Have you been wondering which of the many excellent Seattle neighborhoods to move to? With so many options, it’s no wonder you find it difficult to choose between some of the best neighborhoods in Seattle. Each part of the metropolis has something to offer, and there are always some aspects that will make one area better than the other. It all depends on your expectations.
But, no matter what you’re looking for, certain areas simply stand out on every possible list of top-ranked districts here. You’re probably wondering what makes them so desirable. We are here to answer that question and suggest some places that might be the right choice for you. Whether you’re single or you have a family, you can be sure there’s just the right corner somewhere around. Moving to Seattle is always a good choice, as it has something to offer for everyone.
If You’re Relocating Alone, Consider One of the Coolest Neighborhoods in Seattle, Such as Ballard
If you’re moving to the city alone, here’s some good news – the metropolis is full of cool, buzzing communities you’ll just love from the very first day. One of the trendiest areas you can choose is Ballard, the more and more popular destination in the northwest portion.
You can find a wide range of trendy places to eat and drink, alongside upscale boutiques. With some of the best restaurants in Seattle located down Ballard Avenue, you’ll hardly ever feel like cooking for yourself, even though you went through the trouble of packing kitchen items for moving. And who could blame you, right?
In addition to world-class eateries, the beautiful waterfront is another reason why Ballard attracts tourists, newcomers, and locals from other areas, as well. There are also various festivals to check out, such as SeafoodFest, held in July.
Ballard is also an excellent choice for those moving with pets as it ranks as one of the most pet-friendly areas around town.
Take a Break From the City Hustle and Bustle on the Sandy Beach at Golden Gardens Park
After a long week, when you need to recharge your batteries, head straight to the Golden Gardens Park. Not only do you get to enjoy stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, but you get to do so from the beautiful sandy beach. If you feel like hiking, there are forest trails, too. Or you can just have a picnic and take your kids to the playground. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but you’ll be happy to hear that there is an off-leash area in the northern part of the park.
As for other activities, you can reserve a beach volleyball court, too. The waiting list can be long during summer, so be sure you book your date well in advance. The price is $8 per hour, and players need to bring their own net and ball.
Head to Chinatown-International District to Learn More About Asian Culture
Located just south of downtown, Chinatown-International District is another vibrant community where you can never be bored. If you love learning about new cultures and you like the idea of living in a unique area, you’ll love this Asian corner. One of the great places to learn more about Asian culture here is the Wing Luke Museum.
Since this is one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas around, you can enjoy getting to know it through long walks. And even when you settle in, you can count to get anywhere you want on foot. When you get tired, you can stop for a bubble tea, a popular Taiwanese tea-based drink.
Speaking of drinks, we should also mention that this area is known for a variety of excellent restaurants, too. You can try all kinds of culinary delicacies, and there’s always something new on the menu.
Clear Your Schedule for Various Events
Chinatown-International District is a historical area with a lot to tell, so you’ll have a lot to learn. One of the reasons why this cultural hub is so significant is that it is the only area in the continental US where different cultures joined to build one neighborhood. So, get ready to soak up the culture of Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, African Americans, and Vietnamese all in one place.
When you live in the Chinatown-International District, you can explore the cultural heritage through various festivals, parades, fairs, and other events all year long. Some of the most popular events include the Lunar New Year celebration, the Moon Festival, and Bon Odori, which is part of the summer Seafair festival. Most of them are held somewhere around the Hing Hay Park, or otherwise called “Park for Pleasurable Gatherings.”
Enjoy the Thriving Music Scene and Vibrant Nightlife in Belltown
How do you like the idea of living downtown, on the city’s waterfront, and enjoy a bustling late-night scene and hectic pace of life? If this is how you picture your perfect community, Belltown is probably just the right way to go. Whether you feel like going to a bar, partying at a nightclub, or you’re up for a relaxing Italian lounge, you’ll find plenty of options all around Belltown.
Belltown has a high walkability score, so you don’t need your car or public transport. Wherever you’re going, you can get there on foot and enjoy the surroundings along the way. It is only 15 minutes away from downtown, so even when you’re going to the center, it will be just a short walk away. When you don’t feel like walking, biking is another great option here.
It is often considered the entertainment district and known for its vibrant music scene and nightlife. But in addition to over a hundred restaurants and more than 40 nightclubs, Belltown has a lot to offer for daytime pleasures, too.
Enjoy Outdoor Art During the Day
If you get a bit tired of the vibrant nightlife, that doesn’t mean that there’ll be nothing else to do. On the contrary – Belltown is full of beautiful art pieces to admire in the open space. From fantastic murals to sculptures, there’s so much to see.
One of the most popular attractions is the Olympic Sculpture Park, a nine-acre waterfront park where you can see more than 20 monumental sculptures. There are also miles of bike paths, so if you feel like it, you can enjoy the tour on your two-wheeler. This park is a perfect place for a family picnic, too. There is also an amphitheater for outdoor events. Some even schedule wedding receptions here.
Capitol Hill Is the Right Choice for Those Looking for Hip Seattle Neighborhoods
Located east of downtown, Capitol Hill is one of the most desirable locations among hipsters. It is another fast-paced area with a wide range of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other places to go out and have fun. It is also known for a variety of music venues, so be sure you save the date for indie-rock, hip-hop, or some other concert at Neumos.
Considering the urban vibe, vibrant nightlife, and live music venues, it comes as no surprise that Capitol Hill is primarily popular among the young. It is also known as Seattle’s LGBT center.
What locals usually don’t like about this area is that it can be rather challenging to find a parking spot. No wonder, considering how densely populated the area is. But the good news is that you can go anywhere you want on foot or your bike.
The high concentration of trendy bars and restaurants, boutiques, and various happenings have all earned Capitol Hill its famous nickname: “Seattle’s Hipster Haven.” But you shouldn’t forget about the outdoors, either.
You Can Also Spend Some Quality Time in Nature in Capitol Hill
Even though it is mostly known as a hip area with a vibrant culture and numerous places to go out, Capitol Hill is also full of open spaces where you can enjoy your free time. For instance, you shouldn’t miss a walk around Volunteer Park, where you can see some of the city’s landmarks or simply enjoy nature.
Being home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory, this is a lovely place to visit with your family, with friends, or all by yourself. In any case, there’s plenty to see that you’ll surely enjoy your visit, from the Historic Victorian greenhouse to various tropical and subtropical plants and much more in between.
Looking for a Job in the Biotech Industry? Move to South Lake Union
South Lake Union might be just the right place for those wondering about how to get a job before you move. While there are plenty of employment opportunities, this area is still particularly suitable for people relocating for a job in biotechnology. The technological development of this area has become quite evident during the last decade, making South Lake Union a rather popular location. It all started when Amazon announced that they would move the headquarters to this area.
In addition to biotechnology, this area offers plenty of employment opportunities in some other industries, including the following:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Retail
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Hospitality
The neighborhood alone boasts places where you can go to relax, too. But when you feel the need for even more peace and tranquility, you can find your escape in the nearby University District.
When in South Lake Union, Be Sure to Stop by University District
Only a short seven-minute drive away from South Lake Union is another great community you should check out – University District. It is known as a relaxed area where you can enjoy a casual hangout when you get tired of the hectic pace of life in South Lake Union. There is quite a lot happening here, too, but this charming place simply has a relaxed, youthful feel that makes you slow down and recharge your batteries.
A simple walk around the area is enough to have a lovely day or two. From admirable historic buildings to sprawling green spaces, there’s so much to enjoy here. There are also several beautiful gardens you should visit. And if you plan your tour in the spring, the blossoming cherry trees will make your experience even more memorable. Another great way to spend your time outdoors in the University District is to hop on your bike and go cycling down Burke-Gilman trail.
Consider Queen Anne If You’re Looking for the Safest Neighborhoods in Seattle
Those of you moving from a small town to a big city might be somewhat worried about safety. But even such a large metropolis can feel just as safe as your cozy small town when you know where to go. So, if safety is your primary concern, we suggest that you move to Queen Anne. Being located on a hill, the neighborhood offers stunning views of the Emerald City.
Queen Anne can be split into four distinctive regions. The north portion, facing Fremont, is perhaps the most peaceful one, while the south part is the closest you can get to downtown. East and West Queen Anne are known as desirable residential areas.
Whichever part of it that you eventually choose, high safety is guaranteed. The neighborhood is safer than 63% of Washington cities, so you’ve got nothing to worry about. However, beware that this is one of the most affluent areas, too, so plan your finances accordingly.
It Would Be Best to Save up Before Moving to Queen Anne
Since this is such a fantastic area with so much to offer, naturally, these amenities come at a somewhat high price. The cost of living index shows that the prices here are higher than the average in Washington, as well as the rest of the city.
The most expensive item is housing. Whether you’re thinking about buying or renting, be prepared for rather steep prices. According to Zillow, the median home value in Upper Queen Anne is about $1,000,000, while the median home price is close to $810,000. So, before you pack your bags, be sure you save up some money and land a well-paid job.
Speaking of packing, if you can’t handle it, turn to experts who can offer packing services. If you have some extra stuff, you can ask for storage services, too. Now, let’s see where you should go if you’re relocating on a tight budget.
Head to South Park, One of the Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Seattle, If You Want to Save a Few Bucks
If relocating to Queen Anne is not an option for you, and you’re looking for quite the opposite in terms of the cost of living, you should consider South Park. Since the Duwamish River meanders through, this area first became famous for its fertile soil. Even though it has changed a lot, especially over the last decade, it is still a rather popular part to live in, mostly because of the reasonable prices.
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The neighborhood is continually developing, so you can be sure it has a lot to offer. You just don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get everything you need. There are a number of parks to spend your free time. Or, if you feel like it, you can explore its numerous wineries and breweries, too.
In case you’re moving from an apartment to a house, you’ll be happy to hear that there are some rather affordable houses in South Park. According to AreaVibes, the median home value in this small neighborhood is just over $193,000. Compared to the rest of the city and Washington, it’s a rather good deal.
In Case You Don’t Like South Park, Consider Georgetown
If for any reason, you may not be satisfied with what South Park has to offer, you don’t have to go far to find another affordable area. Located just south of the center, Georgetown is another excellent option if you don’t have the financial means to live downtown, but you want to stay close to the center. There are great restaurants and nightclubs to check out, but you can also enjoy outdoor activities. Even though there is one school, Georgetown is primarily suitable for singles and couples without kids.
West Seattle Is of the Best Neighborhoods in Seattle for Families
If moving to the suburbs is the right choice for you, then you’ll be happy with what West Seattle has to offer. This family-friendly area offers a small-town feel where you and your family can feel safe. You can also enjoy some of the best things to do in Seattle with kids. You won’t have to put up with any of the hustle and bustle of the center. Yet again, when you feel like going downtown, you can be there in just 15 minutes.
The laid-back community is perfect for raising your kids. Plus, you can take them to the beach anytime you want. Whenever you want to get back to nature, you’ll have plenty of options around here. One of the areas that stand out (though the entire area is excellent for families) is North Admiral. Let’s find out a bit more about it.
North Admiral Is One of the Most Desirable Seattle Neighborhoods
This tight-knit community is one of Seattle’s oldest. Hence its irresistible charm. Whether you enjoy going through the forests or you’d rather go for a run, you’ll love every corner of this area. When the spring comes, you can have a picnic with your loved ones and make a day of it. The spectacular views North Admiral offers are enough to make you fall in love with it over and over again.
Apart from nature, several top-ranked schools located within the area also make it quite desirable among people relocating with kids. So, if you, too, are wondering about the best schools for your children, here’s where to look.
What Neighborhood Should I Live in Seattle?
You may have hoped for it, but there is no single answer to this question. And how could it be with so many fantastic options all around town, right? Let your needs and preferences be your guide and enjoy living in Seattle to the fullest. If you’re looking for peace and quiet for your family, head west. If you’re looking for a vibrant community, downtown won’t disappoint you.
If you’ve found your dream home on this list, it might be time to start getting organized to move. Make sure you find a job before you relocate, as the cost of living in Seattle is somewhat high.
When you settle the matter of employment and housing, you can also start planning what to do around town. You’re probably already in love with your chosen neighborhood. But don’t forget that there are so many unique things to do in Seattle and so many places worth visiting. It would be a shame not to explore the rest of the Emerald City.
Do You Need Professional Moving Assistance?
If you’re worried about the relocation process, remember that you can always turn to professional Seattle movers for help. If you’re planning to get around town in your own vehicle, feel free to ask for auto transport, among other services. Let experts give you a hand while you’re planning your new life in the Emerald City.