West Woodland - Seattle, WA

Ballard started off with a heavy Scandinavian settlement and strong ties to fishing but became one of Washington's largest cities by 1900. Residents reluctantly agreed to annexation after struggling to supply their growing population with fresh water. Despite being reduced to a neighborhood of Seattle, Ballard maintains a distinct flavor and sub-neighborhoods, such as West Woodland. The area also still boasts a successful maritime industry.

Throughout the year, the Nordic Heritage Museum brings the history and heritage of the area to life with a variety of exhibits. The museum also holds community events in West Woodland and around the area. In the spring, the Ballard Jazz Festival heats things up with live music celebrating a variety of instruments and featuring local and national artists.

Several unique restaurants stretch along Salmon Bay, many with unforgettable names or themes.

True to its history, West Woodland has some excellent seafood. The Walrus and the Carpenter serves up steak tartare and fried oysters about which locals rave. Just up the street, Stoneburner has soups, salad and pizza. Not your typical pizza joint, Stoneburger's toppings include potato and spring onion, and the most beloved sides include roasted brussels sprouts and crispy olives.

Another unique spot, Cafe Mox provides a theme and clientele that make it stand out despite the common menu. The classic grilled cheese sandwiches, coffee and hard cider fuel board game lovers, and the relaxed atmosphere invites patrons to gather and play the table top games they love.

Ethnic joints can be difficult to find, but one exception, Pestle Rock, draws Thai lovers from around the Seattle area. Rather than the Americanized Pad Thai, Pestle Rock features authentic Thai-style dishes, such as papaya salad and lamb curry.

Cafe Mox isn't the only place to grab a drink with friends. The less game-inclined head over to the Kraken or Hazlewood. The Kraken provides a fun night of beer and games with pinball, cheap drinks and live music. Hazlewood pours stiff cocktails and sets the tone with a vintage atmosphere that makes for a night to remember. Between its small size and immense popularity, this place can get pretty crowded.

While bike lanes prove rather scarce, locals can walk or ride the largely residential streets fairly safely. Metro buses run along West Woodland's main streets and carry riders to and from downtown Seattle or through Ballard. From Seattle, “Orca Cards” (transit passes) work on all forms of public transportation (Metro and Sound Transit buses, the light-rail and ferries) in the area. Bus lanes and expressways help commuters cut through traffic between West Woodland and Seattle, making it more appealing than driving.

Parking in West Woodland mostly amounts to street parking, but public lots exist near the zoo. Commuters working in downtown Seattle find parking both tricky and expensive. Ballard also lacks public parking in most areas, so residents often prefer public transportation if they plan to commute outside West Woodland.

Interstate 5 and Aurora Avenue N (also known as Hwy 99) run north-south just to the east of West Woodland and make it easy to get around the greater Seattle area or into the city's center. The latter makes a great alternative route when I-5 becomes clogged with rush hour traffic. Another alternative, 15th Avenue W stretches over Salmon Bay towards Seattle proper.

Cab companies and Uber give residents alternatives to driving as well, but these have received mixed reviews. While you might be able to hail a cab in downtown Seattle, it proves best to call ahead for a ride from West Woodland. Residents who do need an airport shuttle or taxi prefer Aces Town Car Service over most companies. The company also rents limos for special occasions.

Near the heart of West Woodland, Gilman Playground provides a place for families to blow off steam. Tennis courts, a soccer field and baseball diamond provide ample space for sports lovers, while a wading pool and playground keep the kids busy. Dogs are also welcome.

Nearby, Woodland Park has everything from rose gardens to tennis courts. Dogs can go off-leash in this forested setting, and humans can jump on a dirt bike to hit the hills or play a round of tennis, croquet or lawn bowling. A baseball field and nearby zoo complete this green retreat in the midst of the city. For its part, Woodland Park Zoo has nearly 1,100 animals plus children's programs designed to entertain the little ones and give their parents a break. Admission costs nothing for children younger than 2 and between $9 and $14.00 for everyone else. Annual membership passes and “Discovery Passports” give families and frequent visitors to the zoo a discount.

Seattle prices tend to run high for everything from housing to eating out and this proves especially true in Ballard, including its sub-neighborhood of West Woodland. The overall cost of living averages 0.6 percent higher than Seattle and 39.2 percent higher than the national average.

A one-bedroom in West Woodland rents for $1,732 per month on average. Eating out can be a bit pricey too, with pizzas running upwards of $12 at most restaurants and beer going for $3 to $5 a bottle. Parking and gas both tend to run high as well. Gas runs around 10 percent above the nation's average, and parking lots run upwards of $5 per hour in many places.

High gas prices and traffic encourage many residents to take public transportation when they can, as fares run between $2.25 and $2.50 per trip on Metro buses and between $2.50 and $3 on Sound Transit, depending on the number of zones through which you travel. A trip from West Woodland into down town Seattle, for instance, costs you $2.50. Monthly Orca Passes can also save for commuters money and make trips between various transit operators easier.

West Woodland lacks its own shopping district, but residents find shopping along the neighborhoods southern border, stretched out beside Salmon Bay. Here, streets such as Ballard Avenue NW and NW Market Street house the local Farmers Market and a variety of shops and boutiques.

For groceries and household items, residents head south to Trader Joe's or Fred Meyer. Another place to find produce, the Ballard Farmers Market stretches along Ballard Avenue beside a variety of unique boutiques and restaurants. This year-round market sells a variety of produce, flowers, local art and more every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you prefer a less busy Sunday, go when the Seahawks have a game, as that usually thins the crowd.

Those shopping on a budget find deals at Cash & Carry or Goodwill. Others prefer the eclectic boutiques around Market Street that feature work by local artists. One favorite, Monster Art and Clothing, sells a wide array of clothing and jewelry in addition to local artwork. Another unique boutique, Trove deals in vintage clothing and housewares from the '50s through the '70s.

Gamers find a little piece of paradise at Card Kingdom. The extensive assortment of games and puzzles includes some that are perfect for the whole family and others with a decidedly adult theme. Fortunately, the knowledgeable staff happily helps shoppers navigate the shelves. The store also allows patrons to preview games next door at Cafe Mox or rent them for the day.