Are you considering a move to Seattle? You’re in good company! On average, a little over 60,000 people move to Seattle each year.
There is a lot to love about this one-of-a-kind city — and lots to learn before you sign a lease or buy a home. Below, our Seattle moving company shares helpful tips about Seattle’s neighborhoods, quirks, and why we love calling the Emerald City home. Keep reading to dive into our insiders’ Seattle Moving Guide!
Where should I live in Seattle? 5 Great Neighborhoods to Check Out
Seattle’s neighborhoods are very distinct and carry their own specific personality. If you have time, be sure to visit several different neighborhoods before you pick an apartment or home. Here are just a few of the most popular and unique neighborhoods Seattle has to offer:
The Best Neighborhoods in Seattle
Capitol Hill
Vibrant and lively, Capitol Hill is located just east of downtown and is well-known for the following:
Arts and culture: Capitol Hill has a thriving arts scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and live music venues. It’s also home to Seattle Central College and Cornish College of the Arts.
Nightlife: A popular nightlife destination, Capitol Hill gets rowdy after dark. The neighborhood boasts a range of clubs, restaurants, dive bars, and upscale cocktail lounges.
Diversity: Capitol Hill is home to one of Seattle’s largest LGBTQ+ communities and welcomes a mix of cultures and backgrounds.
Walkability: Its smaller size makes Capitol Hill highly walkable. You can easily stroll from shops to restaurants and back home again.
Green Space: Volunteer Park is the best-known park in the neighborhood, featuring a conservatory, a water tower with great views of the city, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
Eclectic Housing: Here, you’ll find a mix of housing options, such as historic homes and ultra-modern apartments. The neighborhood is a mix of both renters and homeowners.
Queen Anne
Perched on a hill in north-central Seattle, Queen Anne is a picturesque area with historic charm. Here are some of the characteristics of the Queen Anne neighborhood:
Architecture: Known for its beautiful historic homes, you’ll find elegant Victorian houses as well as craftsman bungalows throughout this old neighborhood.
Views: Queen Anne’s higher elevation presents stunning views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains. Take it all in from the neighborhood’s Kerry Park viewpoint.
Walkability: Another walkable area, Queen Anne is great for weekend strolls or short bike rides.
Family-friendly: You’ll find plenty of families in this area, thanks to excellent schools, as well as plenty of playgrounds and parks. The Queen Anne Farmers Market is a popular destination for young families throughout the neighborhood.
Cultural attractions: Here, you’ll find the Seattle Children’s Museum and the Pacific Science Center.
Quiet and peaceful: Though it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown, Queen Anne’s tree-lined streets are relatively quiet and peaceful.
Ballard
Just north of the Ballard Locks and the Lake Washington Ship Canal, Ballard is a well-known Seattle neighborhood for a good reason. Here are some of the characteristics of the Ballard neighborhood:
Scandinavian heritage: A strong Scandinavian heritage is still felt in Ballard; you’ll find buildings, festivals, and even a museum that reflects the early residents of this area who came from the Nordic countries.
Waterfront location: With access to the Ballard Locks and the Lake Washington Ship Canal, this neighborhood offers true Seattle personality and offers boating, fishing, and shoreline trails.
Lively restaurant and bar scene: When you’re ready to head out, you’ll find everything from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The neighborhood is especially known for its seafood and craft beer.
Shopping: Boutique shops, galleries, and a Farmers Market make shopping easy and accessible year-round.
Walkability: Just like most areas on our list, Ballard is a highly walkable neighborhood, with most destinations located within easy walking distance.
Fremont
Quirky and eclectic, Fremont is located in north-central Seattle and has long been a favorite among artists. Here are some of the characteristics of the Fremont neighborhood:
Artistic culture: Fremont is famous for its art scene, with numerous galleries, public art installations, and performance spaces. The annual Fremont Solstice Parade and Festival is known for its colorful costumes and body paint.
Quirky landmarks: Unusual is the norm here. Fremont is home to the Fremont Troll, a giant sculpture of a troll located under the Aurora Bridge, and the Interurban sculpture, a large statue of a man waiting for a trolley.
Shopping: Shop local in Fremont with plenty of boutique shops, bookstores, and vintage clothing stores, as well as a year-round Sunday market.
Nightlife: If you’re looking for a hip nightlife scene, Fremont has plenty of bars, breweries, and restaurants with ample outdoor seating.
Diverse residents: The neighborhood is popular with young professionals and artists alike.
Wallingford
Cozy and quiet, Wallingford can be a great option for families, retirees, or those just looking for a bit of escape from Seattle’s hustle and bustle. Here are some of the characteristics of the Wallingford neighborhood:
Residential feel: Tree-lined streets, welcoming vibes, and a mix of historic homes, apartments, and condos make this a popular spot with families and young professionals.
Access to Green Lake: Wallingford is located just south of Green Lake, a popular destination for running, biking, and boating. The lake is surrounded by a park with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
Diverse dining: Wallingford has a variety of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, with a focus on local and sustainable products. The neighborhood is particularly known for its diverse dining options, including Thai, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Cultural connections: Home to the Good Shepherd Center, which hosts community events and performances, Wallingford is also famous for its Wurst Festival, an annual celebration of German sausage.
Transportation: Well-connected to other parts of the city, you’ll have easy access to major highways and public transportation options, including buses and light rail.
These are just a few of Seattle’s more well-known residential neighborhoods. Each area of the city has its own unique character and charm, so be sure to get out and explore to find the one that fits you and your family best.
What You Should Know Before Moving to Seattle
Just like with any city, Seattle has its own unique personality and culture. If you’re moving to Seattle, here are a few things you should know.
The Stats
Facts can help put things in perspective. Here are a few from U.S. News & World Report:
- Metro Population: 3,928,498
- Median Home Price: $736,721
- Median Monthly Rent: $1,589
- Median Age: 37 years old
- Average Annual Salary: $74,330
- Unemployment Rate: 8.7%
- Average Commute: 31 minutes
- Average High Temps: 60.23° F
- Average Low Temps: 44.96° F
- Average Rainfall: 37.49 inches
The Weather (The Good and the Bad)
Think of Seattle, and you may imagine drizzly, overcast skies. While it’s true that our winters are quite wet (and can be a bit gloomy), our summers are warm and dry. And don’t let stereotypes fool you — Seattle doesn’t even make the top 10 list for the rainest U.S. cities (though, surprisingly, New York City, Nashville, and Atlanta do).
The (Lack of) State Income Tax
Seattle is known to be on the pricier side when it comes to the cost of living, but here’s some good news: Washington state is one of eight U.S. states with zero state income tax. This can mean pretty significant savings — especially if you’re moving from a state where income tax rates are high.
The Seattle “Freeze”
Some newcomers find Seattleites unfriendly at first. There’s actually a term for it — the Seattle Chill or the Seattle Freeze. Those moving from the South or Midwest may especially pick up on this cultural shift. However, Seattle is not an unfriendly place — it can just take a bit more time to find your niche. Our residents are just as friendly, interesting, and kind as other people around the country. Just be prepared to put a bit more effort into getting to know them.
Why do people love living in Seattle?
Because there’s always something to do!
We have plenty of restaurants (like The Walrus and The Carpenter or Elliot’s Oyster House) that are famous for fresh Pacific seafood.
Our music scene — which first gained national attention in the mid-1980s and early ’90s thanks to Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden — continues to be one of the most exciting in the country. You can catch a live show any day of the week at venues like The Crocodile, Paramount Theatre, or Sunset Tavern, and take in artists of nearly every genre imaginable.
If you’re a sports fan, we have plenty to keep you busy all year long. Seattle is home to multiple professional sports franchises, including the Seahawks (football), Sounders (soccer), Kraken (hockey), and Mariners (baseball).
And, when you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the city on the weekends, breathtaking recreation areas are plentiful and the ultimate getaway. Take a hike at Olympic National Forest, go kayaking on Lake Union, or take in one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks up close at Mount Rainier National Park.
How to Find A Moving Company in Seattle
Any Seattle Moving Guide can introduce you to the finer points of Seattle living, but how do you make it a reality? The first thing you need to do is find the right Seattle moving company to help make your transition smooth. Make sure your professional movers check all these boxes:
- Offer packing services for the ultimate, low-stress moving experience.
- Serve the specific Seattle neighborhoods or surrounding area(s) where you’re looking to move.
- Are fully licensed and insured.
- Have consistently positive online reviews.
- Provide transparent rates.
- Guarantee helpful, friendly service.
We can help you call Seattle home. Contact Adam’s Moving Service!
Simplify one of the biggest hurdles of your move by choosing our Seattle movers at Adam’s Moving Service! We meet or exceed all the criteria listed above and are proud to be one of the highest-rated moving companies in the state of Washington. We can help you unload from your out-of-state move or handle packing and moving across the greater Seattle area. For more information or to book your move, contact us.
