Quantifying the characteristics of the best areas to live in Seattle for young professionals

Getting a feeling for Seattle’s neighborhoods through location data

Local Logic builds location intelligence solutions to help home seekers and investors find opportunities that are most suited to their preferences and requirements. We draw upon thousands of data points to develop 18 proprietary Location Scores to provide street and neighborhood-level insights.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers can better understand and assess a location. Using our location insights, you can find properties based on specific characteristics, such as proximity to shopping, restaurants, or quiet neighborhoods, and make more informed decisions on where to live.

Benchmarking neighborhood scores against Seattle’s average scores

Below you’ll find the Location Scores for the best places to live in Seattle for young professionals, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• Transit-friendly: Represents the frequency and level of service of public transit
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Restaurants: Quantity and diversity of restaurants nearby
• Cafes: Quantity and diversity of cafés nearby
• Shopping: Quantity and diversity of shops nearby
• Nightlife: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby
• Vibrancy: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby

Then, we ranked each neighborhood by a composite score of all these factors.

Ranking the best neighborhoods in Seattle for young professionals

Here’s our data-informed list of urban Seattle’s top neighborhoods for young professionals:

1. First Hill

The First Hill neighborhood is situated right “behind” Seattle’s downtown core. It boasts a mix of high-rises, historic mansions, and hospitals including the Virginia Mason Medical Center. Naturally with the number of hospitals, many First Hill residents are found to work in the medical field.

The Frye Art Museum is a neighborhood landmark that proudly offers free admission, and the Roman Revival Town Hall is the place to catch lectures, author readings, and concerts. If you’re looking for something to do after work with co-workers or at night with  friends, check out MariPili Tapas Bar, 8oz Burger Bar, or Garage Sports Bar–complete with a bowling alley and billiards.

2. Belltown

Out of our top five Seattle neighborhoods, we’d classify Belltown as a paradise for young professionals. It’s the perfect mix of high-rise condos, bars, restaurants, boutique, and galleries. Most of the restaurants offer a Happy Hour deal geared at young professionals working downtown.

There are also a number of nightclubs and live music venues, including The Crocodile. If you’re more into the theater, Moore Theatre is in the neighborhood, and happens to be Seattle’s oldest active theater. If you’re the type that likes to be outdoors, Olympic Sculpture Park is calling with its numerous trailers and outdoor art pieces to admire along the way.

3. South Lake Union

South Lake Union is calling all tech professionals. It’s a known hub for Amazon, Google, Meta, and folks working in biotech. It’s just five minutes north of downtown Seattle, and has plenty of cool bars, restaurants, and lunchtime food truck vendors.

In Lake Union Park, you’ll find the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). If you’re looking to take up a new outdoor activity and don’t mind being on the water, The Center for Wooden Boats offers sailing courses, and rentals for sailboats, rowboats, and canoes.

4. Eastlake

The Eastlake neighborhood was made famous by the 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle, and has the highest concentration of houseboats in the city. It’s about 25 minutes from the downtown core, but offers a relaxed nightlife with many dive bar options, and some popular Italian sports, like Serafina. Its close proximity to the University of Washington makes for a good mix of students and alumni turned young professionals in the neighborhood.

5. Fremont

Also known as the “People’s Republic of Fremont” and “The Artists’ Republic of Fremont,” the neighborhood is known for its quirkiness, indie shops, and hip bars. The area’s slogan is “The center of the universe” and is seen on its welcome sign. The Fremont neighborhood sits on the north bank of the canal, and is known for its outrageous outdoor art. Two of the most popular pieces are the Fremont Troll that “lives” under the Aurora Bridge and the Fremont Rocket.

The young folks love to shop at the Fremont Sunday Market, where you can find all sorts of cool art, antiques, and fuel their spending with bites from one of the many food trucks. After work, pull up at the Dreamland Bar & Diner or The Backdoor for a cocktail.

Finding the right neighborhood in Seattle for your career

If you’re into outdoor art and unique local eateries, one of our best Seattle neighborhoods for young professionals could be the next place you call home. The variety and availability in housing is a great sign of growth and desire for young professionals to plant roots.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in Seattle. When searching for your next home, or a new neighborhood, you can look for specific characteristics on each individual listing to find the perfect place for you.