Apartments Near Seattle University

TL;DR: The Perch Capitol Hill at 500 Belmont Ave E puts renters a short trip from Seattle University by bus or bike, with studios, one-bedrooms, one-bedroom-plus-den and two-level loft homes ranging from 436 to 1,071 square feet. A Walk Score of 96 and easy access to the Capitol Hill light rail station and RapidRide make it a practical alternative to on-campus housing or a dorm room.

Finding Apartments Near Seattle University

Apartments near Seattle University range from student-oriented buildings right by campus to full apartment communities a short transit ride away in neighboring Capitol Hill, and The Perch Capitol Hill at 500 Belmont Ave E is one of the latter. It sits between the Broadway and E Olive Way corridors, close enough to reach Seattle University quickly, while offering a different kind of home than what’s available immediately on campus.

Why look beyond campus-adjacent buildings

Seattle University’s own housing pages point students toward off-campus options once dorm space runs out or a resident wants more independence. The neighborhoods that come up most in that search, Capitol Hill among them, offer a wider mix of floor plans, private outdoor space, and buildings with amenities that a dorm simply can’t match. The Perch Capitol Hill fits into that picture as a boutique, six-floor building rather than a sprawling complex. That scale means a quieter, more personal experience: controlled building access, controlled access parking, and a rooftop lounge that residents actually use instead of a lobby that just gets passed through.

• Boutique scale. Six floors total, not a high-rise complex, so hallways and shared spaces stay quiet.
• Private homes. Every floor plan includes its own bathroom and kitchen, unlike most shared dorm setups.
• LEED Gold certified. The building was constructed with a carbon neutral footprint and was named a Green Builder Media Home of the Year in 2014.

What separates The Perch from a typical student rental

A lot of apartments marketed near Seattle University are older houses split into units or basic student rentals with minimal upgrades. The Perch Capitol Hill was built with sustainability and daily comfort in mind: floor-to-ceiling energy efficient windows that hold temperature better and cut down on street noise, passive cooling design so there’s no need for window AC units, and water-saving fixtures throughout. Those details matter more once you’ve lived somewhere a full year. A well-insulated window means a quieter night before an early class. Passive cooling means no bulky unit blocking a view of the Seattle skyline from a private balcony.

A 96 Walk Score and a rooftop with an Olympic Mountains backdrop turn a commute into part of the appeal, not a tradeoff.

Life at The Perch Capitol Hill

Life at The Perch Capitol Hill centers on the rooftop lounge, private decks, and a building designed around natural light, all things that make the apartment itself worth coming home to, not just a place to sleep between classes. The building’s tagline, Your Elevated Retreat, points to exactly that: a home base that feels calm after a day on campus.

The rooftop and outdoor living

The rooftop lounge has BBQ grills, city views, and an Olympic Mountains backdrop, and it’s a shared space residents can use for everything from a study break to a weekend gathering. Most homes also come with their own exterior deck, so there’s private outdoor space beyond the shared rooftop. Views vary by home and by floor. Some balconies look out toward the Space Needle and the Seattle skyline. A number of homes also have views of Mount Rainier, though not every unit does, so it’s worth checking the specific home during a tour rather than assuming.

• Rooftop lounge. Shared space with BBQ grills and panoramic views, open to residents.
• Exterior decks. Most homes include a private deck; some feature cedar siding and an exterior stair.
• Natural light. Abundant windows throughout, a real difference during Seattle’s darker months.

Everyday comforts inside the home

Inside, every home has quartz countertops, modern kitchen cabinets, and modern wood-look flooring paired with cozy carpet in the right spots. Energy Star appliances and an in-home washer and dryer come standard, which matters a lot for anyone who’s dealt with a shared laundry room on a tight schedule between classes and work. Package handling is simple too, with Parcel Pending package lockers on site, and getting around by bike is easier with controlled access bike storage built into the building.

• In-home laundry. Washer and dryer included in every home, no shared laundry room.
• Secure deliveries. Parcel Pending lockers hold packages until you’re ready to grab them.
• Bike storage. Controlled access storage supports a car-free or car-light routine.

Factor	Seattle University Residence Hall	The Perch Capitol Hill
Living space	Shared room, communal bathroom in most halls	Private studio to two-level loft, 436 to 1,071 sq ft, own bathroom
Kitchen	Shared or none, meal plan required	Full kitchen with quartz countertops and Energy Star appliances in every home
Laundry	Shared laundry room, coin or card operated	In-home washer and dryer included
Outdoor space	Common courtyard or lounge only	Exterior deck on most homes, plus a shared rooftop lounge with BBQ grills
Commute to campus	On campus, walk to class	Short bus or bike ride via RapidRide or nearby light rail
Lease flexibility	Academic year contract	Standard apartment lease, independent of the school calendar

Getting to Campus from Belmont Ave E

Getting to Seattle University from The Perch Capitol Hill means a short trip by bus, bike, or light rail rather than a drive, since the building sits at Belmont Ave E and Summit Ave E with a Walk Score of 96. That score reflects how much of daily life, groceries, coffee, restaurants, is reachable on foot, and it also means the commute to campus doesn’t require a car.

Transit options from the building

The Capitol Hill light rail station is nearby, connecting to the rest of the Link system, and RapidRide service runs close by as well. Between the two, getting downtown, to First Hill, or toward the Seattle University campus in the First Hill and Central District area is a quick trip rather than a long haul. For anyone who doesn’t want to own a car at all, cycle share and ZipCar access round things out. That’s a meaningful cost saver compared to owning a car in the city, and it fits naturally with the building’s controlled access parking for residents who do keep a vehicle.

• Capitol Hill light rail station. A short distance from the building, connecting to the broader Link system.
• RapidRide access. Frequent bus service nearby for a fast, car-free commute.
• Car-share options. Cycle share and ZipCar reduce the need to own a car outright.

Biking and walking the route

Capitol Hill’s street grid and the neighborhood’s overall walkability make biking or walking to campus a realistic option for a lot of residents, especially with controlled access bike storage on site at The Perch. The distance from Belmont Ave E down toward the Seattle University campus is manageable on a bike, and Seattle’s investment in bike infrastructure around Capitol Hill and First Hill has made those routes more comfortable in recent years. For days when biking isn’t ideal, whether it’s raining or you’re carrying a heavy bag, the transit options above cover the gap without much added time.

Dorm vs. Off-Campus: What It Actually Costs

Whether it’s cheaper to live off campus or in a dorm depends on the specific dorm rate, meal plan requirements, and the apartment’s rent and utilities, but off-campus living generally trades a fixed academic-year housing cost for more control over space, roommates, and lease terms. At The Perch Capitol Hill, floor plans range from 436-square-foot studios up through a single 1,071-square-foot two-level 2 Bed 2 Bath loft, which means there’s a range of price points to consider rather than one flat dorm rate.

What’s included and what’s not

Residents at The Perch are responsible for their own utilities, and renter’s insurance is required, both of which are worth factoring into a monthly budget alongside rent. Parking runs $250 per month for residents who want a spot, and pet rent is $50 per pet per month for anyone bringing an animal along, since the building is pet-friendly. Move-in costs include a $60 application fee, a security deposit of $600 which is refundable, and a hold fee that applies toward the first month’s rent. That hold fee is $400 for homes renting at $1,600 or more, $350 for homes between $1,200 and $1,599, and $250 for homes under $1,199. Anyone bringing a pet should also budget for a $300 refundable pet deposit, and residents using a fob or transmitter pay refundable deposits of $20 and $75 respectively.

• Application fee. $60, standard for processing a new application.
• Security deposit. $600, fully refundable at move-out under normal conditions.
• Parking. $250 per month for a controlled access spot in the building.

MFTE: a path to reduced rent

A limited number of homes at The Perch Capitol Hill are part of Seattle’s Multifamily Tax Exemption program, known as MFTE, which offers income-qualifying renters a reduced rent. These homes have separate availability from the standard floor plans, along with an eligibility review, income documentation, and annual recertification requirements. Right now there’s an offer of up to two weeks free specifically on MFTE units. Anyone interested in this route can look into the mfte program in more detail and apply directly through Pronto Housing. This is worth exploring for students or staff connected to Seattle University who qualify, since it can meaningfully lower the monthly cost of living close to campus.

• MFTE availability. Separate from standard units, with its own eligibility and income review.
• Current offer. Up to two weeks free, applicable to MFTE units only.
• Application process. Handled online through Pronto Housing, with annual recertification required.

Capitol Hill Neighborhood Life

Capitol Hill is the neighborhood surrounding The Perch, sitting along the Broadway and E Olive Way corridors near Pike/Pine, and it offers a dense mix of coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and nightlife within a few blocks. For anyone weighing what neighborhood is near Seattle University and worth living in, Capitol Hill covers daily needs without requiring a car, which matters a lot on a student or working schedule.

Coffee, food, and everyday errands

Mornings are easy with Analog Coffee on Summit Ave E, Espresso Vivace on Broadway E, or hearth and coffee just down the block, all a few blocks from Belmont Ave E. For meals, Harry’s Fine Foods, Single Shot, and Cafe Lolo sit within a few blocks, alongside Capitale Pizzeria and Falafelville for something quick. Broadway Market on Broadway E covers a lot of everyday shopping needs, and Kobo Shop and Gallery adds a local touch for anyone who wants something beyond the basics.

• Coffee shops. Analog Coffee, Espresso Vivace, hearth and coffee, Mintish Coffee House, and more within a few blocks.
• Restaurants. Harry’s Fine Foods, Altura, Deluxe Bar and Grill, Corvus and Company, Star Sushi and Bar.
• Shopping. Broadway Market and Kobo Shop and Gallery cover groceries and local goods.

Parks and green space

Cal Anderson Park is one of the neighborhood’s central gathering spots, and it’s a few blocks from The Perch. Closer still, Summit Slope Park and Tashkent Park offer smaller, quieter green space, while Volunteer Park is a longer but still walkable option for a bigger outdoor stretch. Between the rooftop lounge at The Perch and these nearby parks, there’s no shortage of outdoor options without needing to drive anywhere.

• Cal Anderson Park. A central Capitol Hill park within easy a few blocks.
• Summit Slope Park. A smaller, closer green space near Summit Ave E.
• Volunteer Park. A larger park a bit further out, still walkable.

Choosing the Right Floor Plan

Choosing the right floor plan at The Perch Capitol Hill comes down to how much space is needed and whether a private den or a second level matters, since the building’s floor plans range from compact studios to a two-level loft with two bedrooms. Reviewing the full floor plans lineup ahead of a tour makes it easier to narrow down options before scheduling a visit.

Studios and one-bedrooms

The studio homes range from 436 to 497 square feet across seven layouts, labeled Studio A through Studio G, each with its own bathroom and kitchen. For anyone wanting a bit more separation between sleeping and living space, the one-bedroom homes run from 599 to 731 square feet, including a one-bedroom-plus-den option at 731 square feet for extra flexibility, whether that’s a home office or additional storage. Schedule A Tour to walk through a few of these floor plans in person and get a feel for the natural light and layout before deciding.

• Studio homes. Seven layouts from 436 to 497 sq ft, each with a full kitchen and bathroom.
• One-bedroom homes. Four layouts from 599 to 731 sq ft.
• One-bedroom-plus-den. A 731 sq ft option with added flexible space.

Two-level lofts

The loft floor plans are the least common in the building and tend to go fastest. There are three one-bedroom loft layouts, ranging from 646 to 750 square feet, each with a mezzanine sleeping level above the main living area, and some feature exposed wood ceilings for added character. There is only one 2 Bed 2 Bath loft home in the entire building, at 1,071 square feet, making it the largest and most distinctive floor plan available. Because it’s a single unit, anyone interested should check the availability page regularly, since it’s shown on an interactive SightMap that can be filtered by floor, price, move-in date, and bedroom count.

• One-bedroom lofts. Three layouts from 646 to 750 sq ft with a mezzanine sleeping level.
• Two-bedroom loft. One home in the building, 1,071 sq ft, the largest floor plan offered.
• Availability tool. The SightMap on the availability page filters by floor, price, and move-in date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Seattle University offer apartment housing?

Seattle University offers on-campus residence halls like Campion Hall, Bellarmine Hall, and Chardin Hall, but many students and staff choose off-campus apartments for more space and independence. The Perch Capitol Hill, a short commute from campus via RapidRide or the Capitol Hill light rail station, is one option in the neighboring Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Is it cheaper to live off campus or in a dorm?

It depends on the specific dorm rate, meal plan, and apartment rent, but off-campus apartments let you control costs like parking, pets, and utilities individually rather than paying one fixed housing rate. At The Perch Capitol Hill, move-in costs include a $60 application fee, a refundable $600 security deposit, and a hold fee based on the home’s rent, giving renters a clearer breakdown of expenses than a bundled dorm fee.

What neighborhood is Seattle University in?

Seattle University sits in the First Hill area of Seattle, adjacent to Capitol Hill. The Perch Capitol Hill, located at 500 Belmont Ave E between the Broadway and E Olive Way corridors, is a short trip from campus by bus, bike, or light rail.

What is the most affordable area to live near Seattle University?

Affordability varies by building and floor plan, but income-qualifying renters can look into MFTE housing, which offers reduced rent through Seattle’s Multifamily Tax Exemption program. The Perch Capitol Hill participates in the mfte program with a limited number of income-restricted homes, currently offering up to two weeks free on those units.

How far is The Perch Capitol Hill from Seattle University?

The Perch Capitol Hill sits in Capitol Hill near the Broadway and E Olive Way corridors, a short commute from Seattle University’s First Hill campus using RapidRide or the nearby Capitol Hill light rail station. Many residents also bike or walk part of the route given the neighborhood’s Walk Score of 96.

What floor plans are available at The Perch Capitol Hill?

The Perch Capitol Hill offers studios from 436 to 497 square feet, one-bedroom homes from 599 to 731 square feet, a one-bedroom-plus-den at 731 square feet, one-bedroom two-level lofts from 646 to 750 square feet, and a single 1,071-square-foot two-bedroom loft. Current availability can be checked on the building’s availability page.

Does The Perch Capitol Hill allow pets?

Yes, The Perch Capitol Hill is pet-friendly. Pet rent is $50 per pet per month, and a refundable pet deposit of $300 per pet is required at move-in.

Is parking available at The Perch Capitol Hill?

Yes, the building offers controlled access parking for $250 per month. Many residents also rely on nearby RapidRide service, the Capitol Hill light rail station, cycle share, and ZipCar instead of keeping a car.

How does MFTE work at The Perch Capitol Hill?

MFTE, or Multifamily Tax Exemption, homes at The Perch Capitol Hill are income-restricted units with a separate application process through Pronto Housing, requiring income documentation, an eligibility review, and annual recertification. A current offer provides up to two weeks free specifically on these MFTE units.

Finding a Home Base Near Seattle University

Apartments near Seattle University don’t have to mean a basic student rental or a shared dorm room. The Perch Capitol Hill offers private, well-built homes from 436 to 1,071 square feet, a rooftop lounge with BBQ grills and city views, and a commute to campus made easy by RapidRide and the nearby Capitol Hill light rail station. Add in a Walk Score of 96, in-home laundry, and a limited but real path to reduced rent through the mfte program, and it’s a practical, comfortable base for anyone connected to Seattle University. The best way to know if it’s the right fit is to see it in person. Schedule A Tour to walk through the available floor plans, check out the rooftop, and get your questions answered directly by the leasing team. You can also call the leasing line at 206-489-2747 or email Leasing@pacificcrestre.com to ask about current availability before you visit.