Although Olympia is the state capital of the United States of America, Seattle is by far the largest city. It also ranks the largest in terms of metro and urban areas. It boasts of its fast-growing People coming to Seattle for the many job and income opportunities.
The more people come to settle in Seattle, the more its housing market becomes competitive. With the growing presence of businesses and offices, it’s now experiencing a housing shortage that gives new settlers a hard time finding a home. Still, you might be lucky enough to find your ideal home in some of Seattle’s neighborhoods.
6 Best Neighborhoods In Seattle For First-Time Home Buyers
1. West Seattle
The affordability of housing options can be found in West Seattle. It’s one consideration most first-time home buyers look for in a new neighborhood. It’s populated primarily by laid-back professionals and retirees. This locality is an exceptionally safe setting to raise a family in Seattle.
The proximity of West Seattle to both beaches and natural areas makes it an ideal location for raising a family and participating in various outdoor activities. It’s a good place where you can start your young family.
Most importantly, West Seattle offers stable work opportunities in many industries like healthcare and technology. It promises a more sufficient and comfortable lifestyle in a fast-growing laid-back community.
Buying a home in West Seattle or other areas means you want to establish your new home somewhere conducive to your and your family’s needs. Amenities, transportation, and security are factors you want to be assured of.
To ensure that your chosen place is ideal, you can tap the SoFi home loan services experts. They’ll ensure that aside from a good neighborhood, you’ll have the best mortgage options available.
2. Greenwood, Seattle
Located in the northeast of Seattle, Greenwood is a rapidly-growing urban community. A noticeable growth of businesses, shops, restaurants, and several amenities also increased the number of residents in the area.
It’s often regarded as one of the most desirable spots to settle down in Seattle or the state of Washington. Most locals chose to rent their homes because of the many opportunities the increase in settlers brought. These rentals contribute to the city’s urban, suburban mix atmosphere.
An abundance of nightclubs, dining establishments, coffee shops, and parks draws people to Greenwood. These activities, including the many income opportunities, make the location appealing to first-time homeowners. Some homebuyers want to experience this area’s buzz of city life. It’s one of the great localities that made Seattle perfect for young families.
3. Beacon Hill, Seattle
Beacon Hill is a neighborhood that provides its people with a one-of-a-kind combination of rich history, vibrant culture, convenient public transit, supportive community, environmentally conscious practices, and reasonable housing costs. It’s one of the city’s most appealing communities for first-time homebuyers.
The first established residential area, the neighborhood is also recognized as one of the most culturally diverse areas in all of Seattle. The residents from different cultural backgrounds have contributed to various cultural flavors in their cuisines, with the community always welcoming and accepting of new neighbors and ideas.
Traveling to and from different parts of the state is never a problem in Beacon Hill. It is home to the Beacon Hill Light Rail Station, allowing residents and visitors quicker and easier access to the rest of the city, whether they’re in Seattle for business or pleasure.
4. Ballard, Seattle
Ballard is one Seattle neighborhood known for its excellent walkability and proximity to the work hubs in downtown Seattle. Bordering the Lake Washington Ship Canal, it was once a fishing hamlet inhabited by Scandinavians. Still, it features a mix of modern and old culture in its stores, restaurants, and breweries.
Most of its residents don’t find cars a priority, as the area is just a few blocks from downtown Seattle’s social hub.
Homes in the Craftsman style, as well as those in the bungalow, rambler, red brick Tudor, and other older home design categories, are trendy in Ballard. However, the region is also seeing the development of boxy residences priced at more than a million dollars.
Because of this neighborhood’s increasing real estate costs, the lots’ sizes have been reduced, and tall residential buildings have become more prominent. Ballard may be the best place to start your family and invest in your first home.
However, because of the increasing number of people moving to the area, you should start looking into the real estate opportunities that are most suitable for your requirements as soon as possible.
5. South Lake Union, Seattle
The South Lake Union neighborhood in Seattle is worth considering if you’re searching for a place to establish an affordable new home.
A locality of working individuals, defined by Seattle’s tech boom, is a neighborhood that is very accessible by foot. It’s home to the Amazon corporate headquarters. It features primarily contemporary buildings with some nods to the look of historic Seattle.
The neighborhood is known for its relative tranquility and abundance of condos with multiple levels. In addition to being suitable for young professionals, it’s also welcoming to families with children. Due to its proximity to the central business district, it has rapidly developed into a prime location.
If you’re looking for an attractive and affordable area with numerous amenities, South Lake Union, Seattle may be the best neighborhood for you.
6. Fremont, Seattle
Fremont is the neighborhood in Seattle where creative types and people looking for unusually unique things come together. They like its bohemian culture and laid-back vibe. It’s very easy to stroll to many of the restaurants, bars, cafes, and stores it offers because almost all of them are just within walking distance. They’re just located in the central part of the city.
For many years, Fremont lacked significant structures that served many purposes. These days, they are spreading like wildfire. There are already several buildings everywhere you look. Despite this, the neighborhood has managed to preserve a significant portion of its previous allure.
It’s an attractive location for young professionals, musicians, and artists. Fremont is the place to be if you want to be a part of a bustling community and live in a neighborhood full of life.
The Bottom Line
Your choice among the beautiful neighborhoods in Seattle depends mainly on your lifestyle and budget. The rest of your considerations may become irrelevant after you’ve had a careful onsite visitation of these areas.
Check the links to give you more insights about property acquisition, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer. It’ll be advantageous if you take the time to check each property and its location. It’s where you’ll stay for a long time, so it always pays to double-check.