The Puget Sound region continues to rank among the most dynamic metro areas in the country, and it's easy to see why. Home to Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Costco, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Alaska Airlines and Expedia, plus a world-class research corridor anchored by the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the Seattle area offers one of the deepest employment bases in tech, aerospace, retail, healthcare and life sciences anywhere in the U.S. Add no state income tax, a mild maritime climate, a celebrated food and coffee culture, and mountains, lakes and saltwater all within easy reach, and it's no wonder renters keep choosing the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you're looking for a walkable apartment in the heart of South Lake Union, a downtown Bellevue home with Mount Rainier views, or a quieter suburban retreat near award-winning schools and Cascade foothill trails, finding the right community can make all the difference. Below, we're highlighting some of the best apartments in the Seattle and Eastside area, each offering a unique take on modern Pacific Northwest living.
Seattle Apartments
Neptune SLU Apartments Seattle - Tech-Fueled, Urban Living in South Lake Union
Neptune SLU is located at 912 Dexter Ave N in South Lake Union, one of downtown Seattle's most walkable and fastest-evolving neighborhoods, just three blocks from the Lake Union waterfront.
Our pet-friendly studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes feature sleek urban interiors and open layouts, with large windows or private decks framing views of Lake Union, the city skyline and the Space Needle. Air conditioning is available in select homes, and the community sits within the Comcast Fiber Internet service area, a meaningful detail for hybrid and remote professionals.
Community amenities are built for work-from-home flexibility and social connection alike, including a rooftop deck with Lake Union and Space Needle views and BBQ grilling stations, a resident lounge with demonstration kitchen, an expansive 24-hour fitness center with free weights, a business center, conference room and media center, plus a landscaped courtyard with water features and outdoor fire features. On-site retail and nearby running and bike paths round out the experience.
Best for: Renters who want walkable, tech-fueled urban living in the center of Seattle. South Lake Union carries a Walk Score of 92, and the South Lake Union Streetcar connects you to the rest of the city. Neptune SLU is within walking distance of Meta Google and Amazon's Seattle offices and a short drive to the University of Washington.
Bellevue Apartments
Metro 112 - Elevated City Living in the Heart of Downtown Bellevue
Metro 112 sits at 317 112th Ave NE in Downtown Bellevue, placing shops, restaurants and bars just steps from your door in one of the Eastside's most walkable neighborhoods.
Our pet-friendly studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes come in two distinct design styles with multiple finish options, floor-to-ceiling windows framing Mount Rainier and Cascade Mountain views, built-in shelving, and air conditioning included in most homes.
The amenity package is designed to revitalize the work-from-home routine and includes a rooftop deck with fire pit and skyline views, a 24-hour fitness center with dedicated strength and cardio spaces, an entertainment suite with kitchen and fireplace, a media room, a conference room, and a relaxation courtyard complete with a fireplace and outdoor games.
Best for: Professionals who want a walkable downtown address with mountain views. Downtown Bellevue carries a Walk Score of 92, and Bellevue Downtown Park offers green space just minutes away. Metro 112 is within walking distance of Microsoft's Bellevue offices and less than a five-minute drive to Amazon, with the Bellevue Transit Center plus I-405, I-90 and SR-520 all close at hand.
Redmond Apartments
The Lodge at Redmond Ridge - Comfortable, Suburban Living in the Eastside Tech Corridor
The Lodge at Redmond Ridge is located at 22433 NE Marketplace Dr in Redmond, offering a secluded, nature-surrounded setting in the heart of the Eastside's tech corridor.
Our pet-friendly one-, two- and three-bedroom flats and townhomes feature spacious layouts, oversized windows for optimal natural light, private patios and balconies, and built-in desks made for working from home.
Community amenities include a fully-equipped, 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor pool, an outdoor firepit, a playground, a business center and attached garages on select homes. Residents also enjoy membership benefits through the Redmond Ridge Residential Owners Association, which includes access to 19 parks, a dog park and community events.
Best for: Renters who want suburban quiet with a short Eastside commute. The Lodge is zoned to the Lake Washington School District and Rosa Parks Elementary School, sits roughly a ten minute walk to SpaceX and ten minutes from Microsoft's Millennium Campus via the nearby Microsoft Connector. Redmond Town Center and the trails of the Redmond Watershed Preserve are both close by.
Issaquah Apartments
The Timbers at Issaquah Ridge - Foothill Living with Mountain Views and Room to Spread Out
The Timbers at Issaquah Ridge is located at 23425 SE Black Nugget Rd in Issaquah, tucked into the Cascade foothills and surrounded by the lakes, waterfalls and forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Our pet-friendly one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and townhomes offer generously sized layouts with large windows framing mountain views, walk-in closets, in-home washers and dryers, and private patios or balconies. Select homes feature upgraded interiors.
Community amenities are built for an active, outdoor-friendly lifestyle and include an outdoor pool and spa with a large sun deck, an outdoor basketball and sport court, an upgraded resident lounge, a Wi-Fi lounge and a playground. Attached garages are available on select homes, and preferred employer discounts are offered, so contact the leasing team for details.
Best for: Renters who want more space, mountain views and weekend access to the outdoors without giving up the commute. The Timbers is located in the Issaquah School District, five minutes from both Costco Wholesale Headquarters and Swedish Hospital and 15 minutes to Bellevue College. Downtown Issaquah, Lake Sammamish and Snoqualmie Falls are all close for weekends.
Renton Apartments
Benson Downs - Spacious, Well-connected Living on Renton's East Hill
Benson Downs is located at 11100 SE Petrovitsky Rd in the Cascade-Fairwood area of Renton's East Hill, a controlled-access community set among mature greenery.
Our spacious, pet-friendly one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes feature large living areas, cozy fireplaces, private balconies or patios, and full-size washers and dryers, with carport or garage parking included. Our homes have been newly renovated with luxury vinyl plank flooring, stainless steel appliances and upgraded countertops, fixtures and lighting.
Community amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, an upgraded clubhouse for entertaining with a fireplace and demonstration kitchen, a fully-equipped fitness center, a business center, a dog run and after-hours courtesy patrol.
Best for: Renters who want more square footage and included parking at a suburban price point, with the whole region close at hand. Benson Downs is about a 5-minute drive to Valley Medical Center and and 15-20 minutes to Boeing, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Renton Technical College with easy access to I-405, Hwy 167. Shop and dine at The Landing and Westfield Southcenter, and connect to Seattle and Sea-Tac via nearby Sounder and light rail service. The community is zoned to the Renton School District.
Why Seattle and the Eastside Continue to Stand Out
The Puget Sound region isn't just growing, it's setting the pace for what modern West Coast living looks like. From the streetcar-connected energy of South Lake Union to the polished walkability of downtown Bellevue, the wooded calm of Redmond Ridge, the foothill views of Issaquah, and the spacious suburban value of Renton's East Hill, the region offers a wide range of living experiences that fit different lifestyles, life stages and career paths. Renters here enjoy no state income tax, a deep employment base spanning tech, aerospace, retail and healthcare, highly regarded school districts across the Eastside, and some of the best outdoor recreation in the country, from Lake Sammamish and Snoqualmie Falls to Mount Rainier, the North Cascades and the Olympic Peninsula, all within a few hours' drive.
Whether you're drawn to skyline and lake views, a walkable downtown address, or a quieter home surrounded by evergreens, these communities represent some of the best options for apartment living in the Seattle area.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right apartment comes down to how you want to live:
Neptune SLU Apartments Seattle → walkable, tech-fueled urban living in South Lake Union
Metro 112 → elevated downtown Bellevue living with Mount Rainier views
The Lodge at Redmond Ridge → nature-surrounded flats and townhomes minutes from Microsoft
The Timbers at Issaquah Ridge → spacious foothill living with mountain views and up to four bedrooms
Benson Downs → roomy, well-connected East Hill apartments with parking included
No matter your preference, the Seattle and Eastside area offers a place and a lifestyle that fits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apartments in Seattle and the Eastside, WA
What are some of the best apartments in Seattle, WA?
Some of the best apartments in Seattle combine modern interiors, resort-style amenities and a genuinely walkable location. Neptune SLU Apartments in South Lake Union offers studio, one- and two-bedroom homes with views of Lake Union, the skyline and the Space Needle, plus a rooftop deck, a 24-hour fitness center and a resident lounge with demonstration kitchen, all three blocks from the Lake Union waterfront and a short walk or streetcar ride from the city's largest tech employers.
What are the best apartments in Bellevue, WA?
Downtown Bellevue offers Eastside walkability with mountain scenery. Metro 112 features studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and Mount Rainier views, a rooftop deck with fire pit, a 24-hour fitness center, an entertainment suite and a relaxation courtyard, all within a Walk Score 92 neighborhood and steps from the Bellevue Transit Center.
Is it better to live in Seattle or on the Eastside?
It depends on your lifestyle and commute. Seattle, particularly South Lake Union, offers the most urban option, with high walkability, streetcar and bus access, and proximity to Amazon, Meta, Google and the University of Washington. The Eastside covers a wider range: downtown Bellevue delivers walkable urban living with mountain views, while Redmond and Issaquah lean quieter and more residential, with highly regarded school districts, more square footage per dollar, and direct access to trails, lakes and the Cascade foothills. Renton's East Hill offers the most suburban value of the group, with quick access to Boeing, Sea-Tac and I-405. Neptune SLU and Metro 112 lean urban, while The Lodge, The Timbers and Benson Downs lean suburban.
What apartments in Seattle and the Eastside are pet friendly?
All five communities are pet friendly. Benson Downs features a dog run, The Lodge at Redmond Ridge offers access to a neighborhood dog park through the Redmond Ridge ROA, and The Timbers at Issaquah Ridge includes designated pet areas with waste stations throughout the community. Neptune SLU Apartments and Metro 112 welcome pets as well (breed restrictions may apply). Always confirm specific pet policies, fees, and breed restrictions directly with the leasing team before applying.
What employers are near these Seattle-area apartments?
These communities offer convenient commutes to major Puget Sound employers, including:
● Neptune SLU Apartments Seattle (South Lake Union): Meta, Google Amazon and Fred Hutch Cancer Center within walking distance, plus the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson research corridor nearby
● Metro 112 (Downtown Bellevue): Microsoft's Bellevue offices within walking distance, Amazon less than a five-minute drive, plus the wider Eastside employment base via I-405, I-90 and SR-520
● The Lodge at Redmond Ridge (Redmond): SpaceX is within a ten minute walk and Microsoft's Millennium Campus is roughly a ten minute drive, with Microsoft Connector service nearby
● The Timbers at Issaquah Ridge (Issaquah): Costco Wholesale Headquarters and Swedish Hospital - Issaquah are both a five minute drive
● Benson Downs (Renton): Valley Medical Center is 5 minutes away plus Boeing, Renton Technical College and Sea-Tac International Airport are roughly 15 to 20 minutes away
