Quirky and colorful, Fremont ("The Center of the Universe," as natives refer to it) is a neighborhood that oozes playful eccentricity. From the towering statue of Lenin that looks upon its retail core to the zany Solstice Parade and Fremont Outdoor Cinema, Fremont is a place that infuses everything within it with art and a sense of humor. Its location on the Lake Washington Ship Canal, and the recent addition of the Adobe headquarters, have made Fremont prime real estate; however, the community members have worked hard to ensure that the neighborhood's funky boutiques and down-home ambience remain unchanged.

Nearby Wallingford, which bridges the gap between Fremont and the University District, takes from the best of both neighborhoods. Wallingford boasts whimsically colored bungalows, and a vibrant commercial district that includes a deco movie theater, fun shops (take the Erotic Bakery, for instance), and ethnic restaurants that serve everything from Afghani cuisine to sushi.