Ballard

History

Ever been driving along and seen “Free Ballard!” bumper stickers plastered all over the car in front of you? Well, here’s why: Ballard was once its own city, home to many people of Scandinavian descent who worked as fishermen, mill workers, and boat builders. The neighborhood thrived as the commercial district (aka Ballard Avenue) grew, and by 1900 it was the 2nd largest city in King County, with 17,000 residents. In 1907, however, the city of Ballard was annexed by Seattle because it was having trouble supplying its people with water and other services. That decision is still hotly attested by some. Hence the bumper stickers.

Education

Ballard with good school rate in Seattle, with 3 elementary schools ( North Beach Elementary School, Loyal Heights Elementary School, Whittier Elementary School); 5 middle schools(St. John School , Whitman Middle School , Matheia School, Salmon Bay School, Solve For (x) School); 3 high schools(Wexford School, Ballard High School, Middle College High School)

Who live here

Makin It Singles - Upper-scale urban singles.Pre-middle-age to middle-age singles with upper-scale incomes. May or may not own their own home. Most have college educations and are employed in mid-management professions.Aspiring Urbanites - Urban singles with moderate income.Low- to middle-income singles over a wide age range. Some have a college education. They work in a variety of occupations, including some management-level positions.Bright Lights, Big City - Very mobile singles living in the city.Singles ranging in age from early 20s to mid-40s who have moved to an urban setting. Most rent their apartment or condo. Some have a college education and work in services and the professional sector.

House Expense

Household live in here with decent income. The price of house is around 323 per Sq. Ft. Real estate sales for median list price is $735,000. Between 1998 and 2014, Seattle added 14,253 one-bedroom units, an increase of 118 percent. The average rent jumped to $1,412, a 38 percent increase. Ballard rent has far surpassed Seattle`s average, rising 75 percent to about $1,500 for a one-bedroom unit in 2014

Activities and Attractions

One of Ballard’s most-visited attractions is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which were built in 1917. Engineering buffs will enjoy the well-orchestrated mechanics of it all, and dreamers can imagine sunning themselves on the huge yachts that pass through. You can also go to the underwater observatory and watch the salmon swimming up the fish ladder on their way to Lake Washington and beyond. In the summer months, Golden Gardens Park is a major destination. It’s one of the few sandybeaches in Seattle, and you’ll find beach volleyball courts, kite flyers, sand castles, and barbecue pits. Sure, the water is still frigid, but on the right day you feel just like you’re in Maui. Every Sunday during the year, the Ballard Farmer’s Market is open for business. Ballard Avenue is closed down to make room for local growers and vendors, plus a variety of artists selling their wares, from jewelry to furniture. This is one of the few year-round markets in the city, and sincethe selection is always changing, it’s easy to make it a weekly stop.