Where new apartments are opening in Seattle

Seattle’s rental market has evolved significantly, with a little over 60,000 new apartments built in the last ten years. This amount reflects the city’s sustained growth as a tech industry powerhouse.

For renters exploring Seattle‘s coffee culture, natural beauty, and tech economy, knowing which areas have added the most inventory can streamline their search and help identify neighborhoods with abundant options.

So, which Seattle neighborhoods saw the most new apartment construction?

With its tech industry opportunities, stunning Puget Sound and mountain views, and thriving food scene, Seattle attracts tech workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and creative professionals. Although the cost of living is 44% above the national average, many renters value the city’s natural surroundings, career growth potential, and cultural diversity.

To help you narrow down your options, we’ll take you through the zip codes and neighborhoods where rental development has concentrated most:

Zip code 98109 leads Seattle with 9,647 newly completed apartments

Zip code 98109, which includes South Lake Union, Cascade, Eastlake, and parts of Westlake, leads Seattle in new apartment construction, adding 9,647 units.

Downtown Seattle is accessible within 10 to 15 minutes via the South Lake Union Streetcar or on foot. Renters will also find major employers within quick commutes, like Amazon headquarters, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and numerous biotech and tech companies.

Zip code 98122 welcomes 7,527 new apartments

Home to 7,527 newly completed apartments, zip code 98122 covers Capitol Hill, First Hill, and parts of the Central District. This area presents excellent walkability and plenty of urban amenities for renters to enjoy.

For commuters, downtown is just 10 to 15 minutes away via light rail, bus, or the First Hill Streetcar. Meanwhile, employers such as Swedish Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle University, Virginia Mason Medical Center, and downtown businesses are a short commute away.

Zip code 98144 has seen 5,250 new apartments built

Zip code 98144, covering parts of the Central District, Leschi, and areas near Jackson Street, has welcomed 5,250 new apartments.

Here, renters can rely on bus routes and light rail connections, with downtown Seattle just 15 to 20 minutes away. As for major employers, Group Health facilities and various neighborhood businesses are just along the transit corridors.

Zip code 98121 includes 4,918 recently completed units

With 4,918 new apartments added, zip code 98121 spans Belltown, Denny Triangle, and parts of Lower Queen Anne.

Residents benefit from immediate access to downtown within 5 to 10 minutes on foot. Plus, Amazon offices, Seattle Center employers, the Space Needle area tourism businesses, and the Pike Place Market area provide substantial employment opportunities.

Zip code 98104 has added 4,249 new rental units

Welcoming 4,249 new apartments, zip code 98104 includes Pioneer Square, the International District, and parts of the downtown.

Renters can access the business district immediately on foot, with light rail and bus connections throughout the city. King County Metro, King County government offices, numerous downtown corporate headquarters, and businesses along the waterfront are nearby.

Top 5 zip codes for new apartments in Seattle, WA

* Total new apartments completed between 2015 and 2025.

Source:
RentCafe.com analysis of Yardi data as of July 2025

Over the past decade, Seattle has experienced concentrated growth in its rental landscape, driven by Amazon’s expansion, broader tech sector hiring, and population influx from across the country. However, since late 2022, development has cooled due to rising interest rates, construction cost pressures, and the impact of remote work on downtown demand.

In response, developers are targeting neighborhood-scale projects and focusing on transit-oriented developments as Seattle works to distribute growth beyond the urban core. These patterns may signal shifting supply distribution as the city addresses affordability challenges and works to expand housing options in areas with strong transit access.

Methodology

RentCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the U.S.

This study uses data from 2015–2025, with the ‘past decade’ referring to this period.