FREE Search for Seattle Apartments and Homes

One of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, the Greater Seattle region is home to 3.6 million people (and counting). It's a city of gray clouds and green grass, wet streets and hot coffee, busy people and interesting conversation. If you're looking for a true urban experience with lots of opportunities for jobs, culture and apartments for rent, Seattle should be high on your list.

Quality of Life
You.ll enjoy Seattle year-round with its mild climate (rarely going below 40 or above 75), as long as you don't mind the rain (there's about 37 inches of it every year). When the rain is falling and you need to duck indoors, there are plenty of worthwhile places to explore within Seattle, as the city is known for its numerous museums, galleries, theaters, music venues and pro sports teams.

The Pioneer Square district, located in Downtown Seattle, is a great place to walk, shop and people-watch. In the International District, you'll discover Seattle's strong Asian influence in the form of restaurants, shops and culture. Ready for outdoor recreation? Seattle's public parkland covers an amazing 5,000 acres, and includes everything from wild wetlands to formal gardens, urban walking trails to country paths. If you prefer more extreme sports, there are plenty of opportunities for skiing, climbing and other activities just outside the city.

Where the Jobs Are
Seattle enjoys a strong economy and good job market. A major source of growth in recent years is the increase of high-tech industries, including aerospace, software, computers, biotechnology and telecommunications. Major employers include Microsoft, ATL Ultrasound, Nintendo of America, Boeing, Amazon.com, Costco, Nordstrom, Starbucks Coffee and Alaska Airlines.

Cost of Living & Apartment Prices
The overall cost of living in Seattle is about 8% above the national average, so it should come as no surprise that apartments don't come cheap here. The median price for apartment rentals is $730, with the average price for apartments at $860.

Neighborhoods to Explore
There are apartments for rent all over Seattle and its surrounding areas, offering residents a wide choice of size, style and price. For a truly urban experience, take a look at the Belltown neighborhood, where you can find high-rise apartments mixed in with shopping, galleries, restaurants and other urban amenities. Looking for something a little quieter? The Green Lake neighborhood is a residential area where you may not find quite as many apartments to choose from, but the beautiful environment and interesting features (such as the Woodland Park Zoo) may make it worth the search. For the budget-conscious, the University District (the area around the University of Washington) is the perfect place to hunt for affordable apartment rentals.