Communities around universities often enjoy a hip and trendy as well as laid back atmosphere and those surrounding the University of Washington in Seattle are no exception. Many of these communities include property that overlooks Lake Washington to the East, and the green environs typical of Seattle are, of course, prevalent in all the communities of the Near Northeast, the general term for the area. Here are a few of the communities, including a brief description of each.

Laurelhurst:

This community is among the most affluential in Seattle, a fact which is immediately obvious when one sees its location. Laurelhurst is situated to the east of the University of Washington, right on the western shore of Lake Washington, affording residents incredible views of the lake as well as Mount Rainier and Union Bay. Beachfront property is in abundance both lake and bay sides, and the community's proximity to the University means that there are plenty of commercial and transportation opportunities.

University District:

The University itself is part of its own district, but the residences as well as the residents of the area are markedly different from those to the east in Laurelhurst. The University District enjoys a remarkable view of Puget Sound as well as all the amenities the University has to offer, but most of the residents of the community are students renting out dwellings; the median age is 22 years old. There are representatives of all demographics who call the University District their permanent home, though, as the neighborhood includes bungalows and large single family dwellings to the north of the campus.

Roosevelt:

Roosevelt is located just north of the University district, but the small distance encompasses a big change in atmosphere. Roosevelt is noted by residents and visitors alike for its almost village-like atmosphere; the zoning found there is only residential and small business. In fact, there is a notable lack of chain stores and restaurants which many feel sustains the village perception of the community. Houses can be hard to find in this area, as residents are reluctant to move out and rentals can be nearly impossible to find.

View Ridge:

As with Laurelhurst, View Ridge has its fair share of spectacular views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainer, but houses here are lower in price due to the small size of the community. Indeed, there are few amenities within the community, with only a handful of stores as well as a couple of churches and two synagogues (there is a large Jewish presence in View Ridge). View Ridge also includes View Ridge Elementary School; this school has great appeal for many parents, who relocate to the neighborhood to take advantage of the education provided.

There are communities around the University of Washington that appeal to all tastes and demographics. These communities almost form individual cities unto themselves, with their location bounded east and south by some of Seattle's most famous aquatic bodies and to the west by the I-5. Amenities are never far away, and many of the areas offer a true real sense of rural living within a city setting.