We offer Self-Guided Tours by Appointment Only. The Cairns apartments in Seattle, WA offer a lifestyle immersed in culture and surrounded by adventure. Situated between Capitol Hill and South Lake Union, our community is uniquely positioned to offer access to all the best of the city, with sweeping skyline views and a sophisticated, modern home to match. Choose from our studio, one-, or two-bedroom residences, all featuring a fully equipped kitchen that is ideal for entertaining guests. Inside each home, you'll also find a combination of wood-style flooring and carpeting, ample storage space, and an in-unit washer and dryer. Showcasing beautiful views of the city, your Juliet-inspired balcony is perfect for an herb garden and a breath of fresh air. Around our community, you will find a host of amenities that contribute to the convenience of everyday life, such as a 24-hour fitness center, a clubhouse, and a dog park for your furry friend. Perhaps best of all is our fantastic rooftop deck, with entertaining area and sparkling city views. Just beyond our community, daily conveniences are minutes away. Whole Foods, Amazon Go, and 24-Hour Fitness, along with many nearby attractions like the Space Needle and the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) are all within easy reach. If you must travel farther, getting around the city is a breeze on the South Lake Union Streetcar and with easy access to I-5. The City of Seattle Renter's Handbook (PDF) summarizes the rental regulations and outlines the obligations and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. A paper copy is available from the Leasing Office upon request. This community does not accept reusable (portable) tenant screening reports. Price reflected is base rent and does not include mandatory or optional fees. Detailed fee information and fee schedules can be found on the community's Leasing Info page on our Essex website.
Status: Special offer
The Cairns
422 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Verified
Apartment building
Studio-2 beds
Pet-friendly
Available units
Price may not include required fees and charges.
 Unit 01313 Studio, 1 ba | 502 | Now | $1,639 |
 Unit 01419 1 bd, 1 ba | 666 | Dec 8 | $1,809 |
 Unit 01416 1 bd, 1 ba | 660 | Nov 12 | $1,909 |
Unit 01602 1 bd, 1 ba | 761 | Nov 22 | $2,229 |
 Unit 01704 2 bd, 2 ba | 1,015 | Now | $3,107 |
What's special
Sophisticated modern homeSweeping skyline viewsWood-style flooring and carpetingIn-unit washer and dryerAmple storage space
Office hours
| Day | Open hours |
|---|---|
| Mon - Tue: | 9 am - 6 pm |
| Wed: | 10 am - 6 pm |
| Thu - Sat: | 9 am - 6 pm |
| Sun: | 10 am - 5 pm |
Property map
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Facts, features & policies
Building Amenities
Community Rooms
- Club House: Clubroom
- Fitness Center
Outdoor common areas
- Barbecue: Barbecue Area
- Rooftop Deck
Security
- Controlled Access
- Night Patrol: Courtesy Patrol
Services & facilities
- Bicycle Storage: Bike Storage
- Elevator
- On-Site Maintenance
- Online Rent Payment: Online Resident Portal
- Pet Park
Policies
Lease terms
- We have flexible lease terms and pricing to fit your needs!
Pet essentials
Restrictions
Dogs: A deposit of $250 is required for up to 2 pets. We do not allow guardian dog breeds/crossbreeds, such as Alaskan Malamutes, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Akitas, Bullmastiffs, Mastiffs, Wolf Dogs or any dog that the landlord believes is a related breed. Restrictions are subject to change without notice. Restrictions do not apply to dogs that aid disabled individuals for equal access to housing.
Cats: A deposit of $250 is required for up to 2 pets.
Additional details
Pets must be spayed/neutered.
Pet amenities
Pet Park
Special Features
- On-Site Retail
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Wireless Internet: Wi-Fi In Select Amenity Areas
- Smoke-free building
Neighborhood: South Lake Union
Areas of interest
Use our interactive map to explore the neighborhood and see how it matches your interests.
Travel times
Getting around
Walk Score®
 / 100
Walker's ParadiseTransit Score®
 / 100
Excellent TransitBike Score®
 / 100
Very BikeableNearby schools in Seattle
Lowell Elementary School
Grades PK-5 • 0.6 miles3/10
GreatSchools® Rating
Test Score Rating
2/10Student Progress Rating
3/10Edmonds S. Meany Middle School
Grades 6-8 • 1.2 miles5/10
GreatSchools® Rating
Test Score Rating
5/10Student Progress Rating
4/10Garfield High School
Grades 9-12 • 1.9 miles8/10
GreatSchools® Rating
Test Score Rating
9/10College Readiness Rating
8/10Living in Seattle
South Lake Union sits just north of downtown Seattle, between Lake Union and the city center, with a dense mix of glass towers, older brick buildings and waterfront paths. The lake moderates the maritime climate, bringing mild, wet winters and generally dry summers. The neighborhood’s defining landmarks include the Museum of History & Industry and the Center for Wooden Boats, while Lake Union Park offers lawns, shoreline access and open-air events. Dining ranges from casual cafés to restaurants, and coffee shops and everyday retail are woven into the district. The South Lake Union Saturday Market adds a local shopping stop, while nearby theaters and downtown venues broaden arts and nightlife options. Streetcars, buses, protected bike routes and pedestrian paths connect the area to downtown and the lake. South Lake Union neighborhood rent has a median of $2,597 per month and a typical range of $1,100 to $6,998.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is The Cairns located, and what is the neighborhood like?
The Cairns is located at 422 Yale Ave N in South Lake Union, Seattle, WA. The surrounding area includes multiple restaurants and cafes within 2 miles, such as Analog Coffee, Espresso Vivace, and Tamari Bar.
What is the average rent in Seattle, WA?
Based on the latest Zillow data, the median rent across all unit types in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle is currently $2,597 per month. Prices vary by neighborhood, floor plan, and building amenities.
What schools are assigned to The Cairns?
The schools assigned to The Cairns include Lowell Elementary School, Edmonds S. Meany Middle School, and Garfield High School.
What are the grocery stores and everyday shopping options near The Cairns?
The Cairns is located near 2 grocery stores, including Whole Foods Market (0.5 miles) and Central Co-op (1 mile). Additional shopping options, including REI, are approximately 0.1 miles away.
What is the minimum and maximum rent for The Cairns?
The total price for an apartment unit in The Cairns ranges from $1,639 to $3,107. The total price will vary by floor plan, unit size, and unit amenities.
