Eastlake

The Eastlake neighborhood first developed in the late 1800's with small homes and businesses along the northeastern edge of Lake Union. Over time, as some of the marine industry moved out, additional houses were placed on floating barges and docks right on the water. These floating homes were initially a low-cost option for folks looking to live a bohemian lifestyle. Today "low-cost" is not a term often associated with the marvelous floating communities still dotting the lake. The past two decades have seen a large influx of townhomes and condos as the latest attempt to bring more affordable housing to a neighborhood still filled with beautiful, classic, and expensive view homes.

The construction of the I-5 freeway in the early 1960's dramatically split the neighborhood into a small eastern and larger western section. Much effort has been put into keeping the community together. Careful street design, parks, and a retail core work as a bridge between the two sides. A busy Community Council has also served as a great bonding tool for the neighborhood.

The widely-popular public school TOPS on the east side of Eastlake brings in students from around the city for its innovative multi-cultural program. Its playground is also a favorite community park. Other gathering spots for the neighborhood include the Zoo Tavern est 1974, Serafina's Italian restaurant, 14 Carrot Cafe for breakfast, the original Red Robin, and the new Colonnade bicycle park.

Eastlake is centrally located, close to both the University of Washington and Downtown Seattle, and easily accessed by car, bus, boat, bike, foot, and the new South Lake Union Streetcar. Explore Eastlake for yourself, there is much to enjoy.