Greater Seattle: Where You’ll Want to Be In 2016

The Seattle metro area continues to attract migrants from other states, boosting residential and commercial development. Real estate experts offer their top picks on the next hot spots for sub(urban) growth in 2016, reports Seattle Met.

Sammamish, a suburban city located on the East side, could boast a European-inspired centralized plaza complete with a town hall, retail, and small-unit homes by 2016. Sammamish has easy access to 520 and I-90, making it an attractive location for young families who want solid schools, a relatively shorter commute, and proximity to both Bellevue and Seattle. CNN Money Magazine named Sammamish one of the best places to live in 2011.

The Central District, located on the southern edge of Capitol Hill, appeals to young families who want a house and proximity to Seattle and Bellevue. A mostly residential area, the Central District is located east of Cherry Hill, west of Madrona and Leschi, south of Capitol Hill, and north of Rainier Valley. Historically, the Central District has been one of Seattle’s most racially and ethnically diverse neighborhoods.

South Lake Union is the headquarters of Amazon and home to Denny Park, Seattle’s oldest public park. This urban and walkable community touts the beautiful Lake Union, new and emerging condominium units, and amenities. For professionals who work in the SLU region, the options to live there are becoming increasingly abundant.

Columbia City is a newly revitalized part of the Rainer Valley, a mulitcultural community located southeast of downtown Seattle. Expansion of mass transit makes the Rainer Valley area communities attractive to those who want to stay close to downtown. The Valley includes the historic district of Columbia City and immediate neighbors, Genesee, Lakewood, Seward Park, Beacon Hill, Mt. Baker, and Hilman City, which rounds out Seattle Met’s top 5 best places to live in 2016.