Seattle is a hodgepodge of eccentric and unique neighborhoods that has created one of America’s most interesting cities. Locals identify as liberal and inclusive, while at the same time supportive of major corporations, such as Amazon, Microsoft and Boeing.
The Capitol Hill neighborhood is definitely a leader among liberal areas of the city. With crosswalks painted in Pride rainbow colors, locals proudly announcing their support of equal rights for all and love for one another — Capitol Hill is socially conscious and community-focused.
Home to the Seattle University and several local coffeehouses, Capitol Hill exemplifies Seattle, as a neighborhood of diversity.
Where is Capitol Hill in Seattle?
Situated on a hill that overlooks downtown, the Capitol Hill Seattle neighborhood is a ripe location for residents, who enjoy its influence in art, fashion and music.
Capitol Hill takes up more than 3.5 square miles, covering the following ZIP Codes: 98102, 98112 and 98122.
The neighborhood, bordered on the west by Interstate 5, runs southward to Union and Pine Streets. The east border consists of 23rd and 24th avenues, with the north border State Route 520 and Interlaken Lake.
Source: Rent.
While densely populated, Capitol Hill is a walkable area, with public parks and arboretums available to help enjoy the outdoors.
Home to a delicious culinary scene, with restaurants such as Spinasse, with gourmet Italian dishes such as the tajarin with pork and beef ragu and Tacos Chukis, known for its marinated pork tacos with grilled pineapple — Capitol Hill is a can’t miss destination for foodies.
- Studio average rent: $2,271
- One-bedroom average rent: $2,181
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,789
- Walk score: 94
- Bike score: 82
- Transit score: 84
Living in Capitol Hill
Known for its fashion, music, art and culture — people enjoy living in Capitol Hill because it’s a neighborhood that has something going on daily. With unique movie houses, music venues, coffeehouses and more, locals love its diverse, open culture.
Demographics
The average income is about $100,000, according to city-data.com. Capitol Hill Seattle appeals to young professionals, single people and students, as well as couples and families wanting a melting pot of a neighborhood community.
Capitol Hill is an example of true diversity. With ethnic minorities accounting for about 25 percent of the neighborhood’s population — Asian Americans make up nearly 10 percent of the population (making it Capitol Hill’s largest minority). Latinos and Hispanics make up about 6 percent of the population. African Americans account for 4 percent.
Capitol Hill has seen a 25 percent decline in LGTBQI residents in recent years. LGTBQI residents have moved into many different areas of the city. Seattle is known for having the second-highest LGTBQI population in the country behind San Francisco.
The average age of locals is about 36 years old.
Education
Capitol Hill offers residents a choice of schools. Seattle’s public school district includes two elementary schools (Stevens and Lowell), one middle school — Washington — and two high schools — Garfield and Nova.
Private schools include Catholic schools St. Joseph, Holy Name Academy, O’Dea High School and Seattle Preparatory (a Jesuit coed high school). Seattle Hebrew Academy is a school for early childhood through eighth grade. Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences is a high school combining students from public and private backgrounds.
Safety
Protesters focused on the Capitol Hill area following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protesters established the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, covering about six blocks. As a political area, expect political protests and social justice protests as part of life here.
Protesting aside, Capitol Hill is a very safe area in Seattle — according to the Seattle Police Department’s crime dashboard.
Recreation/Entertainment
Locals enjoy Capitol Hill Seattle’s parks. Volunteer Park hosts green events and festivals, including past Pride celebrations. Today, it’s an excellent area in which to play or picnic, as well as enjoy the conservatory.
Cal Anderson Park is a popular public park in Seattle. Anderson Park is best known for its reflection pool and oversized chess boards.
Transportation
The downtown commute takes only a few minutes on a good day.
About 37 percent of locals have a weekday commute of fewer than 20 minutes while about 18 percent of commuters spend between 20-35 minutes driving to work and from work. Only about 15 percent of Capitol Hill Seattle residents drive 45-60 minutes to work.
Public transportation is popular in Seattle — even in Capitol Hill. The light rail station is near the intersection of Broadway and East John Street. Bus routes serving Capitol Hill include Routes 8, 43, 49 and 60.
History
Originally named Broadway Hill, Capitol Hill received its permanent name when the area planned to serve as the state capitol before Olympia’s selection.
Early on in its history, Seattle accepted the LGTBQI community. Capitol Hill became known for its open support for LGTBQI people during the 1960s, attracting people looking for a place that fits their vibe.
10 things to do in Capitol Hill, Seattle
Capitol Hill Seattle’s unique vibe invites people to explore the area. The Jimi Hendrix statue, near the intersection of Broadway and Pine, is a popular attraction.
- Pay your respects to martial arts and cultural icons Bruce Lee and his son Brandon — buried next to each other at Lake View Cemetery.
- Stop and smell the flowers at the Volunteer Park Conservatory, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.
- Sample freshly-ground coffee beans from around the world with a flight of espresso and other drinks at the world’s first Starbucks Reserve and Roastery.
- Enjoy art and sculptures at the Asian Art Museum.
- Housed in a former Masonic temple, watch a movie at the classic SIFF Egyptian Theater.
- The Japanese Gardens are a 3.5-acre park with walking paths featuring Japanese lanterns.
- The Washington Park Arboretum features flowers like azaleas and rhododendrons.
- Get lost and find new pageturners to read with a visit to the Elliott Bay Book Company.
- Check out the classics at Everyday Music, where you can buy vintage vinyl albums, CDs and DVDs.
- Enjoy live music at any of the venues in Capitol Hill, such as Neumos and Chop Suey.
Finding an apartment in Capitol Hill, Seattle
Embracing diversity, Capitol Hill in Seattle is the perfect place to call home.
