Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Seattle with the Best quality of life – 2024

Home to a population of more than three million people, Seattle has a lot to offer — from the wide food scene, home to the Space Needle and the Seahawks. Seattle is well-known for its cultural diversity and can be a home for anyone!

Before moving to Seattle, it is suggested to research things to know and do before moving to Seattle so you have a better understanding of your potential new home. The city’s diverse culture, amenities, parks, housing options, and safe areas enhance its residents’ quality of life.

Read on to discover the top 7 best neighborhoods in Seattle with the best quality of life in 2024.

Methodology

Based on “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Seattle, we based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability and quality of life. 

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from Seattle Police Department Data Maps in 2022, This map shows the Police offenses with a reported date within the last 7 days, that have a 100 block location in the city. Only finalized reports are released and data is updated once every 24 hours. Records classification changes will occur as a report makes its way through the approval and investigative process. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people.

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Rockethomes’s median pricing for November 2023 and Zillow’s 1-bedroom median cost for December 2023.


The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Best neighborhoods in Seattle

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1. North Admiral

Apartments in North Admiral
  • Crime rate: 0.42 per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,895
  • Average home price: $1,060,187

North Admiral is a vibrant neighborhood filled with history, being known as the oldest neighborhood in West Seattle. North Admiral is a waterfront neighborhood where most travel via the King County Water Taxi. The neighborhood is easily accessible, as it is an 18-minute drive to Downtown Seattle. Residents can also take a ferry to Downtown Seattle, which only costs $1 and takes 15 minutes.

This area is perfect for those looking to rent their first apartment or for young couples, as you have all the amenities within walking distance. Locals love to enjoy their time at Alki Beach, where they can take a long walk or have picnics in the sun. North Admiral is also very safe with a low crime rate of 0.42 crimes per 1,000 people. 

As of December 2023, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,895, and the average home price is $1,060,187.

Seattle Police Department City Maps (Dec 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

North Admiral, Seattle

2. Wallingford

Apartments in Wallingford
  • Crime rate: 0.45 per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,250
  • Average home price: $979,975

Wallingford is a residential neighborhood located north of Lake Union. The neighborhood is situated 18 minutes from Downtown Seattle and is filled with panoramic views of the city. Locals enjoy spending their time cycling or walking on the Burke-Gilman Trail, which runs past the park. Students benefit from the location of Wallingford as it is a 7-minute drive to the University of Washington campus.

Wallingford is also conveniently located next to the major highway 5 for easy accessibility throughout the city. Many locals have noted that the major advantage of this neighborhood is its proximity to amenities without having to leave Wallingford. The neighborhood is also safe with a low crime rate of 0.45 crimes per 1,000 people. 

As of December 2023, the average home price is $979,975, with a 1-bed apartment renting for $2,250.

Seattle Police Department City Maps (Dec 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Wallingford, Seattle

3. Madison Park

Apartments in Madison Park
  • Crime rate: 0.76 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,385
  • Average home price: $3,160,000

Madison Park is a neighborhood located in east-central Seattle, Washington. The significant advantage of this neighborhood is its surroundings of green spaces, such as the Washington Park Arboretum, Broadmoor Golf Club, the Foster Point trail, and Lake Washington. If you have a furry friend, Madison Park is the place for you, as the neighborhood is equipped with its own dog parks.

Residents appreciate the overall safety of Madison Park, with a crime rate of 0.76 per 1,000 people. Madison Park also has multiple high-quality schools recommended by locals, such as McGilvra Elementary School and the Bush School. The neighborhood also has its own market known as Bert’s Red Apple Market, which has been open for many generations, providing local groceries. 

As of December 2023, the average home price is approximately $3,160,000 with 1-bed apartments renting for $2,385

Seattle Police Department City Maps (Dec 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Madison Park, Seattle

4. Ballard

1. Ballard- Best neighborhoods in Seattle
  • Crime rate: 0.45 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,850
  • Average home price: $852,285

Ballard is a neighborhood located in the northwestern area of Seattle. If you are looking for a vibrant and trendy neighborhood, Ballard is the place for you. Many locals appreciate the Sunday farmer’s market, with all amenities within walking distance.

Many residents shared the same sentiment of feeling safe on the streets of Ballard. This is proven with the area’s low crime rate of 0.45 crimes per 1,000 people. It has been noted that Ballard is especially enjoyable during the summer due to outdoor dining options, coffee shops, Golden Gardens Park, and nightlife spots like Hale’s Ales Pub and Hazlewood.

As of December 2023, the average home price is $852,285 and renting a 1-bed apartment costs approximately $1,850.

Seattle Police Department City Maps (Dec 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Ballard, Seattle

5. Belltown

Apartments in Belltown
  • Crime rate: 1.14 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,400
  • Average home price: $645,000

The neighborhood of Belltown is filled with high-rise condos and some of Seattle’s hip dining spots. Locals appreciate the accessibility of public transportation options in this area. The area is also a five-minute drive to Downtown Seattle or a 20-minute walk. Most of the residents in this area do not own vehicles, as walking or cycling is preferred. 

If you love being immersed in busy city life, Belltown is the place for you. You can find residents at the Pike Place Market which has locally made specialty foods. The area is assuredly one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle with a crime rate of 1.14 per 1,000 people. It has been noted by locals that the homeless population has increased in Belltown, however, it does not take away from the neighborhood’s beauty.

As of December 2023, the average home price is $645,000, and the cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,400.

Seattle Police Department City Maps (Dec 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Belltown, Seattle

6. Madrona

Apartment in Madrona
  • Crime rate: 2.01 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,000
  • Average home price: $1,150,000

Bounded on the east by Lake Washington, Madrona is a residential haven. Locals have noted that the area is known to be costly; therefore, it is best for those looking for an upscale and serene lifestyle. Nonetheless, Madrona offers its residents local libraries, an annual Mayfair, and green spaces.

The area is perfect for raising a family, as it is also known for its top schools like Garfield High School, Northwood Elementary School, and Cascadia Elementary School. Madrona is also equipped with its own beach, known as Madrona Beach, where locals wind down on their days off.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,000, and the average home price is $1,150,000 as of December 2023. With a reported crime rate of 2.01 per 1,000 people, it provides a sense of security.

Seattle Police Department City Maps (Dec 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Madrona, Seattle

7. Arbor Heights

Apartments in Arbor Heights
  • Crime rate: 2.25 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,950
  • Average home price: $725,000

If you are looking to settle in a neighborhood right outside the city center with city amenities, Arbor Heights is the place for you. Located in West Seattle, the area is known for its stunning views and Downtown strip known as White Center, where you can find dining and bar options. As for safety, Arbor Heights has a crime rate of 2.25 crimes per 1,000 people

This neighborhood features community parks, recreational areas, and beautiful natural settings for outdoor relaxation; a community favorite is Lincoln Park. The neighborhood also plans its own events, with the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club offering physical activities for the children of the area.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,950, and the average home price is $725,000 as of December 2023.

Seattle Police Department City Maps (Dec 2022), Zillow (Dec 2023) & Rockethomes (Dec 2023)

Arbor Heights, Seattle

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Conclusion

If you are planning on moving to Seattle, take the time to explore these neighborhoods and find the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Always consider factors such as amenities, safety, and the unique characteristics of each area. 

Seattle offers a unique experience that blends the warmth of a friendly community. To ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation, it’s advisable to research the best moving companies in Seattle, WA ahead of time.

 

Last year’s ranking (2023)

  1. Ballard
  2. Capitol Hill
  3. Belltown
  4. Lower Queen Anne
  5. Madrona
  6. Ravenna
  7. Fremont
  8. The International District (ID)

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated, considering affordability and quality of life. It’s important to highlight that certain places were excluded from last year’s lists due to insufficient rental data. Moreover, entries with higher average housing prices in the previous year were excluded from the current rankings. We encourage readers to weigh these rankings in light of their individual needs and preferences for a more informed decision-making process.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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