Downtown
Moving to Seattle? What is downtown like?
Downtown Seattle rests on the shores of Elliott Bay where Puget Sound meets skyline, and it melds dramatic natural panoramas with urban polish. Located at the heart of the region, it gives you immediate access to ferries and water taxis, rugged views of the Olympic Mountains, sunrises over the sound and mountain elevated light through overpasses and waterfront promenades. It is walkable, transit-rich, and minutes from the cultural icons — Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum and waterfront parks are all steps away. In short, Downtown Seattle offers the rare combination of wilderness at the water’s edge and a refined urban milieu — ideal for someone who wants both dramatic scenery and every luxury at their fingertips.
What’s around the downtown neighborhood?
EXPLORE
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Downtown Seattle is chock full of exciting places to explore - not just for the tourist, but for the local too! Obviously, those new to Seattle fall in love with the ease with which Seattle residents have access to nature and hiking (drive only 30 minutes North or East and you’ll have tons of trails for the picking!); but immediately in downtown there’s so much to see. Take a water taxi to West Seattle for a day at Alki. Take a ferry on our robust ferry system, to one of the many puget sound islands, where you’ll find plenty of activities and beaches. Spend a day the the newly rebuilt waterfront. If you haven’t checked out the new waterfront yet, you are missing out. Check out the observatory at the Columbia tower. Spend the afternoon at the Seattle public Library and take in its famous architecture. There’s simply too much to explore in downtown Seattle for this brief snippet, but suffice to say living in downtown Seattle will never get boring.
DINE
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Downtown Seattle offers a lot of upscale dining and culinary experimentation. The best places to try if you’re deciding whether downtown Seattle is the right neighborhood to move to: Carlisle Room, Charlotte (the views!). If you prefer a more casual vibe, try Elehant & Castle or head to Shalka for lunch, which you won’t regret.
SHOP
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Westlake Center and Pacific Place anchors Seattle’s shopping scene. If you’re looking for a more eclectic experience, the Pike Place Market neighborhood borders downtown Seattle, so you’re just a short walk away from the famous landmark.
Where is Downtown Seattle?
North of Pioneer Square and International District
East of First Hill & Capitol Hill
South of Denny Triangle & Belltown
West of Pike Place Market & Elliott Bay
SLU: 7 min (0.8 mi)
Pike Place Market: 4 min (0.5 mi)
I-5 Access: 5 min (0.5 mi)
520 Access: 5 min (2.4 mi)
I-90 Access: 7 min (1.6 mi)
Downtown Bellevue: 16 min (10.1 mi)
Lumen Field & T-Mobile Park: 8 min (1.6 mi)
Is Downtown Seattle safe?
Facts and resources for Downtown Seattle
Street Clocks: Remnants of Early 20th Century Urban Identity
Seattle used to be known as “The city of Clocks.” Downtown used to have dozens of street clocks—that is, free‐standing clocks often in front of jewelry or fine goods stores. As of 2024, there are only four remaining street clocks in downtown Seattle. These are relics of a past retail landscape and give character to certain blocks.Columbia Center’s View & Events
The Columbia Center is the tallest building in Washington State (933 ft, 76 stories) and has the highest public observatory west of the Mississippi River. Aside from views, it serves as a place for unique events — for example, the “Firefighter Stairclimb” where firefighters in full gear, alongside thousands of people climb its 69 floors (1,311 steps) to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma society.Resource: Columbia Center’s own page plus its Wikipedia entry. Wikipedia
City Planning “Greater Downtown” Regional Centers Plan
Seattle is actively planning for Downtown’s future via the “Downtown Regional Center Plan” and “Imagine Greater Downtown / Transportation” project. These include strong emphases on equity (racial equity toolkit), making downtown more walkable, maximizing use of every square foot, integrating arts & culture, increasing housing options, and improving transit connections. Learn more hereBell Street Pier & Maritime Hatch Covers
At Pier 66 (Bell Harbor), look closely near the Bell Street pedestrian overpass elevator: You’ll find decorated maritime-themed hatch covers on the ground, made by the Port’s Marine Maintenance Division when they covered up open planter spaces. These little artworks are easy to pass by without noticing.Murals / Street Art Rotation & Downtown Mural Project
In recent years, Seattle has been actively growing its downtown mural program. In 2024, over 30 new murals were unveiled under the Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Mural Project, connecting neighborhoods from SODO to Belltown. Check out this Press Release with all the details.Downtown has 40+ Privately Owned… but, Public Spaces (think Hidden Plazas / Atriums / Mini Parks)
In downtown, many buildings over the decades have been required (or incentivized) to include “public amenity” open spaces, plazas, or atriums. These are technically public but are tucked inside developments, often not obvious from the street. The city of Seattle offers a detailed list you can use to explore these hidden gems.
Downtown Seattle/ 98101 Demographics and Statistics
Population Growth (since 2000): 70%
Population Density (ppl / mile): 19,071.80
Household Size (ppl): 1
Median Age: 39.90
Annual Residential Turnover: 35%
5+ Years in Residency: 15%
Median Year in Residency: 1.89
Households w/ Children: 4%
Household Income by Dollar Range
Population by Age Group
Highest Education Level Attended
Downtown Homes For Sale
Homes currently for Sale in Downtown Seattle
Q&A with your Downtown Seattle realtor
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Yes! What, am I going to say no? Not in this urban area! Moving into a condo in Downtown Seattle is an excellent way to remain ultra walkable. Also, condos are typically maintenance-free and we are seeing a lot of younger career-focused and older populations who want the maintenance-free lifestyle of condos. Much less work than owning a house but still have the joy of improving something that is growing in value! Downtown Seattle also has a great rental market should you want to rent it out later to upgrade to a larger home.