serve light lunch items, smoothies and bubble tea for a midday pick-me-up. The grilled veggie wrap makes a tasty lunch.

Another great evening spot, The Scotch and Vine features live music as well as wine tastings and whiskey classes. While they have eight craft betters on tap and seven in bottles, their selection really shines with over 200 wines and 250 single malts. They pair these selections with a broad menu of cheeses and unique dishes like the pork belly or chocolate pasta.

Beer lovers will want to check out the Yardarm Pub. This local bar has 24 beers on tap and everything from pool tables to pull tabs. Stop in on game night for a plate of nachos, and bask in the glow of one of their large televisions. The raved-about boozer burger makes a good first choice. Try their rib-eye on steak night for a discount, or stop in on the weekend for brunch.

Wide shoulders along most major streets and the large number of residential roads make biking an option within the neighborhood, but the majority of residents still drive and only sometimes struggle to find parking.

Major streets like Redondo Way S, 1st Avenue S., and Redondo Beach Drive S. provide residents with easy access to shopping and restaurants along the shore. For short trips between Woodmont and Kent, residents can take 272nd Street to Hwy 167, and 16th Avenue S leads north into Highway 509 for access to downtown Des Moines and north. Nearby, Interstate 5 connects residents with cities both north and south of the area, with Highway 99 (also known as the 509 or Pacific Highway S) providing an alternative route during rush hour.

Public transportation provides an alternative to driving altogether, and for commuters making their way into downtown Seattle, the bus system saves on parking as well as gas. Another benefit of busing it, expressways and bus only lanes let buses skip over traffic in many areas to shorten commute times.

Other options include Uber or cab companies such as Seattle Town Car and Eastside For Hire, but don't expect to catch a driver for hire from a street corner. Uber has received really mixed reviews from customers in the area and most residents prefer to drive themselves or take public transportation.

Local parks like Sacajawea and PowellsWood Garden give residents a place to stretch their legs and take a break from the city landscape. Many residents, however, prefer to hit the beach.

A short trip south brings you to the famous Redondo Beach and nearby park. The park itself centers around a kids play area, but boardwalk views make it a lovely place to spend the afternoon even if you don't have children. Visit Redondo Beach later in the day for beautiful sunset views and free parking. Shell and rock collectors love to stroll the sand, and the boardwalks cater to guests out with their dogs for a walk and provides a spot for local fishermen. The beach also hosts a variety of little shops selling ice cream and other bites.

Residents also head north to nearby Saltwater State Park. Picnic tables and BBQ grills set the stage for a picnic lunch. Turn the kids loose on the sand or playground. Bring cash for a day pass or purchase an annual Discover Pass for access to this and other state parks any time.

Living in Des Moines compared to the rest of the state costs around 6.6 percent more and costs run around 19.1 percent higher than the national average, and Woodmont is no exception. Grocery store prices can be higher or lower depending on the product. On average, a beer runs around $4 at the local dive bar with the higher priced joints offering $1 to $5 off drinks during their happy hours. Renting a one-bedroom unit will run you around $816.67 per month. Gasoline runs around 2.6 percent higher than the nation, but electricity typically runs about 20.1 percent lower which helps offset the other expenses. Similarly, commuters can save on transportation and parking costs by taking public transportation. Metro buses take riders as far as downtown Seattle for less than $3 a trip.

Shopping centers like Redondo Square house shops like Bartell Drugs and Safeway, which keep residents stocked up on their daily needs, while the Goodwill on Des Moines Road meets the needs of thrift store shoppers. A number of local shops fill more specific shopping needs, from furniture to jewelry and apparel.

Jerry's Rock & Gem deals in gems of all types and sells raw minerals and gems by the pound. Their knowledgeable staff can appraise jewelry or talk geology. The shop also has a selection of equipment from metal detectors to rock tumblers.

Don Willis Furniture deals in local and international furniture, emphasizing real wood products. Their customer service extends to the delivery crew who don't just haul the pieces; they understand their details and demonstrate features to customers upon setup.

The Des Moines Farmers' Market sets up on the North End of the Des Moines Marina from June through October. A variety of booths deal in local fruits and vegetables, of course, but there are also a number of local arts and crafts. Conveniently, the market accepts cards as well as cash.