Alki Elementary School
⭐ 9/10 GreatSchools
3010 59th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
🧭 In-ZIP (98116) ~0.4 mi to Alki Beach
Apartments to rent in 98116, Seattle
98116 covers West Seattle neighborhoods including North Admiral, Alki and Fairmount. The ZIP blends beach access, cafés and parks with relatively affordable rental options for Seattle — the water taxi and frequent bus connections make downtown reachable without driving.
Nearby ZIPs Comparison
| ZIPs | Cost | Schools | Safety | Walkability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98116 — West Seattle / North Admiral | Average | Good | Safe | Good |
| 98106 — Fauntleroy / Highland Park | Average | Good | Safe | Good |
| 98126 — North Delridge / Alki | Average | Good | Safe | Good |
| 98136 — Seaview / Sunrise Heights | Average | Fair | Safe | Fair |
| 98134 — SoDo / Harbor Island | Low | Fair | Less Safe | Good |
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe
Source: Zillow
ZIP 98116 Rental Prices
Studio
$1,200 – $1,900
1 bedroom
$1,400 – $2,600
2 bedroom
$1,800 – $3,600
3 bedroom
$2,500 – $4,800
Source: Zillow
Rentals available in 98116
98116 Schools & Education
Top Public Schools
Lafayette Elementary School
⭐ 8/10 GreatSchools
2645 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
🧭 In-ZIP (98116) ~0.3 mi to California Ave shopping
Madison Middle School
⭐ 9/10 GreatSchools
3429 45th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
🧭 In-ZIP (98116)~0.8–1.1 mi
West Seattle High School
⭐ 7/10 GreatSchools
3000 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
🧭 In-ZIP (98116) campus at California Ave
Top Private Schools
Holy Rosary School
⭐ Not rated Private school directories
4142 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
🧭 ~0.4–1.0 mi
Holy Family School (nearby, 98106)
⭐ Not rated (private school directories) PrivateSchoolReview
9615 20th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
🧭 ~1.5–2.0 mi (short drive)
Seattle Lutheran High School
⭐ Not rated Private school directories
4141 41st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
🧭 In-West Seattle area (~1.0–2.0 mi)
98116 Safety & Crime Overview
Safe
98116 (West Seattle) is mixed: residential stretches (North Admiral, Alki) are lower-crime and well-patrolled, while some southeast pockets show higher property-crime incidence. Overall the ZIP’s violent-crime rates are near or slightly below the city average but property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is the more common issue. Take common precautions (secure bikes, lock cars) and check micro-neighborhood maps for exact hotspots.
Source: CrimeGrade / local crime maps
98116 Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores
Walk Score ~52
Somewhat Walkable — many errands can be accomplished on foot in parts of the ZIP (junctions and Alki), while other pockets require a car.
Transit Score ~38
Some Transit — bus routes and the West Seattle Water Taxi provide options; transit is good for commute corridors but local frequency varies.
Bike Score ~29
Somewhat Bikeable — good bike routes in parts of West Seattle but hilly streets and a few busy arterials reduce bike comfort in places.
<15 min
Water taxi (Seacrest Park) to Downtown Pier 50 is about 10–15 minutes dock-to-dock during commute hours; bus/RapidRide connections to Downtown or SODO are typically 20–40 minutes depending on route and transfers.
Source: WalkScore.com
98116, Seattle Summary
Overview
98116 covers a scenic stretch of West Seattle from Alki and the beach, up through North Admiral and Fairmount pockets. The area mixes beach-town amenities (restaurants, waterfront parks) with village-style commercial streets (California Ave, Admiral Way) and forested green spaces (Schmitz Preserve). Rental pricing is generally competitive for Seattle — higher than many U.S. averages but often lower than central Seattle cores — making 98116 a popular compromise for renters wanting coastal access without downtown rents.
Key Features
- Waterfront access & views: Alki Beach and Seacrest Park give residents beach access and skyline views — popular for recreation and commuting via the water taxi.
- Strong neighborhood shopping: California Ave SW and the Junction provide cafés, independent shops and grocery options (Metropolitan Market, PCC).
- Good public & middle-school options: Alki, Lafayette and Madison frequently appear as higher-rated neighborhood schools for families in the ZIP.
- Solid transit choices: Water taxi + bus corridors (Route 50, RapidRide connections) let many residents commute without a car.
Housing Snapshot
- Mostly apartments + low-rise condos near the Junction and Alki; single-family homes uphill.
- Median rents are below downtown Seattle but above many suburban markets — good value for waterfront access.
- Inventory varies seasonally; summer months have higher churn and more listings.
History
- Early settlement & beach history Alki was one of Seattle's original landing areas; the shoreline and beach have long been community focal points.
- Residential growth 20th-century development and streetcar lines shaped the Junction and Admiral commercial nodes.
- Green preservation Schmitz Preserve Park protects old-growth pockets and is a recognized natural area within the ZIP.
Demographics and Lifestyle
- Population & household profile A mix of families, professionals and long-time residents; demographic statistics show a well-educated population with many owner-occupied homes in hillside pockets.
- Lifestyle Active outdoors culture — beach, running and biking; strong neighborhood-minded retail and restaurants.
- Cost profile Median household incomes and housing values are above national averages; rentals remain relatively accessible compared with core downtown ZIPs.
- Transit & commuting Commuters often use the water taxi, RapidRide/bus routes or drive — commuting times cluster around 20–40 minutes to major employment centers depending on mode.