Perspective on Capitol Hill Neighborhoods (Seattle, Bellevue: apartment, for rent, insurance)

[frankhuang92]

Hello! I spent hours researching & assessing different neighborhoods before finally admitting to myself that I am a lazy bum and should just live as close to as many restaurants/businesses within walking distance as possible.

So with that self-realization, I am pretty sure Capitol Hill would be a good option and am now looking for some guidance on which neighborhoods/streets/buildings of Capitol Hill would be best. All that said, I am still open to considering other neighborhoods based on the below criteria.

• 29 y/o single male & no pets
• Soft budget of $2.3-2.5k per month incl. parking
• Will have a car and motorcycle for commute
• The ideal is close enough to be ~15m walk to the action but far enough that street noise/traffic is minimized but would rather accept the noise than walk further than 15m
• Comfortable w/ being adjacent to crime/homelessness
• Big on live music events (edm/hip-hop) but I think I'd need to drive to the venues regardless of where I live
• Not big on going out to bars
• Like to be around good food (esp. asian food)
• Bonus points if I can make friends around the area as I will be moving without knowing a single person in Seattle

Any and all advice on specific areas or apartment buildings to look at, general perspective on what living in Capitol Hill is like, and other things to consider about moving to Seattle is greatly greatly appreciated! Even though I have narrowed down my options to Capitol Hill, I still feel a bit overwhelmed at the many many neighborhoods within Capitol Hill and where to look so specifics on areas/blocks to avoid or prioritize would be extremely appreciated.

I am happy to answer any questions to help fine-tune any guidance.

[bergun]

Well, Capital Hill sound right for you since there is a lot of “energy” in that area. “I” still go there from time to time, for the food!!

It’s good that you’re comfortable with crime and homelessness, but don’t be too comfortable, just stay alert since there are a lot of dark areas that are directly off the main streets. I’m a night owl and I do OK since a little common sense goes far.

As for renting, you will probably be able to find a good deal now. Just make sure that you stay away from renting anything that’s near the main park... For rent, to include parking for a car/suv/truck and a motorcycle, be prepared to pay $$$ for that luxury since parking in that area is very limited.

Make sure that you don’t leave anything of value in your vehicle... The old cover it with a “blanket or newspaper” trick doesn’t work here.

I would also look at the Queen Ann Hill area as well since it contains everything that you’re looking for as well.... IMHO, it has less property crime. Which is important since Seattle Police no longer responds, normally, to that type of crime, but you can call it in to report it for a case number for your insurance purposes.

As for friends, you will make them and don’t pay too much attention to that “Seattle Freeze” stuff, but just be aware that Seattle isn’t the most friendliest place either, but once you understand it, it’s fine.

Good luck!!

[jabogitlu]

Parking in the Capitol Hill area is generally between $200-$300/month. You may find a place that lets you park your motorcycle for free or has a big enough stall for your car+cycle.

I live in First Hill right on the edge of Cap Hill and it's a great neighborhood. Very quiet, and a <10 min walk to Broadway/Pike/Pine. A little further walk to the top of Cap Hill (upper Broadway).

My favorites parts of the hill neighborhoods are where I live (look at the Minor/Seneca intersection), Bellevue & Melrose between Denny & Roy, or somewhere along 15th Ave, preferably north of Thomas Street.

These areas are all pretty quiet and pretty close to good amenities.

[MrGrocer]

Just general guidance - Strongly recommend a building with secured parking. Should be easy to find in your price point, but two spaces might be a bit more challenging. Some buildings have motorcycle parking though.

If you consider living downtown, I subletted in Newmark Tower downtown for two years and really liked living there. It’s about a 25 minute walk from Pine/Broadway and minutes from Belltown and Pike Place, has super secured parking overnight (gate to Target garage, and separate gate to the building’s lot), and the building itself seems really quiet. You’ll get noise from the stree though.

[CrazyDonkey]

Capitol Hill:

To live in the middle of everything, live close to the Light Rail Station at Broadway & John. You'll need parking (not all buildings have it).

Busiest areas: Broadway, Pike-Pine. Close to I-5, you get some freeway noise.

More laid back: 15th, 19th, Aloha, Madison Valley.

Lower Queen Anne (Uptown):

Close to Seattle Center (festivals, concerts, sports). Lots of restaurants. Close to Belltown, SLU, Downtown. Multiple transit lines.

Ballard and Fremont:

North of Shipping Canal. Live music, restaurants, shopping, etc. Longer commute to Downtown.

University District:

Close to UW and "The Ave".

[homesinseattle]

As jabogitlu notes, I like 15th, N. of Thomas, great little neighborhood, close to everything but more mellow (at the times you want it-like sleeping time) than other parts of Cap Hill.

[fnh]

I lived south of Thomas in the Hillcrest Apartment Building (on Howell between 16th and 17th) and would recommend that area over north of Thomas, to be honest, for someone with your stated preferences. It is better situated for transit and grocery shopping but is still leafy and quiet. North of Thomas is primarily SFH residential whereas south of Thomas is primarily multiunit residential, but with older, well-established apartment buildings.

Specifically I'm talking about the area between 15th and 19th Aves, north of Madison and south of Thomas.

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by fnh

I lived south of Thomas in the Hillcrest Apartment Building (on Howell between 16th and 17th) and would recommend that area over north of Thomas, to be honest, for someone with your stated preferences. It is better situated for transit and grocery shopping but is still leafy and quiet. North of Thomas is primarily SFH residential whereas south of Thomas is primarily multiunit residential, but with older, well-established apartment buildings.

Specifically I'm talking about the area between 15th and 19th Aves, north of Madison and south of Thomas.

Yes, you're closer to the action (Pike-Pine) south of Thomas, but you're closer to Volunteer Park (which is a major bonus) north of Thomas. Between Thomas and Mercer, you're still close to the Safeway at 15th & John, but further from Trader Joe's and the Central Co-op.

[CARas2020]

It's been 20 plus years but I lived om 18th and Pike. small building there with secure parking. (fenced in). It didn't really have a name but as I said that was a long time ago. Also just so you know public transportation isn't too bad in Seattle.