Seattle, WA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Seattle, WA: What You Need to Know

Seattle, also known as Emerald City, shares the same nickname as the fanciful city in “The Wizard of Oz.” However, there’s nothing fictional about Seattle’s shining success.  

Thriving Job Opportunities

Seattle is home to some of the world’s most successful companies such as Amazon, Starbucks, Expeditors International, and Weyerhaeuser. Microsoft is based in Redmond, 15 miles away from Seattle. Other top employers are the University of Washington, Expedia, and T-Mobile. The Pacific Northwest is also home to over 1,300 startups, dozens of them in Seattle.

Things to Do in Seattle

These two iconic Seattle destinations are a must-see: the 605-foot-tall Space Needle and Pike Place Market. At the Space Needle’s observation level, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of Elliott Bay and the Cascade Mountains. Don’t miss the famous fish-tossing tradition at Pike Place Market where you’ll see the original Starbucks café and hundreds of local artisans selling their products. 

The Seattle Art Museum, which has three locations, features collections and installations of artwork from around the globe. The downtown facility highlights modern and contemporary art, and decorative arts and design. The Pacific Science Center is an entirely different kind of museum. A popular family destination, the science museum features interactive programs, a Laser Dome, and a planetarium.

The Cost of Living in Seattle

Seattle is the seat of King County in Washington state. Like most big cities, Seattle (population: 753, 675) is an expensive place to live in. Its cost of living is 18.8% higher than the national average. Food and housing costs are similarly steep, 8% and 34.1% higher than the national average respectively. Median gross rent in the city is $1,023; median two-bedroom rent is $2,724. The state’s sales tax rate of 7% to 10.5% is among the highest in the country. The good news is, Washington doesn’t levy any personal income tax. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

South Lake Union, where Amazon’s headquarters is located, is a bustling neighborhood in downtown Seattle. If you’re going to work in the area, living there would spare you traffic headaches, although downtown can be pricey. As an alternative, consider Lower Queen Anne. It’s close by and it has an array of condos and apartments. If you don’t mind commuting to find affordable housing with more space, check out Renton, Sammamish, and Issaquah. Residents love them for their beautiful surroundings, amenities, and excellent schools.

The Local Sports Scene

There’s plenty to root for in Seattle: the Seahawks (NFL), Mariners (MLB), Kraken (NHL), Sounders (MLS), Storm (WNBA), and Reign FC (NWSL). The Seahawks won the 2014 NFL Super Bowl along with 10 division titles and 3 conference championships.