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December 23, 2008 at 5:56 am #589178
mom2sorenMemberWe will be moving to West Seattle in a few months in the hopes of finding a friendly, active community. Currently we live in mainland Seattle, which feels a little too big and impersonal. Is West Seattle a good place to raise a child? Ours is currently 4. Also, is it dog friendly? Finally, what are some of the established events, organizations, hang-outs, groups, etc.. for families (if any)?
December 23, 2008 at 6:08 am #651828
CaitParticipantWelcome mom2soren! (I love the name Soren by the way.) I was born and raised in West Seattle and let me tell you, I wouldn’t raise my kids anywhere else. I have such great memories of a safe and eventful childhood here.
I’ve found it really dog friendly (we have Westcrest Offleash Dog Park in my neck of the woods and it’s fabulous. That’s a great community in itself!)
Some of the best events IMO:
Winter: The Christmas Ship Parade, Santa in Westwood Village, etc.
Summer: The Street Fair in the junction, Hi-Yu parade/pageant, Mediterranean Festival, concerts on the beach.
Fall: WestFest (rides, crafts, food and fun for the kids everywhere.)
That’s just a few. The West Seattle Blog is now a West Seattle institution! Check back often! TR, the editor here, is absolutely AMAZING and a WEALTH of information.
Welcome to West Seattle! :)
December 23, 2008 at 6:13 am #651829
mom2sorenMemberThank you, Cait. I’m going to do a search right now of all those things you’ve mentioned….
December 23, 2008 at 6:28 am #651830
Garden_nymphMemberWelcome Mom2soren, I have lived out here in West Seattle for about 17 years and I absolutely LOVE it. I second the statement about the blog, if it’s worth knowing about, it’s on the blog! West Seattle is full of great little shops, most owned and operated by neighbors. Dr Tweedy is a pediatric dentist and is absolutely THE BEST! Easy Street cafe and Luna Park cafe are great for brunch with the family. Alki is fun in any weather.
December 23, 2008 at 6:35 am #651831
celeste17ParticipantWelcome Mom2Soren, I was born and raised in West Seattle. I don’t have kids so I can’t tell you about kids other then I love them and when they are my neighbor I spoil them rotten. The thing I like the most about in the community is the schools. You have your choice of both private and public. The other thing I like is the churches. You have almost all the choices you can think of here in West Seattle. You also have nice neighbors.
December 23, 2008 at 7:20 am #651832
ellenaterMemberWe just moved over in July from North Seattle for exactly the reasons you listed. Honestly, I can’t think of a better place and community to raise your kids. It’s the best place I have EVER lived and the difference between West and North Seattle is like night and day.
You will find families everywhere. Just come over and visit a lot. That was what floored me initially.
Cheers,
Ln
ps. Very dog friendly. Dogs everywhere.
December 23, 2008 at 7:28 am #651833
MargLMemberThere’s a large established mom’s & kid’s activities group thru meetup.com started by Bonnie a few years ago. West Seattle Moms of Tots
Crazy busy calendar of outings, play dates, mom’s night outs – ‘course we’re all going nuts and having to cancel things with this weather!
But it also has a great online message board for sharing with other moms.
December 23, 2008 at 7:43 am #651834
ellenaterMemberI forgot this: I always see moms with kiddos meeting up at C&P coffee on California.
December 23, 2008 at 2:23 pm #651835
mom2sorenMemberThanks so much, everyone. I’m feeling very excited about this move. I just put in an application to the Moms’ group!
December 23, 2008 at 3:42 pm #651836
GenHillOneParticipantEarly “welcome” mom2soren! I would recommend bumping this thread next week too – lots of folks pre-occupied with the weather and holidays – I bet you’ll get another round of new responses. And yes, we may be biased, but WS is the best neighborhood around :)
December 23, 2008 at 4:35 pm #651837
BonnieParticipantWelcome to West Seattle! I’ve lived here since 1990 but have been hanging around WS since 1984 (when I met my boyfriend, now husband who grew up here and will never leave) You will love it here!
I just approved your application.
December 23, 2008 at 4:47 pm #651838
RainyDay1235MemberWelcome! There is too much to mention here. Go pick up a copy of the book, WEST SEATTLE 101, at your local independant bookseller of course! ;)
It will list everything you need, along with updates on this website. It helped me plan my first year here so I didn’t miss a thing!
December 23, 2008 at 4:52 pm #651839
ZenguyParticipantI was born and raised here and like GenOneHill said, I might be a little biased. I disliked it when I was young because it was quiet and ten minutes from downtown. Now I like it because it is quiet and it is only ten minutes from dowtown.
There are a great group of people here with big hearts that continually amaze me.
December 23, 2008 at 5:20 pm #651840
mrhinehMemberThe best part of WS is the sense of community that resides here, mostly because it has small businesses instead of big strip malls (although that is changing a little bit). It is like living in a small town next to big city with quick access (10 minutes). If you like Mtn views, the water, parks (Lincoln, Schmitz, Alki), you’ve come to the right place. I am battling with the school issues right now with the closures. I would tend to stay north (WS Hi) rather than south, or apply to a city school.) But for a more unbiased view, try to find some one who moved away from WS, which I doubt you’ll find many haters :)
December 23, 2008 at 5:46 pm #651841
JulieMemberOne of our fabulous community-building resources is the Parent Cooperative Preschools, coordinated by South Seattle Community Colleges. They’re the best way I know to get you and your child connected with the community. Well worth finding a way to take the time to participate, even if you have a two-job family! 20+ years on, I still rely on connections made in those groups.
December 23, 2008 at 6:41 pm #651842
ellenaterMemberI think WS is a place where there is a niche for everyone because it hasn’t been stripped of personality. And like Zenguy said, the big heartedness will astound you. I thought it had to be a farce but it’s not. West Seattle is Seattle’s best kept secret. One piece of advice: Pick your school early. We were a little late but it worked out perfectly anyway.
Welcome!
December 23, 2008 at 6:46 pm #651843
JoBParticipantgrandmas like it here too..
and there are lots of kid friendly places to meet other moms…
December 24, 2008 at 4:59 pm #651844
mom2sorenMemberI appreciate all the posts, and intend to follow the tips provided by each and every one of you. Thank you, and please stay safe in the snow!
(If thread dries up, I’ll bump it back to the top after the holidays. I’m sure there are a lot of new WS people out there who would appreciate the info. I’ve always heard great things about WS, but most people on this side are intimidated by the bridge & viaduct issues. LONG commute. However, I’m beginning to think it must be worth it for the lifestyle and community you enjoy there!)
December 24, 2008 at 5:08 pm #651845
JenVMembermom2soren, it’s only a long commute when it snows- then we are a little cut off. But when I worked downtown, it took 7 minutes to get there.
welcome to WS!
December 29, 2008 at 9:00 am #651846
mom2sorenMemberbumping
December 29, 2008 at 9:14 am #651847
TraciMemberWelcome! We’re happy that you’re movie here as long as you let us (ok, ok ME) run up to your dog with cupcake-in-hand and go “ooooh cute can I pet your dog!?”
….You’ll love it here. I second the Luna Park Cafe because I live here – the piles are awesome. Also I recommend Than Bros Pho, Circa squash tacos, and Bakery Nouveau EVERYTHING. If you shop, go to Crave and oogle expensive scarves.
On summer evenings go to Lincoln Park and watch the ducks. I wish I could say seals but those little scoundrels never surface.
December 29, 2008 at 7:03 pm #651848
ellenaterMemberi see porpoises all the time at Lincoln and Alki. And if you take the water taxi to downtown, you can see them fairly close. they probably avoid Traci because of the famous ‘cupcake caper’.
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