Areas and suburbs in Seattle

The best places to live in Seattle

Finding the best places to live in Seattle involves sorting through a wide range of areas and suburbs for expats to choose from. The decision of which neighbourhood to live in will be influenced by a variety of factors, including lifestyle preferences, budget, and, critically, the daily commute and proximity to essential services such as public transport.

For parents, the Seattle public school system is often a deciding factor in selecting the right neighbourhood. Public school catchment areas are split geographically, giving preference to students within a certain radius of the school. Many families pick their neighbourhoods based on the ranking of schools.

With so many choices, expats may wonder where to begin. For a start, here are a few recommended Seattle neighbourhoods worth considering.

Central Seattle

Once home to illustrious figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones and Bruce Lee, Central Seattle is a diverse region with varied economic and cultural activities. Belltown is one of the closest areas to the city centre, and housing here is mostly apartments. Owing to traffic congestion and a lack of parking spots, you’ll likely prefer walking or using public transport if living here.

Capitol Hill, Lower Queen Anne and Eastlake are also close to Seattle’s city centre, as are the International District (formerly known as Chinatown) and Montlake. These areas tend to be full of activity and feature different types of housing. Noise levels are a significant factor to consider before moving here, particularly noise generated by the Interstate 5 highway.

These neighbourhoods are popular with young professionals and executives who want to be within easy reach of their office buildings. Those who have high disposable income tend to prefer city living as it gives them access to the best shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Public Transport in Seattle

North Seattle

North Seattle is popular with families thanks to the large number of well-regarded schools in the area. There are plenty of single-family homes and townhouses here to accommodate those with children. Popular neighbourhoods in North Seattle include Ballard, Bryant, Wallingford, Ravenna and the University District.

The University District, or the U District as it is popularly known, surrounds the University of Washington. This area features urban shopping areas alongside historic architecture, excellent cafés and theatres. As a result of the U District’s large student population, there are many big houses with multiple bedrooms that are rented out to students. Newcomers looking for budget accommodation and houseshares will find plenty of options here.

If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, you’ll love living in North Seattle. Residents often walk or run around Green Lake, kayak on Lake Union, cycle on the Burke Gilman Trail, or catch a football game at Husky Stadium.

The School System in Seattle

South Seattle

Recommended residential areas in South Seattle include Columbia City, Mount Baker and Seward Park. These neighbourhoods are famously diverse, and if you decide to live here, you will likely find a welcoming, international community.

Columbia City is the commercial hub for the South Seattle area, built around a historic main street. It is filled with retailers, dining establishments and entertainment options. The eateries found here are famously diverse, with restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world.

Seward Park and Mount Baker are close to Lake Washington and full of green spaces, which is ideal if you enjoy jogging and cycling. It’s worth mentioning that while the Link Light Rail serves the area (a major plus for commuting), public transport coverage can be patchy away from the main corridors. Many residents find that a car is still necessary for convenience.

Lifestyle and Activities in Seattle

West Seattle

West Seattle has some of the most naturally scenic neighbourhoods in the city, offering fantastic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Areas such as North Admiral, Alki, Fauntleroy and the West Seattle Junction are highly sought after. This part of Seattle is popular if you enjoy being close to nature.

While this is a lovely area, new arrivals should be prepared to spend more on housing than they would in some other parts of Seattle. The area is made up of hilly suburbs strung along the western side of the Duwamish River. It hosts several popular natural settings, including Alki Beach and Lincoln Park. It’s often said West Seattle has a ‘peninsula’ feel, feeling separate from the city – a pro for some, but a con for others. While the West Seattle Bridge is now fully operational, the commute should still be a key consideration.