But, there’s so much more percolating in this iconic Northwest city than meets the eye. Counterbalancing the crunchy zeitgeist of Seattle‘s unique neighborhoods, captains of industry (Amazon and Boeing, among others) have more than 100,000 resident employees here, and one of the nation’s largest Chinatowns ensures you’re never far from a traditional Szechuan dish to light your world on fire.
The most popular Seattle neighborhoods and nearby cities for renters
You don’t have to settle (for much) in Seattle. Grab a cup of fair-trade joe from La Marzocco and learn about the most popular parts of the city, and then take our Seattle neighborhood quiz to find out which one you should call home.
Belltown
Shorty’s brings the circus to town with a funky big-top vibe complete with a full arcade, but just around the block, you can find Bathtub Gin & Co., which serves the elevated Atticus Finch cocktail. Whether you have an affinity for craft brews or you’re channeling your inner Snoop Dogg, the off-the-wall combination of fancy and funky makes Belltown home for anyone seeking eclectic, authentic Seattle.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Belltown will set you back about $2,840 each month on average.
Queen Anne
Just north of downtown and set atop a hill, Queen Anne delivers killer views of the city. Foodie gems abound here, including 65-year-old Canlis, which serves local cuisine in four masterful courses (everything from vichyssoise to crispy sea bream). For more old-school cool, locals head to the stunning Seattle Repertory Theatre. Queen Anne’s seamless blend of trendy and traditional makes it the perfect settle-down spot for families and trendsetters alike.
A one-bedroom apartment in Queen Anne will cost about $2,500 a month.
West Seattle
West Seattle‘s coastal vibe lends itself to cable-knit sweaters and strolls along Alki Beach. The Lobster Mobster Pernod chowder and views of Elliot Bay at Duke’s Seafood & Chowder aren’t a tough sell for empty nesters who want access to Seattle culture but also need a little sand between their toes.
An average one-bedroom apartment in Seattle is about $2,200 a month.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill‘s Unicorn hosts the sassy drag musical “Mimosas Cabaret” every Sunday, and Smith is a rustic eatery where brunch items like seared tuna Nicoise reign supreme. The neighborhood’s rainbow crosswalks and nightlife, combined with a concerted effort to maintain green space, make this the place for those seeking both culture and a raucous good time.
It costs about $2,460 a month for an average one-bedroom apartment in Capitol Hill.
Fremont
Despite Seattle’s 37 inches of annual rainfall, it’s clear skies for counterculture in Fremont. From the 16-foot statue of Vladimir Lenin to the sort-of-creepy sculpture Waiting for the Interurban to shots of booze you’ve never heard of at The Backdoor’s Industry Night, this is a hipster wonderland.
A one-bedroom apartment in Fremont can be yours for about $2,340 each month.
Downtown
Downtown Seattle is full of must-see destinations. There’s bustling Pike Place Market, nearby Chinatown and the galleries and boutiques of historic Pioneer Square, but dig deeper and you’ll be rewarded with treasures like a lovingly used Chomsky title at Left Bank Books and the elegant chocolate notes of the Lapdance cocktail at Radiator Whiskey.
Living downtown is a little more expensive than other nearby neighborhoods. The average one-bedroom apartment rents for about $2,765 here.
Ballard
Ballard has been discovered, eliciting the collective groan of hipsters playing sand volleyball in Golden Gardens Park. But this neighborhood continues to elevate and evolve, thanks to the bespoke denim at style-savvy boutiques like Ketch and the savory shakshouka at Porkchop & Co. The neighborhood also has strong nautical ties, and the salmon ladder at the Ballard Locks is a must-see.
A one-bedroom apartment in Ballard will cost you about $2,170 on average each month.
Sammamish
A short commute to Microsoft’s campus and surrounded by the natural splendor of Evans Creek Preserve and Soaring Eagle Regional Park, Sammamish is a hikeable, bikeable and super-likable vision of American suburbia. Great schools and quaint craftsman architecture in a serene lake setting make the neighborhood a go-to for families.
A one-bedroom apartment in Sammamish rents for a very family-friendly $1,675 a month.
Find the best Seattle neighborhood for you
Still not sure which Seattle neighborhood is perfect to call your home? Simply answer a few questions and we’ll tell you!
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