Explore Seattle Neighborhoods

Housing options in Seattle are as varied as the population, with everything from high tech, ultra-modern penthouses to quaint older homes.

Ballard

Ballard is a hip and trendy neighborhood just minutes north of downtown Seattle. Ballard is known for its Scandinavian roots—early settlers found the beautiful landscape reminiscent of the fjords and mountains in their home country. The growth in this desirable area means there’s an abundance of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes offering a choice between an urban or suburban lifestyle. Residents enjoy nationally-recognized restaurants, indie shops, breweries, and a farmer’s market. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Ballard’s access to the great outdoors, including the zoo, urban hiking trails, and fabulous parks.

Belltown

Belltown is one of Seattle's most walkable and densely-populated areas. The neighborhood offers unique stores plus a wide range of music venues and nightlife options. Belltown’s north end is generally quieter, while the south end comes to life in the evenings. Live in a high-rise apartment or condominium taking in the city, the mountains, or Puget Sound. Regrade Park, the only playground in Belltown, is a play area for dogs, not kids. Bordering on the retail center and Pike Place Market, Belltown offers easy waterfront access.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is a vibrant and socially diverse area home to both business professionals and students due to its proximity to downtown and local universities. As the unofficial center of the LGBTQ scene, great vibes are never far. The blocks around Pike and Pine allow people to bar-hop and listen to live music until early morning, while the quieter north end is home to Volunteer Park and old Seattle estates. Dining options are varied and plentiful. Residents are diverse and tend to lean liberal politically.

East Lake

East Lake is ideal for professionals who want to be close to the city but avoid the issues that come with some of the more popular neighborhoods. While it has historically offered a better value for rentals, pricing started creeping up in the last 5 years when demand exceeded inventory in Seattle. Eastlake Avenue, its main corridor, offers a unique variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can frequently find your neighbors. There are houseboat living possibilities as well as many options for spectacular water views. The South Lake Union Trolley makes commuting easy!

South Lake Union

Popular with young professionals, singles, and couples wanting convenience with regard to working in the city. The prices are relatively high due to South Lake Union’s proximity to Amazon and the fact that these properties are newer. There are lots of apartments, but virtually no townhomes or single-family homes. As city neighborhoods go, South Lake Union is quieter due to few bars and the limited restaurant scene.

Leasing a Property

Whether you go it alone or work with one of our housing providers, it helps to be prepared for what to expect when you sit down to sign a lease. Here are some helpful hints to help you get started.

 

General Advice

  • In a competitive rental market, bring a completed rental application - including all necessary documentation - and a check for security deposit when visiting the property
  • Ask if the landlord offers any favorable terms for your employer
  • Come prepared with enough funds to pay for the first month of rent, plus the deposit amount. Deposit requirements vary, but can be equal to one-month rent (or more)
  • Be extra diligent when reviewing the lease from a private landlord. Unlike large apartment complexes, which generally have well established agreements, private landlords may be less experienced and may include unfavorable or unrealistic clauses
  • Ask a family member, friend, or colleague to come along with you on the move-in inspection to have an extra set of eyes

 

Be Thorough

Be sure to review the lease! Make sure you're comfortable with, and agree to, all of the conditions of your agreement such as:

  • Rules about landlord access and your privacy
  • Any maintenance required of tenant
  • Payment of utilities (typically tenant-paid) 

 

Be Prepared

Many landlords and property management companies have very strict requirements for prospective tenants. Qualifying can at times be challenging and a bit frustrating. Most landlords will require some combination of these documents:

  • Identification
  • Letter of employment
  • Recent pay stub
  • Copy of your credit report

 

Public Transportation

There are many public transportation options in Seattle.  

King Country Metro (Metro) offers public transportation throughout King County, which includes the Greater Seattle area. They run the region’s largest bus network and also provide bikes, rideshares, rail travel, and water taxis. View fares and schedules on their website. 

Sound Transit operates light rail, commuter rail, and express bus service in the Greater Seattle area. View fares and schedules on their website. 

Community Transit operates local buses, paratransits, and vanpool service within Snohomish County as well as commuter buses to Seattle and the University of Washington campus. 

The Washington State Ferry System is the largest in the country and the fourth largest in the world, carrying over 23 million passengers annually. It runs ten routes serving riders located around Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands.  

You may also want to download a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft if you need help getting around. In most areas within and surrounding the city, a requested driver typically arrives within 10 minutes or less.