Seattle is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price point. From the bustling streets of Capitol Hill to the laid-back vibes of Fremont, there's a neighborhood for every budget and lifestyle. Here's your guide to finding the right fit.
Jump to Your Budget
Under $1,600/month
Finding a decent studio or 1BR under $1,600 in Seattle proper is challenging but possible. You'll have the best luck in South Seattle and North Seattle neighborhoods further from downtown.
Columbia City
South SeattleDiverse, artsy neighborhood with great restaurants and a farmers market. Light rail access to downtown in 15 minutes. Rapidly improving.
Beacon Hill
South SeattleOne of Seattle's most diverse neighborhoods. Amazing Asian food, community feel, Jefferson Park. Light rail to downtown.
Rainier Valley
South SeattleSeattle's most affordable area with Light Rail. Diverse, authentic, great Ethiopian and Vietnamese food. Up-and-coming.
Northgate
North SeattleNewly connected by Light Rail (2021). Near Northgate Mall redevelopment, parks, and easy highway access. Good value.
$1,600-$2,000/month
This budget opens up more options including some popular neighborhoods with good transit and walkability.
University District
North SeattleNear University of Washington. Young, energetic, affordable for Seattle. Light Rail to downtown. Great food options.
Greenwood
North SeattleResidential, quiet, with a charming main street. Near Phinney Ridge. Good bus connections. Family-friendly feel.
Central District
Central SeattleHistoric African American neighborhood, now gentrifying. Close to downtown, great restaurants. Changing rapidly.
Roosevelt
North SeattleNew Light Rail station (2021). Mix of new apartments and older homes. Near UW. Quickly developing.
$2,000-$2,500/month
This budget gets you into some of Seattle's most popular and walkable neighborhoods.
Ballard
Northwest SeattleTrendy neighborhood with breweries, restaurants, and waterfront. Mix of old Seattle character and new development. Very popular.
Fremont
North Seattle"Center of the Universe" — quirky, artistic, fun. Famous troll, Sunday market, great bars. Walking distance to Ballard.
Wallingford
North SeattleResidential charm with walkable main street (45th). Near Gas Works Park. Family-friendly but still fun. Good food scene.
First Hill
Central Seattle"Pill Hill" — near hospitals and downtown. Streetcar access. Lots of new apartment buildings. Very convenient location.
$2,500+/month
Seattle's most desirable neighborhoods with the best walkability, amenities, and views.
Capitol Hill
Central SeattleSeattle's most vibrant neighborhood. LGBTQ+ friendly, incredible nightlife, restaurants, and Pike/Pine corridor. Light Rail access. The place to be.
South Lake Union
Central SeattleAmazon HQ, tech hub, modern high-rises. Streetcar to downtown. Lake Union access. All new construction with amenities.
Queen Anne
Central SeattleUpper Queen Anne has stunning views and residential charm. Lower Queen Anne is walkable and near Seattle Center. Very desirable.
Belltown
DowntownDowntown urban living. Walk to Pike Place, waterfront. Active nightlife. Can be loud, but incredibly convenient.
West Seattle
Southwest SeattleBeach access, Alki Point, stunning views. More residential/suburban feel. Note: Bridge issues affect commute—check current status.
Research Your Future Neighborhood
Search any Seattle address to see building information, RRIO status, and more.
Tips for Choosing a Neighborhood
- Visit at different times — Day, night, weekday, weekend. Seattle neighborhoods feel different in rain vs. sun.
- Check Light Rail access — Light Rail is expanding and dramatically affects commute times.
- Consider parking — Many Seattle neighborhoods have limited/expensive parking. Can you go car-free?
- Walk the area — Seattle is hilly. Make sure you're okay with the terrain.
- Research the building — A cheap apartment in a poorly maintained building isn't a deal.
- Look outside the core — Light Rail is making South Seattle much more accessible.