Seattle 75 Excellent
Seattle Livability #149 ranked city in Washington#3,519 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Seattle

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

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What's it like Living in Seattle?

Seattle is a big city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 741,251 residents. Seattle has a population density of 8,838 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 66%, the majority of the Seattle population is White; this is followed by 16% Asian and 7% Black. Seattle is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 44% married, this city falls well below the national average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Seattle, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 28 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Seattle, Washington. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Seattle and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

Seattle has a livability score of 76 out of 100 and is ranked #132 in Washington and #2,567 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Seattle ranks well in multiple categories! Seattle has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Seattle ranks very well for education (A+) and housing (B-). Seattle does not score well for the following: crime (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're considering living in Seattle, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Seattle provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Pike Place Market, Pike Place Market, and Space Needle.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Seattle has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that Seattle meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Seattle. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Seattle are simply unattainable. The median home price for Seattle homes is $713,600, which is 165% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Seattle, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.3, which is 69.8% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Seattle

See all the best places to live around Seattle

How Do You Rate The Livability In Seattle?

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Compare Seattle, WA Livability

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      Seattle transportation information

      Statistic Seattle Washington National
      Average one way commute28min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work43.4%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit20.5%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle3.1%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk10.8%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home14.0%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Seattle, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).