Seattle Metro Region
This is Seattle's major urban area. Although there are many different neighborhoods they blend almost seamlessly as you head north and south parallel to Seattle's waterfront. Its major districts are Downtown, Belltown, Pioneer Square, Queen Anne, and the International District. Below is a brief description of these areas. Click on the name to go to their page where more information and photos are available.

Downtown
Seattle has a bustling and exciting downtown. It is not only a major commercial and retail center, it is also home to many Seattle residents. Many of the great attractions that make Seattle famous are located downtown, such as the Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Seattle Central Library.

Belltown
Belltown has grown in recent years to become one of Seattle's most exciting neighborhoods. It has a great number of condominiums, with new ones being built every year, that give Belltown an urban and modern feel. Due to the number of condos, a great deal of restaurants, stores, and a happening nightlife.

International District
Seattle's International District is a unique pocket just southeast of downtown. The streets are always busy with a diverse group of people taking advantage of the variety of restaurants, shops, and sights.

Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square was Seattle's first downtown and is famous for its historical architecture and landmarks. Pioneer Square's old buildings also provide for amazing condos and apartment buildings. Here is were you'll find creative and unusual lofts.

Queen Anne
Queen Anne gets its name from the architectural style that was popular when Seattle's elite first made it their home. Many of these homes still remain and are mixed in with newer homes, apartments, and condominiums. Lower Queen Anne is home to a lively commercial area and the Seattle Center.

Magnolia
Magnolia is quiet and separated from Seattle's busier neighborhoods by its location on a peninsula. It is mostly residential and consists of rolling streets lined with a mixture of single-family homes. It is also home to Volunteer Park one of Seattle's largest and most scenic parks.

East Seattle
If you head up the Denny-regrade from downtown Seattle, you will find a number of neighborhoods containing houses, condos, apartments, and countless shopping districts, small restaurants, and businesses. These neighborhoods comfortably fill the area between Seattle's metro region and Lake Washington.

Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is home to a diverse group of residents. This diversity lends itself well to providing a variety of shops and restaurants scattered among the different areas of this large neighborhood.

First Hill
First Hill's most famous nickname is "Pill Hill", which it received by being the home to many of Seattle's medical faculties. The west slope of First Hill is densely urban and has a great number of apartments, where the east slope start to have houses and neighborhoods as it blends into Madison and the Central District.

Madrona
Madrona is a located along Lake Washington and is not only beautiful, but also very friendly. The residents of Madrona pride themselves in the small town feel of their neighborhood. Drive slowly along 34th Street and enjoy Madrona's small shops and restaurants or visit the wonderful Madrona Park.

Madison
The Madison neighborhoods, Madison Park and Madison Valley, are very residential and upscale areas that are very popular among Seattle homebuyers. They also each have a small but distinct commercial areas which can make for a great day trip for anyone in the Seattle area.

Montlake
Montlake is an upscale neighborhood nestled in between Capitol Hill and the University District. Although it has very little commercial areas, its proximity to major neighborhoods and parks makes it an ideal place to live.


Central District
The Central District is one of the cities largest areas with a population around 26,000. It has a variety of housing and many small distinct commercial areas. Although the cost of housing has been rising, some of Seattle's most affordable homes are located in the Central District.

North Seattle
The areas north of downtown Seattle are as varying as the metro areas. The majority of north Seattle is residential and provides homes for many of the people working downtown. There are some commercial areas as well. State Route 99 runs north and south through Seattle, and makes for easy access to the north Seattle neighborhoods. The buildings that line 99 also provides many of their shopping and dining needs.

Greenwood
The neighborhood of Greenwood is an eclectic mix of homes and shops. It has a variety of homes and shops lining North 85th Street and Greenwood Avenue. Greenwood and Phinney Ridge share many same residents who are active in making the commercial area more pedestrian friendly.

Wallingford
Wallingford runs from the area surrounding its commercial district along North 45th Street south to Lake Union. Along with the fantastic shops and restaurants on North 45th, Wallingford is highly desired because of its quaint tree lined residential streets. Wallingford is also home to the unique Gas Works Park.

Green Lake
Green Lake gets its name from the large lake that is a favorite destination for Seattle's joggers, bicyclists, and swimmers. The neighborhood his dominantly residential, but has a growing commercial area with several popular restaurants and shops. The quite streets and proximity to the park make Green Lake an ideal neighborhood for thousands of Seattleites.

Fremont
A small neighbor hood resting on the Ship Canal, Fremont is often described as funky because of the interesting shops, restaurants, and wild landmarks. This description may also have to do with its fun loving residents who love living in "The Center of the Universe!"

Ballard
Ballard is a fun mix of old and new, making it one of Seattle's most desired neighborhoods. Originally a blue-collar fishing community, Ballard was populated by Seattle's Scandinavian immigrants. Now it has many new residents that like the slow pace of life, despite the fact that it is only ten minutes from Downtown.

South Seattle
South Seattle has been Seattle's biggest industrial hub for over decades. Surrounding this highly commercial district are several distinct neighborhoods that offer a quite and convenient commute to work. South Seattle is also the gateway to neighboring towns and West Seattle. Some of South Seattle's biggest draws are the two major stadiums and Boeing Field.

Beacon Hill
This neighborhood shares its name with the large hill it sits on overlooking downtown, the Rainer Valley, and the Puget Sound. With large residential neighborhoods, several commercial areas, and a large park, Beacon Hill has a lot to offer. It is growing in popularity, in part because it is home to Amazon.com's headquarters.

Georgetown
Georgetown is a fun mix of commercial buildings, quaint tree lined streets, and an artistic commercial area. Despite the fact that it is surrounded by the industrial area of South Seattle and Boeing Field, Georgetown is growing in popularity. People who are looking for a neighborhood off the beaten path are often drawn to Georgetown's distinct character.

Columbia City
Columbia City is a small neighborhood tucked in the Rainer Valley. It has a historic commercial area and older homes that stretch up the hill towards Lake Washington. The community attitude is best displayed during Columbia City's Beat Walk, a monthly musical showcase.

Mount Baker
An older and established neighborhood, the residents of Mount Baker have a strong sense of community despite their varied backgrounds. This is evident in the great number of parks, churches, and the large community center. This is a great place to find an old home and make it yours.

Rainier Valley
Rainier Valley is a major commercial center for South Seattle. The area in the center of the valley, along Rainier Ave. S., is bustling with activity and apartments. There are also a number of schools and parks for the residents of Rainier Valley, and the surrounding communities, to take advantage of. Rainier Valley has a constantly changing diverse population.

Seward Park
Named after the park that juts into Lake Washington to its west, the tree-lined streets blend seamlessly into the park. With a divers group of homes and a quiet neighborhood theme, Seward Park has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in South Seattle.