Uptown Seattle, WA

As the birthplace of Seattle, Uptown has a rich history with many notable transformations. From founding father David Denny’s remote cottage, to first-of-its-kind cable cars chugging up the hill, the modern and happening neighborhood has had a storied past. Settled in the early 1850s by Denny, he selected the area for its proximity to the water--the source of industry.

After riding to the top of the Space Needle and lamenting over Meg Ryan and Tom Hank’s fictional love story, a two-minute walk brings you to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. Filled with blooming glass and bright swirls jutting from the clear cathedral’s ceiling, the mesmerizing space highlights the PNW’s artistic darling.

Before April 2021, Uptown was known as Lower Queen Anne. The name was changed to better distinguish it from the Upper Queen Anne neighborhood, which is mostly residential and therefore much quieter than the bustling, event-filled neighborhood of Uptown.

Uptown provides dining options with cuisine from across the globe. With no central restaurant row, diners can grab crepes at Citizen on the Eastern side of the hood or sit down for a Cajun brunch off Queen Anne Avenue at Toulouse Petite. Citizen’s nutella crepe satisfies just about any sweet tooth. At Toulouse, take a seat in one of the velvet booths while you nibble on puffy beignets, spicy hash or decadent bananas foster pancakes. After catching a game at Key Arena, pop by Plaza Garibaldi for a sizzling fajita with a side of karaoke. Yes, karaoke Talk about getting the neighborhood flavor.

If you want to catch a show, The Vera Project features artists from all walks of life. This volunteer-run venue provides a space for music enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy a variety of styles and sounds. Keys on Main has become a go-to spot for celebrations, large groups and anyone who truly appreciates a great entertainer. The full-service entertainment venue has a different set list and theme every night.

Whether you want a fancy night on the town or would prefer partying at a dive bar, Uptown has you covered. Triumph Bar, located in the center of the neighborhood, specializes in wine, food and cocktails. Fresh local oysters and a Yakima Valley rose provide the perfect northwest celebration. At Streamline Tavern, local brews ring in at a low price, darts tournaments can be expected, and local regulars greet you with a big smile. If you want a bar where everyone knows your name, this is it.

Like many urban neighborhoods, walking and biking are the fashionable modes of transportation. With bike lanes on most streets, pedaling along provides a safe and easy way to get around.

Finding parking can be very challenging. Metered street parking spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends or close to the Space Needle, and as such visitors usually use one of the many parking garages in the area. When residents need to leave the neighborhood for a night on the town, they often use Uber or hail a cab.

A number of bus lines service the area, going to almost any area of the city and beyond. The monorail starts at city center and runs all the way to Westlake Center, just three blocks from Pike’s Place Market. Locals often use the rail to avoid traffic during festivals or sporting events.

For some of the most breath-taking views in the Pacific northwest, Kerry Park provides the best seat in the house. With a panoramic view of downtown Seattle all the way to Elliot Bay, from the west peninsula shooting across to Bainbridge Island and a clear shot of Mount Rainier, even on a cloudy day, the park has become a must-see for visitors and residents alike. On any given day, it is completely normal to see couples getting engaged or troves of photographers taking family photos. Why? Because the backdrop is stunning. With just over one acre of space though this popular spot does not have many typical features associated with parks and is often-crowded.

If a jungle gym or large field for a soccer game tops your wish list, head over to the northern edge of Uptown and hang out at the kid- and dog-friendly Ward Springs Park. With a jungle gym and grassy field, this under-the-radar park provides the perfect space for taking the kids, an afternoon picnic and leisurely reading or walking the dogs.

Despite being so close to tourist attractions, entertainment venues and the heart of Seattle, the cost of living comes in at just under the city’s average. This can be credited to the variety of options when it comes to housing, transportation, shopping, groceries and amenities.

On average, a one-bedroom apartment rents for about $1,200 a month. But in reality, the real estate options vary dramatically.

With shops around every corner, picking up a gift, groceries, new clothes, or a tube of toothpaste never requires more than a short walk, and the range in prices provides something for any budget, need or taste profile.

Like any well-established neighborhood, Uptown has a phenomenal book store, Mercer Street Books, which specializes in used literature. When looking for Joyce, Austen or French cookbooks, they have what you need.

Local shop Eyeballs makes glasses shopping fun. With quirky patriotic frames, distinguished bifocals and oversized hipster sunglasses, it has something for everyone. Big or small, heart or oval shaped, sassy or refined, this customer-focused boutique can help you find the perfect specs.

As for grocery shopping, Safeway and QFC provide bargains and affordable products. For your pharmaceutical needs, RiteAid and the locally owned Bartell Drugs serve the neighborhood.