Getting to Know Seattle: Ron and Don’s Guide to Belltown

Found in the heart of Seattle, Washington, Belltown is an urban neighborhood located on a waterfront. This vibrant and youthful neighborhood features high-rise condominiums, trendy nightclubs, award-winning restaurants, local boutiques and more. These highly sought-after neighborhood characteristics have helped Belltown earn its acclaim as one of the hippest neighborhoods in Seattle. 

Belltown caters to the needs of both the adventure enthusiast and the sophisticated socialite. Locals and visitors can visit Pike Place Market for antique shops, family-owned restaurants, souvenir shops and specialty food purveyors. Pike Place Market is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, attracting more than 10 million tourists each year. 

In addition to the Pike Place Market, residents and tourists can also enjoy museums, theatres and concert halls. Belltown is home to the premier Seattle Glassblowing Studio, featuring original hand-blown glass artwork. Those in the area could also visit 5 Point Café, one of the longest-run family eateries and one of the oldest bars still in existence in the Seattle area. 

Those who are interested in enjoying the incredible views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound should visit the Olympic Sculpture Park in Belltown, Seattle. This nine-acre public sculpture garden is considered one of Seattle’s coolest artsy spots. The park enables locals and visitors to admire the artwork and enjoy the Belltown waterfront. 

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Ready to Explore Belltown Real Estate? 

Belltown was named after William Nathaniel Bell, who was a member of the first group of settlers in the area. In the early era of the town’s existence, it was a low-rent, semi-industrial residential district. The neighborhood’s history lives within the Belltown Cottage Park, which consists of three historic cottages that are designated as Seattle Landmarks and that formerly hosted writers from the Richard Hugo House’s Writers-in-Residence program. 

In the early 1900s, Belltown’s Third Avenue and Virginia Street became known as “Film Row.” The Belltown area was a focal spot for film exchanges. Nowadays, locals can reminisce about the town’s connection with the burgeoning film industry by visiting the single remaining screening room known as the Jewel Box Theatre. 

Belltown entices new residents with unique condos and luxury condominiums neighborhoods, such as the Concord Condos, The Parc Condominium, the Ellington Condos, or the Vine Belltown. It’s also surprisingly affordable to find a place on the waterfront and there are several activities for people of all different means, interests, ages and more. 

• Median Listing Price: $515,000
• Price Per Square Foot: $695
• Total Population: 11,344
• Median Age: 36
• Renter/Homeowner: 78.31%/21.69%

So, Who Lives in the Belltown Neighborhood?  

Residents in the Belltown area enjoy the neighborhood’s dense urban feel. A larger percentage of residents rent homes rather than own. This is likely due to the fact that many young, single professionals like in Belltown. 

Belltown has approximately 7,574 households and a total population of about 11,000. The population density in Belltown is 15,566 people per square mile, which makes Belltown one of the most densely populated areas in Seattle. 

Belltown is the 3rd most walkable neighborhood in Seattle with a walk score of 98, according to Walk Score^®. Belltown also has world-class public transportation and is very bikeable. Everything you could conceivably ask for is available within the borders of this small neighborhood. 

K-12 Schools, Colleges and Universities in Belltown 

The K-12 public schools in Belltown are served by Seattle Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Washington. Many of the public schools are highly rated. Belltown also has some private schools, continuing education options and higher education institutions. 

Public Schools Serving Belltown

• Garfield High School 
• Cascadia Elementary School 
• Ballard High School 
• Paradise Valley Unified School District 
• McClure Middle School
• Washington Middle School 
• John Hay Elementary School 

Private Schools Serving Belltown

• Spruce Street School 
• Morningside Academy 
• Bright Horizons at Belltown
• Charles Wright Academy 
• Bright Horizons at West 8^th
• Seattle KinderCare 

If you’re looking for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you could become a student at Antioch University Seattle. Antioch University Seattle offers more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs. Additional higher education institutions and continuing education options in the Belltown area include the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, Cornish College of the Arts and the Belltown Dance Studio. 

Buying or Selling in Belltown? Schedule Your Ron and Don Sit Down Now >>

Why Belltown? 

Belltown has received some impressive accolades and recognition in Niche’s Best Places to Live Rankings. Belltown ranks third in best places for young professionals in Washington, top 25 for best places to live Washington, and top 100 for best places to raise a family in Washington. 

Considering buying or selling a home in Belltown, schedule a Ron and Don Sit Down! We’ll formulate a custom playbook to make your dream real estate deal come true!

Ron Upshaw & Don O’Neill are Licensed Agents at
Windermere Real Estate Midtown
1920 North 34th Street
Seattle, WA 98103