Best Neighborhoods In Seattle

Want to live in an area with hip coffee shops, a thriving job market and some of the best outdoor activities at your doorstep? Then Seattle could be the place for you!
The Emerald City is vibrant and diverse with many neighborhoods, each with their own unique character and charm. But which one is the best for you to live in?
As a Seattleite who has spend more than 30 years in the city living, working, and raising a family, I know a thing or two about it. So, I'm highlighting the best
neighborhoods in Seattle based on:

• Atmosphere: Entertainment, Nightlife, Shopping, Restaurants, Beauty, Parks

• Amenities: Points of Interest, Public Transit, Schools

• Experience: Walkability, Neighborhood Events, Safety

Best Neighborhoods In Seattle

Want to live in an area with hip coffee shops, a thriving job market and some of the best outdoor activities at your doorstep? Then Seattle could be the place for you!

The Emerald City is vibrant and diverse with many neighborhoods, each with their own unique character and charm. But which one is the best for you to live in?

As a Seattleite who has spend more than 30 years in the city living, working, and raising a family, I know a thing or two about it. So, I'm highlighting the best neighborhoods in Seattle based on:

• Atmosphere: Entertainment, Nightlife, Shopping, Restaurants, Beauty, Parks

• Amenities: Points of Interest, Public Transit, Schools

• Experience: Walkability, Neighborhood Events, Safety

Capitol Hill

Perched between Lake Union and East Seattle is the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. The area is the definition of diverse — Seattle’s oldest mansions, converted lofts, and modern condos, the grunge set and private school students, upscale eateries and delicious dives all mix here.

As the Castro District of Seattle, Capitol Hill is the hub for our proud gay/LBGTQ community. With Seattle University and Seattle Central Community College located on the hill, lots of young people spend time in the area for its proximity to school and its alternative, urban vibe. Families are also drawn to North Capitol Hill’s numerous schools, parks, and stately homes.

Capitol Hill’s central location and adjacent I-5 make the neighborhood easily accessible. The Link Light Rail station at Broadway and John makes going virtually anywhere in Seattle a breeze – popular stops include the downtown core, UW, and SeaTac Airport. Buses headed everywhere stop along the bustling streets, and cyclists use the convenient bike lanes to weave their way throughout the neighborhood.

Things to Do in the Capitol Hill Neighborhood:
Explore the Seattle Asian Art Museum, climb the water tower, marvel at the dahlia garden, and check out the flora-filled conservatory at Volunteer Park. Play chess on oversized boards, relax next to the fountain, and walk the paths at Cal Anderson Park.

Broadway is Capitol Hill’s commercial core, 15th Avenue boasts killer restaurants offering local and international cuisines, and the Pike and Pine corridor is packed with pubs, eateries, shops, and nightlife destinations. From tasty noodles to mind-blowing sandwiches, sweet pie to Southern staples, late-night Mexican to upscale foodie finds, Capitol Hill is covered in amazing restaurants.

You’ll also find art galleries, a beloved bookstore, vintage alcoves, a huge bowling and pool hall, indie boutiques, classic movie theaters, and concert venues. A major highlight every year is the Capitol Hill Block Party, a three-day music festival that showcases the neighborhood’s diverse people, shops, and culture.

Madison Park

Nestled between the serene shores of Lake Washington and the bustling streets of East Seattle lies Madison Park, a charming neighborhood with a laid-back atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. Madison Park is renowned for its elegant homes, tree-lined streets, and vibrant community spirit. From its stunning waterfront parks to its cozy cafes and upscale boutiques, Madison Park offers residents and visitors alike a delightful blend of natural beauty and urban amenities.

Mount Baker

Tucked away in Seattle's southeastern corner, Mount Baker stands out as a peaceful residential area celebrated for its natural charm and tight-knit community spirit. Defined by its leafy avenues and breathtaking vistas overlooking Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, Mount Baker presents residents with a tranquil retreat from city life, all the while maintaining easy access to urban conveniences. Boasting well-groomed parks, neighborhood stores, and a welcoming ambiance, Mount Baker emerges as an idyllic locale for families and individuals in search of a serene yet lively environment to settle down.

Northwest Seattle

Bound by scenic Puget Sound, bustling Aurora Avenue, and suburb Shoreline is Northwest Seattle. The area includes several family-oriented communities — Bitter Lake, Broadview, Crown Hill, Greenwood, Loyal Heights, North Beach, Blue Ridge, and Whittier Heights.

Young families seek out this area when other neighborhoods become too rowdy, and many end up staying for good — with spectacular views of Puget Sound with the Qlympic Mountains as its backdrop, why go anywhere else? While homes dominate the area, condos keep popping up. Residents who commute can easily hop on 99 for a short trip Downtown, and the area’s many thoroughfares make catching the bus simple.

Things to Do in the Northwest Seattle Neighborhood
Nature lovers flock to the prominent green spots in the area. The 220-acre Carkeek Park is home to Pipers Creek, miles of trails, impressive views of the Olympic Mountains — the perfect spot for a picnic or hike. Locals break a sweat or stroll with pups in tow through Llandover Woods, and when the weather is warm, residents think Bitter Lake (don’t let the name scare you) for boating and fishing.

Natives don’t have to go far for a delicious dirty spoon breakfast, organic cup of joe, locally brewed pint, or Dick’s burger. Score a vintage gem at a thrift store packed with treasures or satisfy your green thumb at a huge nursery that’s truly a plant lover’s paradise.