Brian Gershon

We are new residents of the Rainier Vista community, which is a culturally-diverse neighborhood where 14 languages are spoken, and new people are moving in at a pretty good clip — the home owner community has grown from 23 units to 126 units this past year.

I’ve just started to explore nearby Columbia City, having visited Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria (best pizza in Seattle?), Lottie’s Lounge, Columbia City Ale House (we lucked out and had a pint of Old Engine Oil, which is tasty brew from Scotland that only arrives once per year in a couple of kegs), and discovered free wifi along Rainier Ave too.

I’m now an expert on the local buses downtown (Metro #42, #39, #48-to-#7), and already met 3 fellow residents Ian, Christina and Ben along the way. This pace will pick up once the new Columbia City light-rail station opens in 2009.

A few weeks ago, we attended our first Home Owner’s Association meeting, which coincided with the Annual Meeting, so had a nice chance to meet some more neighbors, and get an overview of all the neighborhood happenings. There are events, active committees and a Google Group online — many opportunities to get to know people in our community.