Seattle Neighborhoods: Ravenna

Ravenna lies just north of the University of Washington (“U-Dub”) and the excellent, but not cheap, University Village shopping center. Named after the coastal and wooded town of Ravenna in northern Italy, this neighborhood was once famous for its huge old growth trees. William W. Beck, a Presbyterian minister from Kentucky, and his wife Louise, purchased 400 acres on Union Bay. They started to develop the property around Ravenna station but fenced off the ravine, which became today’s Ravenna Park.

During the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (World’s Fair) at nearby at the University of Washington, in 1908, the Becks allowed local clubs to name the largest trees. The largest was Theodore Roosevelt who gave his approval upon visiting the park. Alas, by 1926, all these fine specimens had been cut down by the city saying that the trees were rotten and a public hazard. The locals residents were none too happy.

When Roosevelt died in 1919 (the president, not the tree) the area between Ravenna Boulevard and Lake City Way became known as the Roosevelt District. Today you will hear the general Ravenna area referred to as Ravenna – Roosevelt or Ravenna-Bryant.

The large hillside Calvary Cemetery, located between 50^th and 55^th Street has been accepting tenants since 1904 and great place to investigate some of this area’s early residents.The main hub of busineses is located just northeast of the the cemetry along 55th Street included the excellent Queen Mary tea room, one of the best in the US.

Residents of Ravenna have always been fiercely resistant to changes in the environmental quality of their neighborhood. One reason may be because so many faculty and staff for adjacent U-Dub make their homes here. Although Ravenna does not have a large central business core, it does have plenty to keep the locals fed and watered plus the University Shopping Center can be walked to. If you are looking for a laid back, tree-lined neighborhood and great place to raise your kids, make sure to take a peek at Ravenna.

Ravenna Real Estate

Ravenna is well known for its bungalows and has many beautiful craftsman homes. Other architectural styles include Tudor, ramblers and contemporary. Ravenna has only a few condominiums, which is surprising considering that the university lies just next door. The neighborhood is similarly deficient in townhomes. So if you are looking for a neighborhood that is rich in single family home, then Ravenna may be a good choice.

Median* home prices for Ravenna single family homes, Ravenna townhomes and Ravenna condos that sold over last six months of 2009 (data will be updated quarterly).

*Where median price is the price at which half the homes sold for below that price and half the homes sold for above that price

Price ranges for Ravenna single family home, Ravenna condos and Ravenna townhomes for the last six months of 2009 (will be updated quarterly)

If you would like more information on Ravenna real estate, please contact a Ravenna real estate agent

Ravenna Real Estate Map

Best of Ravenna

City search guide to Ravenna businesses

Seattle Weekly guide to Ravenna dining