Mount Baker is the northernmost of the Rainier Valley neighborhoods. Located between Mercer Island and downtown Seattle, Mount Baker is considered a portal to the city center. A drive through this community presents the visitor with large homes, beautiful parks and historic buildings. Beneath this lovely exterior is a proud and involved resident base. Mount Baker hosts a variety of parades, events, fundraisers and other activities organized and attended by residents who love their neighborhoods. Their enthusiasm is demonstrated by the Mount Baker Community Club motto, “Get together, get busy, boost!”

South of Mount Baker is Columbia City, Hillman City and Genesee. This region has received attention in recent years as an attractive target for revitalization. In the 1990s, a neighborhood plan was developed to address the future growth of the region; the plan envisions Columbia City/Hillman City/Genesee as a vibrant commercial and residential center with walking districts and convenient and affordable housing. Today, the ongoing implementation of redevelopment actions has these neighborhoods poised for a bright future.

South of Columbia City, Hillman and Genesee are the neighborhoods of Brighton and Dunlap. Brighton is slightly southwest of Seward Park, bordered by Graham Street on the north and Kenyon Street on the south. Public spaces include the Brighton Playfield and Othello Playground. The Dunlap community is just south of Kenyon Street, stretching down along the Lake Washington shoreline to include Atlantic City Park.

Rainier Beach is another area of Seattle where redevelopment programs are underway. A community with a long history of upswings and downswings, Rainier Beach is now reasserting itself as a quality place to live. Affordable housing is an attraction, as is the location along Lake Washington. Rainier Beach features the 20-acre Kubota Gardens and the Fred Hutchinson Playground.

Like Rainier Beach, the Rainier View neighborhood has a diverse and multicultural resident population. Rainier View is located in the southeast corner of Seattle, adjacent to Lakeridge Park. The park’s proximity to the community may be one of Rainier View’s most compelling features; the park is a 36-acre wooded retreat, where visitors can explore trails and rugged, yet lush terrain.