Neighborhood Spotlight: Seattle, WA

Known as the Emerald City and the place where grunge music was born, Seattle, Washington, is a bustling metropolis that continues to experience population growth. With an abundance of both indoor and outdoor amenities for residents to enjoy and a wide range of real estate available, it’s easy to see why people are flocking to this popular city in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle at a glance

Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington, and is located on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. It’s the largest city in the Pacific Northwest with a population of close to four million, making it the 15th largest city in the United States. It’s also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Seattle sits about 100 miles south of the Canadian border and is the fourth-largest port in North America.

Seattle real estate and neighborhoods

Seattle’s explosive growth means that its neighborhoods tend to morph and change over the years as residents move in and out. It’s also caused real estate prices to skyrocket, and the median home price in Seattle is approximately $675,000. Nonetheless, residents will find a wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own set of unique characteristics. Some of the more popular neighborhoods in Seattle include:

• West Seattle where you can experience a great beachy vibe.
• Capitol Hill where you can party all night.
• Ballard where you can find some of the city’s trendiest restaurants.
• Pioneer Square where you’ll find loads of art and history.
• Beacon Hill where you can move at a more relaxed pace.
• Ravenna where you can experience a college-town atmosphere.
• Lake City where you can get away from it all.

Seattle history

Native Americans first lived in the area that is now Seattle for at least 4,000 years before European settlers arrived in 1851. The city was named “Seattle” in 1852 after the chief of the local Suquamish and Duwamish tribes. Seattle has had many boom-and-bust cycles over its long history. The first boom in the city’s early history was the timber industry. That was followed by the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s and then a shipbuilding boom during World War I. Another boom cycle happened during World War II because of Boeing aircraft. Technology companies began moving in during the 1980s, which brought with it a huge population increase. The most recent boom happened when Amazon moved its headquarters to Seattle after the Great Recession, which also greatly expanded the population.

Seattle amenities

There is literally always something to do in Seattle. Visit iconic tourist destinations such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Fish Market for your first taste of the city. Then take in some of the city’s best arts and cultural offerings, such as a show at Seattle Repertory Theatre or a Broadway show at the historic Paramount. Enjoy live music at Neumos on Capitol Hill or at The Crocodile, named one of the “Best Clubs in America” by Rolling Stone Magazine. There are plenty of museums to enjoy in the city as well including the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park, and the Museum of Pop Culture. And you certainly shouldn’t miss the magic inside the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum.

There are endless outdoor adventures to be had in Seattle as well. Seattle earned the nickname the Emerald City because of its abundant greenery. Take a scenic hike at Discovery Park or Tiger Mountain. Go whale watching at a number of vantage points along the coast. Or visit one of the national parks located nearby including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, or North Cascades National Park.

Seattle schools

Students in Seattle are served by Seattle Public Schools, the largest public school district in the state. There are approximately 113 schools within the public school system, which serves about 47,000 students. Seattle is also home to the University of Washington and several smaller private universities including Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, and the Pratt Fine Arts Center, among others.

Explore Seattle today

Find out what makes Seattle such an exceptional city by contacting the experts at Agent inc. 949-791-8160 or [email protected]. Let’s open your world to new possibilities!