The 11 Safest Neighborhoods in Seattle: Top Spots For Families, Retirees, and More for 2025

Which vibrant city in the Pacific Northwest is popular for its music scene, jobs in a variety of industries, and stunning natural beauty? Oh yeah, and then there’s the coffee culture — this city is the birthplace of Starbucks, after all. Yep, that’s Seattle. And because it’s such a great place, moving to Seattle is high on the list for a lot of people. But is Seattle safe? Is Downtown Seattle safe? Due to the higher crime rates in certain parts of the city, many families are seeking homes in the safest neighborhoods in Seattle before making their move. 

Planning a move to Seattle? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

Around a decade ago, Seattle was the fastest-growing major city in the nation. Like most larger cities, though, Seattle lost some population during the pandemic and couldn’t regain its impressive growth. However, the tide may be turning, as the city’s population is steadily on the rise, and nearing the 800,000 mark.

One thing that may stick out, though? Crime in this popular city. Does Seattle have a low crime rate? Unfortunately, no. According to NeighborhoodScout, Seattle’s crime index is a 1, meaning it’s only safer than 1 percent of other U.S. cities (100 is the best/safest score). Your chances of being a victim of either violent or property crime are 1 in 17.

Portland, Oregon, is close to Seattle and also has a crime index of 1, but it has a lower population at just over 630,000. Your chances of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Portland are 1 in 15 — slightly worse than in Seattle. The data also shows Seattle to be safer than another popular western metro, Salt Lake City, Utah. SLC has a crime index of 1 but a population of just under 209,600 — much smaller than both Seattle and Portland — and your chances of being a victim of either violent or property crime in Salt Lake City are 1 in 15.

So, is Seattle safe? It honestly depends on the neighborhood. Seattle is a large city and crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas. If you’re planning a move to the Emerald City, finding a home in one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle is probably on your to-do list. So, here’s our 2025 list of the safest Seattle neighborhoods for you to check out first.  

These Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Seattle for 2025

So, is Seattle safe to move to? Yes — there are plenty of safe and amazing neighborhoods to choose from in the area. Whether you’re moving with your family, you’re a young professional relocating for a new job, or you’re looking for a spot to retire, one of these safe neighborhoods in Seattle could be just what you’re after!

Loyal Heights is a safe neighborhood in Seattle located just blocks from Shilshole Bay.
(Source: myseattlebroker.com)

1. Loyal Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $949,200
• Great for: Public schools, families, nightlife, commute
• Safety: 60% less crime than Seattle average

Loyal Heights — one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle — is idyllic for families thanks to its strong public schools, like Loyal Heights Elementary School and Ballard High School. Because of its suburban feel and notable percentage of high-earning residents, Loyal Heights enjoys a consistently low crime rate — 60 percent lower than the city average. 

Located just minutes from Shilshole Bay and Golden Gardens Beach, this neighborhood is a dream for anyone who enjoys boating or lounging by the water. The Shilshole Bay Marina, the Seattle Sailing Club, the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle, and Fish Finders Private Charters are all located along the same stretch of nearby Seaview Ave., making it easy to enjoy time out on the bay. 

If you prefer to stay on land, you can always take the kids to the Loyal Heights Playground or attend activities at the Loyal Heights Community Center. The Golden Gardens Wetlands and Beach are also great places to spend time in the sun, walking the trails with your dog, or having a picnic with friends.  

This neighborhood is known for its shopping selection as well, and you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, like jewelry at Baleen, European favorites at Scandinavian Specialties, and all kinds of local fresh produce at Top Banana.

2. North Beach/Blue Ridge

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,925
• Average home value: $1.4M
• Great for: Families, public schools, easy commute
• Safety: 69% less crime than Seattle average

If you want to live in a Seattle neighborhood by the ocean with fantastic views of the sound, then consider finding a spot in North Beach/Blue Ridge — another one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle. Situated on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound, this neighborhood features fewer access points than many other Seattle neighborhoods, meaning it’s neither a high-traffic nor a transient area. It’s also close to other safe neighborhoods in Seattle, Loyal Heights and Phinney Ridge. All that tranquility comes with a hefty price tag, with home values in North Beach/Blue Ridge averaging just over $1.4 million.

Unsurprisingly, this safe (yet pricey) neighborhood has lots of perks. After your kids finish a day of learning at the highly rated North Beach Elementary School, reward their hard work with playtime at the Soundview Playfield and Wading Pool, or an afternoon exploring at the North Beach Park and Natural Area. This walkable Seattle neighborhood also offers lots of chances to enjoy being near the water, and you’ll love how convenient it is to nearby Golden Gardens Beach and the seaside trails at Golden Gardens Park.

Residents of all ages especially love taking in the views at Pipers Creek Natural Area and seeing all the trees in bloom at Piper's Orchard. Nearby Holman Rd. also offers lots of markets and shopping, as well as local spots to grab a bite like Dick’s Drive-In.

Worried about the cost of living in Seattle? Check out our post on how to live in Seattle on a budget.

3. Bryant

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: $1.1M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, students, outdoor activities, nightlife
• Safety:  68% less crime than Seattle average

Located near the shores of Lake Washington is the cute community of Bryant. Crime data on this neighborhood shows that Bryant receives almost no violent crime each year, perhaps because it’s not located close to an airport or recreational center (common crime targets). The neighborhood is adjacent to a few of the other safest areas in Seattle, Hawthorne Heights and Wedgwood. 

This neighborhood has easy access to Interstate 5, which means if you’re commuting to downtown Seattle, or even across the lake to Bellevue, you should have no problem getting there. Bryant is also close to the University of Washington, making it a great place for students to live. Living here, you’ll also be close to the Union Bay Natural Area, which features a trail system that’s perfect for walking or jogging. 

When you’re ready to spend time on the water, head over to the Magnuson Park Swimming Beach or the boat launch. If you’re more of a landlubber, you can take advantage of the tennis area or ball fields. And in Bryant, you’ll never be far from shopping options at University Village or local brews at Burke-Gilman Brewing Company and Seattle Sunshine Coffee.

 

This northeastern Seattle neighborhood is equal parts residential and urban with amenities in reach.
(Source: Grand Central Bakery via Facebook)

4. Wedgwood

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: $1M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees
• Safety: 66% less crime than Seattle average

This northeastern Seattle neighborhood is equal parts residential and urban with amenities in reach, so grab your bike or put on your comfy sneakers! Wedgwood has virtually no violent crime and very few incidents of property crime, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle.

This popular community can be seen buzzing with activity along 35th Avenue NE, thanks to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to residents. Popular gathering spots include the Wedgwood Public House and the Grand Central Bakery. Wedgwood is also home to several parks — including Wedgwood Park and Dahl Playfield — which offer recreational spaces for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Schools in the area, like Wedgwood Elementary and Eckstein Middle School, are highly rated by Niche, adding to the neighborhood's appeal. With its combination of safety, community spirit, and access to amenities, Wedgwood is a sought-after neighborhood for those who value a balanced lifestyle.

Q: Is Downtown Seattle safe? A: Yes, Downtown Seattle is considered safe, with its good police presence.

5. Matthews Beach

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,950
• Average home value: $1.1M
• Great for: Families, outdoor activities, beaches
• Safety: 67% less crime than Seattle average

Looking for a neighborhood that offers waterside paths, like the Burke-Gilman Trail, perfect for morning jogs or evening bike rides with the family? Then you should consider checking out Matthews Beach, another one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle. According to CrimeGrade, more crimes do occur in the northern section of Matthew Beach than the southern, but this is only because the north averages three crimes per year and the south averages zero.

While it may be smaller in size, you’ll find this tight-knit community offers a lot of amenities within close proximity. For example, Matthews Beach Park is a stone’s throw away and features panoramic views of Pontiac Bay as well as access to a swimming beach, a boat launch, a playground, and a basketball court. Residents can also take advantage of the tennis courts, playground, and community garden at nearby Meadowbrook Pond and Meadowbrook Playfield. 

If you’re looking for local dining options, simply drive down Lake City Way. This main thoroughfare has great spots like The Breakfast Club, Thai One On, and Jalisco Mexican Restaurant. 

Q: Where to avoid staying in Seattle? Is Aurora Ave. in Seattle safe? A: You may want to avoid staying in the First Hill area, which is not one of the safest neighborhoods Seattle has to offer. Similarly, Seattle’s Aurora Avenue is generally considered unsafe due to illegal activity and lack of sidewalks.

6. View Ridge

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: $1.2M
• Great for: Retirees, families, local markets, health and fitness options
• Safety: 66% less crime than Seattle average

Looking for safe neighborhoods in Seattle with beautiful views of the bay? View Ridge may be the perfect place. It’s considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle, with property crimes being the most common issue, though still relatively infrequent. Families enjoy the excellent selection of schools, including View Ridge Elementary and Roosevelt High School, both of which have earned A grades on Niche. 

If you’re a fan of the fairways, this neighborhood offers one of the top golf courses in the city (according to Golf Digest) at Sand Point Country Club. View Ridge Playfield is another fun place to spend some time outdoors, as it offers a playground, swings, a picnic area, and plenty of space for baseball, softball, or soccer. Magnuson Park is also in the area, if you feel like walking the trails or want to take the boat out into the water. And Moss Bay and the Marina Park Public Beach are just a boat ride away!

When you’re looking to get some shopping done, check out the nearby PCC Community Market - View Ridge Co-Op or one of the many shops along NE 75th St. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, consider soup and salad at Grand Central Bakery or a slice at Ridge Pizza Northeast.

North Queen Anne is a walkable area with a mix of students, young professionals, and families.

7. North Queen Anne

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,525
• Average home value: $1.1M
• Great for: Students, families, commute, nightlife, schools, diversity
• Safety: 56% less crime than Seattle average

Located along the Lake Washington Shipping Canal is the popular neighborhood of North Queen Anne. As a resident here, you’ll be in the heart of the bustling city — Downtown Seattle, Uptown, and Belltown are only a few blocks away. And as such, North Queen Anne is a walkable area with a mix of students (Seattle Pacific University is located nearby), young professionals, and families.

On the far side of the neighborhood, you’ll find the Interbay Golf Center and Driving Range, which is perfect for spending the day out on the green. People of all ages enjoy the popular David Rogers Park, complete with a playground, tennis courts, track, and ballfield. 

There are plenty of convenient shopping options nearby, including Trader Joe’s and Ken’s Market, as well as local places to grab a bite like La Palma Family Mexican Restaurant and Citizen Cafe.

Keep in mind that there is a difference between “Queen Anne” and “North Queen Anne.” North Queen Anne is a quieter, more residential area with stronger safety statistics than its Lower Queen Anne/Uptown counterpart, although violent crime is rare in either area. Families enjoy the North Queen Anne neighborhood because it’s one of the safest areas in Seattle and because it offers many quality public school options, like Frantz Coe Elementary and McClure Middle School. Those wanting a private school experience gravitate to nearby Seattle Country Day School, The Bush School, and St. Anne School.  

8. Arbor Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,925
• Average home value: $787,600
• Great for: Families, jobs, outdoor activities
• Safety: 65% less crime than Seattle average

Located in the southernmost part of West Seattle is Arbor Heights. As a resident of this neighborhood, you’ll have easy access to Fauntleroy Park when you’re looking to get some exercise outdoors on the trails, not to mention some great views of Mount Rainier! Or you could head over to Seola Park, which is home to the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club. Prefer to spend some time near the water? Check out the Arroyos Natural Area and take in the views of this part of Puget Sound. 

For shopping, Westwood Village features clothing stores, hair and nail salons, banks, a sporting goods store, and more. There are also some great places to eat in the area, including Endolyne Joe’s for cuisine from the Americas (North, South, and Central) and the Missing Piece Cafe and Game Lounge.

But Arbor Heights is more than stunning outdoor views and delectable eateries, it’s also attractive to families because it’s frequently named one of the safe neighborhoods in Seattle. It receives an A rating from CrimeGrade and is in the system’s 88th percentile, meaning only 12 percent of national neighborhoods are safer than Arbor Heights. Top public schools in the area include Raisbeck Aviation High School and Cascadia Elementary School. 

Q: What is the most affordable area in Seattle? A: If you’re looking for the safest Seattle neighborhoods as well as the most affordable, check out Arbor Heights, a quiet area that’s appealing to families because of its suburban feel.

 

Located right along the shores of Green Lake, Phinney Ridge is a great place to raise a family, especially if you like to stay active together.
(Source: alchemyrealestate.com)

Q: Which part of Seattle is best to live in? A: According to Niche, the central part of the city is where you’ll find many of the highest-rated Seattle neighborhoods, such as South Lake Union, Westlake, and First Hill. However, these neighborhoods see more crime than the ones on our list, so they weren’t featured in this article. Out of our list of safest neighborhoods, Phinney Ridge is ranked the second-best place to raise a family in Seattle and North Queen Anne is the eighth-best neighborhood overall.

10. Hawthorne Hills

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $1.5M
• Great for: Families, professionals, retirees
• Safety: 78% less crime than Seattle average

Looking for one of the safest Seattle neighborhoods with views of both the city and the Cascade Mountains? Look no further than the peaceful, idyllic Hawthorne Hills. Perched on a hilltop and close to the bustling University of Washington, Hawthorne Hills is a tiny slice of paradise that’s less than a half-hour drive from downtown Seattle.

With the highest safety ratings on our list — and the highest average home value — Hawthorne Hills can likely attribute its outstanding marks to its traffic-free existence (thanks to a lack of commercial outlets) and its notable affluence. The neighborhood’s proximity to Magnuson Park — Seattle’s second-largest green space — adds to its appeal, offering walking trails, sports fields, a dog park, and access to Lake Washington for outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, and picnicking. 

While Hawthorne Hills is mostly residential, there are plenty of things to do in the nearby University District. Grab a spicy dish at Thai Tom, rent a kayak from Agua Verde, or belt out a few tunes at a Monkey Pub’s karaoke night.

Southeast Magnolia is a lovely Seattle neighborhood located right on Elliot Bay in Puget Sound.
(Source: alchemyrealestate.com)

11. Southeast Magnolia

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,125
• Average home value: $1.2M
• Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor activities
• Safety: 63% less crime than Seattle average

Southeast Magnolia is a lovely Seattle neighborhood located right on Elliot Bay in Puget Sound. This neighborhood would be a great place to raise a family or retire, thanks to its friendly residents, walkable streets, and access to outdoor activities. The area is located atop a hilly peninsula, and that limited access combined with other factors is likely why it has such a low crime rate. If your family wants safety plus highly rated public school options, Southeast Magnolia may be the place for you. 

Residents enjoy spending time in Magnolia Park, or strolling along Magnolia Blvd. to take in the beautiful views of Puget Sound. Ella Bailey Park and Bayview Playground and Park are also popular places to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family. 

The northern part of this neighborhood offers residents access to the expansive Discovery Park, which includes trails, a playground, a visitor’s center, and Discovery Park Beach. You can even visit the West Point Lighthouse that was built in 1881! And like most of Seattle, you’ll always have access to great coffee in Southeast Magnolia, with popular spots like Uptown Espresso and Petit Pierre Bakery.

Q: Which part of Seattle is safest?  A: There are many safe neighborhoods in Seattle, but the one with the highest rating on this list, at 78% safer than the Seattle average, is Hawthorne Hills. According to the most current FBI data, their total crime rate is almost 40% lower than the national average. Hawthorne Hills also boasts an average home value of around $1.5M, so if you were wondering, “Where do the rich live in Seattle?,” the answer is probably Hawthorne Hills.

Move to One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Seattle With PODS

When you’re ready to relocate to one of the safest neighborhoods in Seattle, PODS can help you get there with flexible moving options. Have a PODS portable moving container delivered to your driveway, where you can pack and load on your own schedule. PODS can even recommend local packing and loading assistance if you need help with the heavy lifting! When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and transported to your new home in Seattle. 

Pro Tip: You can use PODS City Service for your move to Seattle. The PODS driver will stay with your container as you unload it right from the truck, no driveway needed.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

(Source for image featured at top: alchemyrealestate.com)