“Rat City” they call it. A nickname born from a World War II military base. But White Center is so much more. It’s a vibrant blend of cultures. It’s a place where history and modernity intertwine.
White Center lies nestled between West Seattle and Burien. It’s a census-designated place. Its population in 2020 was 16631 people. A diverse group of people call this place home. It boasts a rich history. It has also been the training ground for the Rat City Rollergirls a Seattle roller derby team.
Did you know White Center’s name comes from a coin toss? In 1918 George White and Hiram Green decided the community’s name. White won. The area became White Center. It has a total area of 2.25 square miles. About 0.41% is water. The rest is land. Hicklin Lake a heavily polluted lake sits within White Center’s boundaries.
Throughout its existence White Center has faced challenges. It’s been the subject of annexation attempts by Seattle and Burien. In 2009 Seattle rejected annexing White Center. Burien faced a similar rejection in 2012. Despite these challenges White Center persevered. It maintained its unique identity.
The area is part of the Highline School District. Schools such as Beverly Park Elementary Mount View Elementary Southern Heights Elementary and White Center Heights Elementary serve the community. Secondary schools like Rainier Prep Public Charter School Cascade Middle School New Start High School and Evergreen High School also educate White Center residents.
White Center is more than just its past. It’s a community brimming with life. It’s a place of eclectic shops and restaurants. You’ll find everything from Asian markets to Salvadorean bakeries. The first Taco Time started here in 1962. The Southgate Roller Rink a testament to the area’s unique charm is still active. The area is also home to Big Al Brewing a local microbrewery.
White Center is a place of contrasts. A place where a gritty past meets a bright future. It’s a place where the spirit of “Rat City” thrives alongside a thriving community. A place with a name decided by a coin toss a place that defied annexation attempts. It is a community that celebrates its diversity and its history. It remains a unique part of the Seattle landscape. A place to explore discover and experience.