Best Neighborhoods 2009: The New Local News

Bainbridgenotes.wordpress.com
Territory covered: Bainbridge Island
Posting frequency: About once a week
Why we love it: Island life might not be action-packed, but Bainbridge Notebook—complete with RSS feeds from the Bainbridge Review and the Kitsap Daily Sun—will make you feel like there’s plenty happening here.
Example headline: “Bainbridge passes change of government; school bond falling short,” May 20 post by Althea Paulson

Beaconhill.seattle.wa.us
Territory: Beacon Hill
Posting frequency: Daily
Why we love it: Residents of this south Seattle ’hood have long resented the area’s reputation as a crime-ridden place to live. But locals looking for more than the latest crime stats head to beaconhill.seattle.wa.us to find out what’s going on with local schools, transportation projects and more. (Tip: Check out the blog’s Beacon Bits posts, for a round-up of the week’s most useful and interesting entries.)
Example headline: “Raised-bed veggie gardens for seniors: volunteers, candidates needed,” May 8 post by Jason

Whitecenternow.com
Territory: White Center
Posting frequency: Daily
Why we love it: With photos of ribbon cuttings and community gatherings, whitecenternow.com delivers a peek at life in this growing south Seattle neighborhood.
Example headline: “Will Seattle annex what Burien doesn’t? Mayor Nickels’ take,” May 31 post by Tracy

Phinneywood.com
Territory: Phinney Ridge and Greenwood
Posting frequency: Several times daily
Why we love it: If you’ve ever struggled to figure out where the Phinney Ridge neighborhood ends and where Greenwood begins (or vice versa), it’s time to put the map down, take a deep breath and say to yourself: “Phinneywood.” The hybrid moniker is the namesake of this blog, which keeps a careful eye on lost pets as well as growth and development in this increasingly dense part of town.
Example headline: “Another pug found—is it yours?” posted June 5 by Doree

Kirklandviews.com
Territory: Kirkland
Posting frequency: Several times daily
Why we love it: With several sponsors and a healthy advertising section, Kirkland Views more closely resembles a newspaper than a neighborhood blog. Posts fall under their own sections (features, opinions, city hall and events), but they’re written by local residents rather than professional reporters. Coverage ranges from shop openings to annexation talk.
Example headline: “Juanita Beach Park to undergo summer renovation, possible future off-leash area for dogs?” March 11 post by Rob

Belltownpeople.com
Territory: Belltown
Posting frequency: Daily
Why we love it: It’s fitting that a blog covering this dense urban neighborhood focuses on the individuals who live in the multistory dwellings and own the restaurants and shops that make Belltown unique. Find interviews with shop owners and the latest on restaurant, boutique and other retail openings in this downtown nabe.
Example headline: “Bacon Vodka Strikes Belltown/America,” May 14 post by Jesse