While Green Lake is a fresh water lake located in north central Seattle, Washington—it is much more than that, it’s also one of Seattle’s most popular and active neighborhoods to live in! The Greenlake Park is surrounded by the Greenlake neighborhood to the north and east, Wallingford 
neighborhood to the south, Phinney Ridge neighborhood to the west and Woodland Park Neighborhood to the southwest. Despite a common misconception—Greenlake is actually not a manmade lake but a glacial lake, its basin having been dug 50,000 years ago by Vashon glacier, which also created Lake Washington, Union, Bitter, and Haller Lakes.
History:
David Philips named Greenlake in 1855 because his first notes referred to it as “lake green” because even in its natural state the lake is prone to algae blooms. Pioneers began to settle in Greenlake by the 1860’s, and Seattle later annexed the area in 1891. The lake has a surface are of 259 acres and a mean depth of 13 ft. and a maximum depth of 30 ft. Long ago, it once drained into Ravenna Creek, but in 1911 the water level was lowered to create what we now know today as Greenlake Park.
Because of it’s close location to downtown Seattle, there is always something to do there. In the past 15 years, Greenlake has experienced substantial growth—with new townhomes, condos, remodels and new businesses.
Top Restaurants & Activities in Greenlake
While the most popular attraction in Greenlake is the lake itself, other popular activities include boat rentals, paddle boarding in the lake (when it’s not too cold—of course!) playing a round of volleyball at the park’s outdoor volleyball courts, or curling up with a good book in one of Seattle’s oldest libraries that has a stunning view of the lake. Trying to plan a date for a special someone in the Greenlake neighborhood? Not a problem! The lake has many popular restaurants to choose from that surround the lake’s perimeter. What could be more romantic then a nice dinner and a walk around the lake at sunset? In December, the Greenlake park really lights up—literally. On December 14th people from all over Seattle can take part in the Pathway of Lights—where you can walk around the lake as it is lit by hundreds of festive lights. To add an extra pep to your step, the park takes it up a notch and plays holiday music at different locations throughout your walk.
Listed below are some of the most popular restaurants in Greenlake and some of Greenlake’s most popular activities.
Good Eats
-Mykonos Greek Grill
-Nell’s Restaurant
-The Little Red Hen
-Duke’s Chowder House
-Krittika Noodles & Thai
-Green Lake Bar & Grill
-The Urban Bakery
-Beth’s Café
-Café LuLu
-Blu Water Bistro
-Turnpike Pizza
-El Naranjo
-Zeek’s Pizza
-Chocolati Café
-Mio Sushi
Top Things to Do in Greenlake
- Greenlake Boat Rentals
- Greenlake Park
- Woodland Park
- Always Running Personal Conditioning Center
- RAW Retreats
- Back Country Bicycle Trails Club
- Outdoor Adventure Center
- Gas Works Park
- Cowen Park
- Greenlake Pitch n’ Putt
Who Lives Here?:
>Highly Educated Singles: Greenlake is home to educated professionals, many with advanced degrees. They enjoy the close proximity to the vibrant urban life of Seattle while also having access to Greenlake’s beautiful outdoor space. One word that describes individuals who live in the Greenlake neighborhood is ACTIVE. Rain or shine, you can always find people jogging the Greenlake Loop and there are many fitness centers throughout the community.
>Upperclass Couples & Newly-Weds: most of the couples living in Greenlake own their own homes and make a mid- to upper-scale household income. Some have a college education and work in a variety of occupations—including management positions. Greenlake is the perfect neighborhood for couples who want more of a suburban neighborhood but don’t want to abandon the city life completely. With Greenlake being located 5 miles from downtown—they can still enjoy a night out in some of Seattle’s hottest attractions.
>Mobile Singles & College Students: singles ranging from their early 20’s to early 40’s who are renting their house or apartment. Many students from the University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University have decided to call the safe neighborhood of Greenlake home.
| Green Lake | Seattle | |
| Median Household Income | $55,194 | $45,736 |
| Owners/Renters | 47%/53% | 48%/52% |
| Median Age | 37 | 37 |
| Single Males | 24% | 23% |
| Single Females | 22% | 19% |
| Homes With Kids | 16% | 18% |
| Household Size | 2.0 | 2.1 |
| Commute Time | 27 min | 27 min |
(Table Found on findwell.com)
The Greenlake Vibe:
As a neighborhood, Greenlake has a very fun and active vibe. The residents here love to stay active and in shape—whether it’s running around the Greenlake Loop or walking to some of the local restaurants, they never fail to stay as active as possible. The people here are friendly and outgoing—and enjoy an “early to bed-early to rise” lifestyle. It is a safe neighborhood for families, and many kids can be found enjoying the activities the Greenlake Park has to offer.
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