Seattle is the fastest-growing major city in the country over the last decade.
The combo of natural beauty, urban amenities and the presence of tech giants including Microsoft, Google and Amazon have triggered an influx of new residents to the Emerald City.
If you are one of those people looking to live in Seattle, we’re here to help you find your perfect neighborhood to call home.
We combed through Google data using generic keyword searches and combined those results with the most searched Seattle neighborhoods on ApartmentGuide.com to determine the five most popular Seattle neighborhoods with renters.
Most Popular Seattle Neighborhoods
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Our data found the most popular Seattle neighborhoods include a mixture of traditionally sought after areas and locales that have become more popular in recent years. These neighborhoods appeal to young professionals and families looking for walkability, restaurants and green spaces. Here is a quick overview of each neighborhood and what you’d expect to pay for rent in each area.
1. Downtown
Filled with classic Seattle spots like Pike Place Market, the Central Library and the ferry terminals, Downtown Seattle has a lot of touristy charm. And yes, the original Starbucks location is here. Smack in the middle of the central business district, it’s a neighborhood popular with professionals. But, being this close to the action means rent is slightly higher than average.
Property Size | Downtown Average | Seattle Average |
---|---|---|
Studio | $1,707 | $1,707 |
1 BR | $2,379 | $2,347 |
2 BR | $3,647 | $3,325 |
2. Northgate
Northgate has seen a recent boom in new residential developments. The area is named for the huge Northgate Mall at its center. It’s further out from the city center but has easy freeway access. Plus, Northgate’s slightly lower rental prices are a significant draw for young singles and couples.
Property Size | Northgate Average | Seattle Average |
---|---|---|
Studio | $1,450 | $1,707 |
1 BR | $1,700 | $2,347 |
2 BR | $2,528 | $3,325 |
3. Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is a vibrant, artsy neighborhood with endlessly cool bars, restaurants and music venues. Probably the trendiest area in the city, it’s where Seattleites go for nightlife – though the nearby Volunteer Park is also a peaceful spot to decompress. If you love busy, bustling urban areas where there’s always something to do, the higher-than-average rent might be worthwhile.
Property Size | Capitol Hill Average | Seattle Average |
---|---|---|
Studio | $1,581 | $1,707 |
1 BR | $1,809 | $2,347 |
2 BR | $2,712 | $3,325 |
4. Ballard
Originally a fishing community, Ballard is now a hip neighborhood popular with young families and beer aficionados – there are nearly a dozen craft breweries in a five-square-mile radius. It’s an extremely walkable and bikeable neighborhood, but rental prices are well above the city average.
Property Size | Ballard Average | Seattle Average |
---|---|---|
Studio | $1,873 | $1,707 |
1 BR | $2,880 | $2,347 |
2 BR | $4,207 | $3,325 |
5. Queen Anne
Perched high on a hill, Queen Anne is a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood boasting 100-year-old houses and some of the most gorgeous views in the city. Kerry Park’s vista of the Space Needle and Elliott Bay makes it popular with tourists, while the Ship Canal Trail is ideal for a bike ride or jog. Despite its wealthy reputation, rent is reasonable compared to other neighborhoods.
Property Size | Queen Anne Average | Seattle Average |
---|---|---|
Studio | $1,553 | $1,707 |
1 BR | $2,142 | $2,347 |
2 BR | $2,906 | $3,325 |
The rent information included in this article is based on current rental property inventory on ApartmentGuide.com and is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.