History

The Seattle area railroad first expanded its lines up Lake Washington’s western shore in the 1880s. At the time, Ravenna was known for its old-growth fir trees and the pristine creek running from Green Lake into Union Bay. The railroad built a stop in Ravenna, and the city of Seattle annexed the district some years later in 1891.

It was said that Theodore Roosevelt had once visited what was now known as Ravenna Park and voiced his approval of its grand trees; following his death, the area between Lake City Way NE and Ravenna Boulevard was christened the Roosevelt District in his honor.

After the University of Washington expanded just adjacent to Ravenna beginning in the 1950s, the neighborhood came to have a different type of legacy—one of education and environmental protection. Residents of this district have mobilized to protect the creek and park from outside forces several times over the decades. As a result of their hard work, Ravenna Park remains popular to this day.

Description

Located within an easy jaunt of the University of Washington, I-5, and the Burke-Gilman Trail, the Ravenna/Roosevelt neighborhood provides the best of two worlds. Single-family homes are tucked into quiet streets; children bike to school and whole families enjoy Ravenna Park’s wading pool, tennis courts, and hiking trails on weekends.

Meanwhile, out on 65th St. and Roosevelt Avenue, independent pubs, cafes, locally-owned bookstores, and other small businesses abound.

The neighborhood’s location near the University makes it ideal for professors and graduate students—Ravenna Boulevard is commonly referred to as “Professor’s Row.” Easy access to I-5 and bus routes to downtown make it a viable location for any working professional who enjoys a peaceful neighborhood to call home.

Average Rent: $$

Primary Housing:

Small Apartment Buildings

Townhomes

Single-Family Homes

Duplexes/Multiplexes

Commute Times:

Downtown 15 minutes

Eastside 25 minutes

The Ravenna/Roosevelt area of Seattle is located north of the University of Washington and is a favorite location for many. Living in this area provides quick access to highways, Greenlake and the University of Washington.

The area is a mix of older Tudor-, craftsman-, bungalow- and contemporary-styled homes with an occasional duplex or multiplex property. The majority of the apartment and condominium properties are located along the main arterials including Roosevelt Ave and 65th St. Many of those employed by the University of Washington call this area home. The core commercial areas are located along Roosevelt Ave, and along 55th St. & 65th St.