My Hometown: University District, WA

Editor’s note: this is one in a series of “My Hometown” blog posts written by Zillow employees about the homes and towns where they grew up.

As a Seattle-area native, I have bounced around to a few different neighborhoods during my 21 years in this wonderful town. My current residence is a slightly decrepit, yet extremely “charming,” old house in the University District. The “U-District” is home to the mighty University of Washington Huskies and is located just three miles north of downtown Seattle. The area is characterized by tree-lined boulevards and turn-of-the century mansions. This picturesque image is juxtaposed by the constant scattering of beer cans and beater cars that flank the neighborhood streets, probably since the area is overwhelmingly populated by students (92% of residents are between the ages of 10-29). More than 80% of residents rent their homes, frequently cramming in as many warm bodies into a subdivided bedroom as possible. (Personally, I’ve averaged 2.5 roommates/200 sq ft bedroom/quarter). Many savvy (and a few slum) landlords have capitalized on this prime investment opportunity, playing on low expectations of desperate first-time renters.

Each new season in the U-District welcomes a fresh wave of chaos and collegiate camaraderie. During the fall quarter, the Husky Marching Band roams the streets belting “Tequila” as students flock to Husky Stadium outfitted in purple n’ gold to attend a football game. If lucky enough to receive an urban snowfall, all of Greek Row emerges for a massive snowball fight and winter escapades (think naked cross country skiing behind motorized vehicles). Spring quarter is marked by the annual street fair, attracting more than 50,000 vitamin D-deprived Seattleites to the city streets with energetic music, food, and body paint. Since I’m fortunate enough to live in Seattle in the summer months, the local farmers market  is a prime location for free samples and fresh veggies on Saturday mornings.

A commentary on the U-District life would not be complete without a tribute to “ the Ave.”  The Ave is oozing with Seattle grunge personality and is home to countless coffee shops, Thai food digs, and college bars. In stark contrast, “the Village” (a.k.a. University Village) is another local shopping venue for those craving a more refined, upscale shopping experience.

As proud as I am to call the University District home, I am vacating the neighbhorhood for a few months in search of good wine, truffles, and dolce far niente in Siena, Italy. Studying abroad in such a magnificent country is dream opportunity, sure to change my opinions of my hometown and American culture. So, for now, goodbye and thanks for such a great summer on the Zillow blog. Ciao!