Southern Heights-Boulevard Park - Seattle, WA

Settlers moved to this area around the early 20th century. Boulevard Park-Riverton was originally a continuous census designated place (CDP) according to the U.S. census. It split in 1978. Riverton in the south was eventually annexed by Tuwkila, while the northern Boulevard Park area remained in unincorporated King County. Recently, there have been measures on the ballot for residents in Boulevard Park and White Center to become a part of the city of Burien, but residents have declined this twice. Now, it seems the area may become incorporated into Seattle sometime after 2015, but there still exists much contention on this subject.

More recently, this neighborhood has become more diverse and rich in culture. To learn more of the area's past, future residents can visit the Boulevard Park Library. Here, residents of the area can find more info about local events or community activities.

If you're looking to walk to grab a bite, its just a short drive to White Center, which offers some of the most affordable Vietnamese, Japanese, Mexican, pizza and burgers in the Seattle Metro Area.

If you want the most bang for your buck and don't feel like driving too far, try Buxx Teriyaki. It is located about halfway between Riverton-Boulevard Park and White Center. The teriyaki here has been rated one of the best underground meals in the metro area. If you want a real treat, try the sweet and sour chicken as well; most locals can vouch that it can't be beat.

If you're heading to White Center, you have to stop at Zippy's Giant Burgers. This place is a neighborhood classic. The all-natural burgers and blast-to-the-past atmosphere immediately captivate your mind and your taste buds. Most people don't know that at Zippy's, you can get bottles of secret sauce out of the soda case to add a little extra zing to your meal.

While White Center can save you some cash on filling up your belly, those searching for fine-dining options should either drive or take the light rail into Seattle from Tuwklia. Downtown Seattle offers some of the best fine-dining food options in the nation.

In terms of nightlife, the choices are slim in this neighborhood. Locals usually head to Loretta's Northwesterner for a good burger and full bar. This no-frills spot has good food and low-key vibe. Nightlife options abound a short drive north into the heart of the city.

These neighborhoods have grown to be bound by the 509 and 99 highways, which both lead into the heart of Seattle. Because of the ample highway transportation, availability of parking and lack of bus facilities into Seattle, a lot of people here drive. Some people walk around the neighborhood to White Center, to the nearby Lakewood or to North Seatac Parks on the weekends. Public transportation in Boulevard Park is available into Seattle, but outside of the King County operated 132 line, the area has few options for bus commuters. If Seattle annexed the Boulevard Park area, there would be more public transportation into the area, but this will all be up for a vote in the near future. To the south of Boulevard Park, Riverton sits within the Tukwila city limits, so residents can take advantage of Tukwila city bus lines here.

Residents who want a quick easy trip into Seattle can also take the Link Light Rail that picks up at Tukwila International Boulevard (1.5 miles southeast from Seatac Park). This runs from about 20 hours a day from around 5am to 1am.

Bike commuting for residents has not been popular (or safe). Bike lanes are limited, and there are a lot of cars. In the future, the area may grow to be more bike-assessable with funding from a Seattle annexation. Bike commuting to the light rail into the city may be an option for folks from Riverton.

Residents here take advantage of Uber services often to get into Seattle. There are also many taxi services available. Due to the proximity to Seatac and King County International airports, many residents who travel by air take advantage of Seattle Town Car. This service offers travel to and from the airport for reasonable prices for Riverton-Boulevard Park residents.

The Riverton-Boulevard Park area has many local parks within walking distance. Seatac Park, a local favorite, has a fantastic disc golf course. Dog owners can take advantage of Wrestcreek Park, one mile to the northwest, one of the only parks in the city that allows dogs off-leash. Parks in this community are free.

The cost of living in Riverton-Boulevard Park is much lower than the cost in Seattle. A one-bedroom apartment runs you about $840. Transportation into the city is cheap as well, at about $3 for a ticket into downtown by bus or light rail.

If you decide to head into a local dive, a beer in this neighborhood on average will run you between $3 and $5. Gas in this neighborhood is cheap as well compared to the rest of the Puget Sound but 10 percent higher in price than the national average.

There are very limited shopping options nearby within the neighborhood limits. Nearby White Center offers shopping for novelties and small things, such as Frenzi and Rockabilly Retro Seattle, but does not have to many high-end boutiques or high-value stores in general. For higher-end clothing stores such as Nordstrom, Macy's or Banana Republic, residents should take a trip to the Westfield Southcenter Mall (4 miles to the southwest) or head into downtown Seattle.

For groceries, most residents stick with the local Safeway. Unfortunately, few other options for groceries exist. For more specialty organic produce, the nearby farmer's markets in Burien and West Seattle have much to offer, especially during the summer months.