Is First Hill a good place to live? (Seattle: apartments, crime)

[newbieseattle]

I'm currently relocating to Seattle and was looking at various apartments in and around the downtown area. My office is located near the international district so I was looking to find an apartment close by so that I wouldn't necessarily need a car. I'm a young single professional so I don't have to worry about a family or schools or anything along those lines.

I saw a nice studio on Madison & 8th (I guess that would be considered to be on First Hill) and was wondering if anyone could tell me whether the neighborhood was safe and if in general that area is a good place to live in.

I could use any advice as I'm completely confused choosing between Beacon Hill.. Belltown.. First Hill and Capitol Hill..

[bmsea]

If your office is in the International District, you have a lot of choices that are easily busable and walkable. Belltown is a newer area, and has more restaurants and nightlife. There are also a lot of buses that run down 2nd avenue and up 4th avenue.

First Hill is closer to the downtown core, so a closer walk, but 8th and Madison might put you in an awkward spot for the buses (not more than a few blocks off, but not super convenient).

If you want to live in more of a neighborhood, Capital Hill, the Central District, and Mount Baker are all excellent choices, easily commutable by bus to the ID (10 - 20 minutes). Queen anne is nicer, "safer", less crime than all of those choices, and all very close.

Keep in mind that anything within 10 - 20 minutes from the ID will be an urban area, and so "safe" is a relative term. Crime is not rampant, but you need to stay aware, take precautions, and not make yourself a target. I lived in Capital Hill and Central District, and commuted by bus to downtown (days) and the U (nights) and there were very few instances that I felt uncomfortable (as a woman walking around alone).

Good luck!

[sean98125]

8th & Madison isn't bad, and it's walkable to the ID. There won't be a direct bus line, but you can get to and from the bus tunnel pretty quickly and it's a quick ride on the first bus that comes to the ID station.

There's a nice grocery store right at 8th & Madison now, too. You'll also be in easy walking distance of a couple of dozen movie screens, tons of restaurants and other things to do. Getting to outlying areas would also be easy since you'd be close to the hub of the transit network.

[_Charles_]

Is First Hill a good place to live?

No it is not.

[Woof]

It's a good enough and safe area (up to the top of the highest hill on Madison), and there's a bus that runs up and down Madison. You're close to downtown, to the Catholic Cathedral, to nightlife on Capitol Hill, and to the healthfood co-op further up. That particular area is somewhat ugly but convenient.

You'd need probably two buses to get to the International District from that spot, the one that goes down to 3rd ave and then the 7, 14, or 36 out to the ID. There may be a more direct bus or two running less often.

The problem is that some of the apartment buildings in that area have problems, either with maintenance or noise. You're also close to I5 and might get a bit of pollution from that at times.

I'd advise looking at the apartment ratings site and see what people say about particular buildings they've lived in. Be aware that sometimes management will sneak in good ratings to improve their rating.

[pwright1]

Originally Posted by _Charles_

No it is not.

I have to completely disagree. First Hill is a great place to live. My aunt lives on First Hill and loves it. She's 70 and walks or catches the bus everywhere. It's convenient to just about everything and the easiest way to get to the ID is to walk down to 5th Avenue and catch any bus heading south on 5th which will take you to the International District or walk. Where will you be working in the ID?

[Bill Russell]

Affordability is going to drive your decision more than anything. Belltown will be highest followed by Capitol Hill with First Hill and Beacon Hill being similar...Beacon may be a tad less expensive. If you want to be close to the ID then consider the Metropolitan Terraces on the West side of I5 located at 6th and Washington.