Seattle Apartments for Rent

Living in Seattle: Benefits and Lifestyle

Nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle's weather is often drizzly, but locals embrace it—itkeeps the city green, brings cool mornings, and makes coffee shops feel like natural gathering spots. On clear days, Mount Rainier looms in the distance, reminding you that the mountains are just a short drive away for hiking or skiing. Neighborhoods each bring something different: Capitol Hill is known for its nightlife, live music, and independent shops; Ballard mixes Scandinavian heritage with breweries and seafood; and Kirkland offers lakeside dining, boutique shopping, and seasonal festivals. Together, these areas give Seattle a balance of city convenience and outdoor access that feels practical and easy to enjoy.

Career Opportunities in Seattle

One of the strongest job markets in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle offers opportunities across technology, healthcare, aerospace, and creative industries. Global leaders like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks anchor the region, while companies such as Costco, Alaska Airlines, and Nordstrom add to the city's diverse corporate landscape. A thriving startup scene continues to attract innovators, and downtown Seattle is home to finance and tech firms that drive growth across the metro. Suburban hubs such as Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland host corporate campuses, research facilities, and healthcare providers, making career opportunities accessible throughout the area.

Education in Seattle

Higher learning is woven into the fabric of the Pacific Northwest, and the Seattle area stands out as a hub for innovation and academic excellence. The University of Washington leads the way with nationally recognized research programs and a vibrant campus overlooking Lake Union. In the heart of the city, Seattle University offers programs in law, business, and the liberal arts, while Seattle Pacific University provides a mix of undergraduate and graduate studies with a focus on leadership and service. Creative fields thrive at the Cornish College of the Arts, while career‑focused training is available at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology. For continuing education and professional development, Bellevue College serves the Eastside with accessible programs that support lifelong learning. Together, these institutions make the region a place where education and opportunity go hand in hand.

Culture and Entertainment in Seattle

From waterfront markets to world‑class venues, the city offers endless ways to experience culture and entertainment. The Seattle Art Museum brings rotating exhibits and global collections, while the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) celebrates music history and pop culture icons. Live performances fill spaces across the metro: Broadway shows light up the Paramount Theatre, indie bands take the stage at The Crocodile, and jazz flows nightly at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley. Sports and entertainment converge at Climate Pledge Arena, home to Seattle Kraken hockey and major concerts, while Lumen Field delivers the energy of Seahawks football and Sounders soccer. Pike Place Market remains the city's beating heart, where fishmongers toss salmon, stalls overflow with flowers, and street performers add music to the mix. Neighborhoods each add their own flavor: Capitol Hill pulses with nightlife and live music venues, Ballard blends breweries with heritage festivals, and Fremont is known for quirky art installations and community events. Seasonal highlights like the Bumbershoot Music Festival, the Seattle International Film Festival, and outdoor concerts in Woodinville Wine Country keep the calendar full, making culture and entertainment part of everyday life in the Emerald City.

Outdoor Activities in Seattle

Surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, outdoor adventure is part of daily life here. Discovery Park offers trails, beaches, and sweeping views of Puget Sound, while the Burke‑Gilman Trail connects neighborhoods for biking and walking. Just outside the city, 60 Acres Park in Redmond provides wide‑open fields for sports and festivals, and Snoqualmie Falls delivers breathtaking cascades. Day trips to Whidbey Island, Tacoma's Point Defiance Park, or the Cascade Mountains bring hiking, skiing, kayaking, and year‑round exploration within easy reach. Even closer to home, residents enjoy kayaking on Lake Union, paddleboarding on Lake Washington, or relaxing along Kirkland's waterfront, all set against Seattle's famously drizzly weather that keeps the landscape lush and green.

Dining and Shopping in Seattle

Grabbing a bite or finding a new favorite shop is easy when every neighborhood has its own flavor. On Capitol Hill, cafés, cocktail bars, and inventive restaurants keep the streets lively day and night. Over in Kirkland, the Village at Totem Lake blends stores like Whole Foods, lululemon, Nordstrom, and more into one hub, while Bellevue Square offers an upscale mix of stores like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and The Apple Store. For something iconic, Pike Place Market delivers fresh seafood, flowers, and artisan goods, and weekend farmers markets across neighborhoods like Ballard and Redmond bring produce and handmade items straight from local growers. From cozy coffee shops to chef‑driven favorites, dining and shopping here feel both global and local, reflecting the city's creative spirit and everyday convenience.

Transportation in Seattle

Getting around the region is about convenience, with major highways and transit options connecting you to anywhere you want to go. I‑5, I‑90, and the 405 freeway link neighborhoods and suburbs, making commutes and weekend trips a breeze. The Sound Transit system adds bus and light rail service to downtown, Capitol Hill, and the airport, with park‑and‑ride lots that simplify commuting from the Eastside. For longer-term travel, Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport offers nonstop domestic and international flights, keeping the city well-connected. On the Eastside, Slater Avenue ties residents to The Village at Totem Lake, 60 Acres Park, and everyday essentials, while nearby trails and waterfronts make it easy to explore the outdoors without leaving the metro.

Top Attractions Near Your Seattle Rental

• Pike Place Market: Historic waterfront market with fresh seafood, flowers, and artisan goods
• Space Needle: Iconic observation tower with sweeping views of the city and mountains
• Chihuly Garden and Glass: Dazzling exhibits of glass art set against the Seattle Center
• Seattle Art Museum: Downtown hub for rotating exhibits and cultural collections
• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Interactive museum celebrating music, film, and pop culture
• Discovery Park: Expansive green space with trails, beaches, and Puget Sound views
• Seattle Aquarium: Family‑friendly destination showcasing marine life from the Pacific Northwest
• Snoqualmie Falls: Scenic waterfall and hiking destination just outside the city
• Mount Rainier National Park: Day‑trip destination for hiking, climbing, and breathtaking alpine scenery
• Climate Pledge Arena: Home to Seattle Kraken hockey, concerts, and major entertainment events

Your Trusted Choice for Apartment Rentals in Seattle

Finding the right apartment in Seattle is about more than square footage, it's about choosing a community that fits the rhythm of the city and a management team you can count on. For over 40 years, Fairfield has been a trusted name in housing, offering homes that are carefully maintained, located in desirable neighborhoods, and supported by friendly, responsive on‑site teams.

Life here reflects the character of Seattle itself. Our communities often feature fitness centers, coworking lounges, pet‑friendly parks, and spaces designed to make home feel like more than just a place to live. Through our Living Green^® program, many properties include energy‑efficient appliances, recycling programs, water‑wise landscaping, and EV charging stations, perfect for a city that values sustainability as much as fresh air and green spaces.

From mornings spent at Pike Place Market with fishmongers tossing salmon to weekends exploring trails and waterfronts, enjoy a lifestyle that blends urban convenience with natural beauty. We're proud that our communities consistently earn high satisfaction ratings, and we remain committed to delivering an outstanding living experience that feels true to Seattle.

Rent an Apartment in Seattle with Fairfield

Your Seattle journey starts with finding the right place to call home. Fairfield makes it simple to explore apartments across the metro. Browse our listings with photos and floor plans to see what fits your lifestyle. If a community catches your eye, our leasing team is ready to answer questions or schedule a tour. With Fairfield, you can confidently take the next step toward living in your dream apartment in the Emerald City.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Rentals in Seattle

What types of apartments does Fairfield offer in Seattle?

Fairfield offers a wide range of apartments for rent in Seattle, including studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom layouts. Each apartment features a well-equipped kitchen, with many communities also offering thoughtful extras like ample storage and in-home laundry.

Are Fairfield apartments in Seattle pet-friendly?

Most Fairfield apartments in Seattle welcome pets, including both cats and dogs. Some communities offer amenities like on‑site dog parks, pet wash stations, and green spaces designed to make life easier for residents and their four‑legged friends. Breed and size restrictions may apply, so be sure to check the specific pet policy for your chosen apartment.

What lease terms are offered for Fairfield rentals in Seattle?

Fairfield communities offer flexible leasing options designed to fit your needs. After your initial lease term, many locations offer month‑to‑month extensions, giving you added convenience and peace of mind. For details on current availability and terms, our leasing team is ready to help.

How does Fairfield support renters moving from outside Seattle?

Fairfield makes it easy for out‑of‑town renters to find the right home with detailed online listings and a variety of leasing options. Our friendly leasing team is available to answer questions, adjust to your schedule, and provide personalized support every step of the way.

Are Fairfield communities located near major employers in Seattle?

Fairfield's Seattle‑area apartments are positioned close to key employment hubs, including Downtown, South Lake Union, Bellevue, Redmond, and Everett. Residents enjoy convenient access to leading employers such as Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, Boeing, and the University of Washington, as well as a growing network of startups and healthcare providers.

Are Fairfield communities located near major educational institutions in Seattle?

Yes. Our communities are near respected schools and universities, including the University of Washington, Seattle University, Bellevue College, and the University of Puget Sound. Families also benefit from proximity to highly rated public school districts such as Lake Washington, Northshore, and Issaquah.

What's the average commute time in Seattle?

Commute times average about 28 minutes, depending on location and mode of travel. The region offers multiple transit options, including Sound Transit's Link light rail, Metro buses, and commuter trains. Major highways like I‑5, I‑405, and SR‑520 connect suburbs to the city, while bike‑friendly infrastructure supports eco‑conscious commuting.

What is the cost of living like in Seattle?

Seattle's cost of living is approximately 43% higher than the national average, but residents find the city's strong job market, natural beauty, and cultural amenities to be worthwhile trade-offs.