With an estimated population of 4,102,400 as of 2022, Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The Emerald City is known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and friendly people. However, like any large city, some areas can be unsafe for renters.
In this quick guide, we show you 9 areas that are considered to be generally safe when looking for a new home to settle in in Seattle. Let’s dive in!
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Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is home to thousands of young professionals and families and is best known for its strong sense of community. The area is also well-connected with plenty of public transportation options. This neighborhood should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a safe and affordable place to live in Seattle.
Magnolia
Seattle’s historic Magnolia neighborhood is a pocket of tranquility and charm just minutes from Downtown. In addition to being home to some of the city’s most notable landmarks, such as Yesler Terrace and First Baptist Church, Magnolia is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle to rent.
This neighborhood derives its name from the century-old magnolia trees that line important streets. With its close proximity to the University District, shopping at Pike Place Market, and galleries like the Frye Art Museum and Seattle Art Museum, it’s an ideal place to live if you’re looking for diverse cultural experiences.
West Seattle
West Seattle is another decent neighborhood, especially for families. It’s located on a peninsula with Puget Sound on one side and the Duwamish River on the other. There are several parks and beaches to enjoy here and a vibrant commercial district with shops and restaurants.
The crime rate in West Seattle is slightly higher than in Magnolia but still lower than the average for Seattle.
Queen Anne
Queen Anne is a neighborhood located just north of Downtown Seattle. It’s considered one of the most desirable places to live in this city with its historic homes, views of the Space Needle, and proximity to downtown.
Queen Anne has a lower crime rate than many other neighborhoods in Seattle, which explains why a lot of people find it easy to move here.
Northgate
Northgate is a neighborhood located in north Seattle. It’s a diverse area with many immigrants and refugee families. Northgate is home to a large mall, parks, good schools, and community services. The crime rate is lower here than the average in Seattle.
Wallingford
You may be thinking that Wallingford is too far away from the city to be a safe place to rent, but surprisingly it’s not. In fact, many of Wallingford’s neighborhoods are some of the safest in Seattle. Here are three safe areas to rent in Wallingford:
Green Lake
This area is situated close to downtown and has plenty of amenities, like parks and schools. It’s also relatively crime-free, making it an ideal place for families.
University District
This is a trendy neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It’s also very walkable, making it convenient for exploring.
Central Business District
This historic district is home to some of the tallest buildings in Seattle. However, it’s also well-lit and security patrols are frequent.
Madrona
Madrona is located on the east side of Lake Washington, just south of the city’s Central District. The community here comprises thousands of young families and professionals who work in the city.
Madrona has many parks, recreation areas, and excellent public schools. The area is also safe and with a low crime rate.
Redmond
Homes in Redmond tend to be pricier than those in other parts of Seattle, but they’re also safer. Redmond has been cited by Forbes as one of the safest places in America to live in and it has a low crime rate.
Renters can find apartments and houses in Redmond that range from $1,000 to $4,000 per month. Some good neighborhoods to look for include Progress Ridge and Cascade.
Kirkland
This is an affluent suburb just south of Seattle and has a variety of rental apartments, homes, and condos to choose from. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Kirkland include Redmond Highlands, Bel-Red, and Spring Island Terrace.
The cost of renting an apartment in Kirkland is typically lower than in other parts of Seattle, making it a great option for budget-minded renters. Additionally, the commute into downtown Seattle is relatively short and easy, so there’s no need to worry about being too far away from all the action.
Also Read: What your mover wants you to know in advance
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to live or just want to be cautious, these nine places in and around Seattle are known to provide safe living environments. While every neighborhood is different, all of them share one thing in common: they are well-maintained and crime rates are low.
So if you’re looking for a place in Seattle where you can feel comfortable living without locking your door at night, give one of these neighborhoods a try!