Pioneer Square, Queen Anne, and Capitol Hill are among the most popular neighborhoods in Seattle. If you’re wondering about the best areas in the city because you’re planning a move there, you’re not alone — according to HireAHelper’s 2026 Migration Report, 43,517 people movedto Seattle in 2025.
Of course, the neighborhood you choose depends on what you want from life there. Whether that’s a short commute to your job downtown, or being close to the best nature the PNW has to offer, it has a big influence on what neighborhood is “best” for you.
At HireAHelper, we’ve been helping people with their moves since 2007—in Seattle and around the country—so we’re pretty familiar with the different parts of the city. So in this guide, we’re diving into the best neighborhoods in Seattle and helping you decide which one suits your style.
Should You Move to Seattle?
Seattle might be the right fit for you if you want a healthy mix of big-city services and outdoor activities.
Seattle’s booming tech industry is also a big part of the city’s lifestyle. It’s known for its innovative, high-paying jobs—Amazon and Microsoft alone have nearly 100,000 employees in the area. Other major employers include Boeing, Starbucks, and Costco. And since there’s no state income tax, you’ll have a little extra in your bank account each week.
You might also consider moving to Seattle if you enjoy a thriving arts scene, exceptional restaurants, a wealth of museums and attractions, and great coffee, of course.
Seattle also has a few drawbacks to consider. The weather is famously overcast and drizzly, especially in the winter. Housing costs are considerably higher than the national average, which might offset a big chunk of your paycheck even if you’re moving for a new job. The traffic is also no joke, and you’ll have to always plan a buffer during your commute or trips out of the city.
Real Estate in Seattle, WA
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Seattle, there’s good news. The average home value is 2.1% lower than last year. Even with the dip, the median sale price is just over $861,000. And given that prices have been rising steadily since 2012, it’s safe to expect that pattern to continue.
“Living downtown is convenient, for example, but it can be expensive and time-consuming to move into an apartment in the area. You’ll probably need to contend with busy streets, parking permits, and long elevator rides…”
But don’t panic quite yet if that’s out of your price range. In neighborhoods like Belltown and Lower Queen Anne, the median home values are $493,023 and $520,314, respectively. If you want to buy in East Queen Anne or West Queen Anne, however, this figure rises to well above $1 million.
No matter where you buy, you’ll probably have some competition. More than 23% of houses in Seattle sell for more than the list prices. But just factor that into your planning and give yourself some wiggle room, and you’ll find the perfect place.
Seattle Neighborhood Map
In Seattle, the location of your neighborhood can have a big impact on your lifestyle. Choose a spot like Queen Anne, and you’ll enjoy walkability and access to public transportation. And if you live on the western edge of West Seattle, you might have gorgeous water views.
The physical location isn’t all that sets each Seattle neighborhood apart. Many have a distinct style, such as the historic architecture of Pioneer Square. You should also consider things like commutes as you’re looking over neighborhoods. As mentioned, Seattle traffic can be tricky, so a short distance between you and your job might be the priority.
Below, we’ve mapped the best neighborhoods out, so you can see exactly where each one sits and find the space that fits you best.
Best Neighborhoods in Seattle
When you’re planning a move to Seattle, choosing where to live is one of your first big decisions. The city is big and varied enough that there’s an option for everyone, whether you want nightlife and buzzy restaurants or a chill, residential vibe. Here are our picks for the most popular Seattle neighborhoods.
Pioneer Square
- Vibe: Lively and historic
- Location: Pioneer Square is located just south of downtown Seattle.
- Great for: Young professionals and active people
- Median home sale price: $599,372
- Average rent: $2,530
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s first neighborhood, which is pretty clear from the gorgeous old architecture. The maze of sidewalks and passageways under the streets adds a whole different layer to the area’s history, and there’s even an urban waterfall.
Pioneer Square is also big on fun things to do, with tons of dining and boutique shopping options, along with a colorful art scene highlighted by the neighborhood’s First Thursday Art Walk. Sports reign at the south end of the Square, with Lumen Field hosting Seahawks football, Sounders soccer, and a ton of other events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The nearby T-Mobile Park is the home of Mariners baseball, too!
Queen Anne – Lower & Upper
- Vibe: Charming and upscale
- Location: Queen Anne is located northwest of downtown Seattle, west of Aurora Avenue.
- Great for: Families and professionals
- Median home sale price: $520,314
- Average rent: $1,990
Queen Anne has two distinct areas. Lower Queen Anne (also referred to as Uptown) is great for those seeking big city energy without the concrete jungle. The neighborhood has plenty of bars, restaurants, and arts venues, as well as excellent shopping. In the Seattle Center, you’ll find the iconic Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture.
The Upper Queen Anne neighborhood, on the other hand, is rich in Victorian-style homes with generous yards and fantastic views. It’s quieter and more residential, with a strong neighborhood vibe. You’ll still have plenty of fun—tucked into the charming facades along Queen Anne Boulevard is an array of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.
Madrona
- Vibe: Laid-back and outdoorsy
- Location: Madrona is situated east of Seattle on the shores of Lake Washington.
- Great for: Families and people who value community
- Median home sale price: $1,153,547
- Average rent: $2,349
A neighborhood within the larger Central district, Madrona is named for the trees you can find throughout the area. Known as “The Peaceable Kingdom,” it has a relaxed vibe despite being near downtown. You won’t really find a traditional nightlife here, but the food and coffee are as good as anywhere else in the city, and for many, the quiet is a perk.
With its farmers’ market, active neighborhood association, and annual Mayfair, Madrona has a strong community feeling. And for nature lovers, there’s Lake Washington, the Madrona Ravine, and the waterfront Madrona Park with its adjacent sandy beach.
Capitol Hill
- Vibe: Progressive and social
- Location: Capitol Hill is located just northeast of downtown on the east side of I-5.
- Great for: People who love culture and nightlife
- Median home sale price: $656,249
- Average rent: $1,963
Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most iconic areas for nightlife, restaurants, art galleries, and independent shops. You’ll find a dizzying array of options, mostly along Broadway and the Pike/Pine Corridor. And with its inclusive and active community, everyone is welcome. Since Capitol Hill is a transportation hub for the city’s light rail and many popular bus lines, getting around is a breeze.
And if you’re looking for green space, check out Cal Anderson Park, a neat rectangle of open green spaces featuring sports courts, a playground, and footpaths. Volunteer Park sits in the northeast corner of the neighborhood, boasting 50 acres of parkland as well as a conservatory and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
Mt. Baker
- Vibe: Artsy, family-friendly, etc.
- Location: Mt. Baker is located southeast of downtown Seattle, just south of I-90 on the banks of Lake Washington.
- Great for: Families
- Median home sale price: $991,861
- Average rent: $1,951
Mt. Baker is known for its excellent schools and residential environment. It has a wealth of restaurants, taprooms, and coffee shops, many located on Rainier Avenue. With events like Bicycle Weekends and concerts put on by the Mt. Baker Community Club, Mt. Baker residents have plenty of opportunities to become part of their community.
The area in general is fantastically green, with recreation areas including Sam Smith Park and Mt. Baker Park, which leads to lovely and winding Mt. Baker Boulevard. You can also enjoy the water at Lake Washington Boulevard Park, which offers more than a mile of parkland and beaches. And when you want a more urban experience, the heart of downtown is just a 20-minute bus ride away.
Fremont
- Vibe: Artsy and eclectic
- Location: Fremont is located north of Seattle on the north side of the Fremont Cut.
- Great for: Creatives and remote workers
- Median home sale price: $875,460
- Average rent: $2,008
Home of the Fremont Troll and the Center of the Universe sign, this neighborhood really earns its reputation as the most quirky and creative part of Seattle. Here, you’ll find over 50 art installations and countless galleries. And you absolutely can’t beat the wide array of dining options in this area — few other neighborhoods have the same variety.
Being so close to the water, you also get some gorgeous outdoor areas, including Fremont Canal Park and Fremont Peak Park, which has a hilltop view of the Puget Sound. And even with all of this to offer, there’s one more perk to Fremont: it’s close to other popular neighborhoods. It’s a stone’s throw away from Queen Anne, Greenlake, and the University District, with access to public transportation that will take you all around the city. It really makes the whole city feel accessible.
West Seattle
- Vibe: Calm and friendly
- Location: West Seattle sits southwest of downtown Seattle.
- Great for: Outdoorsy people and retirees
- Median home sale price: $837,279
- Average rent: $1,735
If you’re looking for a life that’s all about the natural surroundings, West Seattle is a great place to be. Made of several sub-neighborhoods, this slice of Seattle sits on a massive “thumb” of land. It’s surrounded on two sides by the Puget Sound and separated from downtown by the Duwamish Waterway. It’s home to Seattle’s largest contiguous forest, the West Duwamish Greenbelt, as well as outdoor spaces like Me-Kwa-Mooks Park, Alki Beach Park, and Hamilton Viewpoint Park.
If you prefer the indoors, though, don’t fret! There are a ton of dining and drinking options in the central Junction area, along with events and community activities. Several bus routes cover the broad West Seattle neighborhood and connect to downtown, as do the local water taxis.
Moving Costs and Logistics in Seattle
The Seattle neighborhood you choose can have a big impact on the planning and price of your move. Living downtown is convenient, for example, but it can be expensive and time-consuming to move into an apartment in the area. You’ll probably need to contend with busy streets, parking permits, and long elevator rides — all of which can make your move last longer and drive up the price.
As you’re calculating moving costs, think about whether your new Seattle building is a walk-up or an elevator building. Many movers add fees for stairs to cover the extra time and labor it takes to carry heavy boxes and pieces of furniture between floors. Make sure to ask if you can reserve the loading dock or whether you’ll need to add parking permits to your moving checklist.
By contrast, it’s a lot easier to park a moving truck on the residential streets of neighborhoods such as West Seattle and Madrona. Even if you’re moving into a bigger house, the easier access can help the process move quickly. And if you’re hiring labor-only movers — who charge an average of $92.73 per hour in Seattle — a shorter move can be considerably more affordable.
How to Choose the Right Mover for Your Seattle Move
The best local moving companies can make all the difference in your move to the Emerald City. To find great movers in Seattle, start by identifying the type of move you’re planning.
And your Seattle neighborhood might affect your choice of movers. If you’re moving into a Pioneer Square apartment, for example, you probably won’t have space for a moving container. And if you’re living in the suburbs, the HOA rules might stop you from parking a freight trailer or moving truck on the street for multiple days.
“The average home value is 2.1% lower than last year [in Seattle]. Even with the dip, the median sale price is just over $861,000.”
However, what’s most important is finding local movers who know the city. If you have a team that can handle those hilly streets and understands the best way to handle a 5th-floor downtown apartment, your move will go a lot smoother.
Once you’re clear on the type of movers and the services you need, it’s time to start shopping around. We always recommend getting at least three quotes. Consider starting with highly rated Seattle movers like AAA Allstar Movers & Cleaners, who are known for exceptional communication and professionalism, and B&R Movers, who offer efficient and flexible service.
The easiest way to find a Seattle mover is to use the HireAHelper marketplace. Just enter a few details about your move, and we’ll show you a selection of highly rated local options—along with customer reviews and specific service offerings. All quotes come with transparent upfront pricing, and you can book online in minutes.
FAQs About Seattle Neighborhoods
How many neighborhoods are in Seattle?
There are 78 different Seattle neighborhoods. However, some of these areas are divided into sub-neighborhoods.
What are some of the major and smaller Seattle neighborhoods?
Some of the major neighborhoods in Seattle are West Seattle, Capitol Hill, and Magnolia, while smaller neighborhoods include Interlaken Park, East Lake, and Interbay. Areas such as Belltown and the University District are compact but densely populated.
What neighborhoods in Seattle are walkable?
The Seattle neighborhoods closest to downtown tend to be the most walkable — specifically, Belltown, Pioneer Square, International District, and First Hill. South Lake Union and Lower Queen Anne are also easy to get around on foot.
What neighborhoods in Seattle have good nightlife?
Capitol Hill is known for its nightlife, which includes lots of bars and clubs. In particular, the neighborhood has many venues friendly to the LGBTQ+ community. Belltown, with its upscale bars, unique pubs, and excellent music venues (check out The Crocodile), is another Seattle nightlife hub. You’ll also find plenty of bars in Pioneer Square and Fremont.
What neighborhoods in Seattle have parks?
Some of the Seattle neighborhoods with parks include Capitol Hill, Mt. Baker, Fremont, and West Seattle. However, Seattle has 387 parks, so most neighborhoods sit within walking distance of at least one green space. Queen Anne is home to parks of all sizes, and the high-end Magnolia neighborhood boasts Discovery Park, the largest park in the city.
Why Trust HireAHelper
At HireAHelper, we’ve helped more than 1 million people create positive moving experiences. Over the years, our team members have become experts at analyzing the factors that make a neighborhood great, from walkability to entertainment and activities. More importantly, we know that everyone’s needs are different — the perfect neighborhood for you depends on factors ranging from your budget to your after-work hobbies.
As you explore the different Seattle neighborhoods, we encourage you to keep your ideal lifestyle in mind. By picking the part of the city that matches your vibe and your day-to-day activities, you can build the foundation for an exciting new life in the Pacific Northwest.