Looking for that perfect two-bedroom spot near Seattle with your very own balcony? You know, that special outdoor space where you can sip your morning coffee while taking in those gorgeous Northwest views? Finding the right apartment can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But don’t worry! I’ve got your back with some super helpful tips that’ll make your apartment hunt way easier.
The Seattle area has tons of amazing places with balconies, you just need to know how to find them! Let’s jump right in and get you on the path to finding that dream apartment where you can breathe in that fresh Pacific Northwest air from your very own private outdoor space.
7 Tips To Find 2-Bedroom Apartments With Private Balconies Near Seattle
Let me walk you through some proven strategies that’ll help you track down those awesome 2-bedroom tiny apartments with balconies near Seattle.
These tips come from years of watching the local housing market and helping folks just like you find their perfect spot.
Define Your Neighborhood Preferences Early
Before you start clicking through endless listings, grab a piece of paper and write down what you want in a neighborhood. Seattle’s got so many different vibes depending on where you go!
Are you looking for somewhere quiet and leafy like Magnolia? Maybe something with a bit more buzz like Capitol Hill? Or perhaps you’re thinking about Ballard with its cool mix of old and new?
Think about your daily routine too. If you work in downtown Seattle but hate long commutes, you might want to stick to neighborhoods like Queen Anne, South Lake Union, or First Hill.
If you don’t mind a short drive or transit ride, you could check out Fremont, Wallingford, or even parts of West Seattle which often have more spacious apartments and better balcony situations.
Don’t forget to consider what’s nearby! Do you need a grocery store within walking distance? Parks for morning runs? Cool coffee shops? Make your neighborhood wishlist now, and you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not wasting time looking at apartments in areas that don’t match your lifestyle.
Set a Realistic Budget Based on Current Market Trends
Let’s talk money! Seattle isn’t the cheapest place to rent, especially when you’re looking for that sweet balcony feature.
Right now, 2-bedroom apartments with private balconies in Seattle proper typically start around $2,100 and can go up to $3,500+ depending on the neighborhood, building amenities, and view quality. If that makes your wallet cry, don’t worry! These 2 bedroom apartments near Seattle deliver more than just square footage – they give you that indoor-outdoor living experience that makes the Pacific Northwest so special.
A good rule of thumb: your rent shouldn’t eat up more than 30% of your monthly take-home pay. So if your monthly income after taxes is $6,000, try to keep your rent around $1,800. But if you really want that balcony and need to stretch a bit, you might consider:
- Looking at slightly smaller units
- Finding a place with fewer fancy building amenities (do you really need that rooftop dog park?)
- Checking out neighborhoods that are a bit further out but still have good transit options
Remember to factor in ALL costs – not just the base rent. Ask about parking fees, pet rent, utility costs, and amenity fees. Sometimes a place that seems budget-friendly on paper can end up busting your budget once all these extras get tacked on.
Use Advanced Filters on Reliable Rental Platforms
Online rental platforms are your best friends during this search! But you need to know how to use them smartly.
Sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Redfin let you get super specific with your search filters.
Don’t just put in “Seattle” and “2-bedroom” and call it a day! Take full advantage of those advanced options.
Here’s what to do:
First, set your price range based on that budget we just talked about.
Then check the boxes for “balcony” or “private outdoor space” – different sites use different terms for this feature.
Next, filter by neighborhood using your list from tip #1. Some sites even let you draw a custom map area which is super helpful for targeting specific parts of neighborhoods.
Pro tip: Many sites let you save your searches and will notify you when new places that match your criteria hit the market.
Turn these alerts ON! In Seattle, the best places often get snatched up within days, so being first to know about new listings gives you a huge advantage.
Also check out local property management companies directly.
Places like Equity Residential, Essex, and Security Properties often have their own websites with listings that might not show up on the bigger platforms right away.
Expand Your Search Beyond Downtown Seattle
Listen, I get it! Downtown Seattle has that buzzy city energy that’s super attractive. But if you’re fixated only on downtown, you’re missing out on some amazing options.
Just a tiny bit north, you’ve got Greenwood, Crown Hill, and Bitter Lake – neighborhoods where you can often find bigger apartments with nicer balconies for less money than downtown spots.
These areas still give you easy access to the city but with a bit more breathing room.
Head east across Lake Washington and check out Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond.
These spots have gotten really popular with the tech crowd, and newer buildings there almost always include nice balconies.
The lake views can be absolutely stunning too!
South of Seattle, places like Columbia City, Georgetown, and even parts of Renton are worth considering.
They often have more bang for your buck, and the light rail makes getting into the city a breeze from many of these areas.
For those prioritizing both comfort and connectivity, apartments near Seattle with balcony create an ideal balance between city living and personal retreat space.
Just a little flexibility on location can open up so many more options with outdoor space that fits your budget.
Tour Apartments In-Person or Virtually
Never, and I mean NEVER, sign a lease without seeing the place first! Photos can be misleading – that “spacious balcony with stunning views” might actually be a tiny concrete slab overlooking a parking lot.
When you tour, bring a tape measure and check the actual balcony dimensions.
Is it big enough for what you want? Can it fit a small table and chairs? Or maybe you’re hoping to create a container rock garden – make sure there’s enough space!
Also check:
- Which direction does the balcony face? North-facing balconies get less sun in Seattle
- Is it covered or uncovered? This matters a LOT in rainy Seattle
- How’s the privacy? Can neighbors see right into your outdoor space?
- What’s the view like? Buildings, water, mountains, or parking lot?
- Any restrictions on balcony use? Some buildings have rules about things like grills, plants, or outdoor furniture
If you can’t visit in person, ask for a video tour. Have them take you out onto the balcony so you can see the actual space and view. Many property managers now offer detailed virtual tours that let you “walk through” the apartment from your computer.
Look for New Developments and Renovated Communities
Newer buildings in Seattle tend to have better balcony situations – they’re often bigger and better designed than in older buildings.
The Puget Sound region has seen tons of new apartment construction over the past few years. Many of these new communities specifically highlight outdoor living space as a key selling point.
Some neighborhoods with lots of new construction include:
- South Lake Union
- The Denny Triangle
- Ballard
- West Seattle Junction
- Columbia City
- Downtown Bellevue
Follow local development news or check websites like Seattle Curbed to learn about upcoming projects. Sometimes you can get on waiting lists for buildings that aren’t even finished yet!
Another advantage of new buildings: they’re more likely to have energy-efficient windows and doors leading to your balcony, which helps keep your heating bills down during those chilly Seattle winters.
Renovated older buildings can be hidden gems too. Many older buildings in Seattle were originally built with small balconies, but during renovations, some owners expand these spaces to meet modern preferences.
Act Fast and Be Lease-Ready
When you find that perfect place with an amazing balcony, you need to MOVE ON IT! Great apartments in Seattle can disappear in hours, not days.
Before you even start your search, get your application materials ready:
- Have digital copies of your ID, pay stubs, and employment verification
- Know your credit score and address any issues
- Have your rental history details handy
- Prepare personal references
- Get your application fee and security deposit money ready to go
When you find a place you love, be ready to apply on the spot. Having everything prepared gives you a major edge over other applicants who might be scrambling to gather their documents.
Consider writing a brief “about me” letter to include with your application.
Mention why you’re excited about the apartment specifically (yes, talk about that awesome balcony!) and why you’d be a great tenant. This personal touch can sometimes tip the scales in your favor when there are multiple applications.
If you really love a place, you might even consider offering a slightly higher rent or a longer lease term to stand out from other applicants.
Conclusion
Finding that perfect 2-bedroom apartment with a private balcony near Seattle takes some work, but it’s totally worth it when you’re relaxing outside with your morning coffee or evening glass of wine.
Start by knowing exactly what you want in terms of neighborhood and budget, use the right search tools, expand your geographical horizons, tour carefully, consider new developments, and be ready to move fast when you find “the one.”
Remember that being a bit flexible can open up more options.
Maybe a slightly smaller living room is worth it for that amazing balcony with mountain views! With these tips and a bit of patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the unique indoor-outdoor lifestyle that makes Seattle living so special.
Happy apartment hunting!
