8.3 out of 10

Lower Queen Anne

Ranked 9th best neighborhood in Seattle
47.6259503028118 -122.355344791704
Great for
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Clean & Green
  • Internet Access
  • Eating Out
  • Public Transport
Not great for
  • Cost of Living
  • Parking
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"Classic Seattle sights"

Lower Queen Anne is classic Seattle. This is where the Space Needle is located, and many of the top Seattle attractions.

If you haven’t taken the trip to the top of the Space Needle yet, I would recommend going there for brunch or dinner instead of just paying for the elevator ride up and down. Make reservations in the summer, when it’s likely to be clear. Brunch is $50 a person, and includes one starter, main, and dessert. When you consider that just riding up and down the elevator is $22, it’s not a bad deal. Dinner is quite a bit more expensive, but if you time it right to watch the sunset on a clear night, it is absolutely stunning to watch the silhouette of the mountains all around fade into blackness as the city lights grow brighter. Quite a few marriage proposals happen here.

We’ve done the Uptown art walk, on the 3rd Thursday of the month in the summer and autumn. I can’t say I’d repeat it, but I was glad to do it once.

My husband and I frequent the Seattle Repertory Theater, and occasionally the Opera at McCaw Hall. When we do, we enjoy trying out different restaurants in the neighborhood.

I recommend the following:

--Toulous Petit, which is a delightful French restaurant very close to the Seattle Center. Excellent dishes.

--If we’re just looking for something small, I like the Sitting Room, which makes creative cocktails and has tapas. Solo Bar is also comparable, with a bit more modern theme.

--Or for seafood, there’s always Taylor Shellfish Farm. Their specialty is oysters, and they do it very well. The convenience of being right next to the Seattle Center is also ideal when you are about to go to a show.
Pros
  • Many entertainment options
  • Unique dining choices
Cons
  • Difficult parking
  • High traffic volumes on arterial streets
5/5
2yrs+

"Many children’s entertainment options"

Lower Queen Anne has many good family activities. We love going to the Children’s Museum. It is located in the “armory.” It is truly built for children with toys and exhibits that are designed well. In the winter they also have the model train set before Christmas on the ground level.

The Pacific Science Center is also located here, and we go regularly with our membership. Once a year they have Arctic Explorers day which is our favorite day. You can learn all about the Arctic and meet scientists and explorers. The dinosaur exhibit is also fun. And we always go to the butterfly house. It is nice in the winter because it is a tropical environment.

Also here is the Children’s Theater. The plays are designed for children in the audience, but the actors are usually adults. My daughter has already announced that she wants to go to drama school because she loves these plays so much. I suggest getting a subscription, which makes the prices very affordable.
Pros
  • Children's activities
  • Many entertainment options
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"Fun place for young people to live"

I love living on Queen Anne. There’s a lot of young people here and tons of places to grab a meal or some drinks both on the top of the hill, and at the bottom of the hill close to the Seattle Center.

I don’t make it to the top of the hill as much because I live at the bottom of the hill and it’s steep. But when I go out I head to Mercer area by the Seattle Center and I usually start out at Streamline Tavern with a game of pool. Or Peso’s is pretty good for happy hour. Café Mecca does $1.50 Millers from 3-7 on weekdays which is definitely the cheapest around. But it’s pretty grungy. Afterwards I’ll probably hit up Ozzie’s, the huge dive bar. I’ve been known to do karaoke here when I drink too much. They usually just turn up the vocals to drown me out haha.

There’s also the best damn happy hour at the Seattle Center. It’s ok, good for a big group because you can play games.

I guess the only downside is that as a runner I usually have to head somewhere else. The closest good runs are either running down interbay to ballard or the Burke-Gilman, or running around South Lake Union. Running on Queen Anne is too steep of a hill with too many cars and interruptions to really get into a good flow.

The other downside is that there aren’t a ton of new apartment buildings. I managed to grab one, but it’s pretty small compared to other places in Seattle. I think I might move at the end of my lease but I’m not sure yet. I love the view of the city at night.
Pros
  • Many entertainment options
  • Unique dining choices
  • Downtown neighborhood
Cons
  • Difficult parking
  • High traffic volumes on arterial streets
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5
2yrs+

"Big name music mecca"

Lower Queen Anne is where most of the big music names come to town. They usually play at key Arena, next to the Space Needle. I saw Macklemore here a couple years ago, and have tickets for The Who in May. There’s also all the pop stars like Selena and Janet Jackson. Sports games are here too, mostly basketball.

The bars in this neighborhood don’t really do live music (Tin Lizzie’s has some regular musicians, but it’s nothing special). Lots of options to grab a few drinks beforehand though. Just walk around Mercer Street and you'll find something.

There are also tons of festivals at the Seattle Center. The Seattle Center is all the things around the Space Needle (Ballet, theater, Key Arena etc), and the grass in between the buildings with a giant fountain you can go in.

I go to Bumbershoot every year—it’s a crazy 3 days of nonstop music over Labor Day weekend. It’s one of the biggest music festivals in North America, with some huge names. Not bad for a $150 ticket. Folklife Festival is another good one. It’s free, and has bands on 5 or 6 stages. Not just folk music, every kind of music. There's also a decent dia de muertos festival here on Nov 1.

Oh and of course there’s the Experience Music Project EMP that you have to see at least once. Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana guitars!! They change the temporary exhibits and it’s hit and miss. Right now it’s Hello Kitty. Miss.
Pros
  • Music and festivals
  • Many entertainment options
Cons
  • Difficult parking
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"A city within a city"

I lived in Lower Queen Anne based on the recommendation of a friend, when I first moved to Seattle from New York in 2013. The friend suggested Queen Anne because it was close to downtown and work, but still felt like it’s own neighborhood. She was right. I enjoyed being able to walk to the ballet, where I have season tickets. I also took my niece and nephew to the children’s theater several times when they visited, which was only a 15-minute walk from home. Groceries and restaurants were within walking distance as well. Yet despite being close to so many activities, the neighborhood was quiet and peaceful in the evenings. It felt like it’s own city in some ways.

The housing is hit and miss in Lower Queen Anne. There’s not much for sale, though you can find the occasional condominium on the market. I rented a top-floor, early 20th century 1-bedroom apartment with a view. It had a large floor plan, and gorgeous bay windows, but made some noises at night when it settled, since it was an older building. Unfortunately, some of the neighboring buildings are an eyesore, with ugly 1960s architecture. Yet there are also many tastefully designed and landscaped single-family homes higher on the hill that are pleasant to view. Max (my dog) and I enjoyed going on walks around the neighborhood.

As for parking, thank goodness I had my own covered parking spot, because street parking is horrendous.

Part of the reason why I moved out of Queen Anne was because my rent would have increased by $300 if I were to renew my lease. At that point I decided it was better to buy. I was caught off-guard at the increase, because in New York, rent control prevents these drastic price changes. Not to say that New York has a perfect system, but at least you know what to expect. Needless to say, there’s no rent control in Washington. To be honest though, I can’t complain too much about the rent increase, because it’s in part due to the rapid growth of Amazon, where I work.

Another factor in my decision to leave Lower Queen Anne was the difficult access to the freeways. I’m an avid skier, and frequently drive to the ski resorts in the Cascades. But to get there from Queen Anne, you have to drive past the Seattle Center and through the very congested South Lake Union neighborhood, or up and around Queen Anne Hill through Wallingford. It’s not far in distance, but there are about a dozen lights to go through either way. It easily adds an extra 20 minutes or more to the drive, and is practically impossible during rush hour, which rules out the possibility of night skiing after work.
Pros
  • Many entertainment options
  • Peaceful
Cons
  • Difficult parking
  • High traffic volumes on arterial streets
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"I love this area!"

Pros
  • Easy commute downtown
  • Many entertainment options
  • Unique dining choices
  • Downtown neighborhood
  • Peaceful
Cons
  • Difficult parking
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
2yrs+

"Wonderful location and views"

Lower Queen Anne is a very popular place to live. Located in the southern, lower, part of Queen Anne Hill, just north of downtown, you’re right next to all the action at the Seattle Center. Plus, your apartment will likely have a view, and there are a lot of restaurants and bars nearby. You’ll pay for those perks with high rent, but for many, it’s worth the expense.

Housing:
Even though most of the buildings are on the older side in Lower Queen Anne, rent is still on the pricey side. If you have a decent job you can probably afford to live here, if you’re willing to pay a big chunk of your income towards rent and don’t expect a lot of square footage. The buildings tend to be small apartment buildings or single-family homes, and you’ll even find a few old mansions that have been converted into luxurious penthouse apartments, complete with chandeliers and squishy red carpet.

If you have a car, you *must* find an apartment that includes parking. I cannot stress that enough. If you don’t, you will spend many hours of your life driving in circles around the neighborhood cursing out loud and desperately trying to parallel park in too-small spots. And if there’s an event at the Seattle Center (which is always) forget about street parking altogether. Sure, you can buy a permit for the zoned areas, but it’s not much better. And people going to events routinely ignore the zoned areas and park there anyways.

Food:
Though Queen Anne Hill as a whole has many shops and restaurants perched right at the top of the hill, Lower Queen Anne has it’s own hangouts just at the bottom of the Hill, along Mercer Street and Queen Anne Ave. It’s a fun place to go out with friends. Somehow you always end up at Ozzies, which is a huge dive bar with two stories, complete with karaoke upstairs. There’s usually a big college crowd there. My favorite place, though, is “Citizen,” on the other side of the Seattle Center, which does one of the best brunches in the city. Don't miss their Mexican mochas. In the summer, get there early and grab one of their outdoor tables.

Activities:
Part of the reason there are so many eating places nearby is because of the Seattle Center. This is where you’ll find the iconic Space needle, plus Key Arena, which is home to the Seattle Storm basketball team and also has concerts, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Children’s Theater, the Experience Music Project, the Pacific Science Center, and more. These are all arranged around a big circular fountain (that you can play in in the summer!) and large grassy areas, where outdoor events such as the Folklife Festival are hosted in the summer. There’s just so much happening here. One lesser-known event is the “Seattle’s Best Damn Happy Hour,” the third Thursday of the month at the Seattle Center Armory. Hundreds of people show up for drink specials, music, and games.

Up the hill a few blocks, you'll find Kerry Park, which has one of the best views of the city. It’s not a secret though, so you’ll find hordes of tourists there snapping pictures every day.

Transportation:
Besides the high rent and impossible parking, probably the only main downside is public transportation, which is just as frustrating as in many Seattle neighborhoods. In some ways, Queen Anne Hill is like an island, because the hills are so steep and the streets so narrow that buses are limited in where they can go. In Lower Queen Anne, if you’re willing to walk a few blocks to the bottom of the hill, you can catch a bus to downtown or to Capitol Hill pretty easily, but to get to Fremont, U-district, or neighborhoods further north or south, it requires tedious, lengthy transfers.

So if being close to all the action of the Seattle Center, having a view, and being a short commute to downtown is worth a lot for you, then Queen Anne might be a good fit. Just don’t forget what I said about the parking!
Pros
  • Close to the Seattle Center
  • Easy commute downtown
  • Many entertainment options
  • Unique dining choices
Cons
  • High traffic volumes on arterial streets
  • Difficult parking
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
2yrs+

"The Crown Gem of Seattle"

Lower Queen Anne has just about everything a city-loving professional could desire. If you want sweeping views, check out the rooftop of any apartment building, take a quick trek to the top of Queen Anne Hill, or visit the nearby Space Needle. If you want the bustle of Downtown, you'll have absolutely no problem using public transportation -- or your legs -- to get there. Even your craving for time at the beach can be quenched with a moment of peace at Myrtle Edwards Park.

Basically, if you are looking for an area that offers charm, variety and convenience, Lower Queen Anne never fails.

Despite its proximity to Downtown, LQA is full of green space for your enjoyment. I live near Key Arena, which puts me only minutes away from walking my pup at Seattle Center, the Olympic Sculpture Park/Myrtle Edwards Park, or Kinnear Park (which even has an off-leash area for dogs). I love having lots of grass to run her through and the ability to hear the waves of Elliott Bay crashing while I do it. Walking by the Space Needle, EMP museum and street musicians never gets old, either. Wherever you choose to be in this neighborhood, you’ll see something beautiful.

Grocery shopping is also amazing in this area. Safeway, QFC and Metropolitan Market are all close to home and encompass all of my grocery shopping needs. Even if what you’re looking for isn’t in the actual neighborhood, it’s nearby: Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Pike Place Market are quite accessible. As someone who likes to cook, this is huge.

One of my favorite things about this area is that I can enjoy great restaurants and nightlife, and still come back to a quiet apartment. Most of the fun is concentrated in a few distinct areas, and the rest of the neighborhood is generally peaceful. I love Queen Anne Beerhall, which combines long community tables and an impressive menu for an easygoing but memorable experience. If I want to get a little fancier, I like going to The Tin Lizzy Lounge for delicious cocktails in an intimate setting. For lunch, GoldinBlack is a highly underrated Korean restaurant with killer Bim Bap, and Racha’s Pad Thai is so good I have a hard time ordering anything else on their menu. If you can’t tell, I love food, and a big part of the draw of Lower Queen Anne is being able to get Mexican, Thai, Indian, Greek, Vietnamese, Seafood, Pizza, Japanese, German, and more without walking farther than a couple blocks.

There’s also plenty to do! With a dueling piano bar (Keys on Main), karaoke every night (Hula Hula), multiple movie theatres (SIFF Uptown, SIFF Seattle Center, IMAX), Key Arena (concerts, sporting events and more!), and several museums at Seattle Center, you’re never going to feel bored. Throughout the year, Seattle Center features ethnic festivals and seasonal displays that keep the area fresh even for residents. I’m personally looking forward to the ice skating rink opening up next week!

Every day, I feel so happy to live here. I can enjoy this city in so many ways – a quiet night in, a rooftop BBQ, a weekend of culture, a night of drinking, a culinary experience, a nice walk – all without going far from home. It’s a neighborhood you’ll love to live in, and remember fondly if life takes you elsewhere.
Pros
  • Downtown neighborhood
  • Easy commute downtown
  • Many entertainment options
  • Peaceful
  • Unique dining choices
Cons
  • High traffic volumes on arterial streets
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • Beach Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"The best neighborhood in Seattle for young professionals"

I honestly love this area of Queen Anne. I lived right at the top of Queen Anne from 2006-2010, and just recently moved back after several years of heavy international travel. Now, I live on the east side of lower queen anne, right near Gates Foundation. From here, I can walk to QFC for shopping, and a multitude of restaurants on Roy St. Laredos and Nabob are fantastic neighborhood bars. Metropolitan Market is very walkable from most parts of the neighborhood.

Racha Thai has a great happy hour with cheap drinks and appetizers. It used to be all day, everyday - but they've changed the hours more recently changed their promotions and now it's only after 8 (not 100% sure). They close at 10, since they're more of a restaurant than a bar.
Uptown Expresso is my favorite spot for working.
Sitting Room is a fantastic date spot, that's usually fairly quiet.
Pho Viet Anh is my favorite pho spot in the hood, great for hungover Sundays or any other lunch or dinner during the week.
Phuket Thai Cuisine (Queen Anne) - amazing Thai food at decent prices. Can't go wrong with Cashew chicken nut.

Traffic on Mercer Street is often atrocious, due to ongoing construction that never seems to end. So getting from Lower Queen Anne to I-5 N/S is challenging anywhere near rush hour.

Belltown, Fremont, Ballard, and Capitol Hill as well as even Pioneer Square - all popular spots for those looking for a night out on the town - are a fairly short taxi ride away.
Pros
  • Peaceful
  • Easy commute downtown
  • Walkable
Cons
  • Difficult parking
  • High traffic volumes on arterial streets
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Iconic Seattle."

Queen Anne is iconic. That’s all, review over.

What, you wanted details? What more is there to say? Queen Anne is what you see in every picture of Seattle that’s got the Space Needle in it. The Century 21 Exposition (one of the World’s Fairs) cemented this area as the face of Seattle to the outside world with assured perpetuity. The fairgrounds are not the campus of Seattle Center, where the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center (a sprawling science activity center and IMAX theater with science-themed exhibits for elementary school students—a staple field trip location for local kids), the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (Paul Allen’s pet exhibition project and the site of the Science Fiction Fantasy Short Film Festival).

Once you’re done with whatever it is that suits your tastes, you’re not allowed to leave Queen Anne before you stop in for a bite; it’s a rule. I suggest Dick’s, a local, ultra-minimalist burger chain. Their genius stems from making the same few menu items quickly and well, and their restaurants are usually more like a window with a fast-food factory floor behind it. This is a no-frills joint, and the orders of the day are to come in, stock up, and get out with enough to last you well into the midnight snack period.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"The World's Fair Wasn't Just for the '60's"

The World's Fair from the 1960's gave this neighborhood a fabulous playground! Having the most coveted Seattle landmark right in your backyard makes any resident proud of their community. Almost identical in shape to Texas, and embodying the Seattle Center, Lower Queen Anne lacks no lull in entertainment. Hardly a week goes by without an event or festival happening on this soil. From the creative Bumbershoot Music Festival over Labor Day weekend to the New Year's celebration, complete with high altitude fireworks from the Needle, brings joy to every crowd.

A plethora of auditoriums are sprinkled about the Center's grounds, bringing people from near and far to observe great performances. The Pacific Science Center houses imaginative exhibits and is always a draw for their IMAX films on one of the area's largest screens. The Experience Music Project attracts attention just from its unusual building geometry. Inside, a rich history and interactive experience of Northwest music and renown singers.

A few years ago it would have been possible to watch an NBA match in Key Arena, but the Sonics have since relocated to Oklahoma. The arena is still heavily used for concerts and exhibitions. Last, but not least, the Space Needle continues to beckon visitors and locals for a panorama of the Emerald City like no other. Plan ahead to dine in the rotating restaurant near the top. Not to fear the risk of dizziness, as the velocity is slow enough to put your stomach at ease. Don't miss visiting the observation deck, complete with outdoor viewing.

For a one of a kind tour, head east to the duck boats for an open air drive through downtown and a dip in Lake Union.

When you finish quacking with the guides, be sure to note Bill and Melinda Gate's new foundation building being erected to the north. It is boasting to be one of the most "green" projects in the world. KCTS TV studios lie across the street to the West, housing Seattle's PBS station. KOMO News also prides themselves in being close by.

Lower Queen Anne's boundaries rise diagonally along Puget Sound and Broad Street. The northern line extends along Ward and Galer Streets, with a zig zag toward the Sound on the northwest corner.

There are too many restaurants, stores and cafes to highlight in this review. Most of these venues are concentrated on the northern and western sides of the Center. Roy Street, to the north, is a great strip to park your vehicle for a stay of two or less hours. Our family enjoys this strategy on warm days, because the large fountain at the Center is a straight shot from our car. Getting back to the interstate is a cinch by heading back on Mercer Street. However, don't get caught at high traffic times or it could be a long wait to the ramp.

To highlight just a couple of establishments (Not to be too vague in this write up): A few weeks ago, my wife and I tried Chinese cuisine just West of Key Arena. The place was recommended by friends and proved to be delicious, friendly and clean. If inexpensive is necessary, don't hesitate to experience Dick's Burgers. This greasy spoon shop goes almost as closely with Puget Sound as the infamous Needle. The burgers are no frills, but tasty. The staff are well paid with benefits, and that matters down to the patty engaging your mouth. There are also a couple of other locations around the city.

A water-side green space awaits, Myrtle Edwards Park, along Puget Sound. Take this on foot or your bike to the heart of the Waterfront. It ends at the fountain near the railroad bridge. A brilliant use of property for urban exercise, complete with artistic extras for added pleasure. An added treat for cyclists coming from Magnolia or North Seattle.

Ascending residences lie to the north which overlook all the action. Snatch up a house here and friends will be nagging for a visit or dinner party. No need to feel to jealous, however, as this neighborhood will always be hosting the world.
Pros
  • Unique dining choices
  • Many entertainment options
  • Downtown neighborhood
Cons
  • High traffic volumes on arterial streets
  • Difficult parking
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"The Home of Seattle Center – Where all the Entertainers Come"

Lower Queen Anne or Uptown is pretty bustling although not as much now that the Sonics are gone. You have to fight the traffic for any event happening at Seattle Center. Seattle Center itself is a Mecca of tourist attractions and things to do. It houses KeyArena and Mc Caw Hall which presents the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Opera, both great options when they’re season is running which is September through June. Two major playhouses are also in Seattle Center – Intiman and Seattle Repertory Theater, both of which are revamping the shared common area so that it becomes a more attractive area for patrons to congregate. The Ride the Ducks is the area also and you can often see it drive by with its hosts in costume.

There’s a bit of a clubbing meat market thing that happens on the weekends. There are a lot of condos and it’s very close to downtown. There’s an area that’s to the Northeast of Seattle Center that has a few things going for it that could be nice, but nothing that blows the mind. Queen Anne is very close to downtown. I couldn’t get a read on the safety of the area in my short visit, but upper is going to be safer than lower since there’s just so much happening on Lower Queen Anne.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
2yrs+

"The Perfect Neighborhood For Young Professionals In Search of an Active Nightlife"

One of the older areas of the city, Lower Queen Anne is located at the base of Queen Anne Hill. Most Seattle residents don't have a clear idea of the neighborhood boundaries, though the name usually includes everything up the hill until a very steep section of Queen Anne Avenue North, separating Upper Queen Anne from Lower Queen Anne. Some residents of Seattle also call Lower Queen Anne “uptown” because it is just north of Downtown.

Lower Queen Anne is perhaps best known for Seattle Center, though few residents use the term Lower Queen Anne to refer to this section of the city, instead preferring to call it simply Seattle Center. This area includes the Key Arena, McCaw Hall, the Bagley Wright Theater, and other performance venues, and was the site of the 1962 World's Fair.

In the surrounding neighborhood, you'll find dozens of restaurants and bars, ranging from fast-food to upscale dining. Apartment and condo communities sit atop a wide array of shopping possibilities, many with a contemporary look. Though Lower Queen Anne is considered an urban neighborhood, there are plenty of green spaces, including Myrtle Edwards Park on the waterfront.

Most residents of Lower Queen Anne are young professionals who enjoy an active nightlife and upscale yet economical housing. The neighborhood is often considered a more upscale version of Belltown, and downtown Seattle is easily reached by riding the monorail from Seattle Center to Westlake.This neighborhood offers a great mix of activities for those looking for a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of the city.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
2yrs+

"Terrific shops and restaurants near a great neighborhood"

South Queen Anne offers an extension of the community-centered shopping at the top of the hill, and throws in some fun after-hours entertainment, as well. While there are some houses in the area, most of the residences consist of secure apartment buildings. The main arterial streets are generally quite busy and pretty congested, and street parking is hit-or-miss most of the time. There are a few small pay-parking lots and a very large parking garage for visitors to Seattle Center events. The shops close to Queen Anne Ave have undergone some renovations a few years ago, giving the area a more contemporary look. Some of the restaurants in the area are not to be missed, such as Phu'ket, Pagliacci's Pizza and, a Seattle staple - Dick's.

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Best Streets in Lower Queen Anne

"Home Sweet Home"
47.6269173978121 -122.350165807552
2

Harrison St

4/5
"How do I count the ways..."
47.6220957322354 -122.348745176885
3

West Roy St

4/5
"A great place to live"
47.6258467654049 -122.360984214595
"Views, anyone?"
47.6295730018247 -122.357272499981
"Small but Full of Good Stuff"
47.6232865199079 -122.359987173565
"A beautiful place with a lot of fun"
47.6221190427522 -122.359900785463
7

Roy St

3/5
"A central hub"
47.62542693806 -122.349071770305
"Amazing Thai Food and a Reminder of Queen Anne's Past"
47.6246584929008 -122.365155719003
9

6th Ave North

2.5/5
"6th Avenue N in Seattle, Washington"
47.6267452011498 -122.344942789233

Unranked Streets in Lower Queen Anne

1st Ave West

3.5/5
47.6193994999946 -122.358057500032

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