Living in First Hill, Seattle
Charm & Convenience
First Hill is one of Seattle's densest neighborhoods, and for good reason—its central location and transportation access make it super convenient place to live. But there's more to the neighborhood than that. Key reasons people choose to live here include:
- Proximity to Downtown: It's right next to downtown Seattle, making it easy to access jobs, restaurants, and entertainment. The quaint shops and restaurants of Capitol Hill are also close by.
- Walkability and Transit: With a Walk Score of 98, a Transit Score of 98, and a Bike Score of 79, it's of the most walkable and most convenient neighborhoods in the city, with options that include the First Hill Streetcar line.
- Historic Charm: While there are modern high-rises to be found, the neighborhood was one of Seattle's first residential areas and has retained many of its original buildings, including the pleasingly pointed arches of Trinity Parish Episcopal.
- Cultural and Recreational Options: There are also museums, parks, and a nightlife/dining scene to be found here, from the Frye Art Museum and Freeway Park to great art and drinks at the Hideout.
- Near Medical Facilities: Harborview Medical Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center, and Swedish Medical Center's First Hill campus are all here.
- Near Seattle University: This private Jesuit university is known for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus.
Arts & Culture
Frye Art Museum: A mid-century modern masterpiece opened in 1952, the Frye is free to the public and showcases a lovely mix of contemporary and classical art. It's known for its collection of late 19th and early 20th-century European paintings, as well supporting contemporary artists through rotating exhibitions.
Town Hall Seattle: Originally built in 1916, this grand auditorium and gathering spot is now a local hub for arts, culture, and public discourse in Seattle. From famous guest speakers to book talks, community forums, and musical performances, it's a platform for diverse voices and ideas.
Seattle University: An urban oasis on the edge of First Hill, the Seattle U campus is home to landscaped gardens, green spaces, and historic buildings. You'll also find frequent theater productions, art exhibitions, concerts, guest lecturers, cultural celebrations, community workshops and seminars, and more.
Trinity Parish Episcopal Church: In addition to the church's own extensive musical program, Trinity also supports one of largest locally-sourced concert series in the city, hosting everyone from large choirs and orchestras to small ensembles and solo performers. The church also features regular art shows in their Liberty-Holz Gallery.
St. James Cathedral: Completed in 1907, this historic church is a local landmark and beautiful example of Romanesque Revival style, with intricate stained glass windows and a barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shops, & More
Hotel Sorrento: The Fireside Room at the Sorrento—one of Seattle’s oldest operating hotels—is a a cozy cocktail bar and gathering spot with dark wood paneling, plush sofas, and warm lighting. It hosts live jazz performances, cultural gatherings, and silent readings, where people come to read together (silently!) in the inviting space.
The Hideout: With its understated signage and off-the-beaten path locale, this cozy cocktail bar can make you feel like you've stumbled upon one of Seattle's best-kept secrets. A well-stocked bar offers custom craft concoctions like the popular “Seats Way Back". Visitors can enjoy a great rotating collection of contemporary artworks for sale, as well as occasional live music performances.
Vito's Lounge: Originally opened in 1953, Vito's has maintained its old-school, retro vibe with dark wood paneling, red vinyl booths, and low lighting. It's famed for its craft cocktails and libations, classic Italian-American cuisine, and lively entertainment that includes jazz, blues, and even occasional burlesque shows.
URL Coffee - Inspired by Korean cafes, this very chic and design-forward coffeehouse is a popular spot for both work and socializing. Serves a variety of specialty drinks like the “Walk to Work” iced latte with house-made sweet cream and cinnamon, and dishes such as the prosciutto apple sandwich and ricotta tomato toast.
Ba Bar: A trendy spot near Seattle University, known for its modern take Vietnamese cuisine,, offering dishes like pho, bun thit nuong, and banh cuon. It's also a go-to spot for late-night eats and drinks, with an extensive menu of craft cocktails, beer and wine.
Stella Restaurant - An upscale, contemporary Italian spot in the Hotel Sorrento, Stella offers coastal Italian-inspired cuisine using the seasonal produce and bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Serving breakfast and brunch/lunch through dinner, wine, and cocktails.
Coffee Tree & Poke - A convenient take-out spot with good coffee and sandwiches as well as flavorful poke bowls packed with fresh ingredients. Popular dishes include the Temptation bowl, traditional salmon poke, and taro milk tea with chewy boba.
Tam Noodle Box - Offers a diverse Asian fusion menu, featuring popular dishes like coconut curry noodles, creamy peanut noodles, and sizzling Mongolian noodles.
Sugar Bakery & Cafe - Known for its freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and espresso drinks. Popular items include their bacon chocolate chip cookie, breakfast pastries, and baguette sandwiches.
Shopping & Groceries
Whole Foods - Stock up on everything you need and more at this national chain known for its wide offering of organic foods and natural products: flowers, home goods, salad bar, deli, bakery, body care, pharmacy, and extensive selection of organic produce, meats, and pantry staples.
Stockbox Neighborhood Grocery - For residents further south, this handy spot offers a range of fresh produce, grocery staples, and grab-and-go meals, such as sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
Getting Around First Hill
Public Transport
Enjoy easy conneciton to downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, the Central District, the International District, and beyond.
Key bus routes in First Hill include the 2, 3, and 4, which run frequently through the area, providing direct access to downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and the Central District. The 60 bus connects First Hill to Beacon Hill, Georgetown, and West Seattle, while the 9 and 43 offer additional connections to nearby neighborhoods and major transit hubs.
The First Hill Streetcar also provides a convenient transit option, running from Capitol Hill to Pioneer Square with stops at key locations such as Seattle University and the hospitals on First Hill. This streetcar route links passengers to the Link Light Rail at both ends, offering easy connections to the University of Washington, downtown Seattle, and Sea-Tac Airport.
Biking & Walking
With relatively flat terrain, First Hill is well-connected to several convenient biking corridors, including the Burke-Gilman Trail and the Lake Union Loop. The Elliot Bay Trail also connects to the downtown area. With a walk score of 98, residents can also easily walk to near restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
Discover The Victor
Located one block north of Madison Street where Capitol Hill meets First Hill, modern new apartments at the Victor place you in a charming tree-lined neighborhood that's close to downtown yet also only a few blocks from Whole Foods and the vibrant Pike/Pine Corridor. From the scenic sky lounge to oversized windows and views, learn more about our unique luxury residences.
