Capitol Hill | Roanoke Park | Portage Bay

Youthful energy meets stately history in this vibrant, lively, and diverse neighborhood that grows more popular every year. If you’re looking to live in the thriving cultural hub of Seattle, Cap Hill should be at the top of your list. Highly rated for its walkability, spend your days strolling one of the many parks, browsing unique shops and cafes, and then indulging late into the night at one of the hundreds of top restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. In addition to being a center for nightlife, entertainment, and independent spirit, it’s also home to some of the city’s most high-end neighborhoods, including the famed Millionaire’s Row. From turn-of-the-century Tudor-style homes, to modern luxury condos and hip loft spaces, Capital Hill offers some of the absolute best in Seattle living. 

To the north of Cap Hill are the charming park and waterfront neighborhoods of Portage Bay and Roanoke.  Portage Bay’s tree lined streets boast beautiful Tudor and Craftsman style homes and easy access to Portage Bay. The Bay attracts rowers, yachtsmen, and a fair few houseboats who all enjoy the beautiful views and quiet waterfront lifestyle that characterizes the neighborhood. 

WHAT TO LOVE

• One of Seattle’s most historic neighborhoods with an array of unique properties

• Eclectic energy and thriving, diverse businesses

• Beautiful, easy to navigate streets and neighborhoods

• Located right in the heart of the city near downtown

• Over 350 delicious and trendy restaurants, coffeehouses, microbreweries, taverns, bars, and fringe theaters

• Part of the excellent Seattle Public School District, with a number of private options available as well

PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE

The thriving nightlife, excellent microbreweries and taverns, and lively arts & culture scene make Capitol Hill a top choice for young residents. Yet, it’s also perfect for those seeking a luxury property that is right in the heart of the city and imbued with the true beauty and spirit of Seattle. Residents spend their days trying award winning restaurants and cafés, exploring the walkable parks and streets full of historic architecture, and enjoying an incredibly short commute to the business and economic hub of downtown. 

Portage Bay is a hidden gem just south of the Eastlake Bridge and north of Cap Hill, where residents thrive in the lakeside setting in the heart of Seattle. Residents enjoy easy access to one of the many lush parks nearby, stroll along the lake’s shore, and appreciate the colorful sunsets over the Seattle skyline.  

DINING, ENTERTAINMENT, and SHOPPING

Capitol Hill  and Portage Bay have some of the most–and most diverse–dining options in the city, covering not only a wide variety of styles but also prices. Spinasse is a cozy and intimate Italian place named not only one of the best restaurants in Seattle but one of the top 5 Italian restaurants in the nation. A Galician-style Tapas spot with friendly staff, Maripili Tapas Bar has a Spanish-forward wine list and all-around good energy. Momiji serves us epertly made, traditional Japanese food sourced from local Pacific Northwest meats, fish, and ingredients. A Portage Bay neighborhood favorite and one of Seattle’s oldest bars, Roanoke Park Place has 15 beers on tap and some of Seattle’s best local craft beers.

Quirky indie stores and unique small businesses embodying the spirit of the area. Arguably, the city's best bookstore, Elliott Bay Book Company, is here. So is one of Seattle's (and Western Washington's) best art stores, Blick. You'll also find favorites like Everyday Music, where you’ll find an unparalleled collection of vinyl and CDs, as well as Totokaelo, a high-end boutique that sells expertly-curated designer clothing and accessories.

THINGS TO DO

Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most vibrant communities—you’ll always find a variety of events and new activities to keep you entertained! Rain or shine, you can find the Capitol Hill Farmers Market open every Sunday year round, selling fresh produce, artisanal baked goods, and hot tamales. 

Capitol Hill offers access to some of Seattle’s best natural beauty. The heart and soul of Cap Hill is Cal Anderson Park, recently named one of the nations “best parks” by Forbes Magazine. Another beloved landmark is Volunteer Park, where beautifully-landscaped gardens bloom with dahlias all summer long and while you explore walking trails, play areas, wading pools, and artistic exhibitions. Nearby, adjacent to the district, is the Washington Park Arboretum, a sprawling park full of walking trails, plant life from across the globe, and Seattle’s famous Japanese Garden.

From Portage Bay, you have easy access to Interlaken Park, Roanoke Park, and Boren Park. Roanoke Park is a neighborhood favorite and ideal place to enjoy a picnic. It’s two acres of lush green space right in the neighborhood, and has fruit trees that burst into color in the spring. And of course, you are right on the shores of Portage Bay, where you’ll find a vibrant yacht club, active rowing club, and miles of lakeshore beauty to walk or run.

SCHOOLS

Capitol Hill and Portage Bay are served by the Seattle Public Schools District. Highlights include:

• Holy Names Academy 

• St. Joseph’s School

• Stevens Elementary School

• Washington Middle School

• Garfield High School