Montlake
Montlake is virtually and island, being almost completely surrounded by water -- Lake Union to the west, the Lake Washington Ship Canal to the north and Lake Washington to the east.
Montlake lies north of Capitol Hill, situated away from the clamor of the Broadway shopping district but close enough to the eclectic center of Seattle's Bohemian capital that it retains an urban feel. Crafstman-style homes and one-story Tudor houses built in the early 20th century dominate the area.
Montlake is close to the University of Washington and state Route 520, making it a popular neighborhood with professors as well as young professionals who want to live within convenient commuting distance of jobs in Bellevue and Redmond.
Seattle is a city with a reputation for sailing and kayaking, and the UW's center for water sports is nearby -- just behind Husky Stadium on Union Bay and the Montlake Cut. Activities include canoe and rowboat rentals.
Montlake lacks a big commercial district, instead hosting several stores and nice restaurants along 24th Avenue East. The neighborhood is a 10-minute drive from shopping in the University District.