Finding a place to live is hard enough. When you are on a specific budget, finding a new apartment is a serious challenge. Whether you are relocating for a new job, or trying to lessen your housing expenses, apartment searching can sometimes be frustrating. You’ll likely deal with absurdly high rents, shady landlords, and sketchy locations, and it can be hard to find a genuine bargain that is both affordable and safe. Finding an apartment in your price range without help is possible, but you need to do your homework. Here’s a list of three recommended apartment complexes in Seattle.
Belltown
Located between Downtown and Queen Anne, Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood in Seattle. With a large selection of restaurants and an active nightlife scene, Belltown attracts professionals of all ages looking for a blend of city living with a neighborhood feel. Residential options mainly include high-rise condos and apartments. In recent years, Belltown’s popularity has decreased due to an increase in crime. However, the neighborhood has begun recovering and is seeing an influx of residential and retail development.
Here are some things that you can do in Belltown
Located on the edge of the Downtown retail center, Belltown is home to many premium shopping destinations, including clothing boutiques, design studios and home interior stores. You’ll find a mix of trendy restaurants, such as the popular Local 360, cafes, sports bars and music venues, including The Crocodile. Enjoy the waterfront at the Olympic Sculpture Park, which features contemporary art sculptures, amazing views of the Puget Sound and a waterfront trail along Elliott Bay. You do not have anything to worry about transportation. Belltown is completely walkable and all of the major bus lines run through the neighborhood.
Apartment in Belltown
Walton Lofts
Year Built: 2015
Number of Units: 136
Number of Layouts: 5
Rent: $1,925-$5,550
Highlights: Newly constructed on the corner of Western and Vine, the 12-story Walton Lofts feature eco-centered, high-end design such as bamboo flooring, 10- to 13-foot loft ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows capturing expansive views of the city and sound. A few notable amenities include a grand library, bike workshop, fitness center and rooftop to rival the best of Seattle.
University District
As its name denotes, the University District is adjacent to the University of Washington, and the majority of residents are students. Student housing, including dorms, fraternities and sororities, make up the majority of the non-apartment housing options. There are also many single-family homes that are rented out to students and young professionals.
Here are some things that you can do in University District
In the University District you will find two distinct areas. “The Ave,” on the west side, caters mainly to the student demographic. It consists of hole-in-the wall restaurants, bars frequented by students and eclectic clothing shops. If you can get a table, try Thai Tom for one of the most popular Thai restaurants. You can also enjoy a show at the historical Neptune Theater, which has recently been transformed into a multiuse live performance venue, or tour the Henry Art Gallery or the Burke Museum.
On the east side of the neighborhood, there is University Village, an upscale outdoor mall consisting of higher-priced boutiques and restaurants. For Northwest-inspired wine and dining from the owners of Beecher’s Cheese check out Liam’s, or Din Tai Fung for dumplings.
With the neighborhood’s proximity to the water, water sports are also popular. Rent a kayak from Agua Verde Café & Paddle Club and then enjoy a margarita on the patio. Spend an afternoon walking, running or biking the Burke-Gilman Trail. As the university continues to grow, so does the neighborhood.
When it comes to transportation, majority of the neighborhood is mainly students, walking, biking and public transportation is very common. Parking can be difficult in the neighborhood.
Apartment in University District
LIV U District
Year Built: 2015
Number of Units: 56
Number of Layouts: 6
·Rent: Call for pricing
Highlights: Offering units as large as five bedrooms, LIV is making a big statement in the U District this year. With modern decor and finishes, these units come furnished and are spacious and bright. LIV has a two-level fitness center, plenty of study rooms and a rooftop terrace, all close to UW.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is one of the most diverse and vibrant parts of the city. This densely populated neighborhood consists of apartments and condos, as well as mansions and large single-family homes around the perimeter of the neighborhood. The demographics include singles, young professionals, students and families.
Here are some things that you can do in Capitol Hill
This is one of the top destinations in the city for dining and nightlife, and the number of bars and dining options is continually expanding. From trendy restaurants and cocktail bars to dive bars and music venues, you can find just about any type of entertainment or food.
Explore the food-focused Melrose Market, have a cocktail at Liberty and catch a show at Neumos or longtime Seattle institution The Comet. Enjoy the city views at Volunteer Park or visit the Asian Art Museum. As for outdoor activities, most evenings you can find people playing soccer, softball or Frisbee (or just relaxing) at Cal Anderson Park.
Capitol Hill only continues to grow. There are numerous development projects taking place, including the construction of several luxury condos and apartments throughout the neighborhood.
When it comes to transportation, the neighborhood is extremely walkable and is within walking distance of downtown. Many residents bike as their primary means of transportation. Parking can be difficult, especially on weekend evenings when people are attracted to the neighborhood’s nightlife. However, transportation will substantially improve with the introduction of a light-rail stop on Broadway in 2016.
Apartment in Capitol Hill
Pine + Minor
Year Built: 2013
Number of Units: 120
Number of Layouts: 24
Rent: $1,395-$2,650
Highlights: Apartments are bright with clean, modern lines and stainless steel appliances throughout. Residents have access to an urban garden roof deck and exceptional workout facilities, as well a prime location for those looking to live in Capitol Hill while being a few blocks from Downtown.
