Columbia City / Rainier Valley
By Geoff Carter
In many ways, Columbia City is similar to another Seattle neighborhood, Ballard. Like Ballard, Columbia City was annexed to Seattle in 1907; both neighborhoods have a "main street" lined with handsome, early-20th century structures; and both neighborhoods are in the process of being gentrified and boutique'd. The old is grudgingly making way for the new, and longtime neighborhood residents are keeping an eagle's eye on the changes -- determined to preserve and even expand upon the neighborhood's understated, but welcoming character.
Columbia City is welcoming quite a few new residents these days, drawn by housing opportunities that a first-time buyer can reasonably afford. The neighborhood is "a mix of mid-century modern, Victorian, Craftsman, bungalow and new construction townhouses for the most part … (with) a few Seattle Skinnies thrown in for good measure," says Rebecca Dravich of Coldwell Banker Bain Associates, who further notes that "there are almost no condos," in the area - which, as any current Ballard resident will tell you, isn't such a bad thing at all. Based on recent sales, the average price of a Columbia City / Rainier Valley home is in the vicinity of $395,485 - a reasonable price, considering the area's inherent value.
A place in Columbia City / Rainier Valler grows more desirable by the day as small businesses, lured by open properties and opportunity, move into the area. Some of Seattle's most distinctive dining experiences - including celebrated Ethiopian restaurant Fasica, authentic Neapolitan pizzeria Tutta Bella, saucy Jones Barbeque, "Sicilian Soul Food" joint La Medusa and old-time diner Geraldine's Counter - can be found here. Home chefs have access to a wealth of fresh ingredients from Columbia City's sprawling farmer's market and the venerable Mutual Fish.
Non-comestibles are equally well-represented. Need a cruiser or a tune-up for your 10-speed? Bike Works stands ready. Bookworm Exchange boasts a solid selection of authors and live readings. Your best friend can get fancy accessories and first-class grooming at Pet Elegance. For eclectic gifts, jewelry, clothes and home décor, there's the snazzy boutique Andaluz. And if you're in want of local art to hang on your walls, there's no need to head into downtown Seattle with the visual and audible feast of the Columbia City Beat Walk happening on the first Friday of every month.
If you're not in the shopping mood, don't worry - there's plenty to keep you occupied. The Amy Yee Tennis Center more than lives up to its name with 10 indoor courts and four outdoor courts. Giant Genesee Park, currently being updated through the Pro Parks Levy, has lit playfields, winding pedestrian trails and a two-acre-plus off-leash dog park. Formerly a Masonic Lodge, the beautifully-restored Columbia City Cinema shows first-run movies in art deco splendor. And the neighborhood's currently modest nightlife and cultural offerings are likely to reach full bloom before too long.
Best of all, Columbia City / Rainier Valley is on the verge of receiving a matchless public transportation windfall: The neighborhood will welcome Sound Transit's new light-rail system in 2008, with stations at South Edmunds Street and South Henderson Street. The train will get commuters to the heart of downtown Seattle in less than 20 minutes. A number of Metro bus routes - most notably the 7, 36, 39, 42, 48 and 106 - crisscross the area seven days a week, and commuter trips from this south-end neighborhood aren't entirely unreasonable: You can get into downtown Seattle within 25 minutes on surface streets, and into Bellevue via Interstate 90 inside of a half-hour.
