Seattle is a busy, vibrant, and diverse city with a rich history. It is a place of art and music, great food, impressive architecture, and gorgeous outdoor spaces. The real estate market is hot, and the city offers everything from breathtaking waterfront estates to quiet suburban neighborhoods and luxury apartments. If you’re relocating to Seattle and looking for an apartment, here are a few things to consider:
Know Your Neighborhoods
Seattle is a big place and covers 83 square miles and is home to over 744,000 people. It is broken down into many different suburbs and sections, all with their own unique character. The first step to find an apartment in Seattle is deciding which neighborhoods suit your lifestyle. Here are some of Seattle’s most popular neighborhoods:
Bellevue is a city that sits about seven miles outside of Seattle. It offers views of the gorgeous Seattle skyline and is a hot spot for technology and retail businesses. It is known as the “City in the Park” because of its multiple nature trails and public parks. With highly ranked schools and plenty to do, Bellevue is known as a city of innovation.
Downtown Seattle is the definition of a vibrant and active metropolitan city. It is a bustling neighborhood of art, music, food, and commerce. It offers high-end living in luxurious high rises, and living here puts you right in the heart of the city’s action. Downtown Seattle is busy and colorful and home to boutiques, trendy brunch spots, and the iconic Pike Place Market.
Belltown is modern and a hip place with lots of social and business opportunities. It’s a highly walkable city, which means you can fully experience Belltown, even if you don’t have a car. First Avenue runs along the water and is where you’ll find charming sidewalk boutiques, patio cafes, and art galleries. Belltown has living arrangements for just about everyone and offers a mixture of vintage apartments and chic high rises.
Renton is a Seattle suburb with lots of opportunities and charming details. Originally known as an industrial town, Renton is slowly reinventing itself and is growing into a more contemporary and social city. There are wineries, restaurants, and coffee shops dotted along quiet suburban streets. There are several outdoor activities like parks and trails to explore, giving residents an authentic taste of the Pacific Northwest. The real estate market is diverse and consists of impressive suburban homes and upscale apartments.
Lower Queen Ann consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Seattle for its urban and progressive feel in a diverse environment. It’s a hot spot for young professionals and entrepreneurs looking for high-end living and vibrant nightlife.
Consider the Commuting Options
Like other major metropolitan cities, Seattle gives its residents plenty of options to move around the city. From streetcars and public busses to water taxis and monorails, it’s easy to commute from where you work to where you live in Seattle. Public transportation is widely available, making it easy to get from the suburbs to downtown, the University of Washington, and even the iconic Space Needle.
Many luxury apartments in Seattle are within walking distance of public transportation options, giving residents the freedom to explore the city without a car. If you move to Seattle with a car, look for an apartment that offers easy access to the interstates. These major highways make it easy to commute to popular areas nestled in many of Seattle’s more quiet suburbs.
Ask About Amenities
Once you’ve narrowed down your apartment search to communities in the right neighborhoods, it is vital to make sure the community has the right amenities. Small business owners and entrepreneurs may look for apartment communities with rentable meeting rooms, on-site offices, and public workspaces. Amenities like shared pools, outdoor kitchens, fitness centers, and planned social events might be important for those seeking active and social groups.
If you’re looking for high-end apartment living, Tower 12 combines the comfort and convenience of a traditional apartment with the upgrades and amenities of a luxury resort. The one and two-bedroom floor plans feature open-concept layouts and modern amenities. The penthouse suites completely redefine luxury apartment living! While there is no shortage of apartments in Seattle, it’s rare to find an apartment community like Tower 12. Tower 12 offers all of the amenities you’d expect in a high-end apartment and so much more.
If you have a pet, you’ll need to narrow down your apartment search to pet-friendly communities. If you have kids, you may want to find an apartment that caters to families and features amenities like movie theaters and clubrooms. If fitness is important to you, consider narrowing down your search to apartments that offer fitness classes, high-end fitness equipment, yoga studios, and spas.
The apartment you choose should reflect your lifestyle. Your new home should add ease, comfort, and convivence by offering the amenities you need to live life to the fullest.
Go For a Walk
Seattle has a walkability score of 7.31, which means it is a highly walkable city. Many Seattle residents rely on bikes, roller skates, and skateboards to travel from place to place. As you search for an apartment in Seattle, we recommend walking the city to gain a feel for the neighborhood and help you see the available apartments for rent. Sometimes you'll notice things about a street or area when you're walking it and that you miss when you're passing by in a car. Choose multiple times to walk through the neighborhood to see how the vibe changes throughout the day. We recommend taking a stroll during the workday, in the evenings, and over the weekend to see if the community is the right fit for you.
Know Your Renters Rights
Once you have found your dream home in Seattle and submitted your application, it is time to research your rights as a Seattle renter. Rental rules are different across the country. Knowing your roles and responsibilities as a renter will help simplify your transition to your new home. It is essential you rent from a transparent and reliable company that understands and follows its legal duties as a landlord.
We recommend you thoroughly read through your rental contract to make sure you understand your responsibilities. Don't be afraid to ask your landlord or property manager to explain the agreement before you sign.
Take the First Step Toward Finding Your Apartment in Seattle
Location, neighborhood, and amenities are all important considerations when choosing an apartment in Seattle. If you’re looking for a centrally located apartment with incredible amenities, we encourage you to check out Tower 12. We’d love to discuss what you’re looking for and schedule a tour of our community with one of our experienced team members today!