Retailing is primarily along First Avenue, with locally owned and trendy shops selling cool clothing. Most of the restaurants prefer reservations, which limits hanging out and strolling the area while waiting for a table. Shoppers come to Belltown by car or walk from downtown. Queen Anne is one of the most popular and admired neighborhoods in Seattle. The neighborhood has older, classic single-family homes, small apartment buildings and condos and borders Seattle Center.
Retailing is evenly divided between independent and chain merchants.
The consumer base is broad, drawn from adjacent neighborhoods. Sports and cultural events at Seattle Center provide abundant support for the restaurants in lower Queen Anne. The University District serves primarily the students and residents in the neighborhood. University Village is a dynamic lifestyle center across from the University and has a regional draw. Capitol Hill is an area with three colleges and a diverse population.