Living in Belltown, Seattle, WA: A Neighborhood Overview

October 16, 2020

Belltown is a centrally located Seattle neighborhood known for its urban lifestyle and proximity to downtown, the waterfront, and major employment hubs. Positioned between the city’s core and the shoreline, it offers a dense, energetic environment that appeals to residents who want to be close to work, entertainment, and daily conveniences. Belltown’s location makes it one of the most accessible neighborhoods in the city.

Belltown has a population of just over 14,000 people and is one of Seattle’s best neighborhoods. Living in Belltown Seattle gives residents the full experience of the Emerald City.

People living in Belltown are able to enjoy trendy restaurants and bars, plenty of green parks, hip music venues, art galleries, and every amenity a tech-oriented person could want.

If you are considering moving to Seattle and have chosen Belltown as the neighborhood you’d like to relocate to, here’s everything you need to know about living in this vibrant neighborhood.

Living in BellTown Seattle

What It’s Like to Live in Belltown

Living in Belltown is fast-paced and city-focused. The neighborhood attracts residents who enjoy being within walking distance of restaurants, entertainment venues, and essential services. Daily life here often involves minimal commuting, spontaneous dining plans, and easy access to public transportation. While it is more active than residential neighborhoods farther from downtown, many residents appreciate the convenience and energy that come with urban living.

Belltown Housing and Residential Options

Housing in Belltown primarily consists of apartments and condominiums, with a mix of modern high-rises and converted buildings. Many residences offer city or water views, along with access to shared amenities such as fitness centers and secured entry. Belltown appeals to renters and homeowners who prioritize location, walkability, and a low-maintenance lifestyle over traditional single-family housing.

Walkability, Transportation, and Commuting

One of Belltown’s biggest advantages is its walkability. Many residents can reach downtown offices, grocery stores, gyms, and entertainment venues on foot. Public transportation options are readily available, making it easy to travel to other Seattle neighborhoods without a car. For those who do drive, proximity to major routes supports convenient regional travel, though many residents choose to rely on walking or transit for daily routines.

Living in Belltown Seattle | What Should I Do?

Being so close to downtown Seattle ensures that Belltown residents never lack for things to do. No matter what your passions or interests include, you can find a community of like-minded people in the Belltown neighborhood.

Parks, Waterfront Access, and Outdoor Spaces

Despite its urban density, Belltown offers access to outdoor spaces and the Seattle waterfront. Nearby parks and pedestrian paths provide places to step away from the city’s pace and enjoy fresh air or scenic views. The neighborhood’s proximity to the waterfront makes it easy for residents to incorporate outdoor time into their daily routines, even while living in the heart of the city.

Dining, Nightlife, and Entertainment

Belltown is well known for its concentration of restaurants, bars, and music venues. The neighborhood offers a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale experiences. Evening activity is a defining part of Belltown’s character, attracting residents who enjoy an active social scene. This entertainment-driven atmosphere is a major factor for people choosing to live in the area.

Best Restaurants in Belltown Seattle

When it comes to dining, the Belltown neighborhood has some of Seattle’s best restaurants. If you are a foodie, here are some of the best restaurants in Belltown that deserve a dinner date.

Petra Mediterranean Bistro is a Middle Eastern restaurant serving dishes from Jordan, Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, and Northern Africa.
Shiro’s Sushi is an upscale sushi restaurant serving the finest and freshest seafood. If you are a fan of authentic, high-quality Japanese food, Shiro’s Sushi is one of the best restaurants Belltown has to offer.
Tavolàta is the place to go if you are looking for authentic homemade pasta. Visit Tavolàta for Italian-inspired dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
The 5 Point Cafe is the place to go if you are looking for a classic American diner. Serving breakfast all day, a guest at The 5 Point Cafe can build their own omelet, indulge in a hearty steak and eggs meal, or enjoy a satisfying eggs benedict to start out their day.

belltown seattle restaurants

Best Bars in Belltown Seattle

Not only does the Belltown neighborhood possess some of Seattle’s best restaurants, but Belltown also has some great drinking spots within walking distance. Here are some of the best bars in Belltown, make sure to swing by one of these to celebrate your relocation to the neighborhood.

Some Random Bar offers a true gastropub experience. Enjoy craft cocktails, a decadent brownie sundae, and the finest pub-grub in Belltown. While many bars make patrons sacrifice decent food for good drinks, you won’t need to make any such sacrifices at Some Random Bar.
Wakefield Bar Belltown is a trendy, industrial bar serving craft cocktails and classic American pub food. Enjoy the chill atmosphere of Wakefield Bar Belltown along with a premium cocktail and a bite to eat. [Update 2023, the Wakefield website is no longer in service]

belltown seattle bars

Belltown Coffee Shops

Being a neighborhood in Seattle is pretty much a mandate for having good coffee shops. If you are fond of a good cup of joe, here are some of the best coffee shops in Belltown Seattle:

Of course, having easy access to Pike Place Market means you can also visit the very first Starbucks store anytime the urge takes you.

belltown coffee shops

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FAQs About Living in Belltown Seattle

Now that you have an expansive list of things to do in Belltown, let’s answer some of the most important questions about what it’s like living in Belltown Seattle.

1. What is the Seattle Belltown Neighborhood Like?

Similar to San Francisco, the Belltown neighborhood is home to primarily liberal-leaning young professionals. People living in Belltown have access to good public schools, light rail, prime real estate, and a very urban neighborhood aesthetic. The average age is slightly lower than Seattle neighborhood Queen Anne.

2. What is the Cost of Living in Belltown?

While the cost of living is moderate-to-high, the diverse, fun, and welcoming culture gives you many reasons to move to this part of Seattle. If you are moving to the Belltown neighborhood in the near future, you can be certain that you will be able to find a community to be involved in and lots of new friends.

3. Is Belltown Seattle Safe?

Niche.com gave the Belltown neighborhood a C- rating on crime and safety. When asked about whether or not they feel safe, people that live in Belltown report that the neighborhood feels overall pretty safe. Crime is low, drug dealers sparse, and homelessness under control.

If you have concerns about crime and safety in Belltown Seattle, we’d recommend joining a community Facebook group of Belltown residents and asking members about their experience living in Belltown.

Is Belltown a Good Place to Move To?

Belltown is a strong fit for individuals who want a centrally located, walkable neighborhood with easy access to work, dining, and entertainment. It appeals most to professionals, couples, and those who enjoy city living without relying heavily on a car. While it offers less of a traditional residential feel, many residents find that Belltown’s convenience and lifestyle benefits outweigh the trade-offs.

Moving to Belltown Seattle?

Ready to live in Belltown, Seattle, WA? Let On The Go Moving make your relocation easier with our moving services.

At On The Go Moving, we offer a wide range of moving services to give our clients a stress-free relocation. We know how stressful and busy a move can be and want to make your relocation as comfortable and as simple as possible.

Give us a call to book our moving team or to learn more about our moving services in the Belltown neighborhood.

Living in Belltown, Seattle, WA: A Neighborhood Overview

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