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Once a middle class neighborhood, Green Lake has grown into one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Seattle. The Lake itself was once a glacial lake on its way to becoming meadowland before Seattle settlers bought it. The area was annexed by Seattle in 1888, however, before it ever became a residential neighborhood.
At the center of this neighborhood is Green Lake itself. The surrounding 2.8 mile paved trail is excellent for biking, running and inline skating. There are also facilities for golf, tennis, soccer, baseball and basketball. You can swim at the indoor pool, windsurf on the lake or rent a kayak, paddleboat or canoe. All that you could want is at your doorstep, from recreation to restaurants.
Green Lake continues to thrive today, largely as a single-family neighborhood in character, populated predominantly by bungalows with some Tudors and multi-unit apartments. Many of its 1920’s and 30’s bungalows still retain their period details-original tiled fireplaces, hardwood floors and covered porches.
Crew races are held on the Lake, as is the famous Milk Carton Derby (in which contestants build a boat completely out of milk cartons and then race them on the Lake-provided they still float). During Christmastime Green Lake residents also light luminaries, usually candles in paper bags.