The Emerald City draws new citizens from all over the world. Many come looking for cold weather who are bored with sunshine (just kidding, there's some sunshine…sometimes) while others come to get in touch with a music scene whose roots have completely altered American music forever. Others journey with successful careers in tech as their focus with some of the industry’s leaders, and some just come because, well, it’s a good place to live.
It’s no secret that the region is home to many household name businesses: Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, and Nordstorm all have their roots here. Yet, the city continues to draw other big names to its highly-educated populous from the San Francisco Bay Area with the additions of offices for Facebook, Google, LinkedIn and others.
While business is a huge contributor to the economic well-being, the arts is very much alive in the city and is renowned for being one of America’s literary centers and the city hopes to become recognized as a City of Literature. That would let it join the ranks of Iowa City and Sante Fe as a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, an international network of creative cities that have been responsible for encouraging literature and acting as havens for writers.
Neighborhoods:
Belltown is known for its artistic culture and fun nightlife, but has seen an increase in the cost of apartments for rent. Developers have set in, so if you are on the search for something brand new like a luxury unit, this is the place to search. And there many reasons why. Belltown is excellent for those environmentally-minded denizens that prefer to walk, and resident favorites such as Pike Place Market, one of the city’s most popular farmer’s market (the first too), or the countless of locally-owned retailers and shops.
A highly-rated option for renters is Lower Queen Anne. Located further north from downtown than Belltown, Queen Anne is often divided roughly into four main areas: its east, west, north and south counterparts. Lower Queen Anne (south) works best for the renter due to its many options of apartments for rent, studio apartments, and townhomes. It’s closest to downtown’s attractions and is the busiest area of Queen Anne. The further north you go, the quieter the neighborhoods become and the more emphasis that is placed on home ownership, though there are certainly homes for rent if you look carefully. East and West share a business district along Queen Anne Avenue, and helps create a small town feel while only being a fifteen minute drive to the city's center.
While both Belltown and Queen Anne are lovely, they are also pricey. If your funds cannot finance areas like those, checking out Capitol Hill and areas eastward will provide you with cheap options and houses for rent. The area has high reviews with residents since Capitol Hill has its own blend of character. Where you will find trendy and youthful areas laden with coffee shops and tattoo parlors, bars and bookstores, you will also find a gentler side with pet-friendly Charles Olmsted’s Volunteer Park, 19th century mansions, and the Asian Art museum. Capitol Hill has a little bit of everything.
The Pac Northwest is known for its coldness and most newcomers will experience what is called the Freeze as they acclimate to the chilliness. You’ll get used to rain since it rains for about nine months each year. The summers average in the 70s during the highs, though there are sometimes a few days of 85+ weather. The winter lows will dip into the 30s with the days averaging in the high 40s and low 50s. So, if you are trying to save money, keep an eye out for
Seattle apartments with utilities included or all bills paid. These may be hard to find, but using an
apartment finder or apartment guide are a good way to find what you are looking for.
