I recently lived in Cap Hill for about 3 months, and it was (mostly) great. There are plenty of good groceries in Cap Hill area - There's a large QFC, a Trader Joe's and the Central Co-op (my favorite). I lived just around the corner from the library a block off Broadway and there is lots of excellent food in walking distance (Annapurna Cafe & Kedai Makan are my favorites!), Vivace coffee, bars, cannabis, and other shopping if you need it. There are some big parks - Volunteer Park is excellent and Cal Anderson at least provides some green. Depending on where you live, it definitely is sketchy at night, mostly the closer you are to the downtown side and Broadway. I would only walk my dog less than a block away after dark. But it's mostly petty crime, some muggings, but not so much violent gun crime.
If Covid-like viruses are going to continue to be an issue, I'd look for a place that has some kind of balcony or other outdoor area because there just isn't a ton of that around depending on where exactly you live (besides the previously mentioned parks). Also keep in mind that August-September has become wildfire season and Seattle has been hit with major smoke keeping people mostly indoors when it gets real bad, but that's pretty much most of the west coast these days.
All that said, I love Seattle and think it's a great place to spend some time.
Thank you so much for this.
I don't generally go out at night, which is probably why I don't mind living in a sketchy area. I don't drink, smoke pot, or shop much so don't frequent bars or shops, but I like being around hustle and bustle.
I do love a good park to walk in, but am happy to just walk along city streets as well.
I won't have much time for anything really. Between the program and keeping myself fed, I doubt I'll have much energy.
I love having a balcony in a busy place though, especially for a long day of studying where I can feel part of the city energy without actually having to be in it.