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.
Attend an event at the historic Stimson-Green Mansion on First Hill.
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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.
Many First Hill residents live in high rise condo buildings with views of the city and the lake.
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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
Meany Middle School
Lowell Elementary School
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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.
Spend the afternoon soaking up some sun at Freeway Park in First Hill.
Relax at First Hill Park to watch the passersby.
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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.
Virginia Mason's Hospital Surgery Center is just one of many medical facilities in First Hill.
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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.
St. James Cathedral is Seattle's main Catholic church, located in First Hill on 9th Avenue.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ted Meenk,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
First Hill Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Trails
Freeway Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Harborview Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Yesler Terrace Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Horiuchi Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Botanical Gardens
Boren Place
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
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
3.617 Reviews
1.0Current Resident
10/10/2018Niche Review
The homeless and drug problem is out of control. I'm afraid to walk in the grass in fear of stepping on a needle or human feces.
4.0Niche User
4/26/2015Niche Review
Seattle has the classic Pacific Northwest weather: generally not too hot or cold, with enough precipitation to keep things fresh and clean.
3.0Niche User
5/29/2015Niche Review
There is crime but ive never been directly affected by it
3.0Niche User
4/26/2015Niche Review
People in Capitol Hill are generally laidback and easy to be around. This area is very pet friendly; you will see people walking their dogs on a daily basis.
Luxury living in an enviable location! This meticulous condo offers a sought-after 2-bedroom floor plan with elevated views from every room and timeless finishes throughout. Luma, located at the intersection of First Hill and Pike/Pine, boasts sophisticated interior finish palettes, 9-foot ceilings, and expansive windows showcasing sweeping views of downtown, the Cascades, the Olympics, and Lake
Northwest facing, 11th-floor condo in First Hill's Decatur Building, designed by Space Needle's Architect John Graham. Thoughtful layout with carpeted floors, abundant natural light and plenty of closet space. Hardwood kitchen floor with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and dining space. Rooftop deck and grill with 360 views. Recently updated lobby with front desk concierge and
Meridian Modern // Nestled between Seattle's downtown retail core and the vibrant Pike/Pine corridor, this freshly renovated home offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and luxury living. From the 25th floor of one of Seattle's most recognized towers, this rare 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence affords a level of spaciousness generally afforded ultra-exclusive penthouse homes. Offering
Live at Meridian Condominiums in Seattle’s vibrant core, just steps from Starbucks Reserve, light rail and public transit, the Convention Center, and the premier shopping of downtown. This sunlit 9th-floor corner 1 bed, 1 bath + Office/Den features 751 sqft of stylish, comfortable living with sweeping city views and a private patio—perfect for morning coffee or evening unwinding. Enjoy a cozy gas
Spectacular northwest-facing condo at the Luma featuring views of the skyline, Sound, mountains, Space Needle and Lake Union. Large, luxurious living and dining areas with balcony and open, modern kitchen. Serene primary suite with spa-like bath and spacious walk-in closet. Second bedroom with sound and city views doubles as great office. Well-appointed home with high ceilings, tons of natural
We see Museum House as an opportunity to build upon First Hill's strong architectural past, while holding a light to the future. The concept for the design is to maintain a museum-like aesthetic running through the veins of a new residential project, creating the architectural expression for the skin of the building as well as animating the surrounding public space. Coupled with one of Seattle's
Live at the beautiful, historic Gainsborough! Conveniently located in First Hill, you'll be walking distance to a variety of restaurants, shops, and major employers. No car needed in this extremely walkable and transit-friendly spot. First month's rent, security deposit, move-in fee, and application fee required upfront. 12-month lease minimum. No pets. Amenities include: secure entry, communal
We love ours and we think you will too. We're built around a neighborhood near downtown Seattle known for its art, eats, beats and pocket parks. Bringing people together with big ideas and even bigger dreams.We enjoy staying connected to our International District neighbors. And up the way, our creative Cap Hill friends.Mason & Main honors those who laid the foundation of our great city, as well
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ted Meenk,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
17,668
Median Age
37
Population Density
78 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$91,774
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$119,155
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.3%
College Graduates
59.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.5%
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
8''
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.
