Queen Anne and Ballard would be my picks. They are just on the outskirts, have views, great people, and there are lots of things to do.

ballard! ballard!

every place in seattle is expensive to live, but ballard and phinney are very nice if you can afford them.

I’d have to agree with everyone else so far — Ballard is the place to be. 10-15 minutes drive from downtown. Lots of character, restaurants and shops of its own. But not too expensive yet!

You said outskirts, but for what reason? Do you want proximity to outdoor recreation? A large lot to build a home? Suburban ambience? Rural feel? It’d really help if you gave us a better idea of what you’re looking for.

I think Ballard is awful. Not close to anything but itself. Well, maybe Fremont. You might as well live in Kent, and it’d be cheaper.

Ballard is great, lived there two years, and it is even become more sheek than when I was there. Other than the speed limit being 13 mph it’s great.

Two places that are beautiful and away from downtown are Magnolia and West Seattle. Both offer city living but are very quiet.

Hi, I live in Port Orchard which is right across the sound, now that is where it is affordable, Kitsap County, yes there can be a commute but that’s where the ferry comes in handy. It’s a slower pace of life and you have the city right across the way. Have you ever visited Washington before? I have some links on my website where you can visit various areas. http://www.hebertsenterprises.net

Robin

I prefered the city as opposed to the outskirts, but I’d check out Ballard

I’d check it out if I were you. Come and visit go to Ballard Queen Anne, Capital Hill and even some places in the outskirts of town.

Ballard is a good price but Capital Hill is more fun. I live in Madison park it’s quiet, I walk to the beach and swim in the lake and go up the street to Capital hill for an evening out. In Ballard you can swim in the ocean and its pretty upbeat.

Here is a city Niegbourhood map. Ballard is in the top left.

http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/public/nmaps/fullcity.htm

I hear Ballard is great. My brother lives in Kirkland, and that’s pretty nice, too. Spendy, but nice. There’s a cupcake place in Ballard that is pretty good, and they do gift cards, so if you go that route, people can pick out their own cuppies! I guess there are a lot of great little shops there. Queen Anne seems pretty neat, too… but I’ve heard Capital Hill is a bit on the druggies-hangin-out side. I’m not sure, I haven’t been there. He lived in Lynnwood, too…said that’s a tad on the trashy side. More country-fied. I hear Tacoma is also not the place to go. Stick with what these fine folks have told you…check out Ballard. :)

Ballards great but getting a little too cool. Go for Columbia City.

If you’re truly looking for “outskirts” I would suggest North Seattle/Shoreline/Bothell/Lynnwood. It can be a lot cheaper and it’s honestly not too far a drive to get downtown.