Broadway - Russell Jones Real Estate

🏙️ Explore Broadway – Vibrant Capitol Hill Living in Seattle

Broadway is both a major thoroughfare and a distinct neighborhood within Seattle’s Capitol Hill district. Often used as a synonym for Capitol Hill itself, Broadway defines the rhythm and energy of this iconic part of the city. With its lively mix of housing, shops, nightlife, and transit access, Broadway offers the quintessential Seattle urban lifestyle.

Where Is Broadway?

The Broadway neighborhood runs along the street that gives it its name. Broadway starts in the south near Yesler Terrace on First Hill and stretches north past the Loveless Building into the Harvard-Belmont Historic District. Though Broadway ends at the St. Mark's Greenbelt, it reappears again just north of the Skinner Auditorium alongside the Episcopal Diocese building, continuing on to just before 520.

Broadway is the main artery of Capitol Hill, with its busiest stretch between E Pine Street and E Roy Street. This is the commercial and cultural core of the neighborhood — and one of the most recognizable streets in all of Seattle.

Why Live on Broadway?

Living on Broadway—or more generally in the Broadway neighborhood—means being surrounded by:

Local shops, cafes, and restaurants — from indie bookstores to international cuisine;
Entertainment venues and nightlife just steps from your door;
The Capitol Hill Link Light Rail Station, which connects you to downtown, UW, the airport, and more;
Cal Anderson Park, a green oasis with sports courts, fountains, and events; and
One of the strongest LGBTQ+ communities in Seattle, with Pride events and inclusive spaces year-round

It’s ideal for:

Car-free or low-car lifestyles;
Condo and townhome buyers;
First-time homebuyers or investors; and
Anyone seeking walkability and constant action

Broadway Real Estate

Real estate on and around Broadway includes:

Modern condos and apartments, often above ground-floor retail;
Townhomes and older duplexes on quieter side streets; and
Some historic buildings near the Harvard-Belmont area, including classic brick walk-ups.

Housing is in high demand due to proximity to transit, work hubs, and nightlife — making Broadway a top choice for both homeowners and investors.

A Neighborhood with History

Broadway has long been the cultural spine of Capitol Hill. It was once part of Seattle’s streetcar network and later became a hub for activism, nightlife, and counterculture. Today, it’s evolving with new developments and expanded public transportation, while retaining its eclectic, energetic charm.

The History and Evolution of Broadway in Seattle

The name Broadway originally referred to a short street between Fourth and Fifth Streets platted in 1858. It is now known as Broad Street and was located at the portion adjacent to Seattle Center,

In 1869, a “new” Broadway appears in a plat as a short north-south street between Fir Street and Cherry Street in the First Hill neighborhood. As Seattle grew, Broadway gradually extended northward, passing over Capitol Hill and developing into the major thoroughfare of First Hill and Capitol Hill it is today.

This expansion established Broadway as a vital urban artery connecting several neighborhoods, becoming one of Seattle’s most recognizable streets. Today, Broadway is celebrated for its dynamic culture, vibrant nightlife, and its central role in the city’s urban fabric.

Copy of 1858 Plat by AA Denny and W N Bell Showing the Original Broadway

This 1871 re-recording shows the Second Addition Plat filed by A.A. Denny and W.N. Bell on August 18, 1858. This street is known today as Broad Street.

🎭 The Society Theatre: Broadway’s First Showplace

Broadway’s role as a cultural hub dates back to the early twentieth century with the opening of the Society Theatre, Capitol Hill’s first neighborhood theater.

Although the Society Theatre is often said to have officially opened in late 1911, records suggest the building was constructed and outfitted as early as 1909. That year, a Kimball tubular-pneumatic organ was installed—clear evidence that the space was designed for performances or film exhibition well before its grand debut.

Still, the earliest known newspaper references to the Society Theatre’s programming—such as a listing for “four reels of moving pictures and illustrated songs”—don’t appear until December 1911. This suggests the theater may have operated quietly or sporadically prior to its formal opening in what is now known as a soft opening.

In 1921, the theater was renamed the Broadway Theatre, cementing its role as a mainstay of entertainment on Capitol Hill. Though the original building no longer stands, the site marks an important chapter in Broadway’s transformation into a vibrant cultural and commercial corridor.

📚 References:

Pacific Coast Architecture Database, "Society Theatre, Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA"
Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society, "Broadway (Society) Theatre"
Paul Dorpat, Seattle Now & Then: The Society Theatre on Broadway

Explore More of Capitol Hill

Broadway is just one part of the Capitol Hill district. To learn more about surrounding neighborhoods — including Pike-Pine, Stevens, 15th Avenue, and Volunteer Park — visit our Capitol Hill neighborhood guide.

Ready to Find Your Place?

Browse the latest Broadway real estate listings below, explore local businesses, or check out our Capitol Hill blog posts for updates on architecture, market trends, and community events.

Broadway Listings

Explore current listings in Broadway, where classic Seattle charm meets unbeatable walkability. From vintage condos to modern apartments, these homes put you steps away from everything Capitol Hill has to offer.