Moving to the Seattle area for a job at Google? Before choosing a neighborhood, confirm which office you will report to. Google operates major campuses on both sides of Lake Washington, and the best place to live depends heavily on your assigned location.
Google’s official office directory currently lists its Seattle office at 1021 Valley Street in South Lake Union. The company also operates two Kirkland locations: the 6th Street Campus at 777 6th Street South and Kirkland Urban at 425 Urban Plaza. Google Office Locations
Google announced plans in 2025 to consolidate its Seattle employees in South Lake Union and eventually leave its longtime Fremont campus. No specific completion date was announced, so employees should verify their reporting location before signing a lease.
| Neighborhood | Best suited for | Primary Google office |
|---|---|---|
| South Lake Union | The shortest possible commute | Seattle |
| Eastlake | Waterfront access and a short bike or bus commute | Seattle |
| Queen Anne | Residential streets close to SLU | Seattle |
| Capitol Hill | Nightlife, restaurants, and strong transit access | Seattle |
| Fremont | Local restaurants, trails, and Route 40 access | Seattle |
| Wallingford | Residential living with access to SLU | Seattle |
| Ballard | More neighborhood amenities and flexible housing options | Seattle |
| Downtown Kirkland / Moss Bay | Walking or biking to Kirkland offices | Kirkland |
| Houghton / Lakeview / Everest | A short commute with more residential housing | Kirkland |
| Norkirk / Highlands | Residential streets near downtown Kirkland | Kirkland |
| Juanita | Waterfront recreation and a mix of rentals | Kirkland |
| Totem Lake | Newer apartments and convenient I-405 access | Kirkland |
These recommendations are based on commute options, housing types, transportation, and nearby amenities. Individual rental prices and travel times will vary by property.
Best Neighborhoods Near Google’s South Lake Union Office
1. South Lake Union
South Lake Union is the most convenient choice for employees who want to walk to Google’s Seattle campus. The neighborhood is filled with modern apartment buildings, restaurants, fitness studios, waterfront spaces, and other major technology employers.
Living in South Lake Union can reduce transportation expenses and make in-office days considerably easier. Many buildings also offer amenities such as package rooms, coworking areas, fitness centers, and secure bicycle storage.
The tradeoff is cost. South Lake Union is one of Seattle’s more expensive apartment markets, and units may provide less living space than rentals farther from downtown. Parking can also add a significant monthly expense.
The South Lake Union Streetcar connects the neighborhood with Westlake and downtown transit. However, walking or biking may sometimes be faster for shorter trips.
Consider South Lake Union if: your priority is minimizing your commute and you prefer a modern apartment in an urban neighborhood.
2. Eastlake
Eastlake sits along the eastern shore of Lake Union, immediately north of Google’s Seattle campus. It offers apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and houseboats in a more residential setting than South Lake Union.
Depending on the property’s location, employees may be able to walk, bike, or take a short bus ride to work. Eastlake also provides convenient access to I-5 and the University District.
Rental inventory is more limited than in South Lake Union, and parking varies considerably between properties. Anyone considering Eastlake should check the building’s parking arrangements and test the route to the office during normal commuting hours.
Consider Eastlake if: you want to remain close to Google while living in a smaller residential neighborhood near Lake Union.
3. Queen Anne
Queen Anne is located west of South Lake Union and offers a wide variety of apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and single-family rentals. Lower Queen Anne provides convenient access to Seattle Center, restaurants, entertainment, and several transit routes.
Properties on the eastern and lower parts of Queen Anne generally provide the easiest commute to Google. Homes farther up the hill can offer more space and residential surroundings, but walking or biking becomes more challenging because of the steep terrain.
King County Metro’s Route 8 connects Lower Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Capitol Hill, and other central Seattle neighborhoods.
Consider Queen Anne if: you want to remain close to work while having access to both residential streets and city amenities.
4. Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most active neighborhoods, with restaurants, cafés, music venues, grocery stores, and a broad selection of older and newer apartment buildings.
Route 8 provides service between Capitol Hill and South Lake Union, although traffic along Denny Way can affect travel times. Another option is taking Link light rail from Capitol Hill Station to Westlake and then walking or transferring to the streetcar.
Capitol Hill may involve a longer commute than South Lake Union or Eastlake, but it offers more nightlife and a wider range of businesses within walking distance.
Consider Capitol Hill if: neighborhood activity and transit access are more important to you than having the shortest commute.
5. Fremont
Although Google plans to leave its Fremont campus, Fremont remains a practical neighborhood for employees commuting to South Lake Union. It offers restaurants, breweries, apartments, condominiums, and access to the Burke-Gilman Trail.
King County Metro’s Route 40 connects Fremont with South Lake Union and downtown Seattle. Biking is another practical option, particularly for properties near the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
Fremont generally feels less like a downtown business district than South Lake Union, but traffic around the Fremont Bridge can affect bus and driving times.
Consider Fremont if: you want a neighborhood atmosphere with dining, trail access, and a reasonable commute to SLU.
6. Wallingford
Wallingford is located north of Lake Union between Fremont and the University District. Its rental inventory includes apartments, duplexes, townhomes, accessory dwelling units, and single-family homes.
The neighborhood can work particularly well for employees who prefer residential streets but still want access to Fremont, the University District, and South Lake Union. Commute convenience depends heavily on the property’s location, so rentals closer to Stone Way, North 45th Street, or the southern edge of the neighborhood may offer easier transportation.
Consider Wallingford if: you prefer a residential environment and do not mind a slightly longer commute.
7. Ballard
Ballard offers a large selection of apartments, townhomes, condominiums, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. It is farther from South Lake Union, but Route 40 provides service through Fremont and into SLU.
The commute can be less predictable during peak traffic, so Ballard may be more practical for employees with a flexible or hybrid work schedule. It can also provide more housing choices than the neighborhoods immediately surrounding Google.
Consider Ballard if: you value neighborhood amenities and housing selection more than having a short daily commute.
Best Neighborhoods Near Google’s Kirkland Campuses
1. Downtown Kirkland and Moss Bay
Downtown Kirkland and Moss Bay provide some of the best access to Google’s Kirkland Urban campus and the 6th Street campus. Depending on the property, employees may be able to walk or bike to work.
The area offers apartments, condominiums, waterfront parks, restaurants, grocery stores, and access to the Kirkland Transit Center. The central location is convenient, but waterfront and downtown rentals often command higher prices.
Consider Downtown Kirkland or Moss Bay if: you want to minimize driving and live near Kirkland’s waterfront and commercial center.
2. Houghton, Lakeview, and Everest
Houghton, Lakeview, and Everest are close to Google’s 6th Street campus. Housing includes apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and single-family properties.
These neighborhoods can offer a short commute while providing more residential surroundings than downtown Kirkland. Some properties also provide access to the Cross Kirkland Corridor, a regional trail used for walking and biking.
Rental supply may be limited compared with downtown Kirkland or Totem Lake, so it is worth beginning your search early.
Consider these neighborhoods if: you want a short Kirkland commute with more residential housing options.
3. Norkirk and the Highlands
Norkirk and the Highlands are located north and northeast of downtown Kirkland. They offer a mix of established homes, townhomes, apartments, and accessory dwelling units.
These neighborhoods remain close to Google’s Kirkland locations while providing more separation from the activity of downtown. The exact commute varies considerably because hills and major roads can make short distances less convenient for walking.
Consider Norkirk or the Highlands if: you want to stay near downtown Kirkland without living directly in its commercial center.
4. Juanita
Juanita is north of downtown Kirkland and offers apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and houses near Juanita Bay and Juanita Beach Park.
The neighborhood may offer more housing choices than central Kirkland, although most employees will rely on a car, bus, or bicycle to reach Google. Commute times can increase during traffic, particularly around Market Street and downtown Kirkland.
Consider Juanita if: waterfront recreation and a broader housing selection are important to you.
5. Totem Lake
Totem Lake has experienced significant residential and commercial development, creating a larger supply of newer apartments near shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, and I-405.
It is farther from Google’s downtown campuses, but it can be useful for employees who also need highway access to Bellevue, Bothell, or other regional employment centers. Metro Route 255 connects Totem Lake with downtown Kirkland and the University District.
Consider Totem Lake if: you prefer a newer apartment and convenient highway access.
Should Google Employees Consider Bellevue or Redmond?
Bellevue and Redmond may work for Google employees who expect to travel between multiple Eastside locations or who prioritize regional light rail access.
The completed Sound Transit 2 Line opened across Lake Washington on March 28, 2026. It now connects Redmond and Bellevue with Seattle, Mercer Island, and the larger Link network. Sound Transit
However, Link does not travel directly to downtown Kirkland. Employees commuting from Bellevue or Redmond to a Kirkland Google campus will still need to use a bus, bicycle, or car. Metro Route 250 connects Redmond, Kirkland, and Bellevue.
Bellevue or Redmond may make sense if a household has multiple work locations or if access to the full Eastside and Seattle transit network matters more than living close to the Kirkland office.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent Near Google?
As of July 2026, Zillow reported the following citywide averages across all bedrooms and property types:
- Seattle: Approximately $2,127 per month
- Kirkland: Approximately $2,895 per month
These are broad citywide averages and should not be treated as the expected rent for a particular neighborhood or property. Seattle Rental Market and Kirkland Rental Market
Rent can vary based on:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Building age and condition
- Parking availability
- In-unit laundry
- Pet policies
- Outdoor space
- Proximity to the office or public transit
- Furnished or unfurnished status
- Lease length
- Building amenities
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease
Which Google campus will you report to?
How many days will you commute each week?
Will you drive, bike, walk, or use transit?
Is parking included?
Have you tested the commute during peak hours?
Could your assigned office change?
Which Neighborhood Is the Best Choice?
There is no single best neighborhood for every Google employee.
For the shortest commute to the Seattle office, begin with South Lake Union, Eastlake, or Queen Anne. If restaurants, nightlife, and neighborhood character are higher priorities, consider Capitol Hill, Fremont, Wallingford, or Ballard.
For Google’s Kirkland campuses, Downtown Kirkland, Moss Bay, Houghton, Lakeview, and Everest offer some of the most convenient locations. Norkirk, Juanita, and Totem Lake provide additional rental options for employees willing to accept a longer commute.
The best approach is to confirm your office, choose your preferred transportation method, and compare several rentals based on their total monthly cost rather than rent alone.
Own a Rental Near a Google Campus?
Properties near Google’s Seattle and Kirkland offices can attract renters who value convenient commutes, transit access, parking, reliable internet, and well-maintained living spaces. However, successful leasing still requires accurate pricing, effective marketing, careful tenant screening, and responsive maintenance.
SJA Property Management helps rental owners throughout Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, and the surrounding Eastside market manage their properties professionally. Schedule a free consultation with our expert local team or call 425-658-1920 to discuss your rental property.
