Not as familiar with First Hill as other Seattle neighborhoods? Here’s a primer to get you started in your First Hill exploration.
An urban, downtown residential neighborhood. First Hill is one of Seattle’s first residential neighborhoods. Seattle’s first families moved from what was a swampy Pioneer Square up to the top of First Hill in the 1870s. In the many years between now and then, First Hill grew with historic and graceful buildings, tall high-rise residential towers and newer upscale apartment buildings. The result? A neighborhood that is an established residential enclave, just steps from the heart of Downtown Seattle.
Access. As more and more development occurs in the northern neighborhoods of Downtown, traffic is a real issue. As an established neighborhood, First Hill offers predictable and convenient access via foot to Downtown, or to I-5 and I-90 in a vehicle. Drivers can hop onto I-5 or I-90 within minutes of leaving their home at Luma. The new First Hill Streetcar connects First Hill to Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square and the International District in less than a 10-minute ride. You can also connect to the University of Washington, Downtown and Sea-Tac via the Capitol Hill light rail station on Broadway and East John St.
Hub and spoke. Think of First Hill as a hub. The spokes lead you to other tremendous Seattle destinations. Be in the Pike/Pine within a 2 block walk. Ride to Cal Anderson Park on the streetcar in just minutes. Hop down to Pioneer Square for work, dining or a game at the stadiums via streetcar in less than 10 minutes. Or walk to downtown shopping, the office or nights at the theater or Benaroya Hall within a 15 minute walk.
Neighborhood amenities. While First Hill is an established neighborhood, with less ongoing development and construction, there are a few new projects of note underway that will bring additional amenities to the neighborhood. A new Whole Foods grocery will be just 3 blocks from Luma. The QFC and Bartell Drugs at the Harvard Market are located just 2 blocks from the front door. Town Hall Seattle and its lectures, concerts and thought-provoking panels and discussions is within 5 blocks. Restaurants and bars? Of course. First Hill offers a mix of options supported by the myriad of incredible destinations in the Pike/Pine, just a few minute walk from Luma.
A neighborhood that is established and predictable. First Hill was developed over the last 145+ years, and unlike many of the northern neighborhoods of Downtown has an established footprint with less opportunity to change the face and character of the neighborhood. Some First Hill residential buildings have existed for over 90 years.
An appreciation of art and culture. Visit the Frye Art Museum for outstanding collections or even for a yoga or meditation class. Catch a concert or an author reading at Town Hall Seattle. Join in the fun of a mash-up experience at Culture Club nights at the Sorrento Hotel, or try an evening of “silent reading” in the Fireside Room at the Sorrento. Take a walking tour of First Hill’s historic significance with Historic Seattle. It’s all here, a neighborhood with as rich of a past as its future.
A leafy green neighborhood in the heart of the city. First Hill is a respite from the Downtown and Pike/Pine hustle and bustle. With huge, old, green trees arching over the sidewalks and manicured lawns of historic homes and buildings, First Hill has an east coast city, old-world sensibility.
