12 Signs You're Definitely From West Seattle

In our book, West Seattle is a slice of paradise on earth. With its small-town feel and big-city views, it’s a unique part of the Pacific Northwest. West Seattle has it all, greenery, beach, local shops and restaurants, and more, making it a very easy decision to call this place home. Whether you’re a native resident of West Seattle or a latecomer like us, there are a few tell-tale signs that this place is your home.

1. Alki Beach is one of your favorite walking/ jogging/ skateboarding/ rollerblading spots

For every West Seattle resident, Alki Beach provides all the coastline beauty and beach fun you could need. The beach town vibe here makes you dream of Californication, but on the same token, you don’t miss the sunshine state because you’ve got all you need right here in Alki. 

2. You know how to avoid bridge traffic 

You know very well that the West Seattle Bridge isn’t the only way out of the neighborhood. You know this better than anyone else because you can take Highway 99 or another route. You know you can even take the water taxi downtown and avoid any traffic altogether.

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3. You have pictures of the downtown Seattle skyline on your camera roll

You are definitely giving Getty images and other stock sites a run for their money. Thanks to your great photography skills, the downtown Seattle skyline is well secured in your camera roll. No matter how many years, months, or weeks you’ve lived here, it’s almost impossible to put away the camera when you pass by. 

4. You’ve taken the water taxi downtown

You are surprised by people thinking that your schedule depends on the bridge. This is because you’ve taken the water taxi downtown several times. 

5. You know what “The Junction” is

“Junction” has a special place in your vocabulary and when you say it, people know what you mean. There’s the famous West Seattle Junction, the Alaska Junction, and you might even refer to the businesses around there as Junction businesses. This is where all the magic of downtown West Seattle happens. It is where some of the greatest businesses are and you cannot pass it by.

Also, you know there is more than one Junction in West Seattle e.g. the Morgan Junction and the Admiral Junction. 

6. You feel like West Seattle is an island

Though it’s technically a peninsula, West Seattle can feel like an island. It has a small-town feel while within city limits (just a few miles from downtown), with mountains, water and city views, and a chill CA-beach vibe, West Seattle has everything you could need. From a golf course to parks, community centers, and great restaurants. It is self-sufficient. Nothing is lacking here but it can feel worlds away from the rest of Seattle

7. Being active is a way of life

No matter the type of weather there will always be people walking, running, or rollerblading around Alki, Lincoln Park, Schmitz Preserve, Beach Drive, or anywhere else outdoors. 

8. You have a favorite neighborhood teriyaki chicken spot

Sure, people have their neighborhood cafes or favorite bars. But, here in Seattle, teriyaki chicken is a different thing and you can get it all over the place. It’s comfort food for us Seattle-ites. Grillbird happens to be our West Seattle teriyaki spot.

9. You get concerned if you don’t spot any dogs while getting your morning coffee fix 

If you’re like us and you can’t survive the day without getting your caffeine first thing in the morning, you know it’s nearly impossible to avoid seeing a dog or two in your coffee shop. It’s one of the things we love about living in West Seattle and Seattle in general - so many pet-friendly places. 

10. You can’t remember the last time you went to Starbucks 

Speaking of coffee…while Seattle is very famous for Starbucks, most locals support local coffee shops. Here are some of our favorites.

11. You’ve experienced all four seasons in one day

Snow, hail, sunshine, rain…you’ve seen it all in one day (maybe one afternoon even). Sure, Seattle has the reputation for always having rainy weather but most people don’t realize we experience the other types of weather too. 

12. You love living in West Seattle

It’s impossible not to embrace the sense of community here. The bridge closure doesn’t bother you too much. Going to the farmer’s market becomes part of the weekly routine. Beach days at Alki are the norm. There’s an endless amount of activities to do all year-round. You’ve found your favorite West Seattle neighborhoods to hang out in and your favorite coffee shops to frequent.

Through it all, you’ve ditched the umbrella and never stopped exploring the place you call home. If you’re as passionate about West Seattle as we are, check out our neighborhood guide to discover some new spots to make your own.