Seattle Condo Blog and Community Information

Ravenna is a quiet, well-tended neighborhood that sits just north of Seattle’s University District. Many University faculty and staff members reside in the charming 1920s and ’30s bungalows. 

Though primarily a residential area, Ravenna does feature a small commercial district at 65^th Street and 20^th Ave Northeast where you’ll find a co-op grocery store, restaurants, bakeries and unique shops. Ravenna residents can also venture to the upscale University Village Shopping Center, which borders the southeast corner of the neighborhood.

The neighborhood also provides easy access to all things Seattle, plus a convenient route to the 520 Bridge and the East Side.

Ravenna’s strong community involvement dates back to the 1920s, when the Ravenna Neighborhood Association was formed.   Today, children, young parents and seniors participate in activities at the Bryant Elementary School and the Ravenna Community Center.

The neighborhood was named by W.W. Beck who bought the land back in 1887. He was so entranced with the area’s towering evergreen trees that he called it “Ravenna,” after the Italian town famous for its pine trees.

Today, residents enjoy the lush greenery of nearby Ravenna Park. Four and half miles of hiking trails snake along Ravenna Creek,  past  steep banks covered with ferns, and underneath a towering canopy of maples, firs and cedars. This wooded ravine opens out to a ball field, a children’s play area, tennis courts and a picnic area.

For those looking for a quiet, yet conveniently located neighborhood, this lovely, unpretentious enclave is a perfect choice.