Seattle boasts a wide range of neighborhoods. From those with a deep historical flavor to communities that are recently redeveloped with high-rise condos, you are sure to find a neighborhood in Seattle that suits your needs, style and budget. Here are five neighborhoods worth considering if you are moving to Seattle:
Belltown
Belltown is a vibrant waterfront neighborhood with a plethora of restaurants, nightclubs, and unique boutiques. There are a variety of mid- and high-rise housing opportunities and is perfect for those who want a true urban living experience where they can walk to cafes, shops, and parks. Notable restaurants in the neighborhood include Lola, Umi Sake House, and Toulouse Petit. In addition to great restaurants, the neighborhood boasts great parks spaces including Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park. A few years ago, CNN named Belltown as a great neighborhood to retire to for those who wanted a walkable neighborhood.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is the densest neighborhood in Seattle and has a big entertainment and nightlife scene. It is also the de facto hub of the LGBT community. In addition to a vibrant nightlife scene there are great restaurants and cafes. Coffee culture is big in Seattle and even bigger in this neighborhood. Notable cafes include Espresso Vivace, Joe Bar, and Analog Coffee. Notable restaurants include Altura, Cascina Spinasse, and Quinn’s. Capitol Hill is not all just about urban hustle and bustle. There are several parks, including Volunteer Park, Cal Anderson Park, and Interlaken Park.
Ballard
The Ballard neighborhood is located in the northwestern part of Seattle and underwent a recent real estate boom. Major condo and retail projects are bringing new residents into the area but there is a Ballard Avenue Historic District that is listed on the National Register. Historically, Ballard was the home of Seattle’s Scandinavian community and is where the Nordic Heritage Museum is located. The museum serves as a hub for a variety of cultural events. Popular neighborhood eateries in Ballard include Paseo, Thai Siam, and Red Mill Totem House.
Queen Anne
Queen Anne describes both a neighborhood and a hill that is northwest of downtown Seattle. The neighborhood got its name from the distinct architectural style that could be found in many of the early homes. Given this neighborhood’s higher elevation that much of Seattle, residents are afforded great water and city skyline views, including a view of the Space Needle. Lower Queen Anne was the site of the World’s Fair in 1962 and the whole area is now the Seattle Center, which has plenty of entertainment opportunities and park space. Notable restaurants in the Queen Anne neighborhood include How to Cook a Wolf, Canlis, and Book Bindery.
Wallingford
The Wallingford neighborhood is located in north central Seattle and includes a good mix of residential options. The neighborhood has a business district along N 45th Street, which makes for convenient shopping. There are plenty of public spaces in Wallingford including waterfront park has play areas, picnic spots, and plenty of grassy spaces for relaxing on a lovely Seattle Summer Day. There are plenty of family friendly activities that happen in the neighborhood plus at night local pubs host open-mic and trivia nights. Notable restaurants in Wallingford include Tilth, Sutra, and Musashi’s.
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