From a once-thriving little logging town to being listed fourth by the U.S. Census for growth among 50 of the biggest cities in the United States, the Emerald City has come a long way. Anyone living in downtown Seattle can tell you how great it is. Aside from the annoying amount of traffic and rainy weather, it truly is a one-of-a-kind town to live in, with lots to offer. So, let this mover in Seattle take you on a quick tour.
Living in Downtown Seattle – a Quick Neighborhood Guide
In 2013, Charter Amendment 19 passed approval, and nine council positions were to be appointed and divided into seven district elected seats and two citywide seats. In 2015, the first elections for the district-based system took place. If you plan on moving from the outskirts into the city proper, you should know the seven districts.
- Council District 1 – West SEA and South Park,
- Council District 2 – The Southeast and Georgetown,
- Council District 3 – Central SEA,
- Council District 4 – The Northeast,
- Council District 5 – North SEA,
- Council District 6 – The Northwest,
- Council District 7 – Pioneer Square and Magnolia.
What Are Some Great Neighborhoods in SEA?
Assuming you don’t have all the time in the world to learn about all 127 neighborhoods in the metropolitan area, here are a few points of interest that everyone goes to.
- West Seattle is a pretty desirable neighborhood to live in. Far enough away from the noise of downtown. It’s great to raise a family, and there are many “lesser-known” spots with great views of the skyline. It also has a beautiful waterfront and beach, the best part of town for summertime fun.
- Beacon Hill is relaxed, refined, and a preserver of the culture, not to mention the enormous variety of restaurants around town. So if you’re an art-appreciating foodie, this is the best town for you. One thing to keep in mind is that Beacon Hill is very long, and getting around can be a bit tricky. Fortunately, public transit is very streamlined and can get you from point A to point B quickly.
- Central District is home to the local black community and culture, filled with neighborhood art and projects throughout the town. A beautiful town to take a walk and witness all the innovative and breathtaking murals and art pieces. There is also the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute and Northwest African American Museum if you haven’t had enough of all the fantastic stuff here.
Is It Safe to Live in Downtown Seattle?
The Emerald City is a pretty safe place to visit or live in, especially if you compare it to other big cities in the country. It isn’t without its problems, and there is a sizable population of people who are homeless in Seattle, which isn’t good in any way. But overall, the core area is where most of the safest neighborhoods in SEA are, and you shouldn’t have to worry about your safety.
What Parts of Seattle Are Dangerous?
As we said, it’s really safe here, as long as you follow the common principles of living in any place. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea to wander off at night alone or in poorly-lit places. So, take precautionary measures when out and about, and you’ll be OK. It’s also good to know what parts to avoid, especially if house-hunting.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Downtown Seattle?
Before you get on to trying to figure out how to pack plates and what items movers won’t move, let’s take a look at the cost of living downtown. The overall cost of living here is 157, which is 57% higher than the national average. For all it has to offer, it’s still pretty reasonable compared to other big cities. As you can imagine, housing makes the biggest difference in the cost of living index, so let’s take a look at the housing prices in downtown, so you can set a budget and create a moving expenses checklist.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent an Apartment in Downtown SEA on Average?
If you are a renter or intend to become one here, make sure you get to know your Seattle renters’ rights before signing the lease. The Tenants Union members secured pretty good conditions for renters, so you will be well protected. As for the rental fees, the average rent in downtown Seattle is about $2,000. If you can afford it, it’s worth the price, and if you can’t, you may want to consider some of the affordable Seattle suburbs, which are also pretty good, as are the best neighborhoods in Seattle for families located a bit further from the center.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a House in SEA, WA?
When it comes to buying a property, you should know that the median house value is around $660,000. You can still find affordable housing around town. It might not sound too complicated at first, but there are several hoops you need to jump through, like getting a loan, finding a lender, a real estate agent, a broker, and then choosing a neighborhood. Keep in mind – most agents want to make whatever sale they can quickly because of the high demand for housing. So make sure you know what you need to buy property, and don’t waste too much time searching for housing, as you’ll want to get that good one off the market asap, too.
How Much Money Do I Need to Live Comfortably in Seattle?
Seattleites are very well employed, with an average annual salary being $72,000. Several industries are hiring from entry-level to higher-level positions. So, if you make that much, you should be able to live comfortably here. Of course, it all boils down to what kind of lifestyle you expect to have. But, if you don’t live too extravagantly, an annual salary of around $70,000 will cover your basic living expenses and allow you to live comfortably without worrying.
Where Should I Live if I Work in Downtown Seattle?
Again, it really depends on your expectations and how long of a commute you are comfortable with. If you choose to live in the very center, you will be close to all the major companies, and you’ll be looking at a short commute. If you are wondering – do you need a car to live in Seattle, if you settle here, you won’t, as far as the commute goes. But, if you don’t mind a longer commute, there are plenty of other cool neighborhoods in Seattle, as well as the best suburbs of Seattle where you can settle and save a buck on rent.
What Are the Top Industries in SEA, WA?
Perhaps you already have a job lined up, and perhaps you are looking for one and want to know what you can expect. Those Seattle utilities won’t pay themselves, so it’s good to understand your options here. And there are plenty in the central area of our town. To help you get an idea of what the job market is like, here are some of the top industries you can find a stable career.
- Architecture and Engineering,
- Computer Science and IT,
- Management,
- Business and Finance,
- Physical and Social Science.
Little Known Facts About the City
This metropolitan area truly is one of a kind and a pleasure to explore, from its vast selection of food, unique art, and historical icons to the not-so-familiar but oddly exciting sights, truly great for residents. But there are some little-known facts about the city to expand your knowledge.
The Most Sunglasses Per Capita
Being a resident, you probably already know why it gets its nickname ‘The Emerald City.’ However, on average, there are 152 days of sunshine per year and 38 inches of rain. That’s below the national average of 205 for sunshine and equal to the national average for rain. Strangely enough, Seattlites buy the most sunglasses per capita than any other place in the U.S.
There Are More Dogs Than Children
Who doesn’t love dogs? They’re friendly, cuddly, furry bundles of joy. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that this is a dog-loving city. In fact, people love dogs so much that in the 2010 census, there were more dogs reported living here than children. So, if you are moving with pets, you’ll be happy to hear that there are many dog-friendly restaurants in Seattle. Most parks in Seattle have off-leash areas, and there are even dog parks in Seattle for you and your furry friend to explore.
Home to the First-Ever Real-Life Superhero
For those who didn’t know or don’t remember, there once was a real-life superhero living in the Emerald City from 2011 to 2014. This masked hero was known as Phoenix Jones, who, in 2011, decided to make a difference by literally fighting crime. Shortly thereafter, the “Rain City Superhero Movement” was started, and there were a number of people who dressed in costumes patrolling the streets to fight crime.
Explore Nightlife in the City
If you’re feeling spontaneous and you want to paint the town red, you’re in luck. There are plenty of activities and attractions to see. Most places you’ll find are open relatively late, so you won’t have to end the night too early. Check out some popular places like:
- Neu – A restaurant just north of Seattle University where they have a collection of street food-inspired dishes from around the world and serve the best burger in Seattle.
- The Pink Door – One of the best rooftop bars in Seattle, where you can have Italian cuisine while enjoying burlesque shows and trapeze entertainment.
- Eden Hill Restaurant – Enjoy new style American food, with interesting combinations of ingredients and experimental cuisine.
We Recommend Bar Hopping Around the Emerald City
You can take a walk and enjoy many parks and sights to see at night. If you’re feeling hungry, you’ll be able to find a street vendor and get yourself a hotdog or slice of pizza. Or you can go beer hopping – there are plenty of breweries in Seattle worth a visit and other places where you can go out and have fun.
Plenty of Unique Attractions and Things to Do
Sometimes going out drinking and badly singing your favorite Beyonce song just isn’t enough. Maybe you’re looking for something new and exciting to do on your night out. Here are some unique and not-so-well-known things to do at night:
- Visit the Fremont Troll,
- Explore the Underground city,
- Ghost Tour,
- Beer and Mini Golf,
- Cat Cafe.
Take a look at this video for more recommendations on unique things to do in SEA.
Top Ten Things To Do
Need a Seattle Moving Company? Call Seattle Professional Movers, the Best Mover in the Business
If you’re planning on relocating around the Emerald City, you’ll need experienced local Seattle movers by your side. We are among the top Seattle moving companies for a reason, so contact us and request our residential moving service. If you don’t want to worry about things like how to pack dishes, you should know that packing services are a part of our many moving services in Seattle, WA. Our moving company in Seattle would be more than happy to provide you with any service you may need, so you can organize a memorable moving-away party when the time comes.