Meet Jeanette James

She Came From the Suburbs to Enjoy Urban Life in SLU

In December, 2007 Jeanette James made a brave decision. James, the Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at the Seattle Girls’ School, sold her 1400 sq. ft. townhouse in Renton and moved to the Neptune in SLU.

“I had been an owner and decided to sell because I work in central Seattle. The commute got to be too much for me. I felt like I was never home. I would leave at 7:00 a.m. and come home late at night and think ‘why am I doing this’?” she said.

James has downsized to 700 sq. ft. of rental space, saying she has everything she needs. She’s also filling her gas tank every three weeks instead of weekly. She specifically chose the SLU neighborhood because she says there are quiet, peaceful places designed into the environment that convey a feeling of serenity. At the same time she also likes the overall vibrancy and life of the neighborhood.

The close-in location also allows James to pursue her volunteer passions without having to drive long distances. James volunteers with the Junior League of Seattle, and Delta Sigma Theta, another service organization. She also serves on the boards of Camp Fire and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and helped the Urban League start an organization for young professionals some five years ago. “I go from my day job at the Seattle Girls’ School to my evening jobs as a volunteer and then I squeeze social life in between,” she said.

One of the things that has most surprised James about her new neighborhood is how family friendly it is. “It’s a lot more family friendly than I would have imagined, given that there aren’t traditional brick and mortar houses; it’s nice to see families living in scaled back space. It’s a fun surprise. I like families being in my building and in my neighborhood,” she said.

James says there is always something to do or some place to go in the neighborhood. She walks for her groceries and either walks downtown or uses the streetcar and enjoys the restaurants in the neighborhood. “I use all the perks of city living,” she says.

The walkability of the neighborhood is a huge plus for her, too. During last summer’s blistering heat, she enjoyed walking down to the corner store and cooling off with an ice cream bar. 

So, next time you’re out and about in the neighborhood, say “hello” if you see James. She’s always happy to meet neighbors in the community.