Broadway (Capitol Hill)
Ranked 20th best neighborhood in Seattle
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Great for
- Parks & Recreation
- Medical Facilities
- Internet Access
- Public Transport
- Eating Out
Not great for
- Parking
Who lives here?
- Singles
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
Reviews
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
Editors Choice
"The Epicenter Of Seattle Culture"
The Epicenter of Seattle Culture
A place more commonly known as "Capitol Hill" (http://bitly.com/d6epY5), Broadway is the most densely populated neighborhood in Seattle with a progressive culture. It's boundaries are East Howe Street in the north, except for a sliver that runs to East Lynn Street along Interstate 5. In the east, 15th Avenue is the edge of the community, which runs along the Lake View Cemetery (http://lakeviewcemeteryassociation.com) and Volunteer Park (http://bitly.com/9SSYKt). The southern boundary consists of East Madison Street, East Union and East Pike. The west is simply bordered by, you guessed it, Interstate 5.
History
There is uncertainty about where Capitol Hill coined its name. Some believe it was to “woo” the state legislature to relocate from Olympia to Seattle. The founder, James A. Moore, did name the area after his wife’s hometown neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. Others believe Moore’s motive was a combination of these. Other names given to Broadway at one time were Broadway Hill and Catholic Hill, due to a large Roman Catholic population at one time.
Some of Seattle’s wealthiest reside here, particularly at “Millionaire’s Row” along 14th Avenue. Block parties are common, with a neighborhood-wide event in July having been hosted each year since 1997. A wide variety of architecture can be found, not only among residential houses and historic landmarks, but even with the commonplace apartment buildings.
Numerous historical sites and structures are located in Broadway, with some of the most well-known being the Harvard-Belmont Landmark District (http://bitly.com/fOof0C), the original Cornish College of the Arts building (http://bitly.com/hhus9V), Volunteer Park - a favorite of mine (http://bitly.com/9SSYKt) and Lake View Cemetery (http://lakeviewcemeteryassociation.com).
Demographics and Income
Singles, singles, singles. Broadway is home to numerous twenty and thirty-somethings who have not yet said, “I do”. Married couples do exist here, but only around 20% of the population. Of those couples, only a trace are raising children. Thus, large families may want to take heed when considering Broadway as a place of residence.
Transient is the buzzword in this section of Seattle. It boasts on being the most densely populated neighborhood in the city, and for good reason—apartments! Everywhere you turn, with the exception of the upper class areas around Volunteer park, humans are vying for a parking spot near their leased domicile.
Income is nothing to write home about, unless, of course, the residential streets of Broadway are highlighted. These families are definitely bringing home the bacon, with incomes easily in the six figures. A selected few may even shyly admit to being millionaires. However, wealth is the exception, not the rule for most of the neighborhood. Unmarried young professionals, seeking to get their foot in the door of a career or simply trying to survive by waiting on tables are a more common lot. The ethnic representation is predominantly white, but other races are gaining a voice.
Culture
As mentioned, Broadway is notorious for nightlife, particularly street parties. The younger demographic, mixed with copious drinking venues, is a recipe for endless social opportunities. The grunge scene emerged here in the early 1990s, notably through the music of Nirvana (http://bitly.com/evin0M) and Kurt Cobain (http://bitly.com/hyo5PG). Artistic roots still run deep today, though other music styles have come in to share the limelight.
In addition to the party and music scene, Broadway is home to prominent Seattle coffee houses. Specific locations will be featured under the “Local Business Tour” section below. Another “claim to fame” is the large gay and lesbian population. Many businesses claim to be gay friendly, as do certain churches. The liberal Seattle environment emanates, primarily, from the Broadway neighborhood—a place where progressive ideas and lifestyles are birthed.
Real Estate
Multiple apartment complexes occupy the area, especially west of Broadway East (the street). Residential housing becomes more prominent to the west, closer to Volunteer park where many larger, upscale homes have been built.
Home values have dropped considerably in recent months, with the average value hovering around $300,000 (According to Zillow). Only 19% of residents own their home, confirming the transient nature of this Seattle community.
Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)
Good eating is to be found in Broadway, the most eclectic variety in the Emerald City. One of our favorites, B & O Espresso (http://bo-espresso.com), serves up tasty dinners and out of this world desserts. They even can do wedding cakes! Formerly a coffee shop where where Pearl Jam birthed their name. Other places of dining interest are Tango (http://tangorestaurant.com), Rosebud Restaurant & Bar (http://rosebud-restaurant.com), Ayutthaya Thai Restaurant (http://ayutthayathai.com), Via Tribunali (http://viatribunali.net), Quinn's Pub (http://quinnspubseattle.com), The Tin Table (http://thetintable.com) with the Century Ballroom for dancing (http://centuryballroom.com), Table 219 (http://table219.com), and the list goes on.
In addition to great dining, coffee shops abound here. A few to mention are Bauhaus Books & Coffee (http://bauhauscoffee.net), Stumptown Coffee Roasters (http://stumptowncoffee.com), Faire Gallery Cafe (http://fairegallerycafe.com), Online Coffee Company (http://onlinecoffeeco.com), Caffé Vita (http://caffevita.com), Top Pot Doughnuts (http://toppotdoughnuts.com), Cafe Dharwin (http://cafedharwin.com), Victrola Coffee Roasters (http://victrolacoffee.com) and several others. For the sweet tooth, try Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream (http://mollymoonicecream.com). Other places featuring ice cream and the like are: Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream & Tea Room (http://bluebirdseattle.blogspot.com), Cupcake Royale (http://cupcakeroyale.com), and Old School Frozen Custard (http://oldschoolfrozencustard.com) - A family favorite of ours.
Pubs, though they may seem a “dime a dozen” in Seattle, are worth noting in Capitol Hill. Here are a few: Madison Pub (http://madisonpub.com) - Featuring no cover charge; Elysian Brewing Company (http://elysianbrewing.com) - Founded in 1996 with three locations around the city; Quinn’s Pub (http://quinnspubseattle.com) - Owned by Scott and Heather Staples and featuring 14 beers on tap; Chop Suey (http://chopsuey.com) - Featuring lots of live music; and Barca (http://barcaseattle.com) - Enjoy a diverse selection of beers, wine, vodka and specialty drinks;
Accommodations
Even if no place existed within Broadway for overnight lodging, its close proximity to the urban core would provide an abundance of options just minutes away. Fortunately, there are some accommodations within the neighborhood. Here is a sampling: 11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast (http://11thavenueinn.com) - A charming 1906 vintage bed and breakfast; Seward Suites (http://sewardsuites.com) - A re-imagined experience in a 1907 era building, complete with private garden,fire pit, and coveted views of Puget Sound; Bed and Breakfast Inn Seattle (http://seattlebednbreakfast.com) - A European style inn, allowing guests full access to the kitchen for preparing meals; Fox Glove Guesthouse (http://foxgloveguesthouse.com) - A 1905 Arts and Crafts house featuring that era’s decorative style; Gaslight Inn (http://gaslight-inn.com) - A quality bed and breakfast featuring rich woodwork, views of the city, and even an in-ground heated pool; Bed and Breakfast on Broadway (http://bedandbreakfastseattlewa.net) - Featuring four quaint rooms with private baths; Alternative Suites International (http://asuites.com) - Temporary or long-term housing source for Seattle and around the Nation; and The Bacon Mansion (http://baconmansion.com) - An 8,000 square foot Edwardian-style house, adorned with 1909-era charm.
Schools
Following the generous nature of Broadway, when it comes to amenities, schools are not disregarded. Too many institutions exist to be featured, so again, a broad stroke list: Bright Water School (http://brightwaterschool.org) - Waldorf education that provides an artistic and compassionate approach, in addition to the academics; Bertschi School (http://bertschi.org) - An independent elementary school provided an intellectual, imaginative and character-building education; Lowell Elementary School (http://seattleschools.org/schools/lowell) - Features various programs for specialized assistance, including a nationally recognized Low Incidence Special Education program; ALPS Language School (http://englishintheusa.com) - Accelerated language performance system with small classes; Harvard Avenue School (http://harvardavenueschool.com) - Offering a high quality education for toddler, preschool and pre-kindergarten children; and The Northwest School (http://northwestschool.org) - Offering a curriculum for grades 6-12 with an international perspective, fostering creative thinking.
Recreation
Outdoor recreation can be fulfilled at Volunteer Park (http://bitly.com/9SSYKt), featuring a beautiful conservatory (http://bitly.com/eMSR1M), a children's play area, and a reservoir. The park is also home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum (http://bitly.com/aVafFZ). Near the southern end of Broadway is Cal Anderson Park (http://calandersonpark.org), featuring several amenities, including a fountain, texture pool, promenade paths, children’s play area, wading pool, lighted sports field and several oversize chess boards. A couple of easy-to-miss green spaces include Thomas Street Mini Park (http://bitly.com/e8konb) - An ideal place for reading that book while taking in rare Seattle sun; John and Summit Park (http://bitly.com/gv5Nd6) - A newly designed space, featuring a community P-Patch; and Tashkent Park (http://bitly.com/dJdICC) - Named after a city in Uzbekistan, the park features picnic tables, a wooden arbor, benches and a sculpture.
Medical and Wellness Facilities
For anyone in dire need of medical assistance, it is good to know a sound clinic or hospital is nearby. The advantage to Broadway’s downtown-vicinity location provides streamlined access to top-notch doctors, clinics and hospitals. Though not directly within the neighborhood’s boundary, but close enough, is the Swedish Medical Center (http://swedish.org) - The First Hill campus is part of the largest nonprofit medical provider in the Northwest region. No claim to fame medical institution for Broadway? Think again. The Virginia Mason Medical Center (http://virginiamason.org) is an award-winning nonprofit organization with a network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Puget Sound. If having two hospitals, almost within walking distance, is not enough, how about a third just a stone’s throw from the southern boundary of the neighborhood? It is a fact in which Broadwayites can revel—Harborview Medical Center (http://bitly.com/dhPLZL) - One of the best trauma centers on the West Coast. A few other medical resources within the community of Broadway: Pacific Medical Center (http://pacificmedicalcenters.org) - A patient-focused institution, providing assistance with more than 150 caring providers; The Polyclinic (http://polyclinic.com) - One of the largest multi-specialty clinics in the Puget Sound area; The Pin Cushion (http://www.thepincushionclinic.com/) - Affordable acupuncture in a community setting; Felix Marcial, DDS (http://doctorfelix.com) - Dr. Felix carries an abundance of knowledge and experience to encounter virtually all teeth/mouth conditions; and Paul Huddleston & Associates, DDS (http://yourseattlesmile.com) - Striving to enable each patient to achieve complete dental health through technological innovation, prevention and ongoing education.
Spiritual Centers and Churches
Every great neighborhood not only exhibits physical qualities, but ones rooted in the mental and spiritual capacities of the people. Broadway serves up quite a variety of spiritual havens, designed for holistic development. Enjoy this brief rendering of spiritual options: Grace Seattle (http://www.graceseattle.org/) - A place devoted to assisting Seattle in becoming more like the city of God; Seattle First Baptist (http://www.seattlefirstbaptist.org/) - Liberating the heart, engaging the mind, embracing the world; Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral (http://www.saintnicholascathedral.org/) - One of the oldest Russian Orthodox parishes outside of Russia; Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption (http://www.assumptionseattle.org/); and Bodhiheart Sangha Buddhist Meditation Center in Seattle (http://www.bodhiheartsangha.org/) - Featuring two resident teachers, Venerable Dhammadinna and Tenzin Jesse (http://www.bodhiheartsangha.org/teachers.shtml).
Transportation Access and Tips
Getting to and from Broadway could not be more convenient, for tourist and local alike. The Interstate, hugging the community from the west, has a handful of on-ramps/off-ramps. Traversing between downtown proves to be a constant success via several arterial options, such as Denny Way, Madison Avenue and Pike Street. Need to get to the East side? This can be handled by heading south on either Interstate 5 or a southern arterial to hop on Eastbound Interstate 90. Even students looking for a little cushion between campus find haven living here, with attainable cycling times across the water to the University of Washington campus. One of the commuting challenges could be a work commute to the northern or southern suburbs, depending on the time of day. However, if downtown is the daily destination, then multiple options surface for reaching the “desk.”
Summary
Take time to explore this vibrant neighborhood, which in many ways, sets the pace of Seattle's liberality. Even though most residents are under the age of 45, it can be an active playground for any adventurous soul striving to leave their mark, along with the others dwelling in this influential community.
A place more commonly known as "Capitol Hill" (http://bitly.com/d6epY5), Broadway is the most densely populated neighborhood in Seattle with a progressive culture. It's boundaries are East Howe Street in the north, except for a sliver that runs to East Lynn Street along Interstate 5. In the east, 15th Avenue is the edge of the community, which runs along the Lake View Cemetery (http://lakeviewcemeteryassociation.com) and Volunteer Park (http://bitly.com/9SSYKt). The southern boundary consists of East Madison Street, East Union and East Pike. The west is simply bordered by, you guessed it, Interstate 5.
History
There is uncertainty about where Capitol Hill coined its name. Some believe it was to “woo” the state legislature to relocate from Olympia to Seattle. The founder, James A. Moore, did name the area after his wife’s hometown neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. Others believe Moore’s motive was a combination of these. Other names given to Broadway at one time were Broadway Hill and Catholic Hill, due to a large Roman Catholic population at one time.
Some of Seattle’s wealthiest reside here, particularly at “Millionaire’s Row” along 14th Avenue. Block parties are common, with a neighborhood-wide event in July having been hosted each year since 1997. A wide variety of architecture can be found, not only among residential houses and historic landmarks, but even with the commonplace apartment buildings.
Numerous historical sites and structures are located in Broadway, with some of the most well-known being the Harvard-Belmont Landmark District (http://bitly.com/fOof0C), the original Cornish College of the Arts building (http://bitly.com/hhus9V), Volunteer Park - a favorite of mine (http://bitly.com/9SSYKt) and Lake View Cemetery (http://lakeviewcemeteryassociation.com).
Demographics and Income
Singles, singles, singles. Broadway is home to numerous twenty and thirty-somethings who have not yet said, “I do”. Married couples do exist here, but only around 20% of the population. Of those couples, only a trace are raising children. Thus, large families may want to take heed when considering Broadway as a place of residence.
Transient is the buzzword in this section of Seattle. It boasts on being the most densely populated neighborhood in the city, and for good reason—apartments! Everywhere you turn, with the exception of the upper class areas around Volunteer park, humans are vying for a parking spot near their leased domicile.
Income is nothing to write home about, unless, of course, the residential streets of Broadway are highlighted. These families are definitely bringing home the bacon, with incomes easily in the six figures. A selected few may even shyly admit to being millionaires. However, wealth is the exception, not the rule for most of the neighborhood. Unmarried young professionals, seeking to get their foot in the door of a career or simply trying to survive by waiting on tables are a more common lot. The ethnic representation is predominantly white, but other races are gaining a voice.
Culture
As mentioned, Broadway is notorious for nightlife, particularly street parties. The younger demographic, mixed with copious drinking venues, is a recipe for endless social opportunities. The grunge scene emerged here in the early 1990s, notably through the music of Nirvana (http://bitly.com/evin0M) and Kurt Cobain (http://bitly.com/hyo5PG). Artistic roots still run deep today, though other music styles have come in to share the limelight.
In addition to the party and music scene, Broadway is home to prominent Seattle coffee houses. Specific locations will be featured under the “Local Business Tour” section below. Another “claim to fame” is the large gay and lesbian population. Many businesses claim to be gay friendly, as do certain churches. The liberal Seattle environment emanates, primarily, from the Broadway neighborhood—a place where progressive ideas and lifestyles are birthed.
Real Estate
Multiple apartment complexes occupy the area, especially west of Broadway East (the street). Residential housing becomes more prominent to the west, closer to Volunteer park where many larger, upscale homes have been built.
Home values have dropped considerably in recent months, with the average value hovering around $300,000 (According to Zillow). Only 19% of residents own their home, confirming the transient nature of this Seattle community.
Local Business Tour (Restaurants, Pubs, Coffee Houses, Shops and other Amenities)
Good eating is to be found in Broadway, the most eclectic variety in the Emerald City. One of our favorites, B & O Espresso (http://bo-espresso.com), serves up tasty dinners and out of this world desserts. They even can do wedding cakes! Formerly a coffee shop where where Pearl Jam birthed their name. Other places of dining interest are Tango (http://tangorestaurant.com), Rosebud Restaurant & Bar (http://rosebud-restaurant.com), Ayutthaya Thai Restaurant (http://ayutthayathai.com), Via Tribunali (http://viatribunali.net), Quinn's Pub (http://quinnspubseattle.com), The Tin Table (http://thetintable.com) with the Century Ballroom for dancing (http://centuryballroom.com), Table 219 (http://table219.com), and the list goes on.
In addition to great dining, coffee shops abound here. A few to mention are Bauhaus Books & Coffee (http://bauhauscoffee.net), Stumptown Coffee Roasters (http://stumptowncoffee.com), Faire Gallery Cafe (http://fairegallerycafe.com), Online Coffee Company (http://onlinecoffeeco.com), Caffé Vita (http://caffevita.com), Top Pot Doughnuts (http://toppotdoughnuts.com), Cafe Dharwin (http://cafedharwin.com), Victrola Coffee Roasters (http://victrolacoffee.com) and several others. For the sweet tooth, try Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream (http://mollymoonicecream.com). Other places featuring ice cream and the like are: Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream & Tea Room (http://bluebirdseattle.blogspot.com), Cupcake Royale (http://cupcakeroyale.com), and Old School Frozen Custard (http://oldschoolfrozencustard.com) - A family favorite of ours.
Pubs, though they may seem a “dime a dozen” in Seattle, are worth noting in Capitol Hill. Here are a few: Madison Pub (http://madisonpub.com) - Featuring no cover charge; Elysian Brewing Company (http://elysianbrewing.com) - Founded in 1996 with three locations around the city; Quinn’s Pub (http://quinnspubseattle.com) - Owned by Scott and Heather Staples and featuring 14 beers on tap; Chop Suey (http://chopsuey.com) - Featuring lots of live music; and Barca (http://barcaseattle.com) - Enjoy a diverse selection of beers, wine, vodka and specialty drinks;
Accommodations
Even if no place existed within Broadway for overnight lodging, its close proximity to the urban core would provide an abundance of options just minutes away. Fortunately, there are some accommodations within the neighborhood. Here is a sampling: 11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast (http://11thavenueinn.com) - A charming 1906 vintage bed and breakfast; Seward Suites (http://sewardsuites.com) - A re-imagined experience in a 1907 era building, complete with private garden,fire pit, and coveted views of Puget Sound; Bed and Breakfast Inn Seattle (http://seattlebednbreakfast.com) - A European style inn, allowing guests full access to the kitchen for preparing meals; Fox Glove Guesthouse (http://foxgloveguesthouse.com) - A 1905 Arts and Crafts house featuring that era’s decorative style; Gaslight Inn (http://gaslight-inn.com) - A quality bed and breakfast featuring rich woodwork, views of the city, and even an in-ground heated pool; Bed and Breakfast on Broadway (http://bedandbreakfastseattlewa.net) - Featuring four quaint rooms with private baths; Alternative Suites International (http://asuites.com) - Temporary or long-term housing source for Seattle and around the Nation; and The Bacon Mansion (http://baconmansion.com) - An 8,000 square foot Edwardian-style house, adorned with 1909-era charm.
Schools
Following the generous nature of Broadway, when it comes to amenities, schools are not disregarded. Too many institutions exist to be featured, so again, a broad stroke list: Bright Water School (http://brightwaterschool.org) - Waldorf education that provides an artistic and compassionate approach, in addition to the academics; Bertschi School (http://bertschi.org) - An independent elementary school provided an intellectual, imaginative and character-building education; Lowell Elementary School (http://seattleschools.org/schools/lowell) - Features various programs for specialized assistance, including a nationally recognized Low Incidence Special Education program; ALPS Language School (http://englishintheusa.com) - Accelerated language performance system with small classes; Harvard Avenue School (http://harvardavenueschool.com) - Offering a high quality education for toddler, preschool and pre-kindergarten children; and The Northwest School (http://northwestschool.org) - Offering a curriculum for grades 6-12 with an international perspective, fostering creative thinking.
Recreation
Outdoor recreation can be fulfilled at Volunteer Park (http://bitly.com/9SSYKt), featuring a beautiful conservatory (http://bitly.com/eMSR1M), a children's play area, and a reservoir. The park is also home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum (http://bitly.com/aVafFZ). Near the southern end of Broadway is Cal Anderson Park (http://calandersonpark.org), featuring several amenities, including a fountain, texture pool, promenade paths, children’s play area, wading pool, lighted sports field and several oversize chess boards. A couple of easy-to-miss green spaces include Thomas Street Mini Park (http://bitly.com/e8konb) - An ideal place for reading that book while taking in rare Seattle sun; John and Summit Park (http://bitly.com/gv5Nd6) - A newly designed space, featuring a community P-Patch; and Tashkent Park (http://bitly.com/dJdICC) - Named after a city in Uzbekistan, the park features picnic tables, a wooden arbor, benches and a sculpture.
Medical and Wellness Facilities
For anyone in dire need of medical assistance, it is good to know a sound clinic or hospital is nearby. The advantage to Broadway’s downtown-vicinity location provides streamlined access to top-notch doctors, clinics and hospitals. Though not directly within the neighborhood’s boundary, but close enough, is the Swedish Medical Center (http://swedish.org) - The First Hill campus is part of the largest nonprofit medical provider in the Northwest region. No claim to fame medical institution for Broadway? Think again. The Virginia Mason Medical Center (http://virginiamason.org) is an award-winning nonprofit organization with a network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Puget Sound. If having two hospitals, almost within walking distance, is not enough, how about a third just a stone’s throw from the southern boundary of the neighborhood? It is a fact in which Broadwayites can revel—Harborview Medical Center (http://bitly.com/dhPLZL) - One of the best trauma centers on the West Coast. A few other medical resources within the community of Broadway: Pacific Medical Center (http://pacificmedicalcenters.org) - A patient-focused institution, providing assistance with more than 150 caring providers; The Polyclinic (http://polyclinic.com) - One of the largest multi-specialty clinics in the Puget Sound area; The Pin Cushion (http://www.thepincushionclinic.com/) - Affordable acupuncture in a community setting; Felix Marcial, DDS (http://doctorfelix.com) - Dr. Felix carries an abundance of knowledge and experience to encounter virtually all teeth/mouth conditions; and Paul Huddleston & Associates, DDS (http://yourseattlesmile.com) - Striving to enable each patient to achieve complete dental health through technological innovation, prevention and ongoing education.
Spiritual Centers and Churches
Every great neighborhood not only exhibits physical qualities, but ones rooted in the mental and spiritual capacities of the people. Broadway serves up quite a variety of spiritual havens, designed for holistic development. Enjoy this brief rendering of spiritual options: Grace Seattle (http://www.graceseattle.org/) - A place devoted to assisting Seattle in becoming more like the city of God; Seattle First Baptist (http://www.seattlefirstbaptist.org/) - Liberating the heart, engaging the mind, embracing the world; Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral (http://www.saintnicholascathedral.org/) - One of the oldest Russian Orthodox parishes outside of Russia; Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption (http://www.assumptionseattle.org/); and Bodhiheart Sangha Buddhist Meditation Center in Seattle (http://www.bodhiheartsangha.org/) - Featuring two resident teachers, Venerable Dhammadinna and Tenzin Jesse (http://www.bodhiheartsangha.org/teachers.shtml).
Transportation Access and Tips
Getting to and from Broadway could not be more convenient, for tourist and local alike. The Interstate, hugging the community from the west, has a handful of on-ramps/off-ramps. Traversing between downtown proves to be a constant success via several arterial options, such as Denny Way, Madison Avenue and Pike Street. Need to get to the East side? This can be handled by heading south on either Interstate 5 or a southern arterial to hop on Eastbound Interstate 90. Even students looking for a little cushion between campus find haven living here, with attainable cycling times across the water to the University of Washington campus. One of the commuting challenges could be a work commute to the northern or southern suburbs, depending on the time of day. However, if downtown is the daily destination, then multiple options surface for reaching the “desk.”
Summary
Take time to explore this vibrant neighborhood, which in many ways, sets the pace of Seattle's liberality. Even though most residents are under the age of 45, it can be an active playground for any adventurous soul striving to leave their mark, along with the others dwelling in this influential community.
Pros
- Excellent cafes
- Good parks
- Great nightlife
- Proximity to downtown
- Unique dining choices
Cons
- Limited parking
- High traffic volumes on arterial streets
- Loud environment
- Many rental properties
- More expensive housing
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
"Seattle’s nightlife, arts and culture haven"
Capitol Hill has a large collection of entertainment options for Seattleites. Though I personally wouldn't want to live right in the middle of the action, the periphery of the neighborhood, particularly to the north, has a very peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
There are plenty of delicious restaurants on Capitol Hill—it is a delightful place for a meal and a drink while catching up with old friends.
One that I quite enjoy is Artusi, which has Tapas-style Italian, wine pairings, and excellent cocktails. Capitol Cider is fun for dessert, though they don’t have only sweet ciders, they also have dry ones if you have less of a sweet tooth. Barca Bar has live jazz on Tuesdays which was quite enjoyable when I went. Lastly, Revolver Bar has a pleasant atmosphere with a well-designed interior.
The other main reason I find myself in this part of town is to go to one of the local arts events. I quite enjoy the literature lectures at Hugo House (a nonprofit for writers), and have also been to their Small Press Literature Festival featuring many local authors.
The Northwest Film Festival is another little gem. They show little-known documentaries and indie films, and I’ve found their curation to be very high-quality. I’ve been considering doing some of their workshops. The Annex Theater also has a wide variety of shows, ranging from ridiculous to obscene. It is a very entertaining venue, particularly when you’re with a close friend or two that share your sense of humor!
I’ll close by mentioning Volunteer Park, north of downtown Capitol Hill. It’s a lovely place for a slow walk on a summer day. The park also houses the Seattle Asian Art Museum, which is well worth a visit, and the cemetery just north of the park has Bruce Lee’s grave!
I did look at a few homes when I was looking to buy. I found three types of housing for sale on Capitol Hill: modest but overpriced 2 story single-family homes, new condos, and mansions that cost in the millions. All three types were very expensive: this is a popular place to live.
There are plenty of delicious restaurants on Capitol Hill—it is a delightful place for a meal and a drink while catching up with old friends.
One that I quite enjoy is Artusi, which has Tapas-style Italian, wine pairings, and excellent cocktails. Capitol Cider is fun for dessert, though they don’t have only sweet ciders, they also have dry ones if you have less of a sweet tooth. Barca Bar has live jazz on Tuesdays which was quite enjoyable when I went. Lastly, Revolver Bar has a pleasant atmosphere with a well-designed interior.
The other main reason I find myself in this part of town is to go to one of the local arts events. I quite enjoy the literature lectures at Hugo House (a nonprofit for writers), and have also been to their Small Press Literature Festival featuring many local authors.
The Northwest Film Festival is another little gem. They show little-known documentaries and indie films, and I’ve found their curation to be very high-quality. I’ve been considering doing some of their workshops. The Annex Theater also has a wide variety of shows, ranging from ridiculous to obscene. It is a very entertaining venue, particularly when you’re with a close friend or two that share your sense of humor!
I’ll close by mentioning Volunteer Park, north of downtown Capitol Hill. It’s a lovely place for a slow walk on a summer day. The park also houses the Seattle Asian Art Museum, which is well worth a visit, and the cemetery just north of the park has Bruce Lee’s grave!
I did look at a few homes when I was looking to buy. I found three types of housing for sale on Capitol Hill: modest but overpriced 2 story single-family homes, new condos, and mansions that cost in the millions. All three types were very expensive: this is a popular place to live.
Pros
- Arts and culture
- Good restaurants
- Nightlife
Cons
- Lack of parking
- High cost of living
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
"Great music!"
Capitol Hill has a sweet music scene. There’s always a lot happening. Here’s what’s up:
Neumos: plays up and coming indie rock, and also hosts some DJS (like DJ Bootie mashup nights). They have a great website, which seems trivial but it’s not when you’re trying to get tickets to a show at a small venue that might sell out and you’re making a trip from Bellevue. I’m looking forward to seeing Deep Sea Diver and Ra Ra Riot later this month. Good stuff.
Chop Suey: this place used to be pretty gross, it seemed like the walls and the floor had just been absorbing sweat, vomit, and who knows what else for the past 20 years and they never really cleaned it off. Luckily they did a renovation and cleaned it up somewhat. Every Saturday is usually just dance music, but Fridays and other nights they bring in musicians and sometimes comedians. You can find some awesome shows here.
Comet Tavern: Divey rock bar (not live music though), apparently used to be a big punk scene but it’s pretty tame now. One cool thing is they don’t just screen football games but also some of the presidential debates. Makes for good drinking games. :D
Highline: a place that could ONLY exist in Seattle. First it’s a vegan restaurant, and as a meat-eater, they make really good food. The reuben is SO good. But it’s also a metal music venue. If that’s your scene, this place gets LOUD and PACKED on weekends. Their cover can be kinda high, like $20, but it’s not bad for show tickets. Oh yeah and they have “Eff yeah bingo” on Mondays.
Cap Hill Block Party is like the culmination of the hill’s music scene. A packed weekend of back to back outdoor shows. I’ve gone every year since I moved here. Try and get Monday off work because you’ll need to recover ;)
Neumos: plays up and coming indie rock, and also hosts some DJS (like DJ Bootie mashup nights). They have a great website, which seems trivial but it’s not when you’re trying to get tickets to a show at a small venue that might sell out and you’re making a trip from Bellevue. I’m looking forward to seeing Deep Sea Diver and Ra Ra Riot later this month. Good stuff.
Chop Suey: this place used to be pretty gross, it seemed like the walls and the floor had just been absorbing sweat, vomit, and who knows what else for the past 20 years and they never really cleaned it off. Luckily they did a renovation and cleaned it up somewhat. Every Saturday is usually just dance music, but Fridays and other nights they bring in musicians and sometimes comedians. You can find some awesome shows here.
Comet Tavern: Divey rock bar (not live music though), apparently used to be a big punk scene but it’s pretty tame now. One cool thing is they don’t just screen football games but also some of the presidential debates. Makes for good drinking games. :D
Highline: a place that could ONLY exist in Seattle. First it’s a vegan restaurant, and as a meat-eater, they make really good food. The reuben is SO good. But it’s also a metal music venue. If that’s your scene, this place gets LOUD and PACKED on weekends. Their cover can be kinda high, like $20, but it’s not bad for show tickets. Oh yeah and they have “Eff yeah bingo” on Mondays.
Cap Hill Block Party is like the culmination of the hill’s music scene. A packed weekend of back to back outdoor shows. I’ve gone every year since I moved here. Try and get Monday off work because you’ll need to recover ;)
Pros
- Great music scene
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Nightlife
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Cost of Living
- Public Transport
"Eat, Drink, and be Merry"
Capitol Hill to me is where my friends and I go out – great food and fun bars are everywhere.
I live just down the hill in South Lake Union so Cap Hill is very close and I probably go out here every weekend. When I first moved to Seattle everyone told me Capitol Hill is where all the hipsters are at, and while that is true, it’s also where all the cool bars are at – I’m not sure who/what came first ;)
The neighborhood is grimier than South Lake Union, there are homeless people out at night, and it’s not as clean as other neighborhoods. But I still think it's safe. Cap Hill is also the home to Seattle’s LGBT community and the neighborhood has a lot of pride around that. The neighborhood even has rainbow crosswalks, which is really cool!
My favorite thing about Capitol Hill is its food and drink scene. A quick search on Yelp will highlight the sheer amount of awesome bars and restaurants. I love going out to Unicorn, Linda’s, and Neumos for a show. I really like how there's street food sold at night.
Most of the people in the neighborhood are in their 20s or maybe early 30s. The neighborhood has 3 colleges, which adds to it's younger vibe, they include: Seattle Central, Cornish, and Seattle Community College
Would I want to live in Cap Hill? I’m not sure. If I enjoyed being in the middle Seattle’s nightlife, then probably yes. There seems to be a mix of new and old apartments, but it looks like a lot of the older buildings are being torn down in order for new bigger buildings to come. I'd also say the neighborhood is pretty loud, especially on weekends.
I live just down the hill in South Lake Union so Cap Hill is very close and I probably go out here every weekend. When I first moved to Seattle everyone told me Capitol Hill is where all the hipsters are at, and while that is true, it’s also where all the cool bars are at – I’m not sure who/what came first ;)
The neighborhood is grimier than South Lake Union, there are homeless people out at night, and it’s not as clean as other neighborhoods. But I still think it's safe. Cap Hill is also the home to Seattle’s LGBT community and the neighborhood has a lot of pride around that. The neighborhood even has rainbow crosswalks, which is really cool!
My favorite thing about Capitol Hill is its food and drink scene. A quick search on Yelp will highlight the sheer amount of awesome bars and restaurants. I love going out to Unicorn, Linda’s, and Neumos for a show. I really like how there's street food sold at night.
Most of the people in the neighborhood are in their 20s or maybe early 30s. The neighborhood has 3 colleges, which adds to it's younger vibe, they include: Seattle Central, Cornish, and Seattle Community College
Would I want to live in Cap Hill? I’m not sure. If I enjoyed being in the middle Seattle’s nightlife, then probably yes. There seems to be a mix of new and old apartments, but it looks like a lot of the older buildings are being torn down in order for new bigger buildings to come. I'd also say the neighborhood is pretty loud, especially on weekends.
Pros
- Energetic
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Nightlife
Cons
- Homelessness
- Lack of parking
Recommended for
- Singles
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Trendy & Stylish
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
"Where Seattle Celebrates"
Capitol Hill/Broadway is the most diverse, urban neighborhood in Seattle. It is home to many great restaurants, bars, and cafés. There is so much to see and do. I would say it’s a must visit neighborhood and could make a great place to call home; especially if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of an active urban neighborhood.
The combination of the Seattle University campus, an abundant number of bars, plus the center of the LGBT community, have shaped Capitol Hill into a fun, youthful, and energetic neighborhood. The nightlife is alive 7 days a week, making Capitol Hill the neighborhood Seattle celebrates in.
Besides delicious food and creative cocktails Capitol Hill is also known for a few other things that aren’t so great: Hipsters, homelessness, and drug use. A big city like Seattle is going to have these types of problems, and all the activities to draw them into the neighborhood.
The gentrification of Capitol Hill is a hot topic among Seattleites. The area around Broadway has gone through a dramatic transformation in the last 5 years. The neighborhood has been in a constant state of construction. Gone are many of the old 1 and 2 story mixed use buildings and in their place are expensive high rise condos. This is driving out the residents that gave Capitol Hill its personality and bringing in the upper class. Personally my biggest gripe with the explosion of Capitol Hill is the complete lack of parking around the neighborhood.
According to the real estate website, Zillow, the median home price in the neighborhood is $465,000, which seems really low. Off of Broadway there is a mix of old craftsman houses and new modern Seattle box homes, most of which regularly sell in the $800k range. Musician and Seattle native, Macklemore, purchased a 3 bedroom home in Capitol Hill for $2.1 million in 2015. Renting an apartment usually starts around $1,500 for a studio and can easily pass $2,000 if you have a car. There are still old, affordable apartment building in the neighborhood, but they are quickly being replaced.
Who should live in Capitol Hill? I would say singles, young couples, or anyone who enjoys the fast paced urban lifestyle and doesn’t mind construction noise. I think the rising prices are driving some folks away, which could ultimately change the personality of the neighborhood in the long run. Who should avoid Capitol Hill? Anyone who values peace and quiet and the ease of convenient parking.
Even if you Capitol Hill isn’t the neighborhood you call home it should be place to visit, some of my favorite places are:
Canon: Amazing speakeasy style bar serving craft cocktails. Some of the best drinks in the city!
Honey Hole: Late night sandwich shop/bar.
Bakery Nouveau: Delicious pastries and cafe
Dicks Drive In: Cheap burgers and an iconic Seattle location. Listen to Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Posse on Broadway” while pulling up.
Vivace Espresso: It’s tiny, with no room to sit, but this has some of the best coffee in Seattle.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery: After you get a real coffee from Vivace visit this Starbucks where they roast their beans for their “reserve” line in house.
The space is amazing.
Ferrari of Seattle: I absolutely love looking at the cars through the window.
Thread & Needle: Right across the street from Ferrari is another cocktail lounge, but this one has a secret, pick up the phone on the wall next to the giant safe and you'll be invited to a secret speakeasy.
The combination of the Seattle University campus, an abundant number of bars, plus the center of the LGBT community, have shaped Capitol Hill into a fun, youthful, and energetic neighborhood. The nightlife is alive 7 days a week, making Capitol Hill the neighborhood Seattle celebrates in.
Besides delicious food and creative cocktails Capitol Hill is also known for a few other things that aren’t so great: Hipsters, homelessness, and drug use. A big city like Seattle is going to have these types of problems, and all the activities to draw them into the neighborhood.
The gentrification of Capitol Hill is a hot topic among Seattleites. The area around Broadway has gone through a dramatic transformation in the last 5 years. The neighborhood has been in a constant state of construction. Gone are many of the old 1 and 2 story mixed use buildings and in their place are expensive high rise condos. This is driving out the residents that gave Capitol Hill its personality and bringing in the upper class. Personally my biggest gripe with the explosion of Capitol Hill is the complete lack of parking around the neighborhood.
According to the real estate website, Zillow, the median home price in the neighborhood is $465,000, which seems really low. Off of Broadway there is a mix of old craftsman houses and new modern Seattle box homes, most of which regularly sell in the $800k range. Musician and Seattle native, Macklemore, purchased a 3 bedroom home in Capitol Hill for $2.1 million in 2015. Renting an apartment usually starts around $1,500 for a studio and can easily pass $2,000 if you have a car. There are still old, affordable apartment building in the neighborhood, but they are quickly being replaced.
Who should live in Capitol Hill? I would say singles, young couples, or anyone who enjoys the fast paced urban lifestyle and doesn’t mind construction noise. I think the rising prices are driving some folks away, which could ultimately change the personality of the neighborhood in the long run. Who should avoid Capitol Hill? Anyone who values peace and quiet and the ease of convenient parking.
Even if you Capitol Hill isn’t the neighborhood you call home it should be place to visit, some of my favorite places are:
Canon: Amazing speakeasy style bar serving craft cocktails. Some of the best drinks in the city!
Honey Hole: Late night sandwich shop/bar.
Bakery Nouveau: Delicious pastries and cafe
Dicks Drive In: Cheap burgers and an iconic Seattle location. Listen to Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Posse on Broadway” while pulling up.
Vivace Espresso: It’s tiny, with no room to sit, but this has some of the best coffee in Seattle.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery: After you get a real coffee from Vivace visit this Starbucks where they roast their beans for their “reserve” line in house.
The space is amazing.
Ferrari of Seattle: I absolutely love looking at the cars through the window.
Thread & Needle: Right across the street from Ferrari is another cocktail lounge, but this one has a secret, pick up the phone on the wall next to the giant safe and you'll be invited to a secret speakeasy.
Pros
- Energetic
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Nightlife
Cons
- Lack of parking
- High cost of living
- Homelessness
- Crowded
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
"Colorful, young, energetic neighborhood to live and play in."
Capitol Hill is my home sweet home. Having lived in north Seattle neighborhoods previously, I was looking for something a little more diverse, a little livelier. And I definitely like what I found.
Cap Hill is a very dense neighborhood based around Broadway Ave, East of downtown. Most people live in apartments, and the population is pretty young, with a lot of singles and couples, but not many kids. However, in the northern area you’ll find some big houses and even mansions, with families and kids, but to me that feels almost like another neighborhood.
The Hill has always been a very LGBTQ-friendly place, especially for men. We even have new rainbow crosswalks! There are quite a few gay bars, but only one lesbian bar (the Wild Rose), which isn’t that great. However, for Seattleites looking for a night out, regardless of whether you’re LGBTQ or not, Capitol Hill is THE place to go. What’s known as the Pike and Pine corridor (two streets that run east-west across Broadway) are lined with back-to-back dance and concert venues, bars, and restaurants. This is where everyone heads for birthdays, bachelorette parties, New Years, or just a night out with friends.
Because of the lively nightlife, when you’re looking for an apartment, you’ll probably want to avoid Pine and Pike, since it gets LOUD. But as soon as you’re a few blocks away, it’s much quieter and quite pleasant. Also do the due diligence on your potential landlords. Since there are so many apartments, a lot them are run by big management companies that have notoriously bad customer service (almost as bad as Comcast) and aren’t above lying to you to get you to sign the lease. Of course, it’s illegal, but they know you’re probably not going to pick a legal fight with them and their in-house lawyers. That being said, there are some awesome little buildings too. One place I know has an event for their tenants every month, like a BBQ, pumpkin carving, or cookie frosting.
Transportation. It’s got to be said. Seattle has a problem connecting Capitol Hill to other parts of the City. Getting downtown or to the University District is ok, but if you want to go to any of the other North Seattle neighborhoods, Pioneer Square, or Queen Anne, it’s not going to be easy. Which is frustrating because it’s not that far away, but it takes so long. City planning did try to improve it, but they messed that up too when they put a tramline, buses, cars, and bike lanes ALL on Broadway. You can imagine what a cluster that is. And the tram still isn’t running yet—over a year behind schedule. Can you tell I’m over it?
Ok on to more positive things like food! There’s just so much of it. And a lot of places that are pretty affordable, like many of the Thai and Vietnamese places (Than Brothers, a pho soup chain, is the perfect hangover cure). My secret spot is Joe Bar Café, which does coffee, and also crepes cooked in butter. Which means the place always smells like lattes and melted butter. Mmmm.
It’s worth noting that Capitol Hill is just north of the big Seattle hospitals, including Harborview. That’s convenient, and the medical care is high-quality. Though you do have to keep in mind that many of them are Christian-based, so some don’t offer a full range of women’s or LGBTQ care. But you’ll find that care if you shop around.
The neighborhood is also very walkable (if you don’t mind, er, hills). Within 3 blocks of my apartment, there’s a large grocery store, my bank, the library, restaurants, coffee shops, and the gym. Pretty much everything I need on a daily basis.
For parks, you’ve got two biggies. Cal Anderson Park is right next to all the action on Pine and Pike, and it’s often got club sports games going on (Seattle Central Community College is right next door). Volunteer Park, further north, is very large, and has the Asian Art Museum. You can also walk up the old water tower for a limited view of the surrounding area. There’s a large stage in the park that has lots of summer events like outdoor movies and concerts, and it’s also where the annual family-friendly Pride Picnic (part of Pride Month) takes place. Plus, when your un-insulated Seattle apartment that doesn’t have air conditioning gets unbearably hot in the summer, the park is a good place to sit under a tree with a book or some work.
The last thing I’ll mention is the events. There’s just so much happening all the time in Capitol Hill. From up-and-coming comedians, to block parties and DJs, to theater and art, to academic lectures, I never seem to have enough time to go to everything I’m interested in.
Cap Hill is a very dense neighborhood based around Broadway Ave, East of downtown. Most people live in apartments, and the population is pretty young, with a lot of singles and couples, but not many kids. However, in the northern area you’ll find some big houses and even mansions, with families and kids, but to me that feels almost like another neighborhood.
The Hill has always been a very LGBTQ-friendly place, especially for men. We even have new rainbow crosswalks! There are quite a few gay bars, but only one lesbian bar (the Wild Rose), which isn’t that great. However, for Seattleites looking for a night out, regardless of whether you’re LGBTQ or not, Capitol Hill is THE place to go. What’s known as the Pike and Pine corridor (two streets that run east-west across Broadway) are lined with back-to-back dance and concert venues, bars, and restaurants. This is where everyone heads for birthdays, bachelorette parties, New Years, or just a night out with friends.
Because of the lively nightlife, when you’re looking for an apartment, you’ll probably want to avoid Pine and Pike, since it gets LOUD. But as soon as you’re a few blocks away, it’s much quieter and quite pleasant. Also do the due diligence on your potential landlords. Since there are so many apartments, a lot them are run by big management companies that have notoriously bad customer service (almost as bad as Comcast) and aren’t above lying to you to get you to sign the lease. Of course, it’s illegal, but they know you’re probably not going to pick a legal fight with them and their in-house lawyers. That being said, there are some awesome little buildings too. One place I know has an event for their tenants every month, like a BBQ, pumpkin carving, or cookie frosting.
Transportation. It’s got to be said. Seattle has a problem connecting Capitol Hill to other parts of the City. Getting downtown or to the University District is ok, but if you want to go to any of the other North Seattle neighborhoods, Pioneer Square, or Queen Anne, it’s not going to be easy. Which is frustrating because it’s not that far away, but it takes so long. City planning did try to improve it, but they messed that up too when they put a tramline, buses, cars, and bike lanes ALL on Broadway. You can imagine what a cluster that is. And the tram still isn’t running yet—over a year behind schedule. Can you tell I’m over it?
Ok on to more positive things like food! There’s just so much of it. And a lot of places that are pretty affordable, like many of the Thai and Vietnamese places (Than Brothers, a pho soup chain, is the perfect hangover cure). My secret spot is Joe Bar Café, which does coffee, and also crepes cooked in butter. Which means the place always smells like lattes and melted butter. Mmmm.
It’s worth noting that Capitol Hill is just north of the big Seattle hospitals, including Harborview. That’s convenient, and the medical care is high-quality. Though you do have to keep in mind that many of them are Christian-based, so some don’t offer a full range of women’s or LGBTQ care. But you’ll find that care if you shop around.
The neighborhood is also very walkable (if you don’t mind, er, hills). Within 3 blocks of my apartment, there’s a large grocery store, my bank, the library, restaurants, coffee shops, and the gym. Pretty much everything I need on a daily basis.
For parks, you’ve got two biggies. Cal Anderson Park is right next to all the action on Pine and Pike, and it’s often got club sports games going on (Seattle Central Community College is right next door). Volunteer Park, further north, is very large, and has the Asian Art Museum. You can also walk up the old water tower for a limited view of the surrounding area. There’s a large stage in the park that has lots of summer events like outdoor movies and concerts, and it’s also where the annual family-friendly Pride Picnic (part of Pride Month) takes place. Plus, when your un-insulated Seattle apartment that doesn’t have air conditioning gets unbearably hot in the summer, the park is a good place to sit under a tree with a book or some work.
The last thing I’ll mention is the events. There’s just so much happening all the time in Capitol Hill. From up-and-coming comedians, to block parties and DJs, to theater and art, to academic lectures, I never seem to have enough time to go to everything I’m interested in.
Pros
- Nightlife
- LGBTQ-friendly
- Energetic
Cons
- Crowded
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Artsy, inspired and active"
The recent center of Seattle’s LGBT community, Broadway continues to serve as a cultural and social center, offering a variety of bars, restaurants, eateries, and boutiques. Broadway is continually expressive and inspiring, with marked patterns and features that lend character to the city. Some of those interesting marks include contributions from Seattle’s arts commission, like the Broadway Tilework, which serves to brighten the street with informative and colorful tiles to indicate buildings’ addresses and the Broadway Dance Steps (contributed by Jack Mackie), which illustrate to passers by the correct way to do the rumba, tango, or foxtrot via bronze footsteps in the sidewalks.
Broadway is definitely about interesting places to enjoy, but there are definitely those that stand out. Broadway is privileged enough to have the local incarnation of The Crypt, which is a shop for adults that carries media, toys, and sexy costumes and clothing, and definitely acts as a living, breathing homage to the LGBT presence. Dilettante Chocolates serves fine truffles, mochas, biscotti, and other sweets from their local storefront in Broadway. The Honey Hole is a great deli-by-day, tavern-by-night sort of a spot. You won’t be disappointed to get something with Turkey, but the fun sandwich names are almost as amusing as your friend is after a couple of dirnks.
Broadway is definitely about interesting places to enjoy, but there are definitely those that stand out. Broadway is privileged enough to have the local incarnation of The Crypt, which is a shop for adults that carries media, toys, and sexy costumes and clothing, and definitely acts as a living, breathing homage to the LGBT presence. Dilettante Chocolates serves fine truffles, mochas, biscotti, and other sweets from their local storefront in Broadway. The Honey Hole is a great deli-by-day, tavern-by-night sort of a spot. You won’t be disappointed to get something with Turkey, but the fun sandwich names are almost as amusing as your friend is after a couple of dirnks.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
"It’s not for everyone, but its fun for a visit."
This encompasses a very large area and is very different depending on where you end up. Pike/Pine is super hip but a pretty busy area with clubs, restaurants and lots of condos; it also has a slightly older crowd than Broadway area. Where Pike/Pine is hip, Broadway is kind of crappy and the weirdoes tend to hang out there, however, the North end is getting nicer and eventually there will be a light rail station near Broadway and Denny so it will be really convenient to get all kinds of places.
But for now that intersection is under massive construction that I think goes until 2016 – doesn’t affect traffic yet, but an eye sore and a pain to deal with all the same. Summit also has a little area with a coffee shop and bar that’s pretty cute and a little further from the business and there are a lot of condos near there. When you get to be around 15th Street it gets really nice and has everything you could need. The people are more our age and it’s busy, but not in the same way that Broadway and Pike/Pine are. There are some condos but they are pricier since there are less of them. And there are lots of families and giant beautiful houses in that area.
There’s a small area on 19th with a coffee shop and a few other. Safety-wise Broadway is the worst, with Pike/Pine next, 19th then 15th the safest. It is incredibly easy to get everywhere from Capitol Hill, and really this area has a lot of diversity in a small space.
But for now that intersection is under massive construction that I think goes until 2016 – doesn’t affect traffic yet, but an eye sore and a pain to deal with all the same. Summit also has a little area with a coffee shop and bar that’s pretty cute and a little further from the business and there are a lot of condos near there. When you get to be around 15th Street it gets really nice and has everything you could need. The people are more our age and it’s busy, but not in the same way that Broadway and Pike/Pine are. There are some condos but they are pricier since there are less of them. And there are lots of families and giant beautiful houses in that area.
There’s a small area on 19th with a coffee shop and a few other. Safety-wise Broadway is the worst, with Pike/Pine next, 19th then 15th the safest. It is incredibly easy to get everywhere from Capitol Hill, and really this area has a lot of diversity in a small space.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
"Where Seattle Plays"
Capitol Hill, in general, is one of the few remaining "community neighborhoods" in the city. And Broadway Ave. is the meeting place for most neighborhood events. They even have a web site, www.capitolhillseattle.com" to let residents and visitors know of upcoming events and activities as well as public service announcements. The population on the street ranges from students to business professionals to outrageous. For people-watching, this is the street to beat. The restaurants are mostly open air making it more of an interactive dining experience. The shops range from quaint to alternative. And the clubs are some of the best in the city. Capitol Hill, in general, is a little on the pricey side to live, but people that do live there wouldn't live anywhere else.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
rating details
2yrs+
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
"Great Nightlife! Bars, Clubs, and Late-Night Eateries"
Broadway is a main thoroughfare in Seattle, running North-South through First Hill and Capitol Hill, from East Madison Street near downtown Seattle to Roy Street at the north end of Capitol Hill. It has a reputation for being one of the most active and eclectic streets in the city. The Broadway District refers to the shopping within six blocks of Broadway East. On the southern end of Broadway, towards downtown Seattle, you'll find Swedish Hospital and Seattle Central Community College. As you move north on Broadway, the area becomes more of a nightlife destination.
Along Broadway, you'll find plenty of clubs and late-night spots, especially in the Capitol Hill area. During the day, walk along Broadway for vintage shopping, including the ever-popular Redlight clothing store. Other attractions along Broadway include Dick's Drive-In and The Harvard Exit Theater. Broadway is also home to Dance Steps, a public artwork featuring a series of dance steps in bronze set into the sidewalks.
People watching is also a lot of fun on Broadway, which tends to attract an interesting crowd. You're likely to see plenty of piercings and neon-colored hair here. Broadway has long been the center of Seattle's GLBT community, as well as the alternative music scene.
Along Broadway, you'll find plenty of clubs and late-night spots, especially in the Capitol Hill area. During the day, walk along Broadway for vintage shopping, including the ever-popular Redlight clothing store. Other attractions along Broadway include Dick's Drive-In and The Harvard Exit Theater. Broadway is also home to Dance Steps, a public artwork featuring a series of dance steps in bronze set into the sidewalks.
People watching is also a lot of fun on Broadway, which tends to attract an interesting crowd. You're likely to see plenty of piercings and neon-colored hair here. Broadway has long been the center of Seattle's GLBT community, as well as the alternative music scene.
Recommended for
- Singles
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
"If you're looking for eccentric, you've found it"
Broadway is definitely one of the more interesting streets in Seattle. The southern area of Broadway boasts a Childhaven, Swedish Hospital and the best Community College in Seattle. The further north you go the more it becomes a nightlife hub. It's mostly late night eats after your done clubbing in Pioneer Square and Belltown, or just up the street and any of the number of late night spots in the Capitol Hill area. There are two clubs I know of on Broadway, one is Neighbours, which is largely a gay club, and the other is Julia's, which is more of a bar that has dancing. I go to broadway at night for food, but during the day there's also plenty of vintage shopping, on of the more popular being the Redlight, among others. Broadway attracts the most interesting crowds. If nothing else, you should go to people watch, because that's fun in and of itself.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
Broadway (Capitol Hill)
"Exciting and Entertaining"
Broadway is a bustling strip, you've got to visit the Paramount Theatre.. I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Chris Rock (a regular at the theatre). If you're just into the arts, take a swing by the Broadway center for the performing arts.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
