Is Capitol Hill a nice area of Seattle?
One of the most popular and well-known neighborhoods in Seattle is Capitol Hill, noted for its eclectic mix of restaurants, nightlife, arts, and culture. But is this a nice area to live or visit? Let's take a closer look at what makes Capitol Hill special.
A Center of Food and Nightlife
Among the largest reasons people flock to Capitol Hill is its incredible array of bars, restaurants, and cafes. From coffee shops and casual eateries to fine dining and craft cocktail bars, you will find many options. Some places not to miss include:
Oddfellows Cafe + Bar is a busy all-day cafe with great coffee and brunch.
Spinasse — sophisticated Northern Italian food with house-made pasta.
Optimism Brewing Company—ample brewery and beer hall.
Canon—a nationally acclaimed cocktail bar with an extensive whiskey selection.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a romantic dinner spot, or a fun night out on the town, Capitol Hill has you covered. The neighborhood comes alive at night with a vibrant bar and live music scene.
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
While there's plenty of food and drink, Capitol Hill delivers on arts. Some of the spots that make this place so great are:
Elliott Bay Book Company - a beloved independent bookstore that hosts frequent author readings
Capitol Hill Block Party - a popular 3-day music festival that takes over the streets every summer
Northwest Film Forum - an indie movie theater that screens arthouse films and hosts filmmaking workshops
Countless music venues like Neumos and the Comet Tavern that are an essential part of Seattle's music scene
You will also find a lot of art galleries, theaters, and performance spaces in the neighborhood. Capitol Hill, being an area steeped in creativity and having an LGBTQ-friendly vibe, becomes very inclusive toward artists and self-expression.
Livability and Housing
Capitol Hill is one of Seattle's most densely populated neighborhoods and comprises a mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes, many dating to the early 1900s. Being in the middle and close enough to downtown, it is easy to get around from this central location into other neighborhoods using the bus, light rail, or streetcar.
The cost of living in Capitol Hill is, however, somewhat higher than in other parts of Seattle and the U.S. The prices of houses and rents have run up a great deal during the past few years as it has gained popularity.
Although this may not be one of the more affordable places to live, Capitol Hill residents are paying for location, culture, and amenities. It’s worth it to many to be in the heart of the action.
Is Capitol Hill Right For You?
Capitol Hill offers quite a lot but may not be the cup of tea for everybody. What kind of area is this district? It is one that easily appeals to young souls, with a median age of 32. The area also carries a very progressive, urban vibe, which some love and others find overwhelming.
If you like variety in dining, drinking, and entertainment spots right outside your door, then Capitol Hill might be your spot. Here is a never-slowing-down area that will leave you completely without a feeling of boredom. You'll sacrifice a bit of peace for the gain of such a vibrant social scene.
Anyone who wants a slower pace or perhaps more space should look elsewhere in Seattle's neighborhoods. Those, however, who appreciate the idea of living right in the middle of a cultural epicenter can find it hard to beat Capitol Hill. There's a reason it's one of Seattle's most beloved and iconic neighborhoods.
