21 Best Seattle Neighborhoods for 2023 (By a Local)

Seattle’s neighborhoods are diverse and distinctive. Looking for an animated party scene, a laid-back, kid-friendly community, or the best spot to escape into nature? There’s a neighborhood in the Emerald City to satisfy your search. 

While Seattle has over 100 neighborhoods, this list will dive into some of the most prominent. I’ve lived in several and have done my fair share of neighborhood hopping, so I’m familiar with what each offers visitors and potential residents. If you’re just visiting Seattle, you can also check out my article on the best areas to stay in Seattle.

Get ready to find your new favorite! Here are neighborhoods that are the most established, are growing rapidly, and retain an unmistakable charm you’ll find only in Seattle.

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21 Best Neighborhoods in Seattle

Fremont

Seattle’s famously quirky neighborhood with cool art installations, bohemian vibes, and fantastic events. 👉 View top Fremont hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | Fremont Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Staybridge Suites Seattle – Fremont

Nicknamed the “Center of the Universe,” Fremont is home to artists, self-proclaimed hippies, bohemian spirits, and residents who are open to embracing the weird. 

This north Seattle neighborhood boasts numerous art installations (most notably, the Fremont Troll and, controversially, the Lenin Statue). The year-round Fremont Sunday Market attracts people who want to check out all manner of local arts, crafts, and vintage wares.

Dining spots like Revel and The BackDoor keep Fremont firmly on the list of neighborhoods for foodies. Its annual Fremont Solstice Fest is one of Seattle’s biggest festivals that anyone should attend at least once.

People craving a neighborhood with a quirky vibe, quite a bit to do, but a little more removed from the downtown core will want to consider Fremont.

Pros of Fremont

• Artistic, fun, and quirky neighborhood
• Fun events and great dining
• Walkable and bikeable

Cons of Fremont

• Desirable so it can be difficult to find housing
• Parking is a pain

Capitol Hill

A spirited, dynamic neighborhood with LGBTQ roots and a wealth of bars, restaurants, and venues. 👉 View top Capitol Hill hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | Capitol Hill Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle-Broadway

Capitol Hill is all at once irreverent, creative, and fun, which is why it made my list of the best things to do in Seattle.

The north part of the Hill is more residential, with historic mansions, Volunteer Park, and cafes and specialty stores along 15th. The south end is home to gay bars, dance clubs, and music venues (which makes it the perfect spot for the annual Capitol Hill Block Party). Nue, Fogon Cocina Mexicana, and Plum Bistro are highlights of Capitol Hill’s great dining scene.

If you’re looking for excitement and activity, this central Seattle neighborhood is the place to be. Just know that the homes and apartments here are on the higher end of the price range, and its popularity means it can often feel crowded, especially during weekends and big events.

Pros of Capitol Hill

• Tons of great restaurants, bars, and shops
• Access to the light rail and the street car 
• Central location
• Vibrant, fun environment

Cons of Capitol Hill

• Noisy and crowded on weekends
• Expensive
• Parking can be difficult

Green Lake

Relaxed living by the lake and an abundance of outdoor activities make this a family-friendly paradise for nature lovers.

📍 Google Maps | Green Lake Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Graduate Seattle

The Green Lake neighborhood in north Seattle is a relaxed and laid back community. It’s a perfect place for families with kids, people with dogs, and those who love sports and other outdoor activities. 

Green Lake Park and the surrounding area are where much of the action happens. The 3-mile loop around the lake is ideal for biking, jogging, and walking. There are also soccer fields, stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals, and tons of space to picnic or lounge beneath large, shady trees.

Restaurants, cafes, and neighborhood pubs surround the park on the eastern side. Wellness businesses like yoga and barre studios, spas, and massage rooms are easy to find here. With calm energy, largely residential streets, and beautiful green spaces, it’s easy to see why the neighborhood appeals to so many.

Pros of Green Lake

• Many options for outdoor activities
• Dog-friendly and family-friendly neighborhood
• Quiet and relaxed

Cons of Green Lake

• Not great for nightlife
• Far from neighborhoods outside of north Seattle

Belltown

Active, waterfront neighborhood where locals enjoy happy hours, clubs, dive bars, lounges, and some of the best Seattle nightlife. 👉 View top Belltown hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | Belltown Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hotel Andra

Newly built, contemporary apartments and high-rise condos with Puget Sound views are ample in the Belltown neighborhood. Belltown has a longstanding reputation as Seattle’s beacon of nightlife. The number of bars, pubs, lounges, and nightclubs at its core is a testament to this. 

Belltown is home to Crocodile, the birthplace of grunge and a destination venue for music aficionados. Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park are spaces for outdoor rejuvenation where Belltown dwellers can walk, bike, jog or watch sunsets. 

The neighborhood is an ideal spot for social professionals who work downtown and want to be within walking distance to their jobs and popular attractions, with endless options for play close to home. However, with Belltown’s rowdy reputation and proximity to downtown, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings when out late at night.

Pros of Belltown

• Close to popular Seattle attractions
• Endless options for bars and eateries
• Easy access to the waterfront

Cons of Belltown

• Can feel unsafe late at night 
• Grocery stores are not super conveniently located
• Not the best place to own a car

Central District

A historically Black neighborhood with delicious food, easy-going locals, and several cultural venues. 👉 View top Central District hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Art Inn Seattle

The Central District is an easygoing neighborhood east of downtown. Though it’s largely residential, it’s not particularly sleepy. A large concentration of the city’s Ethiopian restaurants is here, along with stand-out soul food joints, a dine-in theater, and several local bars and tap rooms. 

Cultural and artistic venues like the Northwest African American Museum, Pratt Fine Arts Center, and the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center highlight the CD’s importance and significance within the Black community. 

Small parks and playgrounds are abundant, making this a good spot for families, and the Central District’s location makes it an ideal retreat from the activity of places like Cap Hill, with the benefit of being able to easily access it. 

Pros of Central District

• Great local eateries, bars, and cultural activities
• Plenty of green spaces and parks
• Easy access to other places in Seattle

Cons of Central District

• Gentrification has had a major impact on pushing out long-time residents
• Not as walkable as you might expect
• The nightlife is not all clustered in one spot

Ballard

An effortlessly cool neighborhood known for its breweries, local shops, and charming outdoor spaces. 👉 View top Ballard hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | Ballard Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Ballard Inn

Ballard is a large, trendy neighborhood in north Seattle that’s home to plenty of boutique shops, breweries, mouthwateringly-good restaurants, and the beautiful Golden Gardens Beach.

The neighborhood easily caters to those with and without kids. Bars, a virtual reality arcade, board game cafe, pubs, and eateries make up the area along NW Market Street and Ballard Ave. Beer lovers have plenty of options to make them happy since Ballard is known for many of the best craft breweries in Seattle.

To the south, you’ll find the Ballard Locks, a popular attraction along Salmon Bay that connects the Lake Washington Ship Canal to the Puget Sound. Further north into the neighborhood are smaller parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly play spaces. 

Ballard’s nightlife scene isn’t as lively as Belltown or Capitol Hill, so it will suit anyone who prefers to return to a quiet, cozy neighborhood at the end of a fun night out. 

Pros of Ballard

• Great shopping and food district
• Big brewery scene for beer enthusiasts
• Near Golden Gardens Beach

Cons of Ballard

• Hard to get to other parts of Seattle
• Housing and apartments are pricey
• A car is necessary since it’s more spread out than other neighborhoods

Beacon Hill

A quiet and unassuming neighborhood with a diverse community and socially active residents.

📍 Google Maps | Beacon Hill Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Georgetown Inn Seattle

South of downtown is Beacon Hill, a charming, quiet, and diverse neighborhood with a lot of character. The neighborhood is often broken up into North and South Beacon Hill. The south has quiet, residential streets, and smaller bakeries and parks. The north contains most of the restaurants, coffee shops, and the library. Jefferson Park is the meeting point between the two.

This park is a neighborhood meet-up spot for playing, barbecuing, and community events. Within the park is a driving range, and adjacent to it is a golf course. To the west is the Beacon Food Forest, a 7-acre community-run public garden. 

Beacon Hill is not as bustling as other neighborhoods, but it has its share of local haunts like Perihelion Brewery, The Station Coffee Shop, and El Centro De La Raza. This is a good neighborhood for families or those who want a quiet place to live with easy access to the big city.

Pros of Beacon Hill

• Quiet and largely residential
• On the light rail
• Community-focused programs

Cons of Beacon Hill

• Not too many restaurants and shops
• Might feel too sleepy for some

South Lake Union

Rapidly expanding neighborhood on the tip of Lake Union with tech company headquarters, high-rises, and easy lake access. 👉 View top South Lake Union hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | South Lake Union Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: EVEN Hotel Seattle

The South Lake Union neighborhood was once full of warehouses and construction pits, but it’s seen waves of growth over the past 10+ years. A variety of businesses, including Amazon, have their headquarters in South Lake Union, which makes it a gathering place for tech industry workers.

The neighborhood derives its culture from the places surrounding its namesake, Lake Union. The Museum of History and Industry and the Center of Wooden Boats are in Lake Union Park, a green escape from skyscrapers and a haven for boating enthusiasts. Seafood restaurants like Dukes and bars like Flatstick Pub and Art Marble are great places to dine and meet up with friends.

Homes here are mostly high-rise apartments and condos. Because of the location, rentals are pricey. But if you’re someone who works in the downtown metro area and enjoys the convenience of being centrally located and close to downtown without living directly in it, this neighborhood could be an ideal place to call home.

Pros of South Lake Union

• Easy access to downtown
• A good place to get on the water
• Great seafood restaurants and upscale bars

Cons of South Lake Union

• Not much of a neighborhood feel
• Lots of traffic congestion
• Few green spaces outside of Lake Union Park

University District

Home to the University of Washington with youthful energy and delicious dining for the budget-conscious. 👉 View top University District hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | University District Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Staypineapple University Inn

The University District is home to the University of Washington Campus, has a distinctly youthful feel, and its two stops along the light rail make it arguably the easiest north Seattle neighborhood to get to.

The Burke-Gilman trail runs through the U-District, so bikers can make their way west to Fremont and Ballard or north to Bothell. If you’re after shopping and food, the Ave is the place to go. There are tons of delicious and relatively inexpensive spots to grab some cheap eats along this popular strip along University Way NE (especially during the annual street fair!). 

The U-District is one of my recommendations for visitors who are trying to do Seattle on a budget, and it’s a great place for younger crowds moving into the city. Older crowds and those with families who want to be close to the U-District without being in it can check out the nearby quieter and smaller neighborhoods of Ravenna, Roosevelt, and Sand Point.

Pros of University District

• On the light rail, easy to get to
• Budget-friendly options
• Lots of cheap places to eat
• Along the Burke Gilman Trail, biker friendly

Cons of University District

• Can get rowdy when school is in session
• Feels crowded during school or major events

Rainier Valley

Diverse neighborhood with a historic garden, uncrowded park beaches, and quiet, residential, tree-lined streets.

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Georgetown Inn Seattle

Rainier Valley encompasses several neighborhoods in south Seattle including Rainier Beach, Hillman City, and Seward Park. While it is largely residential, there are several gems throughout the area. 

Kubota Gardens, a gorgeously maintained Japanese Garden, is one of these, as well as the 300-acre Seward Park. There is a range of eateries of different types throughout Rainier Valley, from east African and Asian restaurants to pizza joints and a terrific family-owned donut shop.

The light rail runs through the neighborhood, providing a more convenient way to get north or south, and its proximity to Lake Washington makes it great for those who want some lakeside relaxation time. 

Pros of Rainier Valley

• On the light rail
• Diverse part of Seattle
• Great parks, garden, and Lake Washington access

Cons of Rainier Valley

• Historically higher crime rate
• Not particularly walkable

Magnolia

A sleepy neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle with great views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Magnolia Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown

Quiet Magnolia feels quite removed from the city. Its main draw is Discovery Park which takes up the northwestern end of the neighborhood. With pristine views of Elliott Bay, well-kept hiking trails, and active wildlife, it’s a good option for a retreat from the city. 

Outside of Discovery Park, the sleepy neighborhood has large homes with manicured lawns, plenty of pretty and well-kept parks and green spaces, and serene spaces for watching sunsets. A small village area with local boutique shops and eateries is where residents of this well-to-do neighborhood gather. 

If you have the means to afford it and want to live in a beautiful place, albeit with distinctly suburban vibes and a minimal nightlife scene, Magnolia is a good option.

Pros of Magnolia

• Discovery Park and other green spaces
• Great for families
• Good for nature lovers

Cons of Magnolia

• Sleepy and no real nightlife scene
• Need a car to get around
• Pricey

Downtown Seattle

The heart of Seattle has waterfront views, convenient transportation options, and access to popular attractions. 👉 View top Downtown Seattle hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Downtown Seattle possesses some of Seattle’s most notable attractions: Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, the Great Wheel, the Seattle Aquarium, and more. It’s also the central business district, so if you work in the downtown area, living here means you’ll be minutes from work.

Nearly all public transit has stops downtown, so getting in, through, and out of the heart of the city is easy. The best hotels are here, along with rooftop bars, stunning theaters and venues, and the Westlake Shopping Center.

After business hours, the main drag of downtown is quiet, and the pandemic has exacerbated this as remote work becomes the norm. While places along the waterfront and Freeway Park are options for outdoor time, downtown Seattle dwellers will have to visit other neighborhoods if they’re craving more expansive outdoor spaces. 

Pros of Downtown Seattle

• Easy access to public transportation
• Close to many popular attractions
• Near good venues for shows
• Central location

Cons of Downtown Seattle

• Expensive
• Not as much greenery around
• Not a great place to own a car
• No real neighborhood feel

📚 Related Reading: Downtown was my pick for where to stay for first-time visitors to Seattle. This article includes considerations for people moving to Seattle, but if you want to know where to stay in Seattle for a trip, bookmark my other article for a more in-depth visitor’s guide. 

International District

A walkable neighborhood, the epicenter of Asian American culture, and one of the best food districts in the city.

📍 Google Maps | International District Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown

The International District is on the smaller side of Seattle neighborhoods, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in walkability and a robust amount of transit options. With the light rail, the street car, and proximity to the King Street Station, it’s nearly as easy to get around here as it is downtown.

The neighborhood is one of the best spots for foodies. With tons of Asian eateries, the huge Uwajimaya Supermarket, and several stand-out Seattle coffee houses like Hood Famous Bakeshop and Hello Em, there are endless choices to satisfy your taste buds. 

Events like the monthly “food walks” and festivals, along with the Wing Luke Museum serve as interactive ways to educate the community on the role of the Asian American population in the Pacific Northwest. 

This is a good neighborhood for individuals and couples, though it can be noisy late at night, and the area has seen an increase in the impact of houselessness since the pandemic.

Pros of International District

• Great eateries
• Walkable and transit-heavy
• Lots of cultural events

Cons of International District

• Not the best for families
• Lack of green spaces
• Can feel unsafe late at night

West Seattle

Seattle’s “island” neighborhood with picturesque skyline views where beach life and laid-back living rule. 👉 View top West Seattle hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | West Seattle Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Grove West Seattle Inn

West Seattle is part of the big city but feels the most removed from it because it’s a peninsula connected by a bridge that is currently under construction. The large neighborhood is made up of several smaller sub-neighborhoods. Because of this distance from the rest of Seattle, West Seattle has somewhat of a small-town feel. 

Families, young couples, and single individuals all enjoy the “island,” and there are plenty of homes and apartment complexes to accommodate different living situations. With an abundance of grocery stores, great coffee shops, bars and breweries, Lincoln Park, Alki Beach, and a ferry to Vashon Island, most people who live in the neighborhood hardly feel like the distance from the rest of the city matters. 

West Seattle has seen many transformations over the years and it continues to grow and morph, making a good choice for laid back people who don’t mind being in a community that feels part-Seattle and part its own thing.

Pros of West Seattle

• Communal feel
• Lots of places to shop and dine in varied sub-neighborhoods
• Lots of outdoor activities
• Ferry access to Vashon

Cons of West Seattle

• Removed from the rest of Seattle and difficult to get around
• Large and sometimes public transit isn’t the quickest option
• Not a huge nightlife scene

Georgetown

Industrial, unpretentious neighborhood home to up-and-coming restaurants, breweries, bars, and dispensaries. 👉 View top Georgetown hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | Georgetown Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Georgetown Inn Seattle

Georgetown isn’t necessarily pretty, but what it lacks in polish it makes up for in cool. This industrial district neighborhood has a robust food and bar scene, dispensaries, a great dance club, and an eclectic vibe that’s all its own. Visit the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall for some fun finds, and check out the Georgetown Steam Plant to learn some unique Seattle history. 

A lot of the neighborhood is industrial and lacks some green spaces and kid-friendly activities, so families might want to skip it. But people who don’t mind a little grit and like an edgy vibe to where they live will enjoy Georgetown. 

Because of its location, Georgetown dwellers have an easier time getting to the west side and neighborhoods like West Seattle and South Park, but they’ll also have to come to terms with the relatively frequent train and plane noise.

Pros of Georgetown

• Uncrowded neighborhood with lots of fun things to do
• Easier access to the west side of Seattle
• Most of the best parts are clustered together

Cons of Georgetown

• Plane and train noise can be bothersome
• Not a very residential place, living options are limited

Pioneer Square

Seattle’s original neighborhood with art galleries, Romanesque-style buildings, and innovative restaurants and cafes. 👉 View top Pioneer Square hotels on Booking. 

📍 Google Maps | Pioneer Square Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Lotte Hotel Seattle

Pioneer Square is Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, one of its most historic districts, and it’s a good option for people who want to live in a place that’s rich with history. Romanesque-style buildings, a gold-rush history museum, Seattle’s first skyscraper, and tours of Seattle’s underground are just some of the ways to get in touch with the city’s past. 

The neighborhood is full of activity. Art galleries and specialty shops dot the streets, and people gather after work and on the weekends to sample the delicious restaurants and hang out at sports bars. Both the ferries and Seattle’s sports stadiums are an easy walk from Pioneer Square.

Its proximity to downtown means Pioneer Square can get expensive. While the area took a hit through the pandemic, an optimistic undercurrent remains in the neighborhood as it works to get back on its feet.

Pros of Pioneer Square

• Close to the ferry terminal
• Good offering of Seattle restaurants, sports bars
• Walking distance to stadiums
• Hosts one of the city’s best Art Walks

Cons of Pioneer Square

• Still recovering from the pandemic
• Some areas are pretty gritty

Queen Anne

Part residential community with stately Queen Anne-style homes, and part bustling epicenter of Seattle’s best cultural attractions. 👉 View top Queen Anne hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | Queen Anne Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Mediterranean Inn

Queen Anne is another neighborhood that can be split into two. Lower Queen Anne is at the base of Queen Anne hill. It’s home to the popular Seattle Center and all the attractions within: the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Pacific Science Center, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.

There’s a mix of restaurants, bars, and fun venues like the Uptown Cinema in LQA, which contribute to the neighborhood’s decent nightlife scene. Younger crowds will enjoy living on this side of the hill, which also has convenient transit options. 

Upper Queen Anne at the top of the hill has large houses with stunning architecture and delightful views of the city. 

This part of the neighborhood has a much more mellow vibe, and residents enjoy a small downtown strip with several upscale restaurants and other shops. You won’t find a lively nightlife scene here, but what it lacks in activity, it makes up for in family-friendliness.

Pros of Queen Anne

• Home to Seattle Center and fun attractions
• Good proximity to downtown and public transit options
• Upper Queen Anne is very family-friendly

Cons of Queen Anne

• Can be expensive
• Steep hills are brutal for walkers

Columbia City

Lively, arts-focused neighborhood with good restaurants, cafes, and friendly locals.

📍 Google Maps | Columbia City Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Georgetown Inn Seattle

Columbia City is a laidback and artistic neighborhood in South Seattle with a diverse population and a lot to see and do. Encompassed in Rainier Valley, this neighborhood sports a quaint downtown area with brunch spots and cafes, small shops, and indie theaters like Beacon Cinema and the Ark Lodge. 

The neighborhood is a great place for creatives. Venues like Columbia City Theater and The Royal Room host live music performances, open mics, and other shows. Come during the middle of the week to experience the small but popular farmers’ market.

Townhouses, apartment complexes, and single-family homes make up a good range of accommodation options for potential residents. The neighborhood is great for those looking for a smaller neighborhood with a decent amount of things to do.

Pros of Columbia City

• Art-centric and smaller, diverse community
• On the light rail
• Varied housing options

Cons of Columbia City

• Tame nightlife
• Can feel a bit isolated from the rest of the city

Phinney Ridge

Family-friendly neighborhood with an upbeat atmosphere and easy access to the zoo and good dining. 👉 View top Phinney Ridge hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | Phinney Ridge Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Staybridge Suites Seattle-Fremont

West of Green Lake, visitors will find Phinney Ridge, a neighborhood that’s more upbeat to the adjacent neighborhood’s calm. 

Restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and a host of dessert options line Phinney Ridge’s main commercial district along Greenwood Ave. Because Phinney Ridge is also smack dab in the middle of north Seattle, it’s easy to get to surrounding areas like Greenwood to the north, Fremont to the south, and all other North Seattle neighborhoods. 

This is a great neighborhood for families, especially with the Woodland Park Zoo so close by, but younger people who don’t mind the chill and close-knit vibes this neighborhood has will enjoy it as well. 

Pros of Phinney Ridge

• Lots of restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and dessert spots
• Proximity to other parts of North Seattle (Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City, etc)
• Woodland Park Zoo in the neighborhood

Cons of Phinney Ridge

• Far from central and south Seattle
• On a hill which can be brutal for walkers

First Hill

Active neighborhood home to good museums, eateries, and an abundance of apartments.

📍 Google Maps | First Hill Website | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle-Broadway

If you want to be close to the action without being right in it, First Hill is a great neighborhood to choose. It’s walking distance to Capitol Hill for those who want to experience the nightlife, and it’s an easy walk downtown. Aside from its convenience when it comes to getting to other parts of the city, First Hill has several great spots of its own. 

Frye Art Museum, a completely free museum featuring rotating exhibits and 19th-century art, and the newer Museum of Museums are both must-sees. Rhein Haus and Cannon are some of the city’s most popular bars, and there is a mix of other eateries and wine bars along Madison Street.

There are several hospitals on First Hill, which means there’s a lot of siren noise. This doesn’t make it the most family-friendly spot, but it’s still a good option for younger individuals. The multitude of apartments in the area makes it an easy area to find housing. 

Pros of First Hill

• Proximity to Cap Hill and downtown
• Walkable and close to good transit options
• Lots of fun bars

Cons of First Hill

• Lots of noise from ambulances
• Not the prettiest part of Seattle

Northgate

North Seattle neighborhood with casual vibes, a huge mall, and restaurants of varied cuisine-types. 👉 View top Northgate hotels on Booking.

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Seattle Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Seattle/Northgate

Northgate is currently the last stop on the light rail station and one of Seattle’s northernmost neighborhoods. Its main draw is its huge shopping center, Northgate Mall, one place in Seattle with a huge selection of big box stores. Naturally, shopping is never hard here. 

This Seattle neighborhood also has great Mexican and Asian restaurants, and it’s home to the new Kraken training complex, which has an ice rink available for public use. Northgate is the perfect jumping-off point for people who want to explore other Seattle neighborhoods up north like Lake City and Greenwood. 

Its distance from the main core of Seattle makes Northgate a good spot for those looking for more affordable housing options. While it’s quieter than other neighborhoods and you’ll want a car to get around, Northgate has been steadily developing over the years and this neighborhood may well become a hotspot of activity in coming years.

Pros of Northgate

• Lots of places to shop
• Quiet neighborhood
• More affordable housing options

Cons of Northgate

• Removed from the rest of Seattle
• Need a car
• Not as much of a local feel as other neighborhoods

FAQs About Seattle Neighborhoods

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And there’s your run-down of the neighborhoods that make up the Emerald City! Now you can decide on the best time to visit Seattle and get your Seattle packing list all ready. Oh, and don’t forget to read about my tips for visiting Seattle before you come. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best Seattle neighborhoods!