Where is Seattle, WA?

Seattle is a vibrant city located in the northwest corner of the United States, nestled in Washington State. It is part of the Pacific Northwest region and is situated on Puget Sound. This coastal city is often considered to be one of the most beautiful and progressive cities in the country. To give you a sense of its location, Seattle is approximately a two and a half to three-hour drive south from the Canadian border. If you are planning a trip to Seattle or are simply curious about its geography, this guide will help you understand its precise location and how to find your way around this charming city.

Seattle's Location in the Contiguous US

Seattle's location can be pinpointed as being in the upper left-hand corner of the contiguous United States. If you are considering leaving the state from Seattle, the nearest country you can travel to is Canada. It's important to note that Seattle is the largest city in Washington but is not the state capital, which is Olympia.

Specific Address Guide for Seattle

While Seattle itself is vast and diverse, it is possible to give a detailed address for a specific location within the city. For instance, the city's City Hall is located at 600 4th Avenue, Seattle, King County. This address is in the northwest portion of the U.S., slightly south of the Puget Sound, which is an arm of the Pacific Ocean. The ZIP code for this address is 98104.

General Address Format in Seattle

Seattle addresses generally follow the same pattern as much of the United States. They include a building number, a street or avenue, the city name (Seattle), the state (Washington), and a ZIP code. The building number is approximately 100 times the number of the street or avenue, but remember that this rule applies to the street or avenue that runs perpendicular to the building's location. If you are facing a street or avenue that runs parallel to your building, that number should match the building number, with the perpendicular avenue being the one that is 100 times the building number.

Directionals in Seattle Addresses

Seattle's addresses often include a set of directionals: Northwest (NW), North (N), Northeast (NE), West (W), East (E), Southwest (SW), South (S), or None. These directionals can be quite confusing, so it's important to pay attention to them. For example, 15th Avenue Northeast (NE) is different from 15th Avenue West (W). Similarly, 55th Street is distinct from Northeast 55th Street. This can often lead to misinterpretation and confusion, especially for those who are new to Seattle. Therefore, it's crucial to always double-check which direction you are heading.

Example of a Seattle Address

Let's put this into an example. If a building is located near the corner of 25th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 60th Street, its address could be written as "2501 Northeast 60th Street, Seattle, Washington 98115." This format ensures that you can easily locate the building by following these straightforward steps.

Understanding the specificities of Seattle's location and address format can greatly enhance your experience in this beautiful and vibrant city. Whether you are a local, a visitor, or simply curious about the city's details, this guide should provide a solid foundation for your explorations.