The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle, is a fantastic city for families with walkable neighborhoods, ample opportunities for outdoor activity, and good public schools. The city is well known for its iconic Space Needle, sprawling mountain ranges, and delicious coffee and has plenty to offer families of all sizes.
Seattle was ranked as the number-one city for millennial families in the US based on a study conducted by real estate website Porch. The study concluded that Seattle ranked highly in terms of the number of millennial residents, rental availability, and access to child care.
But what is it like raising a family in Seattle? Seattle offers everything parents need to feel confident raising their children, including safe neighborhoods, a variety of housing options, and quality schools. But like any major city, not every area is suitable for children. To help simplify your search, here is a look at the best Seattle neighborhoods for raising a family.
Laurelhurst – A Family-Friendly Neighborhood on Lake Washington
- Population: 3,000
- Median home price: $2,042,500
- School district: Seattle Public Schools
- Crime: 2,078 per 100,000 residents
Laurealhurst is a historic Seattle neighborhood situated on the shores of Lake Washington, offering picturesque views and a central location. The neighborhood is known for its excellent schools, gorgeous properties, and various shops and restaurants. Several elementary schools are located in the community, including Laurelhurst Elementary School and Villa Academy. It is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle, with a crime rate that is 11% lower than the national average (67% lower for violent crime), which means you can feel safe letting your kids play in the neighborhood or walk to school. Prime real estate in the community can get expensive, but for all the advantages it offers, Laurelhurst is one of the best Seattle neighborhoods for families.
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Queen Anne – A Historic Seattle Neighborhood Full of Excitement
- Population: 28,000
- Median home price: $950,000
- School district: Seattle Public Schools
- Crime: 2,556 per 100,000 residents
Queen Anne is one of Seattle’s most iconic and well-known neighborhoods, offering notable attractions and walkable streets. Home to the famous Space Needle, Queen Anne is one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods and still features quaint cobblestone streets and picturesque vistas. The neighborhood derives its name from the architectural style found throughout the community, offering spacious homes with unique characters that are great for raising kids. Families will find many top-rated public and private schools, including John Hay Elementary School, Mcclure Middle School, and St. Ann School. Plus, there are plenty of parks and family-friendly attractions like Kerry Park and the Queen Anne Community Center. With low crime and plenty of excitement, Queen Ann is one of the best places to live in Seattle.
Madrona – A Centrally Located Seattle Neighborhood with Family-Friendly Amenities
- Population: 4,650
- Median home price: $1,017,475
- School district: Seattle Public Schools
- Crime: 2,514 per 100,000 residents
Madrona is a peaceful residential neighborhood located on Lake Washington, offering a small-town feel within a big city. The community is home to Madrona Park, a 31.2-acre greenspace with picnic areas, swimming beaches, walking trails, bathhouses, and more. The walkable neighborhood offers various architectural styles, including Tudor, Victorian, craftsman, and more. It’s also home to a top-rated school in the highly-regarded Seattle public school system, notably Madrona Elementary. It also offers easy access to downtown Seattle for an easy commute and other family-friendly activities.
West Seattle – One of the Best Neighborhoods in Washington for Families
- Population: 27,000
- Median home price: $715,000
- School district: Seattle Public Schools
- Crime: 3,396 per 100,000 residents
West Seattle is a neighborhood encompassing several smaller communities on the city’s west side, including High Point, the Junction, Aki, and more. West Seattle is a good place to raise a family, with various outdoor activities, friendly neighbors, and well-respected public schools. Residents will find various housing options, including townhomes, condos, apartment buildings, and more. You’ll find no shortage of things to do with kids, from visiting Alki Beach to spending the day in Lincoln Park to checking out the West Seattle Art Nest. The neighborhood is also home to West Seattle High School, one of the best high schools in Seattle, Gatewood Elementary, Madison Middle School, and many other top-rated public schools. Due to its size and central location, the crime rate is slightly higher than in some areas, but there are still plenty of quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods within West Seattle.
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Magnolia – A Family-Friendly Seattle Neighborhood Near Downtown
- Population: 16,800
- Median home price: $967500
- School district: Seattle Public Schools
- Crime: 2,139 per 100,000 residents
Situated on a hilly peninsula just outside of downtown, Magnolia is Seattle’s second-largest neighborhood by population. The area is home to Discovery Park, a massive 534-acre park on the Puget Sound built on a former army base with over 11 miles of walking trails. Located right beside downtown, Magnolia offers a suburban atmosphere with easy access to big city amenities. Several top-rated public schools are also situated within Magnolia, including Lawton Elementary, Newton Elementary, Catherine Blane School, and a local branch of the Seattle Public Library System. With great schools, attractive amenities, and low crime, Magnolia is one of the best family neighborhoods in Seattle.
Wallingford – A Welcoming Neighborhood Offering Family Events
- Population: 12,000
- Median home price: $1,089,500
- School district: Seattle Public Schools
- Crime: 3,119 per 100,000 residents
Wallingford is a bustling neighborhood in Seattle’s fourth district north of Lake Union. It’s considered one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle for young families, with plenty of single-family homes and apartment buildings. It’s in a central location with immediate access to the famous Gas Works Park and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges. Wallingford also has frequent family-friendly events, including the annual Kiddie Parade as part of the Seafair and the Family Fourth fireworks Show at Gas Works Park. With a welcoming atmosphere, frequent events, and various housing options, Wallingford is one of the best places to live in Seattle for families.
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Ballard – A Trendy Neighborhood on the Puget Sound
- Population: 4,500
- Median home price: $839,999
- School district: Seattle Public Schools
- Crime: 7,212 per 100,000 residents
Ballard is a hip neighborhood in North Seattle, located directly on Puget Sound. It’s more affordable than other popular Seattle neighborhoods, making it great for young professionals and families. Considered one of Seattle’s most walkable neighborhoods, with plenty of nearby shops, restaurants, and other attractions. The Woodland Park Zoo is nearby Phinney Ridge, and Golden Gardens Park is a popular attraction with picnic areas, dog parks, volleyball courts, and gorgeous city views. Ballard does have a slightly higher density than other neighborhoods mentioned, so residents will want to be aware of their surroundings, especially with kids. However, as long as you take the necessary precautions, Ballard is one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle.
Windermere – A Suburban Enclave in Northeast Seattle
- Population: 3,600
- Median home price: $1,643,000
- School district: Seattle Public Schools
- Crime: 2,174 per 100,000 residents
Windermere is a quiet residential neighborhood in northeast Seattle offering low crime and views of Lake Washington. Families will feel at home in Windermere with peaceful tree-lined streets and gorgeous waterfront properties. Residents will find a healthy mix of pre-war and modern homes with a suburban ambiance and easy access to downtown. Windermere is also one of Seattle’s safest neighborhoods, with a violent crime rate that is 76% lower than the national average. The neighborhood is zoned for the respected Seattle Public School System, and San Point Elementary School is in the community. The welcoming atmosphere and serene ambiance make Windermere one of the best places to live near Seattle for families.
Wedgewood – A Peaceful Neighborhood Near the University of Washington
- Population: 10,000
- Median home price: $941,000
- School district: Seattle Public Schools
- Crime: 2,006 per 100,000 residents
Right beside Windemere is the beautiful neighborhood of Wedgewood, a vibrant middle class community full of gorgeous homes and local businesses. The community is in a very central location, just two miles east of the University of Washington and six miles northeast of downtown. The Wedgewood Elementary School, a K-5 School that is part of the well respected Seattle Public School System, is in Wedgewood, along with several private schools, including Our Lady of Lake Parish School, Concordia Lutheran School, and University Prep. The neighborhood has a very family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of neighborhood parks, like Dahl Playfield Playground. It also has a low crime rate, with walkable, tree-lined streets and plenty of childcare options available close by. The neighborhood offers a quiet, suburban atmosphere with easy access to downtown and plenty of educational opportunities close by, making it a prime Seattle neighborhood for families.
Family Friendly Neighborhoods Map
Seattle is a fantastic city with plenty to offer families of all sizes. Whether youโre in search of great educational and childcare opportunities, safe areas, or fun, kid-friendly activities, youโll find something you love in Seattle. Each of the neighborhoods on this list offers unique character, friendly neighbors, and easy access to recreational opportunities for the whole family.
Ready to relocate to one of these fantastic neighborhoods in the Emerald City? Our reliable Seattle movers will help make your experience simple and stress-free. We have all the necessary experience and training to help move your entire family into the home of your dreams. Call 60-507-24473 today to request a free quote!
