Image via hjartaballard.com.

The search for the perfect living situation is often thought to be a long and difficult process. While some of us are searching for quiet, suburban residential areas, others are attracted to glitzy high-rise apartment buildings — it is all about suiting our needs, our personal tastes and our budgets. There are many options out there on the market, but those that incorporate upscale living with eco-minded touches are particularly attractive this day and age. For those that live in the Emerald City of Seattle, Hjärta brings the city life to the residential style of Ballard, a close-in neighborhood northwest of downtown with an incredible Walk Score of 97. As a walker’s paradise, there are many nearby amenities to suit every resident’s needs. From a cup of coffee in the morning, to an afternoon matinee at the Majestic Bay Cinema, Hjärta’s location allows owners to feel a real sense of community near locally owned shops, fabulous dining, salons, coffee shops, grocery stores and more. Just 10 minutes from downtown Seattle on Northwest Market Street, Hjärta’s address is both pedestrian and biker friendly. Not only is the location a prime spot to be, but the condos’ green appeal is also ideal. These mid-rise condominiums composed of concrete and steel construction are LEED Silver certified. By specifically using these materials, Hjärta says it saved approximately 1,609 trees because of the amount of wood it would have needed to use. Hjärta is an infill property, and 95% of the materials from the lot’s previous structure were recycled and diverted from nearby landfills. The exterior of the building may have save many resources, but inside, Hjärta is committed to using energy-efficient materials and systems. For kitchen and bathroom fixtures, all sinks are equipped with a low-flow system, as are the toilets, helping to conserve great amounts of water and energy. To cut down heating bills, all walls include an air-resistive barrier system to minimize heat loss. In addition, all spaces include high-performance recycled fiberglass windows, Energy Star appliances, central gas boilers (as opposed to individual water heaters), energy-conserving elevators and sustainable bamboo flooring. Hjärta’s green touches even reach the rooftop, where a built-in garden that is dedicated to providing vegetables, flowers and herbs brings a whole new meaning to hyperlocal produce. This space not only provides a rejuvenating retreat, but also a spectacular view of the city, all while promoting living well on nature. In addition, the building includes a community room, a yoga studio and an exercise space for all residents to use at their leisure. At press time, Hjärta is completely sold out, but continue to check the building’s website for any resale opportunities. Coming on the market, units started at $294,950 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 604-square-foot home. Although this is one location that does not come cheap, there are green-living benefits that provide more than just a great location and handful of amenities. When thinking about searching for your next place to live, think about going green at Hjärta.