Downtown Seattle, on Puget Sound's Elliott Bay, has a wide selection of shopping and dining options, walkability, public transportation and parks. "It's such an urban setting," says David Glenn, a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Danforth, who also has 15 years of experience as a contractor. "Most of Downtown Seattle is buildings, but it's not so much residential," Glenn says. "If you wanted single-family in Downtown, I'd say 'good luck.'" Condominium living is the norm, and the variety of buildings includes vintage midrises and modern high-rises.
High-rise condos in Downtown Seattle, as seen from Pike Place Market enjoy views of Puget Sound.
The Metropolitan Grill at the Marion Building in Downtown Seattle, is a steak lover's dream.
1/2
Pier pastimes, Ivar's, Pike Place and more shopping
Piers along the bay feature numerous lures, from the iconic Seattle Great Wheel Ferris wheel to sea tour sellers, specialty shops and ferries. Along the waterfront, restaurants like Elliott's Oyster House on Pier 56 and Ivar's on Pier 54 bring the sea to shore. Neil Northrop, a member of Elvis tribute band Kentucky Rainband, says the original owner of Ivar's, Ivar Haglund, was a big Seattle character. "He was kind of a local hero, a seafood guy, but he also did a lot for marine animals," Northrop says. "He took a baby seal in a baby carriage to a mall one time." The seal stunt was for the purpose of promoting Seattle's first aquarium, which Haglund opened in 1938. A folk singer and radio celebrity, Haglund popularized the song "Acres of Clams," which is also the name of the other Ivar's eatery on Pier 54.
Multistory mall Westlake Center is one place to shop, and it has a food court, which includes Sushi Burrito and CaliBurger. One of the area's biggest draws is the waterfront Pike Place Market, one of the oldest operating farmers markets in the country, founded in 1907. "It's for outdoor and indoor shopping: fresh, fresh stuff," Glenn says. Fishmongers, produce farmers and craftsmen sell their goods at the market. Grocers in the area include H Mart and Whole Foods Market.
Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle, is a local's favorite and the place to grab your produce.
Westlake Center, in Downtown Seattle, offers world class shopping and dinning.
Organic produce stall in Pike Place Market, where Downtown Seattle residents come shopping.
1/3
Seattle attractions and performance venues
There's no need for idle time in Downtown Seattle. There are many attractions and exciting things to do, including visits to the Seattle Art Museum or the Seattle Aquarium. It's about a mile to T-Mobile Park, where the Seattle Mariners play, or Lumen Field for the Seattle Seahawks, Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC and National Women's Soccer League's Seattle Reign FC. The stadiums also host major touring acts, conventions and other events.
"I haven't heard much about Downtown nightlife recently, but there are definitely venues that people go to," Glenn says. The Paramount Theatre is one location that comes to mind. The historical venue features musicals, plays and concerts. The Moore Theatre, built in 1907, hosts national performers, including comedians and dance troupes. Both venues are under the care of the nonprofit Seattle Theatre Group, which has a community outreach and educational programming component.
One of many attractions in Downtown Seattle is the Ferris Wheel, located on Pier 54.
The iconic Seattle Public Library on 4th Avenue in Downtown Seattle.
1/2
Buses, monorail, Pier 50 ferries and water taxis
Downtown is very walkable, and King County Metro and Sound Transit buses run throughout the city and beyond. The refillable ORCA card makes paying for public transportation easy. The Seattle Center Monorail runs out of the station at Westlake Center, which was upgraded with $7 million worth of improvements in 2021. The trains run to Seattle Center destinations like the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture and the Climate Pledge Arena.
University Street Station is one of the closest Sound Transit Link light rail stations. It's less than 2 miles to King Street Station, which offers Sound Transit Link light rail, First Hill Seattle Streetcars, Sounder commuter trains and Amtrak service.
Pier 55 has Argosy Fast Ferry service to Blake Island, and Pier 50 has King County Metro ferries to Kingston, Southworth, Bremerton and Bainbridge. The Water Taxi travels from Pier 50 to West Seattle and Vashon Island.
Some parking garages and electric vehicle charging stations are available in the area. Interstate 5 is nearby, and it's about 13 miles to Sea-Tac, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and a 34-mile drive south to Tacoma.
Bus stop along 4th Avenue in Downtown Seattle.
Bus stop outside Westlake Center, in Downtown Seattle.
1/2
Hirise condos flank both sides of 2nd Avenue in Downtown Seattle.
Seaboard Building condos, penthouses in high-rises
"If you were new to Seattle and you didn't see what it used to be and you were to scrap all of that and come live in Seattle now, you would most likely be living in multifamily, most likely condos or apartments," Glenn says.
Residential landmarks include the early-1900s Seaboard Building. With prices comparable to other midrise vintage options, this Beaux-Arts-style building offers luxury condos. A Seaboard one-bedroom can cost $390,000, versus $1.4 million for the 2,500-square-foot penthouse, formerly department store magnate John Nordstrom's office.
Many downtowners live in high-rise condos overlooking Puget Sound. Condos constructed from 2000 to 2010 range from about $500,000 for a one-bedroom of less than 1,000 square feet to as much as $12 million for a penthouse with more than 5,000 square feet. Condos come with numerous perks, including private balconies and decks, clubhouses, fitness centers, pools and saunas. Monthly homeowners association fees are proportional to property values, ranging from about $750 to over $8,000. Some buildings do not include parking; a single garage space can sell for $45,000.
The CAP Index crime score is 9 out of 10; however, according to the Downtown Seattle Association, the number of violent crime incidents has fallen. In 2023, violent crime was at its lowest level since 2018.
Waterfront Park makeover, Olympic Sculpture Park
The city has been making efforts to update and improve the waterfront. A transformed shoreline park is being created in place of Waterfront Park at Pier 58. It's expected to be completed by 2025 and include gardens, trails and areas for concerts and festivals. Olympic Sculpture Park, an offshoot of the Seattle Art Museum, is about a mile up the coast and has paths for pedestrian and cyclist use. The annual Seattle Pride Parade starts with a preshow at Westlake Park and takes a route along Fourth Avenue. The largest parade in Washington state, the event celebrates over 250 groups, companies and nonprofits.
Lowell Elementary, Meany Middle, Garfield High
Public schools include Lowell Elementary, which has a B-minus grade from Niche and on-site after-school childcare through the Boys and Girls Club of King County. Meany Middle School has a B-plus, and Garfield High School has an A. The area also has several highly rated private schools, such as The Downtown School: A Lakeside School, an independent coeducational high school with an A grade.
Additionally, the Seattle Public Library Central Library is located Downtown and offers programs and resources for students of all ages.
The iconic Seattle Public Library on 4th Avenue in Downtown Seattle.
Lowell Elementary School
Downtown Seattle children, attend Meany Middle School nearby.
Downtown Seattle students attend Garfield High, just a couple of miles east of downtown.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Experience unmatched modern luxury and convenience in this stunning corner unit, designed for sophisticated urban living. Captivating views of the iconic Seattle Public Library & lush tree-lined streets through expansive windows. Soaring 10.5-foot ceilings enhance the open,airy ambiance. Gourmet kitchen features high-end Sub-Zero & Bosch appliances, gas cooking, and sleek finishes—perfect for
Elevate your lifestyle at Escala! Stunning NW corner 2BR/2BA with 220 sqft private terrace – BBQs allowed! Soaring 10’ floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with natural light. Enjoy sweeping views of Elliott Bay, the Olympics, and the Space Needle. Open floor plan with double-sided gas fireplace, chef’s kitchen with gas cooktop, oversized stone island & Italian Pedini cabinets. World-class
Welcome to The Modern, the new standard of Seattle living. The brand-new residences are move-in ready and feature top-of-the-line appliances and premium finishes. The expansive amenity collection serves as an extension of your home and includes a fitness suite with weekly classes, a sauna for recovery and relaxation and outdoor terraces to take in the sweeping views of Elliott Bay. Featuring a
Brand new and never lived in! 11th-floor 1-BD at First Light w/ stunning S-facing downtown city skyline views. The flexible floor plan offers generous sitting, living, & dining, all framed by wall-to-wall triple-paned windows that flood the space with natural light. Step onto the expansive 74 SF terrace- perfect for alfresco dining! The gourmet chef’s kitchen boasts sleek B&B Italia cabinetry &
Located on the corner of First and everything, Harbor Steps Apartments offers a downtown living experience like no other. Fine art galleries, restaurants, shopping and nightlife are all at your doorstep. Our homes include energy-efficient appliances, upgraded cabinetry and hard surface flooring. Residents will enjoy the 24-hour concierge service, 3 fitness centers with a basketball/ volleyball
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sarah Rudinoff,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,987
Median Age
41
Population Density
26 ppl/acre
Population under 18
8.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$124,930
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$150,573
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.1%
College Graduates
66.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
8''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
65/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
