History
Magnolia was named by a sailor who thought the trees crowding the bluff were Magnolias, when in actuality, they were Madronas. The name stayed with this charming neighborhood north of Downtown and west of Queen Anne , and continues to be called Magnolia today.

Description
This small area of the city holds low crime and a mix of very expensive houses and tiny, charming bungalows.  Along W. McGraw St., the Magnolia Village offers a nice selection of shops and dining establishments, as well as professional offices.  Fisherman’s Terminal is another fun place to eat and shop while watching boats pull into the docks.   

In addition to the shopping and restaurants available in Magnolia Village, residents of Magnolia enjoy quick access to attractions in Belltown and Downtown.  Less accessible are the I-5 and I-90 interstates so commutes to South Seattle or the Eastside are more time consuming.

Our Favorite Spot
If you are looking to watch the game, unwind in a very welcoming environment, or just get a quick bite to eat for a great price, stop by the Boxcar Ale House.  It can be reached easily by 15th Ave W, located at 3407 Gilman Ave, across from the Burlington Northern Tracks.  Boxcar Ale has not only a wide variety of selected drafts, but also a very appetizing and delicious menu.  We love it- now you try! 

Residents
Younger inhabitants have begun moving into this area, which in years past has been dominated by older, long-time residents.  The diversity of housing options has promoted this.

Fun Stuff
Discovery Park is one of Seattle’s largest parks, covering 534 acres. There are also a great number of "pocket-parks" throughout the neighborhood. Another popular place is the West Point Lighthouse that was built in 1881.

Seafair’s Magnolia Summer Festival in August features juried art shows, live stage entertainment, food vendors, and a sidewalk sale. There is also a children’s and main parade during the same weekend.

Average Rent: $$$

Primary Housing:

Small Apartment Buildings

Medium Apartment Buildings

Townhomes

Single-Family Homes

Duplexes/Multiplexes

Commute Times:

Downtown 10-15 minutes

Eastside 35-40 minutes, 55 minutes with traffic

Long known as one of Seattle's most established neighborhoods featuring magnificent estates and spectacular view homes, Magnolia offers quite a diverse range of rental housing options. With the development that occurred from early in the century through the 1970s there are a large number of rental units available in duplex and small multiplex properties in this area. Additionally, you will find numerous small apartment complexes in Magnolia.

The majority of these types of properties are located on the east side of the hill that wrap around the north side, as well as properties located on the top of the hill in close proximity to Magnolia Village. If you want to live in walking distance to the great shops and restaurants at the heart of Magnolia you should focus your search for properties close to the village.

Magnolia also provides a great selection of homes for rent. From small affordable two bedroom homes to stunning classic homes with spectacular views, this neighborhood offers a vast range of home types available to rent. If you are looking for something somewhat quieter for an in-city location, yet still close to downtown with rental housing a little more affordable than some neighborhoods, Magnolia can be a great choice.

Because it is the western most in-city Seattle location, it offers less convenient access to highways and to the Eastside.