Roanoke/Portage Bay

Portage Bay (the water) is at the northeast end of Lake Union and connected to Lake Washington’s Union Bay via the ship canal. Portage Bay (the neighborhood) looks across this small expanse of water toward Montlake, the University District, and the Cascades. Its wooded slopes are lined with quiet residential streets. Portage Bay’s picturesque shores provide calm waters for its large enclave of houseboats.

Next door you’ll find the small Roanoke neighborhood. One might call Roanoke the northernmost tip of central Seattle. It is just south of the University District and nestled between Eastlake, Montlake, and North Capitol Hill. Depending on whom you ask, Roanoke might be considered part of any one of these adjacent neighborhoods. As the nexus between them, it has its own character.

Because it is also at the corner of I-5 and 520, Roanoke attracts people who commute north or east for work. The Burke-Gilman Trail is also nearby for those wanting a nice bike ride or car-free outing.