In general, house hunting north of Lake Union meant entering a ridiculously competitive market. But homes in this swath of the city just beyond the U District and east of Roosevelt were the quickest to sell. It’s not a new trend—buyers have snatched up properties here for multiple years—but prices were markedly higher in 2020. Living near a world-renowned university and multiple wondrous parks comes at a cost.

Average days on market: 7.5

Median sale price change, year-over-year: 17.4% ($957,000)

Today they announced the award semifinalists—with several Seattle standouts making the list. Notably, Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi of Joule and Revel are up for Outstanding Chef, while restaurants like the Walrus and the Carpenter, Communion (Seattle Met’s 2021 Restaurant of the Year), Tomo, and Bar del Corso are in consideration for other national awards. Also in local waters, Matia Kitchen and Bar on Orcas Island received a nod for Best New Restaurant.

Be prepared - by having adequate extra clothing, Map and compass, First Aid kit, Food and water. Choosing your destination -The perennial spring hiking question is: where's the snow? Or rather, where is there not snow? Snow can stick around in the mountains here well into July -- most likely you'll run into some if you're heading out on a springtime hike.

Consult trip reports WTA's trip reports are the best guide to what conditions are like on a specific trail right now. Check these reports for inspiration about where to hike and to find out what you may encounter on trail. And when you get back, write one of your own! This system is as good as you make it.