Living in Seattle

The University of Washington and the City of Seattle are located on the traditional lands and shared waters of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Duwamish, Puyallup, Suquamish, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot nations.

Study, learn, and live in a thriving region that serves as a hub of innovation surrounded by the unparalleled natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. You’ll have access to incredible resources for research, public service, the arts, and beyond.

Evans School students uniquely benefit from the fact that our location offers close proximity to a strong public sector environment, as well as opportunities through partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, PATH, World Vision, and other organizations leading the way when it comes to driving change for the public good. The region is also home to a vibrant Evans School alumni community, with graduates engaged in active service at nonprofits, local governments, philanthropic organizations, and more.

The Seattle metropolitan area offers a quality of life that is among the highest in the country, with beautiful lakes and parks, incredible walkability, bike lanes, farmers’ markets, a lively music and cultural scene, and iconic tourist destinations, including Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, MoPOP, and the Seattle Art Museum.

When it comes to the best places to live, Seattle is consistently ranked at the top. Here are just a few ways our city shines:

• We have an amazing public transportation system, and UW students receive unlimited free rides on local buses, light rail, water taxis, and more via their Husky Cards.
• The Emerald City is known as a leader on sustainability efforts, with initiatives ranging from community gardening and curbside composting to bike lanes and renewable energy projects.
• Washington ranks as one of the healthiest states in part because we have easy access to recreation opportunities, including walking, biking, kayaking, hiking, and climbing. UW Recreation makes it easy for students to learn and play.
• And it’s true, Seattle is have some of the best coffee and coffee shops in the world.

There are opportunities to live next to campus or a bus or bike ride away. The UW has resources for undergraduate and graduate students looking to live on campus, as well as advice for finding off-campus housing.

Seattle has a reputation for non-stop rain. While it does rain a fair amount, our reputation tends to be exaggerated. Many cities, including Miami, St. Louis, and even New York City receive more annual rainfall than Seattle, but we do have more cloudy days.

Evans School alum and author of “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Seattle,” Allie Tripp shares her take on Seattle weather as a transplant.