North Queen Anne

Upper Queen Anne, a part of the larger Queen Anne enclave, is known for views captured in classic films and shows, like the popular ‘90s series “Frasier.” The spectacular vistas from this suburban neighborhood include the Space Needle, Puget Sound, Elliot Bay and Mount Rainier. Representing the best of the Pacific Northwest through clean air, verdant mountain ranges and easy access to waterways, in Upper Queen Anne you’ll be connected to a bounty of nature and the whole of Seattle.

Upper Queen Anne is more suburban than Lower Queen Anne, which serves almost as an extension of downtown Seattle. Many urban professionals move here for the employment market the city provides without all the hustle and bustle. “Proximity to downtown is huge,” says Broker and Queen Anne Real Estate founder Sam Konswa. “Traffic in Seattle can be rough but Highway 99 runs through the neighborhood getting you downtown in 10, to the airport in 20, and to all the surrounding neighborhoods.” Living here you’ll also have access to the light rail and daily buses, though the neighborhood is also highly walkable. “I lived in Manhattan's Upper East Side for years and Upper Queen Anne has a similar feeling. We have our own grocery stores and restaurants, and everyone knows each other, but here you can have a house with a yard.”

The community as a whole is named for its 19th century Queen Anne mansions. You'll spot them by their rounded towers, asymmetrical fronts and large porches with decorative trim. Some properties come with views of the mountains and Lake Union, too. Tudor-style homes, Craftsmans and condos mingle among the period structures on winding, tree-lined streets with modest setbacks. Houses over 2,000 square feet will sell for $1 million and more, while one-to-two-bedroom condos are priced from $300,000 to $500,000. Real estate is coveted here, and homes sell faster than the national average.

Aside from its convenience, charm and beauty, a big part of Upper Queen Anne’s draw is its top-tier school system, rated A by Niche. Students attend Coe Elementary School, McClure Middle School and Cleveland High School STEM. Completely rebuilt, Coe's interior features bright lighting with quiet corners and the classrooms are filled with modern technology. The elementary school’s exterior retains its classic wooden façade.

Temperatures are moderate nine months out of the year in Upper Queen Anne, making outdoor adventures consistently pleasant. Bainbridge Ferry will take you along the calm waters of Elliot Bay toward its namesake, Bainbridge Island, a popular weekend getaway. Queen Anne’s Loop — miles of staircases connecting locals up and down the neighborhood — is also loved by locals. “It’s almost like a track. Everybody walks it with their babies, dogs, friends and family,” Konswa says. The loop passes through Highland Street, where the views start becoming increasingly epic. Many consider Kerry Park on First Avenue West to have the best views in Queen Anne. From there, you'll see Seattle’s iconic Space Needle with stunning clarity a mile from the city center. Another coveted hilltop park is Soundview Terrace, where you can sit on the benches and look toward the Cascades and neighboring Magnolia community.

For everyday amenities and fun, restaurants, retailers, grocery stores, and even a dentist’s office are all within walking distance on Queen Anne Avenue North. The Little Store sells quirky women’s clothing and accessories when you’re up for casual shopping or need a gift idea. You can also grab a bite at Betty, a bistro-style restaurant known for its rotating seasonal menu. Or stop by Café Ladro when you’re in the mood for coffee and a freshly baked treat. The Avenue also hosts the local farmers market from October to June and yearly Queen Anne’s Days celebrations.

With so much water and green space to explore, this hilltop home may seem a world apart from a bustling city that's forever close. But if you want to be connected to the whole of Seattle and everything it offers, Upper Queen Anne provides this with postcard views.

Written By

Kathryn Ashworth

Photography Contributed By

Landon Gauthier

Video By

Daric Clarke