Seattle Neighborhoods
Madrona
Madrona prides itself on being a neighborhood rich in diversity and history. It offers a refreshing change to the poshness of nearby Madison Park and Washington Park. Madrona is located on a slope rising from Lake Washington, so there are hill-top views that go east and west. To the east, views overlook Bellevue, Lake Washington, the Cascade Mountains and moonrises; to the east it’s downtown Seattle, the Olympic Mountains and sunsets.
The homes are a mix of mid-century, contemporary, brick and bungalow styles. This is a spectacular walking area, with parks and gardens that unfold and bloom throughout the seasons. The small but growing business strip is on 34th, which includes restaurants, shops and retailers, cafes, a local winery and a renovated yellow-stucco gas station (now a frame shop and gallery).
Along the lake you have Madrona Park, which comes with a snack bar, picnic tables and covered shelters that can be reserved through the Public Parks system. A bathhouse doubles as the home to a dance company and offers year-round classes. This swimming beach is full-service: lifeguards, a roped-in swimming area, floating dock and facilities.