Seattle Condo Blog and Community Information

The University of Washington, or “U Dub,” as the locals call it, was originally located in downtown Seattle. But in 1895, it was moved several miles north to where it sits today, between Wallingford and Lake Washington.

The neighborhood’s centerpiece is the beautiful and sprawling 694-acre campus with its clusters of ivy-covered Gothic buildings, expansive lawns, fountains and cherry tree-lined pathways. It is one of the largest university campuses on the West Coast. The neighborhood west of 15^th Ave NE and north of 45^th St. is known as the “U District.”  And it mirrors the University’s diversity and youthful energy.

The district’s population frequents the coffee houses, pubs, specialty boutiques, ethnic restaurants and bookstores. The area boasts a high concentration of art-house movie theaters—more than four within a half mile.

Residents enjoy the chamber music concerts and international performances at Meany Hall and the University Drama Department performances at the Penthouse Theater. A history museum and the Henry Art Gallery are also part of the campus.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the numerous ball fields and the Edmonton Pavilion. And let’s not forget Husky Stadium, where the “U Dub” football team plays and where the “wave” cheer was invented. 

Not far from the stadium, on the shores of beautiful Lake Washington, you can rent canoes and kayaks and paddle past bright yellow water lilies, families of ducks and the lovely plantings of the nearby Arboretum.

Or you can watch the boat parade that passes through the Montlake Cut on the way to Lake Union. Every May, Seattle boat owners celebrate the opening day of yachting season in a colorful flotilla.

May also marks the time of the popular University Street Fair – a large art festival that spans more than 10 blocks and hosts more than 400 artist booths.

In the area just north of the commercial district, you’ll find multi-unit housing complexes and gracious homes on tree-lined streets.  Here, students and other residents enjoy the stimulating university atmosphere.