Living in Downtown Seattle

Contents

Belltown

One of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, Belltown is also one of its most dynamic as young professionals, empty nesters and others discover this amenity-laden neighborhood. Pluses include the P-patch garden, the Olympic Sculpture Park, Regrade Dog Park, Bell Street Park, upscale condos and apartments, trendy shops and sophisticated eateries, and popular live music venues.

Chinatown-International District

The Chinatown-International District is the epicenter of Greater Seattle’s Pan-Asian communities. This neighborhood features family owned-restaurants, unique specialty shops, Asian art and galleries, traditional Asian gifts, goods and grocery stores. The Wing Luke Asian Museum and the Chinese Pavilion in Hing Hay Park emphasize the culture and history of the area.

Denny Triangle

Inhabiting a prime location between South Lake Union and the Retail Core, this up and coming neighborhood is transforming under a new vision of an Urban Center Village that blends transit, retail, professional services, and residential options. A number of new multi-story residential developments are currently under construction. Amazon.com plans to build three new office towers over the next few years, joining the 400+ businesses already located in the neighborhood.

Pike Place Market

Although Pike Place Market is technically located in the West Edge, it is easily distinguished as a unique neighborhood. This historic district encompasses 23 buildings that include rental units, as well as health, senior and childcare centers that serve the neighborhood’s 500 or so residents. What 10 million visitors a year come to see, though, are the stalls of fresh produce, local arts and crafts, street performers and the famed “fish throwers” that are part of the charm of Pike Place Market, one of our nation’s oldest working farmers markets.

Pioneer Square

This 20-block area is packed with historic buildings, museums, art galleries, unique retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and clubs that come alive after dark. Safeco and CenturyLink Fields anchor the south end of the neighborhood, drawing thousands of fans to sporting events. Central to Pioneer Square is Occidental Park, a courtyard gathering space with benches, bocce courts, totems and pergola.

Retail Core

As its name implies, this is a prime shopping destination featuring well-known department stores, upscale national and international retailers, and shopping centers with specialty stores and designer boutiques. An array of dining options, 20 or so hotels, and office and residential developments are found in the Retail Core neighborhood, as well.

South Lake Union

Home to an established biotech and life sciences community, including the Fred Hutchinson and the UW Medical Research Centers, South Lake Union continues to add a variety of businesses and services – and to add to it’s reputation as “a hub of innovation.” In early 2013, Boston’s Northeastern University opened a satellite graduate campus in the Institute for Systems Biology building. The neighborhood is also the corporate headquarters of Amazon.com. South Lake Union boasts new lofts, apartments and condos, many with “built green” features. The Museum of History and Industry, the Center for Wooden Boats and Lake Union Park are all great places to spend an afternoon.

Uptown

The Uptown neighborhood has a self-contained feeling – like a “little town in a big city.” Businesses include a hotel, grocery stores, ethnic restaurants, coffee shops, and trendy lounges. While Seattle Center is the undisputed hub of entertainment in Uptown, there is also a movie theater and the Seattle Repertory Theatre. In 2012 the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Visitors Center opened near Seattle Center. Kinnear Park, on the northwest side of Uptown, offers spectacular views of the City and the Sound.

West Edge

The West Edge neighborhood is situated between the Retail Core and Seattle’s downtown waterfront. It is full of notable attractions like Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall (home of the Seattle Symphony), and the historic Moore Theatre. Restaurants, galleries, unique stores, and boutiques reflect an independent retail spirit. High-rises, some featuring luxury view penthouses, are among the housing options.