Top Neighborhoods to Check Out If You’re Moving to Seattle
If a move to the majestic Emerald City is in your future, know that you’re not alone! Seattle is attracting record numbers of newcomers and it’s not hard to see why; temperate weather, a laid-back west-coast vibe, abundant natural beauty, and a thriving job market…this city has it all! Whether you’re looking for a trendy loft sandwiched between a local craft brewery and an art gallery, or a rowhouse on a quiet tree-lined street, Seattle has a diverse array of housing options to appeal to every taste and lifestyle.
But with the rapidly growing population, the local housing market has become hotter and more competitive than ever, so securing your ideal housing can be a challenge, particularly if you’re ill-prepared. Here’s a hot tip: start by scoping out your top list of Seattle neighborhoods that align with your budget and living preferences. Narrowing down your search area can make the home search process a little less overwhelming (and can help you from experiencing the inevitable FOMO that comes with viewing options well outside of your budget)!
To get you started, we’re sharing our top list of great, distinctly different Seattle neighborhoods that meet the delicate balance between being high on the popularity scale but also offering an ample number of options for newcomers looking to rent or purchase. Let’s dive right in:
FREMONT
A popular destination for the city’s tech workers and art-minded locals alike, Fremont has a laid-back, bohemian vibe cultivated by the many indie shops, quirky sculptures, and funky bars and eateries dotting the neighborhood. The Fremont Sunday Street Market attracts Seattleites from across the city and is a hot spot for art, antiques, and trendy food trucks. The Fremont neighborhood, situated in the center of the city (north of Downtown), has a good selection of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos available, with rent prices hovering slightly below the Seattle average.
BELLTOWN
If you’re keen to settle a little closer to the heart of the city, Belltown may be your best bet. Steps from downtown Seattle, this densely populated, hip waterfront neighborhood is peppered with high-rise condo buildings and an enticing collection of trendy restaurants, artsy boutiques, bars, galleries, and nightclubs. One of the most walkable neighborhoods in Seattle, it’s easy to enjoy all the sights, sounds, and flavors that Belltown has to offer. There are no schools in the area, and since housing is limited to apartment and condo units, living here is best suited to young working professionals and couples without children.
What do we love most about Belltown? Olympic Sculpture Park. Perfect for when you need a break from the buzz, this waterfront park is Seattle’s largest downtown green space, offering nine acres of monumental sculptures, and breath-taking views of Mt. Rainier and the city’s signature ferry boats.
PIONEER SQUARE
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s first unofficial neighborhood, so naturally, it is rich in historic charm, from the 1800s Renaissance Revival architecture to cobblestone streets and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Many of the neighborhood’s oldest buildings are protected by the city’s preservation movement, but there is considerable development around these landmarks, with many condos and apartment buildings popping up across Pioneer Square. Widely known for its many art galleries filling its historic buildings, Pioneer Square also boasts the highest concentration of bars in the city, so the neighborhood tends to attract lots of singles and young 
professionals.
One of the crowning jewels of the neighborhood is UPS Park; a tiny hidden park featuring an artificial waterfall, Japanese garden, and seating areas. Often overlooked, this serene alcove serves as a tranquil oasis away from the bustling streets and tourists!
Pioneer square sits just south of the downtown core, about a 10-minute walk or a 5-minute bike ride from the central business district.
BALLARD
This once sleepy, working-class fishing community has evolved into a popular destination for families and craft-brew lovers in Seattle and is truly one of the city’s most unique neighborhoods. Ballard is cozy and very walkable, with water on both sides and unparalleled views of the Olympic mountains. Ballard sits about a 10-minute drive away from downtown Seattle, but Ballard locals will boast that you’ll never have to leave, as the small community has it all: ample green spaces, good schools, and the buzzing Ballard Old Town with cafes, shops, upscale restaurants, lively dive bars, entertainment venues, and – of course – craft breweries galore! Ballard also offers a broad range of housing options to meet most preferences. North of 65th you’ll find quiet, tree-lined streets with single-family homes, and south of 65th are higher-density townhomes, condos, and apartments closer to the area’s social hubs.
While these neighborhoods are all relatively close to Seattle’s downtown core, there are a vast number of neighborhoods and suburbs further from the hub that maintains the same eclectic charm and easy access to urban amenities, while offering more affordably priced housing options. Working with a trusted home-search professional is invaluable in helping you target the right neighborhoods based on your budget, needs, lifestyle, and your unique wish list.
Reach out to relo-to’s seasoned Seattle relocation experts to learn how our Neighborhood Home Search service can help you find the best community to re-plant your roots in the Emerald City!