Section Image

First Hill

First Hill

Neighborhood Reviews
3.6
$519,597 Average Value
$627 Average Price per Sq Ft
57 Homes For Sale

Vibrant community moments from downtown

Seattle’s historic First Hill neighborhood offers a myriad of amenities among a densely populated cityscape. Interstate 5 Expressway (I-5) runs along the community’s west side, providing easy commuting to nearby neighborhoods like downtown, Capitol Hill and Belltown. Downtown Seattle is located on the other side of I-5, allowing First Hill residents quick access to the shops, dining, entertainment and iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle.

Known for its cultural offerings, First Hill features museums, concerts, author readings, and historic charm, with buildings dating back to the early 1900s, such as the Sorrento Hotel. Established in 1909, the Sorrento is rumored to be haunted and is a popular stop on the Seattle Terrors Ghost Tour.

With a population of nearly 11,900 residents, First Hill earns an A-plus rating from Niche, with nightlife, diversity, public schools and commuting garnering the highest praise from locals. It ranks as the No. 3 best neighborhood to live in within the city.

Admire the historic architecture of Hotel Sorento on First Hill.
Admire the historic architecture of Hotel Sorento on First Hill.
Attend an event at the historic Stimson-Green Mansion on First Hill.
Attend an event at the historic Stimson-Green Mansion on First Hill.
1/2

Luxury condos and townhouses

First Hill’s urban landscape is a blend of commercial, business and residential high-rise buildings that coexist with the neighborhood’s historical landmarks. While single-family homes are not present in the community, prospective residents have no shortage of condos available for purchase. Condos throughout the area can be priced anywhere from the high $200,000s and to nearly $2 million.

Modest units with one bedroom and one bath with under 1,000 square feet of living space, will cost on the low end of this price point. Luxury units with close to 3,000 square feet and three bedrooms and three baths often come with various amenities, including community spaces and exercise rooms can reach up to $1.9 million. The average sale price for homes is nearly $539,000, with homes selling after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 42 days.

First hill is populated by a diverse range of architectural eras.
First hill is populated by a diverse range of architectural eras.
Many First Hill residents live in high rise condo buildings with views of the city and the lake.
Many First Hill residents live in high rise condo buildings with views of the city and the lake.
1/2

Top-rated schools and notable alumni

Students attend Lowell Elementary and Edmond S. Meany Middle before ascending to Garfield High. All three public schools earn an A-minus score or higher from Niche. Garfield offers an extensive list of extracurriculars, from skiing to crochet. The high school also has some trailblazing alums, including iconic guitarist and songwriter Jimi Hendrix and Debbie Armstrong, an Olympic gold medalist and championship skier.

For those seeking private education, O’Dea High School provides another option. Post-secondary education is available at Seattle University, a progressive Jesuit Catholic institution founded in 1891, serving over 7,000 students on its 50-acre campus.

Garfield High School
Garfield High School
Meany Middle School
Meany Middle School
Lowell Elementary School
Lowell Elementary School
1/3

Mini parks with panoramic city views

Despite the predominance of tall residential buildings and commerce, First Hill offers several mini-parks, including the notable First Hill Park. Situated at the heart of the neighborhood, it provides an ideal green space for relaxation, whether it's enjoying a good book on the grass or lounging on one of the many resting benches. The park is distinguished by a custom bronze sculpture featuring an Edwardian armchair and two playful bear cubs.

For panoramic city views, visitors can head to the five-acre Freeway Park, which overlooks the Financial District and holds the distinction of being the world's first park built atop a freeway. It features a fountain and maze-like waterfalls that double as public art installations. Getting around is facilitated by the RapidRide bus, biking and the proximity to I-5.

First Hill Park.
First Hill Park.
Spend the afternoon soaking up some sun at Freeway Park in First Hill.
Spend the afternoon soaking up some sun at Freeway Park in First Hill.
Relax at First Hill Park to watch the passersby.
Relax at First Hill Park to watch the passersby.
1/3

Local eateries and shops within walking distance

With its dense array of shops, eateries and entertainment venues, residents of First Hill are never far from a new experience. Known for its walkability, the area is easily traversed, with the First Hill Streetcar providing convenient access to downtown and neighboring Capitol Hill. Residents can kickstart their day with a classic or seasonal java from Coffee Tree or savor an eclectic global dish for lunch at Nue. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in snickerdoodle cookies or red velvet cupcakes from Sugar Bakery. For everyday food essentials and fresh produce, Whole Foods Market and QFC are conveniently located nearby.

Medical and hospital facilities

In addition to its green spaces, First Hill is home to several major medical facilities, including Harborview Medical Center, Swedish Hospital and Virginia Mason Medical. Harborview Medical Center, affiliated with the University of Washington, stands as the sole Level I adult and pediatric trauma and verified burn center in Washington state, offering a range of patient services such as trauma care and surgery.

Many First Hill locals work at one of it's centrally located hospitals.
Many First Hill locals work at one of it's centrally located hospitals.
Virginia Mason's Hospital Surgery Center is just one of many medical facilities in First Hill.
Virginia Mason's Hospital Surgery Center is just one of many medical facilities in First Hill.
1/2

Museums, festivals and other cultural happenings

Art enthusiasts can spend their day exploring the Frye Art Museum, home to works by world-renowned artists, contemporary painters and sculptors. Housed in a historic church, Town Hall Seattle serves as a community hub, hosting events such as Saturday Family Concerts featuring local musicians like the Caribbean sounds of the Seattle Steel Pan Project. First Hill stands as not only a vibrant neighborhood with top-rated schools and convenient access to downtown but also as a community rich in history and culture, making it a desirable place to live.

Town Hall Seattle is a cultural center and performance hall in First Hill.
Town Hall Seattle is a cultural center and performance hall in First Hill.
St. James Cathedral is Seattle's main Catholic church, located in First Hill on 9th Avenue.
St. James Cathedral is Seattle's main Catholic church, located in First Hill on 9th Avenue.
1/2
LaTasha James
Written By
LaTasha James
Tyler Hall
Video By
Tyler Hall

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

23 min drive

Bus

9th Ave & Spring St

Bus

Jefferson St & Broadway

Bus

Yesler & Broadway

Bus

Seneca St & 8th Ave

Bus

Pike St & Boren Ave

Bus

Boren Ave & E Yesler Way

Bus

Seneca St & Harvard Ave

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.6 17 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
5/29/2015 Niche Review
There is crime but ive never been directly affected by it
4.0 Niche User
5/29/2015 Niche Review
there are tons of small local business
3.0 Niche User
2/18/2016 Niche Review
Sometimes we hear of robbing on the Jefferson street
4.0 Current Resident
5/22/2024 Niche Review
This area has a lot of hospitals so it can be a bit noisy, but it's always felt safe to me and not too busy. This does mean that there isn't a ton to do in this particular area, but it's so close to Cap Hill and downtown that it doesn't make much of a difference to me.
Are you familiar with the First Hill neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime First Hill US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 8 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

First Hill Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$495,000
Median Sale Price
$463,880
Median Single Family Sale Price
$669,975
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$265,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$750,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
125
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$627

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,673
Number of Homes for Sale
57
Median Year Built
1981
Months of Supply
5.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,063
Significantly below the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
717
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,074
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
621
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
407
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
14,374

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Sep 20
    10 - 11am

    905 Cherry St Unit A606, Seattle, WA 98104

    $250,000

    • 1 Bath
    • 311 Sq Ft
    • 905 Cherry St
    • Unit A606

    Studio606 sits in Seattle’s most architecturally rich neighborhood - where gothic spires reach skyward and the city’s original mansions still stand proud. Historically protected yet vibrantly evolving enclave of civic legacy, offering a rare blend of heritage and modern livability. Inside, the studio is fully furnished and fully stocked - not just move-in ready, but truly live-in ready. All-new

    Brian Huie COMPASS

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
15,994
Median Age
37
Population Density
70 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$100,046
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$127,954

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.9%
College Graduates
61.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

94 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

98 / 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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
First Hill