Seattle’s Portage Bay neighborhood is a hidden gem just south of the Eastlake Bridge. This area’s residents enjoy a lakeside setting in the heart of Seattle. From spacious parks to sunsets over the Seattle skyline, this neighborhood has a lot to offer!
Portage Bay Boundaries
You can find Portage Bay south of the University District and north of Capitol Hill. I-5 separates this neighborhood from Eastlake and 520 is its southern boundary. Portage Bay is a residential area with easy access to downtown, Bellevue, and other business hubs.
History of Portage Bay
While most Seattleites are used to Lake Union flowing into Lake Washington, Seattle’s lakes were not always connected. In the late 1800s, land actually separated these bodies of water. Portage Bay got its name from this space’s initial use: “Portage” refers to transporting water vehicles by land to access another body of water. At the turn of the 20th century, commercial mariners had to take their cargo onto land before continuing into Lake Washington. In 1916, the Washington Ship Canal was built, connecting the two bodies of water, but the bay between these two lakes kept its name.
This neighborhood’s population grew rapidly in the early 1920s and continued to grow into the 20th century. Today, this area has a mix of houses and apartment buildings. It is also home to one of Seattle’s largest houseboat communities.
Things to Do in Portage Bay
While Portage Bay is mainly a residential area, this neighborhood puts you in the center of some of Seattle’s favorite shops, restaurants, parks, and more. Residents often make the most of a summer lunch or dinner on Eastlake Bar and Grill’s patio or enjoy a taste of France at Le Fournil Bakery.
If you’re seeking bars and breweries, neighborhood favorite Roanoke Park Place is one of Seattle’s oldest bars and Mammoth is a popular option for craft beer and delicious sandwiches.
Additionally, if the outdoors are your calling, you’re in the right place. This area gives you easy access to Interlaken Park, Roanoke Park, and Boren Park. Many residents also walk or run along the lake’s shore and embrace one of Seattle’s many ways to get on the water!
[Related: The Complete Guide to Moving to Seattle]
Contact Seattle Mortgage Planners Today!
In conclusion, if you’re interested in purchasing a home in Seattle, Seattle Mortgage Planners is your top resource. We’ll help you track down the best rates and the right loan options for you. Seattle Mortgage Planners can even inform you about some of the greatest neighborhoods in the Seattle area.
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*Featured image by Tony Webster via Wikimedia
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