With gorgeous mountains, coastlines, rainforests and culture it’s hard to pass up the promise of living in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is a prominent city here with its own flair of quirky culture, big business, technology, coffee, nature, attractions and grunge.
Coastal Douglas firs, national parks, museums and welcoming green spaces are all part of the draw of the Seattle area. Even with the rain, active Seattleites enjoy biking, hiking and taking in the natural beauty year round.
Big business including technology adds to the strong economy with Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon and Costco adding job prospects and new residents to the area. This city has produced some big players in the coffee market including Starbucks and Seattle’s Best. Getting your caffeine fix here is easy from brand-name chains to independent coffee shops.
Live your best life nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Puget Sound!
Seattle Area Communities
One of the beautiful new home communities in Seattle.
North Seattle
With beautiful neighborhoods like North Beach, Greenwood, Green Lake, Fremont, Phinney Ridge, and Ballard homebuyers have an abundance of amenities, transit stops, and homes to choose from.
Bothell
Expansive single family homes with majestic trees along nestled in urban villages are some of the amazing properties luring potential homebuyers to Bothell.
Downtown Seattle
Enjoy walkability when you choose the urban option of living in the thriving downtown with its hip dwellings.
Renton
Renton booms with new home activity with everything from starter homes to upscale single family dwellings. This hip suburb is south of Seattle by just 12 miles.
Delridge
Georgetown is a large part of this region of the city found south of downtown and east of Puget Sound with Elliot Bay as the north boundary.
Evrett
Single family homes close to the Puget Sound and great amenities make Everett a great place to buy a home. Easy shopping, transit and commuting also provide incentives for buying in this suburb.
Beacon Hill & Rainier Valley
Southeast Seattle oggers a diverse area giving easier access to Portland and Tacoma with its convenient location.
Bellevue
Bellevue boasts its own flavor with large homes and quiet neighborhoods. Well-manicured parks, easy dining and various new home options make it quite attractive.
Sammamish
Found on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish, this town is a distant suburb to Seattle but near to Redmond and Bellevue. The inviting suburban feel, parks, and highly rated schools make this a perfect spot for families.
Top Seattle School Districts
Seattle has great schools, where your children can thrive!
Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Seattle Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Washington, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.
Mercer Island School District
Students Served: 4,450
School Breakdown: 4 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Mercer Island
Bellevue School District
Students Served: 20,047
School Breakdown: 18 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 8 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: The city of Bellevue, Yarrow Point
Bainbridge Island School District
Students Served: 3,921
School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Bainbridge Island
Issaquah School District
Students Served: 19,951
School Breakdown: 16 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 5 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 21
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in some demographics
Communities Served: Issaquah, Preston, Newcastle
Lake Washington School District
Students Served: 27,886
School Breakdown: 32 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and 11 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Richmond, part of Yarrow Point, Unon Hill, Novelty Hill, York, Earlmont, Juanita, Houghton, Adelaide, Campton, Sahalee
Northshore School District
Students Served: 21,481
School Breakdown: 23 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 8 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 20
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Woodinville, Cottage Lake, part of Lake Forest Park, part of Alderwood Manor
Shoreline School District
Students Served: 9,440
School Breakdown: 13 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 5 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 21
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Shoreline, Evergreen, Richmond Beach, Spring Beach, Paramount Park, Sheridan Beach
University Place School District
Students Served: 5,643
School Breakdown: 5 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 20
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: University Place, Sunset Beach, Fox Glen, Grandview West, Pioneer, Meadows West, Woodlake, Peach Acres, University Woods, Olympic Terrance, Windsor Square Apartments, Monte Vista Apartments
Tahoma School District
Students Served: 8,191
School Breakdown: 4 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 23
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: League City, Clear Lake, El Lago, Kemah, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, Webster, Taylor Lake Village
Vashon Island School District
Students Served: 1,588
School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Vashon Island
Top Employers in Seattle
The tech center employs a lot of people in Seattle. Where will your passion lead you in this fanatic city?
Aerospace, the military, and technology companies dominate Seattle’s employment opportunities.
Boeing
Boeing has an absolutely massive employment presence in the Seattle Area, with over 80,000 residents working for the aerospace giant.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
The Joint Base Lewis-McChord employs about 45,000 military and civilian employees working on and off base.
Microsoft
Technically, Microsoft was founded in New Mexico, but now the technology giant calls the Seattle Area home, employing over 40,000 people in the area.
University of Washington
The University of Washington has three large campuses in the Seattle Area, providing about 25,000 people with jobs in the higher education sector.
Amazon
Hometown hero Amazon has a sizeable presence in the Seattle job market, with over 25,000 people working for the retail company.
Seattle Area Museums
Museum of Pop Culture
Everything pop culture awaits you from sci fi to grunge music. Great musicians from this area include Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. Be sure to check out the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame!
The Museum of History & Industry
Affiliated with the Smithsonian, the Museum of History & Industry is a must see for its collection of artifacts. From historic flags to the first commercial airplane it’s a great place to explore and learn.
Living Computer Museum + Labs
A trip through the Living Computer Museum + Labs museum is nothing less than fascinating when you consider how far our advances are in the computer industry. With giant mainframes to the latest in virtual reality you will enjoy this tech museum.
Seattle Art Museum
The SAM as it is known by the locals is a true Seattle treasure with its vast collection and outdoor Olympic Sculpture Park. With permanent and temporary exhibits each trip you take will cause a new sense of artistic wonder.
Seattle Pinball Museum
Lights, flippers and pinging sounds will welcome you to this great array of vintage pinball games. See the inspiration of our current video games and take a walk of nostalgia.
Museum of Flight
Tours and flight simulations are what’s on the schedule at the largest private air and space museum in the world. The Museum of Flight is a popular Seattle attraction always abuzz with people enjoying Boeing’s flight exploration.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
This display of glassblowing by Dale Chihuly is a spectacular sight of color and design. The downtown greenhouse serves as a gallery to this magnificent collection. Achieve your zen with Yoga Under the Glass twice a month.
Great Parks in the Seattle Area
Reconnect with nature in Seattle’s fantastic parks.
Discovery Park
The largest urban park in Seattle, Discovery Park, has over 530 acres of forests, tidal beaches and sea cliffs at your disposal. Bring a picnic, zip line or just take in the fun play equipment with the kids.
Gas Work Park
Leave it to Seattle to transform a former gasification plant to a fabulous park filled with pieces of its industrial past. This green space is home to the Great Mound offering beautiful views of Lake Union.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
The possibility of gold in the area caused a great rush of people to the state back in 1897. Paying homage to this burst of success to the Seattle area is this park and its visitor center and museum. Explore the history through interactive exhibits and documentary films.
Lake Union Park
Lake Union Park offers green space with great attractions including a model boat pond, boat launch, the Museum of History and Industry and the Historic Ships Wharf.
Lincoln Park
Located in West Seattle, park goers have access to a tree house, Colman Pool and winding paths to the beachfront. The heated saltwater pool offers a refreshing spot for fun.
Seward Park
This beloved park is full of beautiful views and activity. With walking and biking path along the Bailey Peninsula you can also enjoy boating, beaches and tennis.
Seattle Sports Teams
You Can Root On (Or Pretend You Don’t Care About)
Root on the Mariners, and cheer on your hometown heroes!
Sports fans have an abundance of great teams, venues and sports bars in Seattle. Football fans cheer on the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field.
It’s off to Safeco Field for Major League Baseball’s Seattle Mariners. This impressive arena offers behind the scenes tours too. When in Seattle you will find plenty of great fan gear in professional team colors of shades of blue, green and silver for football and baseball. Seattle also has professional teams in soccer, women’s basketball, rugby and more.
Collegiate sports more your thing? Not to worry with the University of Washington and Seattle University offering Division I sports, there’s always a sporting event to attend. Volleyball, basketball, track and field and more make collegiate play fun and exciting for fans. Head to a game or a sports bar to enjoy the sporting perks of Seattle.
Living in Seattle
Live a life you love in Seattle!
People love the Pacific Northwest and are willing to pay a bit more when it comes to the culture, quirkiness and beauty of this region, but living in Seattle isn’t cheap. This area comes at a higher cost than most but many Fortune 500 businesses and technology businesses offer salaries that cover the cost of living here.
This environmentally conscious city has great air quality. Outstanding healthcare and a strong quality of life make living in Seattle a dream for many!
Seattle Housing Trends
Seattle is a strong market for homebuyers. Home prices are dropping slightly in Seattle proper with the many competing suburbs.
Median Home Price: $729,300
With affordable options in the suburbs in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metro, homebuyers have a great opportunity to choose an area that suits their needs for amenities and commutes. These cost-effective suburbs are dynamic with a variety of home styles at price points significantly more competitive.
Growing Communities in North Seattle
North Seattle has seen a boom in community growth as people look to reconnect with nature and find a comfortable space for families. Lynnwood and Shoreline are some of the most popular North Seattle cities for people looking to build new homes in communities like High Point and McCormick.
Growing Communities in Kirkland
Kirkland is an vibrant oasis in Northwest Seattle. This fun town gives residents easy access to the city and the many charms associated with the area, while still maintaining a peaceful community, perfect for growing families.
If you want to call Kirkland home, explore some the growing communities of Kirkland Crest.
Growing Communities in Central Seattle
Living in the hub of Seattle’s exciting heart means getting to enjoy beautiful views of Puget Sound, unbearable coffee and craft beer, and a funky culture every single day.
Investing in your new home in Central Seattle means living an exciting urban lifestyle. Top new home communities cropping up in Central Seattle include High Point and Queen Anne.
Growing Communities in Southeast Seattle
As Seattle continues to draw in numerous people, pulled in by its fantastic economy and booming jobs market, growing communities have thrived in cities like Covington, giving growing families easy access to the city, while still providing a peaceful environment in the Pacific Northwest’s stunning scenery.
Popular communities in Southeast Seattle include Cedar Creek Park and Tahoma Crest.
Amazing Seattle Restaurants
Seattle is known for its coffee but the dining options here are fabulous too! Flavorful arrays of pizza, seafood and ethnic fare will have you trying restaurants to find your favorites.
If you can’t find your new favorite coffee shop in Seattle, you probably don’t actually like coffee.
Matt’s in the Market
Priding itself on being a great Seattle dining experience, this Pike Place Market eatery is known for its flavorful food, ambiance and views. Be sure to make a reservation early to dine with the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains in your sight.
Oddfellow’s Cafe + Bar
Capitol Hill has the perfect spot for coffee and a bite to eat. This environmentally sound restaurant has a commitment to the environment with 90% of its décor deterring waste through the use of repurposing and salvaging.
Off the Rez
You will be following this amazing food truck from lot to lot once you try the delicious Indian Tacos. Frybread is the base and toppings include pulled pork, chili and cumin crema.
Green Leaf
Vietnamese cuisine paired with easy late night dining make this a Seattle favorite. Open to 2 am Green Leaf is the place to be for flavorful noodle and rice dishes that are easy on the pockets.
Red Mill
When you’re craving a burger, Red Mill is your Seattle spot. Voted the best burger in Seattle 10 years in a row this restaurant has delicious burgers, veggie burgers and chicken enhanced with cheese, caramelized onions and more.
Aerlume
This is the destination for your special occasion dining along the waterfront.The upscale courses include king salmon, Oregon lamb chops and a signature buttermilk fried chicken.
Ray’s Boathouse
This unique restaurant mirrors the lines of a vintage Chris-Craft. Ray’s takes pride in its growth from a boat and bait shop to the outstanding dining experience it provides both inside and on the seasonal patio.
Re:Public
Enjoy farm-to-table dining with excellent options like pork tenderloin with gruyere grits or mussels. This relaxing restaurant has a wide array of whiskeys and cocktails as well.
Il Corvo
You’ve got to get there weekdays for lunch as Il Corvo is a popular lunch locale. Seattle residents know the wait is worth it to be rewarded with one of three fresh-made pastas with a vegetarian option.
The Pink Door
This restaurant serves up amazing food and entertainment. Italian fare combines easily with nightly entertainment including magicians, jazz musicians and trapeze artists.
El Gaucho
Prepare to be pampered at this open charcoal grill restaurant with chefs providing the entertainment with their craft tableside.
Cafe Flora
Enjoy a plant-based eatery with options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diets. These non-meat dishes come from organic, local sustainable produce with exciting flavors and freshness.
Din Thai Fung
Din Tai Fung’s Xiao Long Bao is a very tasty and popular dish of broth-filled dumplings steamed in a bamboo basket. Folks come from near and far for the best Chinese food in the city.
Steelhead Diner
This contemporary diner offers signature soups and sandwiches along with outstanding fish and chips. Try the crab and shrimp tater tots or a coffee-crusted steak. You won’t be disappointed.
Macrina
For an old world bakery feel run by a great community of bakers, Macrina can’t be beat. Fill up on rustic breads and divine baked goods filled with organic grains. Break bread and be a part of the Macrina family.
Serious Pie
The Hubcap Decker serves up delicious pub food, amazing burgers, and great craft beer in fun patio setting. Their Seabrook location isn’t the only one in Houston, but it’s the most fun.
Squable
Start with a super crispy crust topped with local ingredients and progressive options like smoked duck or Penn Cove clams to get a flavorful pizza that is the epitome of “serious pie”.
The Grizzled Wizard
Take in the graffiti wizard mural as you enjoy some creative drinks at this hole in the wall bar. With a wide array of décor, entertainment and cocktails this spot plays homage to pinball and video games, the Old Fashioned cocktail and 80s classic tunes.
Great Attractions for Seattle Stay-cations
You’ll never run of of new things to try in Seattle!
Mount Rainier National Park
This majestic national park is home to the 14,411-foot tall Mount Rainier. Over a million visitors annually enjoy the beauty of peaks and glaciers. Many attempt to make it to the summit but most enjoy hiking and mountaineering this beautiful Pacific Northwest expanse.
Bainbridge Island
Take the Bainbridge Island Ferry to the nearby Bainbridge Island. Enjoy gorgeous gardens, ponds and meadows. Stop for a bite to eat at a deli or grab some delicious bakery items or ice cream. Take in great views of the Seattle skyscrapers on your return 30-minute ferry ride.
Be a Seattle Tourist
Visit the Fremont Troll originally built to scare away folks under the bridge. See the famous gum wall outside the Market Theater Ride in the old-style man-operated elevator in the Smith Tower to the observation deck and enjoy cocktails and great Seattle views. See the real life Up House where developers built around this Seattle hold out. There’s plenty of fun spots to explore here if you act like a tourist for a day!
Seattle Barista Academy
In the land of amazing coffee, why not get up close and personal with some java techniques? Head to the Seattle Barista Academy where you can learn how to brew or do some coffee art in a three-hour class.
Ballard Locks
This is a popular Puget Sound attraction featuring a labyrinth of waterways that attach the Puget Sound with Lake Washington and the Ship Canal. Be sure to check out the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden while you’re in the area.
Pioneer Square
This historic neighborhood has an abundance of culture from galleries to historical parks. Take the Pioneer Art Walk on the first Thursday of the month.
Seattle Great Wheel
Pier 57 is home to this fun attraction in downtown Seattle. Rain or shine you can enjoy spectacular city views from this 175-foot-high Ferris wheel.
Olympic National Park
When you’re looking to stay close to home, this amazing park is about two hours away. Backpack the beach on the Ozette Loop with nine miles of trail. Hike the interior rainforest or alpine areas, head to the visitor centers to learn more about the region. Enjoy ranger-led activities including night sky programs and wildlife watching.
Space Needle
This iconic landmark is synonymous with Seattle. Enjoy absolutely stunning views of the Puget Sound, Downtown and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Feel like you’re floating on air in the Skyrisers. The tilting walls will have you feeling like a bird soaring over Seattle below.
Shopping
There’s always a farmer’s market happening in Seattle.
Finding shopping adventures in Seattle is easy. With plenty of malls and outlets you can get your retail fix. There are also fun vintage finds and open air markets with amazing options.
Pike Place Market
This iconic farmers’ market opened in 1907, and is one of the largest continuously operating markets in the nation, with locals and visitors taking in the abundant restaurants, shops and more.
From underground shops to the original Starbucks, there is plenty to explore in Pike Place Market. From butcher shops to crafts to bakeries and specialty items, this market is a bustle of activity year round, making it one of Seattle’s most visited landmark. Where else can you be entertained by fish being thrown to the scales in a fun environment?
Capitol Hill Neighborhood
Take yourself east of downtown to the fun and lively neighborhood of Capitol Hill. The friendly and hip vibe here brings many locals to find vintage clothing and accessories. With spots like Le Frock and W Seattle you set yourself apart from the others.
Fremont
Known for its funky vintage stores and independent boutiques, Fremont is very proud of the local designers in the area. Keeping with the Northwest vibe you’ll find PIPE + ROW and Show Pony as two great shopping spots.
Looking for some vintage vinyl? Be sure to grab some old treasures at Jive Time where the music is easy on the ears and pocketbook. Fremont has an unofficial motto “De libertas quirkas” or “the freedom to be quirky”. Spend some time being quirky!
Georgetown Trailer Park Mall
It’s not often you see the words trailer park and mall together, but why not Seattle? They make it work with this funky Georgetown neighborhood close to downtown. Eight vintage trailers showcase collections by independent designers, makers and collectors. These retro shops have amazing finds and treasures including local art and vintage finds. Be sure to stop by a local brewery to celebrate your shopping haul!
Places of Worship
Find the right place of worship for you and your family in Seattle.
Seattle is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, and has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.
Downtown Cornerstone Church
Downtown Cornerstone Church provides a beautiful and welcoming space for people to come together to ask questions and worship.
Downtown Muslim Association of Seattle
The Downtown Muslim Association of Seattle that offers Islamic services as well as education opportunities to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Congregation Ezra Bessaroth
Congregation Ezra Bessaroth is a Sephardic synagogue, founded by a warm community of immigrants from the Mediterranean, holding true to the liturgy and customs of the founders.
Seattle Buddhist Center
The Seattle Buddhist Center is a Triratana Buddhist community, dedicated to communicating Buddhist teachings in a way that is accessible to all.
Hindu Temple & Cultural Center
The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center is a beautiful Hindu Temple in Bothell. It offers a range of religious services, and is open to the public who want to learn more about Hindu beliefs.
Temple De Hirsch Sinai
Temple De Hirsch Sinai is one of the largest Reform Synagogues in the Pacific Northwest. It has two campuses in the Seattle Area, so you can find the most convenient location for you.
Idriss Mosque
The Idriss Mosque is a historic mosque in Washington State, and the first mosque built in the Arabesque architecture style west of the Mississippi River.
Bellevue Hindu Temple and Cultural Center
In addition to offering a beautiful temple and religious services, the Bellevue Hindu Temple and Cultural Center runs a number of secular art and culture programs as well as a food pantry open to everyone.
Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
The Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple is devoted to the practice of the Jodo Shinshu Tradition. It offers a number of public workshops and meditation classes.
Refuge Church of Seattle
The refuge Church of Seattle is a growing community of belivers in the heart of Seattle that is passionate about fellowship and service.
Other Washington Resources
2022 Most Affordable Cities in Washington First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Washington State Best Suburbs Near Seattle, Washington Moving To Seattle? Our Relocation Guide Will Help The 10 Best Places to Retire in Washington in 2021
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.
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