Is Seattle A Walkable?

Seattle is a lovely city with some walkable neighborhoods and other places where it may be more convenient to drive or take the bus. If you're relocating to Seattle or are a visitor, you may be wondering—can you walk around the city? The answer is yes, depending on where you are in the city and where you need to go.

There Are Many Things To See And Do In Downtown Seattle, Which Is One Of The City's Best Neighborhoods For Walking

You won't need a car to get around if you live or are living in downtown Seattle. All of the restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots in this neighborhood are close enough to walk to. Without a car, you can walk to the water from Pike Place Market, see museums, and even watch a game at Lumen Field.

However, Seattle is known for its hills, so you can expect to climb some, especially if you are going toward areas like Capitol Hill or Queen Anne. Downtown Seattle is a great place to walk because it has many streets, crosswalks, and paths that are made for people on foot.

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Several Seattle Neighborhoods Are Very Pedestrian-Friendly, And Others Require A Car Or Public Transit To Get Around

Not all of Seattle's neighborhoods are walkable. Capitol Hill, Belltown, and the University District are walkable neighborhoods. There are stores, coffee shops, and entertainment within walking distance of these neighborhoods, so you don't have to drive when you want to do your shopping or hang out with your friends.

Conversely, however, neighborhoods such as West Seattle and Magnolia are more dispersed, so they are less walkable. They do have parks and sidewalks, but you can likely get around more easily by car, bus, or bike.

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Seattle's Weather And Hills Make It Easier To Get Around On Foot, Especially In Certain Seasons

One thing to take note of while walking in Seattle is the weather. Seattle has a lot of rain during winter and autumn, and the streets become slippery as a result. If you can live with being around with a rain jacket or umbrella, then you will have no issue.

Seattle is also well known for its hills, which will work you over just to get around. There are some areas of the city with very steep streets that are not so good for a pleasant walk, but they have great views when you reach the top.

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Many People In Seattle Use The City's Public Transportation System When Walking Isn't The Best Option

It doesn't matter how much you like walking; sometimes you just need to stop. Luckily, Seattle's buses, light rail, and streetcars make up a great public transportation system. You can always take the bus or train to get where you need to go if you are in an area that is hard to walk to.

It is very easy to get from downtown Seattle to places like Capitol Hill, the University District, and even Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on the Link Light Rail. Traveling to the city is simple and doesn't require a car.

It Can Be Easy Or Hard To Live In Seattle Without A Car, Depending On The Neighborhood And The Public Transportation Options That Are Available

Overall, Seattle is a walkable city, but there are neighborhoods that are more walkable than others. If you're residing downtown or in a neighborhood where restaurants and shops are within walking distance, you can do without a car. But if you're residing in a residential neighborhood, it would be handy to have one.

Whether you're strolling through Pike Place Market, climbing a Seattle hill, or taking a bus when your legs are tired, the city has a combination of walkability and transit. So, while you don't necessarily need a car in Seattle, it's always nice to know what your choices are.