Hi,

I would like to know more about Seattle's squire park and East Barclay court in the context of safety of the neighborhood. I am planning to move to that neighborhood and would appreciate any information.

Padgen

That is sort of a mini-neighborhood within the larger Central District neighborhood, which is generally called an "emerging" neighborhood. I'm not sure what east Barclay Court is like, but I would say the Squire Park neighborhood in general is something of a crapshoot. There are blocks with some neat older homes and leafy trees, but there are also commercial buildings, busy streets, drug houses and abandoned lots. I would expect a fair degree of property crime, as you would throughout the Central District (I don't think I know anyone that lives there that hasn't had their home burglarized and car stolen. Sometimes, multiple times).

Thank you, christy1. I am concerned about the safety of living alone as a single woman.

Would you please suggest areas that are safer but closer to Seattle University?

Thanks again,
Padgen

Well, you'll notice I didn't say it was dangerous. Seattle has a very low violent crime rate and I wouldn't be afraid of a victim of a random violent/personal (ie mugging) crime there. So I don't think you as a single woman will have any more trouble than anyone else there. Just definitely check out any place you'll be moving before committing to it, to make sure you're not next to some rat infested vacant lot, and be smart about preventing property crime (ie don't leave cd's in your car).

But given that, the neighborhood north of Seattle U-the Capitol Hill area-is generally considered safe (it probably has the most pedestrian traffic of any neighborhood in the city). It is also a very vibrant, diverse and fun neighborhood with lots of shops, restaurants, etc. But there still, I would say (based on my experience living there) you still definitely need to take precautions against property crime (esp. car break ins/stolen car).

Thanks again. I will check it out. The house is in the residential neighborhood of East Barclay court, I was told and there are neighbors who have been there.

Where I come from, we leave the door unlocked when kids are out or leave the garage door open and forget to close it once in a while, some times all night (it happenned to me) and still be safe - which is why I am concerned.

Padgen

Seattle is a big city--not the sort of place where people leave doors unlocked or hanging open all night.

I, too, once found that I hadn't locked my front door. Nothing untoward happened, but I was alarmed at my negligence.

Padgen-

Christy gave a very accurate picture of what the Central District is like. I don't believe it to be outright dangerous, but coming from a home town like you describe I think it might not "feel safe" to you.

I'm guessing you would probably be more comfortable living on Capitol Hill which is just to the north of Seattle U, or First Hill which is to the west of it (Central District is to the east and south of Seattle U).

Another thought, as a single female who has lived in the city for 20+ years now... I prefer an apartment instead of a house, 2nd floor or higher. It just feels safer to me. Then you *can* leave your windows open at night, etc. I would NEVER do that on the ground floor of a home anywhere in Seattle.

Thanks, everyone. Suze, yes, I too thought that Apartment is safer. I will be in Bellvue for a while before I figure things out.

Padgen

Bellevue is very nice, some parts quite beautiful, and safe and suburban feeling. That will give you time to get things figured out for Seattle. Hopefully you will had a car and you can visit these neighborhoods we're talking about yourself to see how they seem to you. Good luck and welcome to Seattle. -suze

Barclay Court East isn't a neighborhood, it's a street, right across 12th from SU. I don't think it's that bad, but it might seem that way to a single woman coming from a place where they don't lock the doors. The university is right there, and 12th is a fairly busy commercial strip.

There are a lot of run-down-looking but fantastic Ethiopian restaurants in the surrounding blocks, and the street is well-lit and busy. But there are dubious-looking people standing around at all hours. These people are not usually dangerous but you will get tired of being asked for change, and as some of them are recovering addicts their behavior can be unpredictable.

You can't get "closer to Seattle University". It's right across the street. If you're looking for an apartment, the recommendations here to look in Capital Hill or Pike/Pine are good ones: many, many young people, vibrant night life, tons of shops and coffeehouses and clubs. SU is a longish walk or very short bus ride from most parts of Cap Hill.

Generally speaking for safety you want to be around people. Avoid deserted areas at night and you'll be fine. Seattle is by no means a dangerous city.