Living In Laurelhurst
One of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, Laurelhurst is a close-knit residential suburb on the banks of Lake Washington near the University of Washington. Its topography lends the neighborhood to serving up picturesque views from most homes of the Cascade Mountains, the lake, the Seattle skyline and of Mount Rainier. This coupled with its prime location close to the center of town is the reason why Laurelhurst has attracted affluent families for decades and while nearby neighborhoods have a lot more modern construction, Laurelhurst has maintained its periodic charm.
Originally the location of the Seattle Golf Club, Laurelhurst was slightly isolated despite being only 6 miles from Seattle until a series of drawbridges connected the neighborhood to Seattle proper in the early 1900’s. The easier access to the neighborhood meant the golf course was developed into what Laurelhurst is today but the clubhouse remains as a private residence.
The neighborhood encompasses around 0.85 square miles and is considerably less densely populated than surrounding neighborhoods due to a concerted effort by the Laurelhurst Community Club to limit excessive development. This lends to a quiet and safe environment within Laurelhurst, more akin to a suburban neighborhood than a city center location. There is plenty to do however, with several restaurants, shops and business calling Laurelhurst home, as well as the Seattle Children’s Hospital. There is a playfield with tennis courts and the Laurelhurst Beach Club, a private waterfront center
