Belltown Apartments & Rentals

While Belltown was once a downtrodden semi-industrial area, these days that’s all history. Now, this is where you’d head to find hip restaurants, stylish boutiques, and happening clubs. That means the late night bar scene doesn’t quit and rents are unlikely to either. Honestly, a Belltown apartment can cost you a pretty penny. This is the part of Downtown Seattle where you’ll find the world famous Pike Place Market and the tranquil Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s gentrification at warp speed and a serious Seattle scene.

Belltown is named for William Nathaniel Bell. That’s the gentleman who owned the land in this part of town in the 1800s. Back in the early part of the 20th century, this neighborhood was known as “film row” due to the film exchanges located here. Those screening rooms closed and the area turned seedy. Around the 1980s, development enticed a bohemian element to Belltown and the neighborhood began its transformation.

Belltown is known for its nightlife, especially come the weekend. You’ll find new arrivals alongside classic spots such as the Lava Lounge. Food options span global cuisine. You can drop a wad on dinner or just grab a hot dog or a slice of pizza—suit yourself. If you’re shopping in Belltown, you’re more apt to find boutiques and art galleries than 99¢ stores. All of Downtown’s retail options are just a short stroll away, as well.

If you want to spend some time outdoors, Olympic Sculpture Park is free and gorgeous. Wander among the odd art or head down to the beach and stroll the paths along Puget Sound.

This is one of the pricier parts of the city. The average two-bedroom Belltown apartment rents for $2,300 a month. You’ll find a lot of lofts, condos, and apartments here, many of them built in reclaimed ex-industrial spaces. Modern buildings keep sprouting up, too. Because of the active weekend evenings in the neighborhood, many Belltown residents are on the younger side. This is a great place for singles to live.

A Belltown apartment will put you close to many Downtown offices. You might walk to work from here. If you’re looking for public transit, Westlake Station is nearby. That’s a major hub for buses and light rail.

The Central Library of the Seattle Public Library system is on 4th Avenue, not far from Belltown. The closest United States Post Office is on Union Street at 3rd Avenue. City residents elect their mayor and nine city council members at large, i.e. without regard to neighborhood.

The zip code serving Belltown is 98121.