Post by Admin on Jun 2, 2020 15:51:35 GMT
Making the move to the Pacific Northwest? You’re not alone — with features like mild weather, a great job market, and laid-back vibe, millennials and others alike are flocking to the Emerald City. Washington’s largest city has a wide diversity of neighborhoods to suit your interests, whether you’re looking for a craft brewery down the street, an art gallery, nightclub, or just a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for our guide to some of the best Seattle neighborhoods.
Best Places to Live in Seattle
Seattle is home to seven official districts, and dozens of diverse types of neighborhoods, from quiet, historic enclaves to bustling centers of nightlife and activity. Finding the best neighborhood all depends on what you’re looking for. In a city like Seattle, you’re bound to find something to suit your tastes in no time. As you begin your Seattle neighborhoods search, consider factors like what amenities are important to you, how long your commute might be, and what sort of lifestyle you prefer.
Seattle Neighborhood Guide
Looking for true city life?
Here are a few Seattle neighborhoods known for busy urbanites, bustling nightlife, and no shortage of things to do.
Ballard
Located just a few minutes north of Downtown, Ballard has roots as a Scandinavian seafaring village, and salmon still run through the Ballard Locks to this day. Today, the waterfront Seattle neighborhood is a hip destination and home for Seattleites who enjoy the variety of trendy restaurants, and quieter parts and streets up north. Bonus? You can walk a sandy beach while enjoying stunning mountain views.
Cost of renting: Rents average around $2,000 a month — one of the more expensive areas of Seattle.
Belltown
Between Puget Sound, Pike Place Market and South Lake Union lies Belltown, Seattle’s unofficial entertainment and nightlife capital. High-rise condos, trendy restaurants, and entertainment venues like legendary The Crocodile (ever heard of a little band that played there called Nirvana?), and other bars and places are all densely packed, making this neighborhood extremely walkable. In addition, Belltown’s proximity to other areas of town means the neighborhood has excellent public transit.
Cost of renting: According to RentCafé, Belltown tops the list as Seattle’s most expensive neighborhood for renting, with rents averaging over $2,500 a month.
Downtown
Comprising Belltown, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and other iconic areas of town, it’s safe to say downtown is the heart of what most people think of when they think of Seattle. Overlook Elliot Bay or the city hills in your high-rise condo or skyscraper office. In the mood for some culture? Visit the Seattle Art Museum, The Showbox for music or a show, or hear a symphony at Benaroya Hall. Should you move to this area, don’t bother bringing your car — with bike lanes and public transit options galore, a vehicle will be more of a hindrance than a help.
Cost of renting: Made up of a few smaller neighborhoods, cost of renting downtown averages out to around $2,400 a month, with prices rising as you get closer to the waterfront.
Capitol Hill
Northeast of Downtown, you’ll find Capitol Hill — one of the city’s most densely populated areas, featuring a mix of old and new homes and condos. Considered to be Seattle LGBTQ+ capitol, the neighborhood is diverse and accepting. With lots of gay bars, nightclubs, indie coffee shops and more, Capitol Hill is also a highlight for food lovers, with some of the best restaurants in the city. In Capitol Hill, you’ll also find respite at Volunteer Park or the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
Cost of renting: Made upof a few smaller neighborhoods, rents in Capitol Hill average around $1,900 a month.
Looking for balance?
These Seattle neighborhoods have eclectic options for dining and culture, but retain residential pockets.
Central District
Located on the east side of Seattle, Central District features a nice balance of being close to many of the perks you might have moved to Seattle for (great bars and nightlife, cultural activities), while maintaining some distance and a more residential feel. Historically very culturally diverse, in recent years Central District has become more gentrified. With access to public transit and local beers and coffees to sip, Central District is a great option for those looking for access to big city amenities, while living in a place with a neighborhood feel.
Cost of renting: Comprising a few smaller neighborhoods, Central District rents average around $1,900 a month.
Fremont
The self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe,” Fremont attracts eclectic Seattle residents and families looking for a quirky vibe. Fremont is located northwest of Lake Union and hosts yoga studios, bike shops, Thai restaurants, and coffee shops. If you’re looking for a unique living experience, try Fremont’s hilly, twisted streets on for size. A bonus? Fremont is home to neighborhood events like the Fremont Saturday Market and Oktoberfest.
Cost of renting: About $2,000 average rent overall, or about $1,650 for a 1-bedroom.
Lower Queen Anne
Often thought of as more of a shopping district and destination for the arts, Lower Queen Anne has great options for multi-unit residences, condos, and other housing options nestled between busy and interesting streets. Nearby you’ll find the Space Needle and Seattle Center — and if you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint, you’re in luck: the public transit options via monorail or bus are great.
Cost of renting: Lower Queen Anne is averages $2,250 for rent.
South Lake Union
Dominated by Amazon headquarters, South Lake Union is the epicenter of Seattle’s tech boom. Ideal for young professionals, this fast-growing neighborhood boasts a plethora of new apartments, places to eat, and things to do. On the weekends, you’ll find neighborhood markets, and all week you can enjoy food trucks catering to the lunch break crowd. While bustling during the day, the streets quiet in the evenings as residents retreat home. Centrally located, it’s easy to hit downtown or other areas via public transit.
Cost of renting: Overall cost of renting is $2,300 or more, with 1-bedrooms closer to $1,900.
Looking for tree-lined streets and a more suburban feel — while retaining access to urban benefits?
If you’re more interested in a suburban existence while still being in the city, look no further than these Seattle neighborhoods:
Greenwood
Greenwood is located north of Greenwood Lake, above the Phinney Ridge neighborhood. Laid out in a straightforward grid, Greenwood is an excellent residential area beloved by young families. With quick access to downtown (about a 15-minute drive), it really is the best of both worlds. In the Seattle Neighborhood itself, you’ll find local bars and cafés that are largely family-friendly.
Cost of renting: Greenwood averages just under $1,800 for rents overall, with 1-bedrooms clocking in around $1,450.
Columbia City
Columbia City once enjoyed the “hidden treasure” benefit that came with being further away from downtown … but sadly for them, the secret’s out! As one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Seattle, Columbia City is a great destination for families and individuals looking to build community. Located in the Ranier Valley on the west side of the city, this neighborhood features pubs with live music and cafes, and is one of the most diverse areas of Seattle.
Cost of renting: Columbia City is on the affordable side (relatively!), at just over $1,700 overall and $1,450 for a 1-bedroom.
Queen Anne
Queen Anne is one of the few instantly recognizable neighborhoods in the city, thanks to its geography: The neighborhood’s homes are atop the highest hill in the city. The neighborhood is named after the architectural style of the homes, which have an esteemed air and are truly beautiful. A quiet, more affluent neighborhood, Queen Anne is your destination if you’re looking for a fenced front and backyard within city limits. With fantastic access to the rest of the city, Queen Anne is stately and lovely, but somehow remains low-key.
Cost of renting: While the neighborhood is sometimes further broken down into North, West, and East Queen Anne, rents average above $2,200 a month.
Wallingford
Located directly north of Lake Union, Wallingford is a centrally located Seattle neighborhood that still feels suburban. Wallingford is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle, making it a popular place for families. On either side of Wallingford, you’ll find Fremont and the University District, giving you access to more bustling, hip areas. In Wallingford, you’ll find sidewalk cafes, interesting shops, and refurbished buildings. Enjoy access to two different parks, and the famous Dick’s Drive-In.
Cost of renting: Average rent for a 1-bedroom hovers around $1,700 a month, with averages overall over $1,900.
West Seattle
A bit removed from the noise of downtown, West Seattle is a popular destination for Seattleites looking for a laid-back feel. You’ll also find year-round farmers’ markets, eclectic businesses, and unique shopping experiences. “The Junction” is where you’ll find many of the area’s dining and shopping spots and can be considered the “downtown” of West Seattle. If you’re interested in an affordable neighborhood in Seattle with beach access, West Seattle might be for you.
Cost of renting: West Seattle is made up of several smaller neighborhoods, with 1-bedrooms ranging from $1,300 to 1,750 a month, depending on the area.
Best Seattle Suburbs
If you’re looking to live outside the city of Seattle in a suburb, we’d recommend starting with one of these great neighboring cities. Start your research here!
Best places to live near Seattle:
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[/ul]No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find the best place to live in Seattle for you. Want to learn more about moving in Seattle, Washington? Check out our guide to finding an apartment in Seattle.