Is West Seattle a Good Place to Live? 5 Things You Might Not Know

In our experience, people who live in West Seattle LOVE living in it. It has its own vibe to it, and people love that they can be “away from the city” and yet still super close, whether they commute into Downtown for work or just appreciate being able to have easy access to entertainment, the stadiums, etc. 

1. It’s basically its own city.

West Seattle is huge. While West Seattle is its own neighborhood of Seattle, it’s really comprised of several smaller neighborhoods that each have their own character and feel. From the charming beachside vibes of Alki to the bustling energy of the Junction, each corner of West Seattle offers something unique to explore. And let me tell you, West Seattle doesn’t just have a few amenities — it’s got everything you could ever need! Picture this, sprawling parks where you can spend all day soaking up the sunshine, grocery stores on every corner so you never have to travel far for your essentials, and oh my, the dining scene is to die for! Seriously, you’ll never run out of delicious eateries to try. Plus, there’s a bar for every mood, trendy boutiques for the fashion-forward, a golf course if you fancy a round, and community centers buzzing with activities for all ages. Trust me, when it comes to convenience and charm, West Seattle has it all!

2. Alki is a slice of California paradise dropped right in Seattle.

You know, a lot of Seattleites are originally from California, and it’s no wonder they feel right at home in West Seattle. It’s like they brought a piece of the Golden State with them! And let me tell you, Alki Beach is the crown jewel of this Cali-vibing neighborhood. It’s got that laid-back “beach town” vibe that’s just irresistible. I mean, who wouldn’t want to kick back and soak up the sun on those sandy shores? And the views? Oh boy, they’re something else. Picture-perfect sunsets over the Olympic Mountains and the sparkling waters of Puget Sound stretching out before you—it’s pure magic. Trust me, there’s something truly special about Alki Beach that captures the essence of coastal living. If you want to know more about why we’re head over heels for Alk (Click here to read more about what we love about Alki!) 

3. You’ve got all the grocery stores you need here! 

Now, some folks might think West Seattle is a bit out of the way, but when it comes to grocery shopping, this great neighborhood has you covered! Seriously, you won’t find yourself lacking in options. We’re talking big names like Metropolitan Market, Trader Joe’s, QFC, and Safeway, just to name a few. You’ll also stumble upon plenty of smaller grocery shops and markets scattered throughout the area. So whether you’re craving artisanal cheeses or just need to stock up on the basics, rest assured, West Seattle has everything you need to keep your fridge and pantry fully stocked.

4. You don’t have to take the bridge to leave West Seattle.

Let me clear something up, the West Seattle Bridge is NOT the only way out of the neighborhood! You’ve got options. Head south and you can jump on I-5, Highway 99, or whatever route suits your fancy. But wait, it gets better. You can also take the water taxi straight from West Seattle into Downtown Seattle—talk about a scenic commute! And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not hop on the ferry over to Vashon or Southworth? Trust me, there’s more than one way to get around in West Seattle, and each route offers its own unique charm. (Check out even more info on West Seattle transit here.)

5. It’s easy to get to the airport.

Our latest Happy Home listing is this West Seattle gem that checks all of the boxes!

Click here to take a look at ALL of the details.