Seattle Apartments and Rentals

Known the world over as the Emerald City, Seattle is one of the most independent, beautiful and business-friendly areas in the United States. Seattle apartments for rent will give you access to a variety of fun neighborhoods to choose from, as well as exciting attractions around every corner like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, stunning views of the Puget Sound and loads of outdoor recreation.   

Seattle has a young, tech-driven and artistic vibe - making apartment living here perfect for hip urban dwellers - with Capitol Hill and the University District being the standouts. However, there are several neighborhoods that are suited to family-friendly life also, including Ballard, Greenlake and Greenview. The Emerald City continues to grow in popularity. According to City-Data, the city has seen an 8 percent jump in population from 2000 to 2010. Some of the most popular Seattle apartments for rent are located in Fremont, South Lake Union and Capitol Hill. Around 41 percent of residents here commute by transit, biking or walking, so Seattle apartments fit in perfectly with the way of life here. Some of the housing options in the city include lofty condos as well as bungalow-style homes.

According to the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, the median gross rent in the area was around $958 in 2012. Based on census data, rental vacancy and occupancy rates are up in many of the neighborhoods in the city, so Seattle apartments for rent are more popular than ever. The cost of a gallon of gas in the area is around $3.80, similar to many other large cities in the United States. According to City-Data, the cost of living index in 2012 was about 16 points above the nation's average.

There are several reputable colleges and universities in Seattle, including Seattle University, the University of Washington (called "UDub" by locals), Seattle Pacific University and a host of community colleges that cater to Seattle apartment living. According to City-Data, one of the most popular industries in the area is the aerospace sector due to the nearby Boeing Headquarters, located in neighboring Renton. However, the city is also a leader in fields like computer software, environmental engineering and biotechnology, with Amazon and Microsoft both making their home here as well. Seattle is also the home of coffee giant Starbucks.