Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and grows yearly. Its location among stunning sea and mountain views, excellent schools, a booming tech industry, and a solid job market make it an appealing destination. Expats moving to central Seattle will be pleased to know that it is well covered by a public transportation network made up of ferries, a light rail, and commuter trains. This is important because Seattle has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country.
For general advice on searching for a home and signing a lease in the United States, see the article Accommodation in the USA.
Where to live in Seattle: Neighborhoods
Expats moving to Seattle may face difficult choices when searching for accommodation. Housing prices have been increasing steadily, so it may be tempting to move to the suburbs to have a larger home at a more affordable cost. However, Seattle has some of the worst traffic in the entire United States, meaning that your budget and commute time are likely to be the biggest determining factors when choosing a Seattle neighborhood. Some of Seattle's most popular areas are listed below.
Downtown
Downtown is an urban hub for young professionals centered on apartments. Lower Queen Anne and Belltown offer top-notch dining and nightlife.
North Seattle
North Seattle is a family haven near schools, featuring single-family homes and townhouses. Ballard's allure lies in tree-lined streets, boutiques, and scenic vistas.
West Seattle
West Seattle is an affluent gem with nature's beauty. The Junction is walkable, family-friendly, and car-dependent due to relative isolation.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is hip and eclectic and is known for artsy vibes, diverse eateries, and LGBTQ-positive scenes. Its historic charm meets modern flair.
Fremont
Quirky and artistic, and home to the Fremont Troll and vibrant Sunday Market, Fremont has lively energy, unique shops, and a creative spirit.
Queen Anne
Elegant and picturesque, offering classic architecture and panoramic views, Queen Anne is home to historic Kerry Park and charming streets.
Green Lake
Outdoorsy paradise with the namesake lake at its heart, Green Lake has jogging trails, water activities, and a tight-knit community spirit.
olumbia City
Columbia City is a multicultural gem featuring diverse cuisine, boutiques, and a strong sense of community. A blend of historic and modern vibes.
University District
University District is vibrant with youthful energy due to its proximity to the University of Washington. It has eclectic shops, cafes, and a bustling street scene.
Accommodation and cost of living in Seattle
In Seattle's metro area, most people opt for apartments and lofts. Like most places, sizes dwindle, and costs rise as proximity to downtown increases. Away from downtown, single-family homes are popular choices.
Average Seattle apartment rent is $2,233, mainly for studios and one-bedrooms. Larger spaces surge in cost, varying greatly by neighborhood.
Seattle apartments average around 691 square feet.
Generally, a Seattle apartment lease will include charges such as water, gas, trash service, and building maintenance. If you choose to lease a house, it is at the owner's discretion if these services are included or not. Most Seattle accommodations will have some kind of heating unit, and most will include major appliances such as a refrigerator and stove/oven. Usually, apartments include one designated parking space, although older buildings may not.
Here are some other things to consider when renting in Seattle:
- Check the property in person: It's always best to view the rental in person before signing the lease. If, for some reason, you are unable to do that, consider asking a trusted party to check the property for you;
- Review the guest policy: If you are renting as a single-tenant but plan to have guests living with you in the future, make sure that your lease allows long-term guests;
- If you are a student or parent of a student, check the guarantor clause: Most student leases require a guarantor to sign the contract as well. This will guarantee that the rent will be paid even if a student/students default on a payment;
- Get all the apartment rules in writing. If your rent comes with a set of specific rules (pet policy, visitor rules, etc.), make sure to get these in writing. This way, you will always have a reminder of the guidelines to follow — and there will be a clear resolution in case of a dispute;
- Consult a lawyer: If you have further questions about your lease, it may be best to get a professional option. This way, your tenant rights will be protected, and you can be sure that your contract is drawn properly.
Life in Seattle
Seattle is famously an outdoor enthusiast's haven, offering accessible rock climbing, skiing, windsurfing, whale watching, kayaking, and more. Nearby, Mount Rainier beckons, as do diverse indoor attractions — Space Needle, Seattle Art Museum, Pacific Science Center, and Experience Music Project. The birthplace of grunge, Seattle has a great live music and alternative arts scene. The city's coffee culture has also become famous. Though known for being Starbucks' birthplace, the boutique coffee culture in Seattle has blossomed far beyond the frappés Starbucks has to offer. Foodies will be pleased by the varied dining scene and well-stocked farmers' markets, with the amazing Pike Place Market at the forefront.
Nestled amid Puget Sound, the Pacific Ocean, and Lake Washington, Seattle boasts a temperate, if famously, damp climate. Rare temperature extremes characterize winters, with minimal freezing and summer highs seldom exceeding 24°C. Cloud cover often prevails — with Portland ranking among the nation's cloudiest cities.
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