Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. Located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it is a relatively small city of 565,000. However, the Seattle metro area, which includes the cities of Tacoma, Bellevue, and  Everett, has a population of more than 3.2 million people. Seattle is well known for its rain, but there are many eastern cities that receive more precipitation. Since the Puget Sound area is blanketed by a marine climate, it endures week after week of cloudy weather and drizzle. Summer, however, is sunny and relatively dry. The Magnolia neighborhood is located three miles northwest of Downtown Seattle. Many homes have magnificent views toward the central business district which fronts on Elliott Bay. To the east is 20 mile long Lake Washington which connects to Puget Sound via the ship canal and smaller Lake Union. The locks, which raise pleasure and commercial craft into the canal, are located on the northern edge of Magnolia.	Downtown from Elliott Bay    Seattle Center & Space Needle    Elliot Bay Marina and Magnolia    Tide flats and Magnolia Bridge    Magnolia Village and Elliott Bay  Locks and the Ship Canal
	Magnolia has a population of about 20,000. Despite its proximity to downtown, residential development in Magnolia didn't begin in earnest until the late 1930s due to the tidal mud flats limiting transportation. Prior to development, Magnolia was logged for its timber, and then was home to several small scale dairy farms. Today, Magnolia is a vibrant neighborhood with a small town feeling. Click on the map to the left and explore the heart of our neighborhood:  Magnolia Village.
I love Seattle, and I can't say enough good about my town. First and foremost, Seattle is located in a spectacular setting. The confluence of rivers, forests, hills, and Puget Sound nestled between two of the most beautiful mountain ranges makes this a unique city without compare. Naturally, Seattle's environment defines the city and it's people.
	Seattle is a culturally rich city. There are a huge number of theatres here, as well as galleries, museums, interesting neighborhoods and historical sites. This culturally rich atmosphere also makes Seattle an ideal place for gay and lesbian people. The city is more than tolerant - I believe Seattle actually embraces its gay citizens. We have a one of the largest gay populations in the country, as well as an active gay community center, the world's largest gay arts organization, as well as gay men and women involved in the political process. Another gay man was recently elected to the City Council - and his sexual orientation was a non-issue.
Seattle is like my family members. I love it, but that doesn't mean I like everything that goes on here. Seattle has a reputation for an extensive democratic process. I think that's a good thing. Unfortunately, if a group doesn't like the direction public policy is taking, they can tie of changes by demanding more hearings, more analysis, and more public input. The result is almost always a lack of action, delay, and higher costs. Fortunately, many people are fed up with this negative quality and are demanding that public projects move ahead. Thank God the new mayor, Greg Nickels, does not tolerate obstructionist.
My MOST Favorite Things in Seattle Pike Place Market Downtown Seattle The new McCaw Hall Seattle Center Seattle Asian Art Museum Fry Art Museum Seattle University The new City Hall Safeco Field Puget Sound Lake Washington Mount Rainier National Park Seattle Public Schools	My LEAST Favorite Things  in Seattle Time Eyeman Pam Roach The "Seattle Process" Freeway traffic Slow and stupid drivers So called "advocates" for the homeless Conservative Republicans Religious fundamentalists Rude neighbors that don't maintain their homes Political obstructionists Rainy weather in May and June Kemper Freeman Jr. People Who don't like public schools

This page updated February 16, 2004. All rights reserved - Eden Hill Web Design.