Thinking of moving to Seattle with your family? The Emerald City is one of the best places to live on the West Coast! With a variety of family-friendly activities, great schools, and safe, affordable neighborhoods, Seattle is an incredible place to settle down. If you’re looking to live in the city with kids, here are the five best family neighborhoods in Seattle to call home!
| Neighborhood | Madrona | Magnolia | Queen Anne | Ravenna | West Seattle |
| Median Home Price | $960,117 | $767,500 | $908,813 | $852,658 | $715,152 |
| Median Rent Price | $2,385 | $1,981 | $1,894 | $1,913 | $1,812 |
| Safer than % of Seattle Neighborhoods | 72% | 91% | 74% | 90% | 62% |
| Median Household Income | $144,462 | $141,201 | $127,134 | $127,194 | $114,356 |
| High School Graduation Rate | 99% | 96% | 97% | 97% | 96% |
Madrona
Looking for one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Seattle? Located east of Downtown Seattle, you’ll find Madrona! Families living in this area benefit from safe streets with a variety of housing options, from Tudor to Victorian styles. Madrona is also home to top-rated public and private schools in Seattle, like St. Therese Catholic Academy, Epiphany Early Learning Preschool, and Madrona Elementary School. But don’t let this Seattle neighborhood’s smaller size fool you, as there are plenty of other amenities within the area, too. Madrona is centrally located and positioned right on the shores of Lake Washington, providing gorgeous views and waterfront activities—plus you’ll find tons of things to do in the two-block district along 34th Ave, which is chock-full of locally-owned businesses and restaurants!
Things to Do in Madrona
Let the little ones burn some energy at Madrona Playground—or head to Madrona Park for family activities in Seattle like picnicking, swimming at the beach, or catching fish. Stroll through the woods or down to a small beach on the shores of Lake Washington at Howell Park. Bring the kids across bridges and through lush trails while searching for hidden garden gnomes in the Valley of the Gnomes, a local favorite. Sign the kids up for dance lessons, take a fitness class, or attend a show at Spectrum Dance Theater. Wake up for a mouthwatering Seattle breakfast of Hot Oatmeal, Bengal Benedict, and Green Eggs N’ Ham from Hi Spot Cafe. Satisfy kids’ cravings with delicious pub grub, including The Reuben, Corned Beef & Cabbage, or Pepperoni Pizza at Madrona Arms. Enjoy classic French food in Seattle with a Charcuterie Board, Steak Frites, and Beef Tartare at Red Cow. Or try traditional Ethiopian dishes like Lamb Tibs, Cabbage Wot, or Gomen Besiga at the family-owned Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant.
Magnolia
Want an escape from bustling city life without moving out to the suburbs? Consider moving to the Magnolia neighborhood! Located northwest of Central Seattle, Magnolia offers residents a secluded, small-town vibe that is perfect for raising a family in Seattle. With unbeatable views of the downtown skyline, Puget Sound Island, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier, this safe Seattle neighborhood offers expansive single-family homes and newly renovated townhomes, along with other affordable housing options. With regular Magnolia events—such as the Magnolia Art Market, Magnolia Meets, and Pickleball Leagues—this neighborhood has a tight-knit community that’s also open and friendly. Additionally, the neighborhood offers a variety of nearby schooling options, including Catharine Blaine K-8 School, Magnolia Elementary School, and Discovery Montessori School.
Things to Do in Magnolia
Bring the kids for jaw-dropping views of the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains at Discovery Park, the largest park in Seattle—and make sure to also stop by the nearby West Point Lighthouse! Glaze bisqueware, play a pick-up game of basketball, or attend seasonal events with family at the Magnolia Community Center. Zoom down the waterslides or sign the kids up for swim lessons at Mounger Pool. Find a picture book, get your child a new journal, or attend a book signing event at Magnolia’s Bookstore. Visit a Peruvian restaurant in Seattle for favorites like Pesto Risotto with Chicken and Lomo Saltado, or order Anticucho Skewers from the kids’ menu at Pink Salt. Try Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine like Baba Ghanoush, Tabouli, and Beef Kafta Pita at Damoori Kitchen. Pull out a chair for awesome Seattle Mexican food like Chicken Nachos, Pork Carnitas, or a Fajita Burrito at El Ranchon. Or treat yourself and the little ones to scoops of Pistachio or Stracciatella gelato or a Sea Salt Carmel Milkshake at Nutty Squirrel Gelato.
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Queen Anne
Located north of Seattle’s City Center, families will fall in love with the Queen Anne neighborhood! Named for the Queen Anne architecture that characterizes the area, this neighborhood offers single-family homes and townhouses with lush yards on hilly streets. Seattle families living here will appreciate being close to quality public and private schools, such as John Hay Elementary, McClure Middle School, and St. Anne School—as well as higher education opportunities at Seattle Pacific University. The neighborhood also provides plenty of family-friendly things to do in Seattle—including taking in skyline views from the Space Needle, exploring global attractions like the Chihuly Garden and Glass, and enjoying Queen Anne parks like David Rodgers Park, SW Queen Anne Greenbelt, and Kerry Park.
Things to Do in Queen Anne
Check out the latest bestseller, sign the kids up for a Summer of Learning, or attend literary events at the Seattle Public Library’s Queen Anne Branch. Marvel at a Planetarium show, check out the Tropical Butterfly House, or see rotating science exhibits at the Pacific Science Center. Watch the kids create in the Corner Workshop, explore air power in the Amazing Airways exhibit, or put on their own production at the Bijou Theatre at Seattle Children’s Museum. See props from popular films like The Wizard of Oz, or explore pop culture exhibits like Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form and Indie Game Revolution at the Museum of Pop Culture. Start your morning with Corned Beef N Hash, Eggs Benedict, and Silly Face Waffles from the family-friendly 5 Spot, which offers some of the best breakfast in Seattle. Try different Seattle burgers like The Little Sammy Slider and Queen Animal Burger paired with Brussel Sprouts at Big Max Burger Co. Order Italian favorites such as Bruschetta, Chicken Fettuccine, or Eggplant Parmesan at Domani. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of the Honey Lavender, Strawberry, or Melted Chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone at Molly Moon’s.
Ravenna
If you’re looking to buy a home and raise a family in Seattle, consider Ravenna! Named after Ravenna, Italy, this historic neighborhood features affordable Tudor-style homes, Craftsman bungalows, and modern builds along tree-lined streets. The Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center—with its community garden and athletic courts—offers plenty of ways to connect with neighbors. Families in this area also enjoy nearby nature spots like the Center for Urban Horticulture at the UW Botanic Gardens, which hosts events like Story Time and Family Nature Classes. In addition to family-friendly activities, Ravenna is close to well-rated Seattle schools like Wedgwood Elementary School, Eckstein Middle School, and Roosevelt High School, as well as the University of Washington (UW)—a hub for education and employment. Plus, Seattle Children’s Hospital is just minutes away, making this neighborhood ideal for healthcare professionals and families needing specialized care.
Things to Do in Ravenna
Practice your tennis swing, go hiking, or have a family picnic at beautiful Ravenna Park. Go shopping in Seattle, checking out local boutiques, bakeries, and other retailers at University Village. Check out fiction or nonfiction favorites, or bring your kid along to Family Storytime or Genealogy Drop-In events at Seattle Public Library’s Northeast Branch. Travel just outside Ravenna to let your child run, play, and climb through the playground at Dahl Playfield. Pair an Espresso Macchiato with delicious handmade pastries like the Almond Croissant and Blueberry Cream Muffin at Grateful Bread. Savor homemade meals for lunch in Seattle with BLT and Turkey sandwiches or a Kids Grilled Cheese Sandwich from The Bryant Corner Cafe. Dine on authentic Italian food in Seattle with Chicken Marsala, Couscous Dahia, and Eggplant Parmigiana from Zouave Restaurant. Or order a Mr. West Club or Chicken Tikka Wrap with Tiramisu for dessert at Mr. West Cafe Bar.
West Seattle
As one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle to buy a home, West Seattle offers families a variety of affordable housing options, including beach-style condos, townhomes, cozy cottages, and bungalows—many of which also offer spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascades! Families living in West Seattle stay busy throughout the year with a wide variety of community events—including the West Seattle Summer Fest, West Seattle Farmers Market, and West Seattle Grand Parade. Even more fun can be found at nearby recreational areas and green spaces, such as Schmitz Preserve Park or Me-Kwa-Mooks Park! On top of that, West Seattle also offers families access to highly-rated schools like West Seattle High School, Madison Middle School, and Fairmount Park Elementary School, helping solidify it as one of the best Seattle neighborhoods for families.
Things to Do in West Seattle
Go kayaking in Seattle, have a picnic, play a game of volleyball, or enjoy views of Puget Sound and the Cascades at the nearby lighthouse when you visit Alki Beach Park. Join a bowling league or host your kid’s birthday party at West Seattle Bowl. Bring your family to appreciate the urban and natural beauty of Seattle and Elliot Bay at Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Sip a latte while browsing best-selling records and retro classics at Easy Street Records & Cafe. Indulge in Hawaiian food in Seattle, including Fried Chicken Drumsticks, Mac & Kimcheese, and Cucumber Poke at Ma’ono. Enjoy classic American comfort food like the Last Stop Steak, Hamburger Sandwiches, and Big Willy’s Pork Chop on the patio of Endolyne Joe’s. Dig into the Smoked Tofu Banh Mi, Prime Bulgogi Short Rib Melt, or Fried Shrimp Po’Boy at the rustic Lady Jaye. Or grab slices of Seattle pizza like the Roasted Butternut Squash West Side or ‘Lil Devil from Talarico’s Pizzeria.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home, no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
