First Hill

This neighborhood is the breakout hit of the year. It didn’t make it past the first round in 2016, but during the nomination process, support for this neighborhood was overwhelming.

Residents tell us their neighborhood has incredible transit access, arts destinations like Town Hall and the Frye Art Museum, architectural marvels like St. James Cathedral, and cute bars like The Hideout. Hang out with a taxidermy cougar at longstanding cocktail and Italian joint Vito’s. Play some pool at the Quarter Lounge.

“Gorgeous old buildings living side-by-side with sleek glass high rises,” said 20-year First Hill resident Patricia Bradbury. “A tree canopy that is spectacular. Bustling, big city atmosphere.”

“This year First Hill has been a champion and will continue to be when it comes to saying ‘Yes in Our Backyard’ and welcoming a wide range of people,” resident Allison Bolgiano told us over email, pointing to Plymouth Housing Group’s new permanent, supportive housing in the neighborhood, a new low-barrier, 24-hour shelter in First Presbyterian Church, and a planned affordable housing project on what would have been the site of the neighborhood light rail station. “First Hill already [has been home to] several affordable housing communities owned by local non-profits that blend right into the neighborhood and that make the neighborhood a more vibrant, diverse, and worthwhile place to live.”

“First Hill has to be the runaway favorite to win this year,” added one commenter.

Most residents that got in touch with us added that it’s close to both Capitol Hill and downtown destinations. But that might also be its weakness: Does its strength as a neighborhood stand on its own, or is its appeal in its proximity to other neighborhoods? (It is notable, however, that First Hill has 100 percent more neighborhood dog shows than its neighbors.)

Ravenna

Sitting atop the University District and adjacent to Green Lake, Ravenna has a lot going on: Wide swaths of single-family homes sit right up against commercial centers and new apartment buildings. Small businesses like Salare, Junebaby, Wayward Vegan Cafe, and Third Place Books contribute to its unique, relaxed vibe—and all three of those places will serve you a decent beer, too. Its also home to a couple of classic Seattle neighborhood bars: the Atlantic Crossing and Teddy’s.

On Twitter, @SheRidesABike told us that Ravenna has “easy access to UW cultural events, cheap friendly eats, mostly low-key, easy parks access, [and] decent bikiness.”

Another boon for the neighborhood: Soon, the transit access is going to be incredible. The new Roosevelt light rail station is popping up at 65th and 12th in 2021. The neighborhood is “soon to be the transit front door to Green Lake,” said @Charles_B_STB. “This station will be super popular.”

It also boasts the only Daiso north of the Ship Canal, which is an underrated neighborhood amenity.

While it’s not as dense or central as First Hill—and hasn’t pulled as many headlines this year—Ravenna is one to watch for growth. Even right now, though, it provides a decent mix of family-friendly features, creative destinations, and multi-modal sensibility.

Which neighborhood should advance this week? This poll closes Wednesday, December 13 at 3:30 p.m., so get those votes in. (Not seeing the poll? Try exiting Apple News or Google Amp.)

This article has been updated to fix the poll, which we mistakenly closed when voting was supposed to open, and to reflect that Pies and Pints is, tragically, closed.