What Makes a Great Neighborhood?

We’ve explored what house characteristics buyers prioritize and at the top of the list is of course “location, location, location”. So what constitutes a great location in Seattle apart from the generic requirements like “great view” or “not next to a busy street”? Sustainable Seattle has great information on what makes a healthy and desirable neighborhood based on a study they conducted in various parts of the city. From their study of Seattle neighborhoods, here are some interesting data points about how different neighborhoods prioritize aspects of neighborhood health. Consistently at the top of the list is “affordable housing” which has long been a sore spot for Seattle. As we mentioned last week, affordability is getting worse not better.

Summary of Priorities from Community Interviews
Affordable Housing
Safety
Thriving Commercial District
Greenery, Parks and Open Space
Racial/Cultural Diversity
Active & Connected Citizens

Top Priorities in Capitol Hill
Greenery, parks and open space
Affordable housing
Safety
Active and connected citizens
Racially/culturally diverse

Top Priorities in Columbia City
Racially/Culturally Diverse
Affordable Housing
Thriving Commercial District

Top Priorities in Greenwood/Phinney Ridge
Affordable Housing
Thriving Commercial District
Safe
Clean and Welcoming

Top Priorities in Chinatown-International District
Safe
Clean and Welcoming
Affordable Housing

Top Priorities in Lake City
Affordable Housing
Active and Connected Citizens
Greenery, Parks and Open Space
Racially/Culturally Diverse

Top Priorities in North Beacon
Affordable Housing
Racially/Culturally Diverse
Safe
High Performing Schools

Top Priorities in Wallingford
Thriving Commercial District
Greenery, Parks and Open Space
Active and Connected Citizens