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Sign a new lease and save up to $1,700! Daily self-guided tours available by appointment - book your tour today! Limited time only! *Lease terms vary. Lease start by 5/16/26. New residents only, on approved credit. Restrictions apply. See leasing for details.

modified
6 Hours Ago

Highlights

  • Rent Special
  • Pet Friendly
  • 24-hour fitness center
  • Clubhouse
  • Modern home
  • Dog park
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Ample storage space

Location

422 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA|South-Lake Union
Hi! Let’s figure out if this property is right for you.

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Tour The Cairns

Contact

Management

Essex Property Trust, Inc

Our team has verified this company

Leasing office

(206) 203-7462

Open 

10:00 am–5:00 pm PT

Property Overview

The Cairns is a highly rated community with an overall Zumper Expert Rating of 9.3/10, offering an excellent price-to-value balance and top scores in amenities, location, quality, and trustworthiness. Standout perks include a 24-hour fitness center, clubhouse, dog park, modern homes with fully equipped kitchens and ample storage, plus extensive photos to preview the property. It is especially convenient for work-from-home setups, fitness and wellness, an active social life, and pet owners, with abundant nearby coworking spots, sports facilities, event hubs, restaurants, and pet services.

This summary uses Zumper’s proprietary data. “Zumper Expert Ratings,” “Things you’ll love,” and “Great for” are based on our internal analyses of market trends and renter insights.

Zumper Expert Rating

9.9
Excellent
With an impressive overall rating of 9.9 out of 10, The Cairns is one of the top properties in South-Lake Union. It stands out for Price, Amenities, and Location, so residents can expect their monthly rent payments to give them elevated features, an exceptional standard of living, and a phenomenal experience.

Things you’ll love

  • Middle school nearby
  • Elevator
  • Images Available

Great for

  • Social life
  • Wellness
  • Pet owners

Floor plans

Plan SAStudio1 bath502 sqft$1,767 /mo1 unit available
Plan 1B1 bed1 bath611+ sqft$1,887–$1,927 /mo3 units available
Plan 2A2 bed1 bath828+ sqft$2,689–$2,827 /mo2 units available
Plan 2C2 bed2 bath1,015 sqft$2,899 /mo1 unit available

Let's explore this property.

Amenities for The Cairns

Tech

Wireless Internet

Building

Bike StorageCats OK
ClubhouseControlled Access
Dogs OKElevator
Fitness CenterOnsite Retail
Residents LoungeSmoke-free

Grounds

Assigned ParkingBarbecue Area
Dog ParkOutdoor Space
Rooftop TerraceStorage

Services

Night PatrolOn-Site Maintenance

Other

Online Resident Portal
Units, floor plans, amenities, dimensions, details, availability, and prices may be approximate and subject to change. Please contact a community representative for more information.

Policies and fees

Applicants

Application Fee

Per-applicant. Agent application fee.

Contact Property

REQUIRED FEES

Security Deposit

One-time. Refundable.

Contact Property

OPTIONAL FEES

Dog Policy

Allowed

Cat Policy

Allowed

Cat

Pet Rent

Monthly. 2 cats max. Pets must be spayed/neutered.

$50

Pet Deposit

One-time deposit per pet.

$250

Dog

Pet Rent

Monthly. 2 dogs max. Pets must be spayed/neutered.

$75

Pet Deposit

One-time deposit per pet.

$250

Questions about this property’s policies and fees?

Building details

Property details

Units99
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About The Cairns

HomeApartments in SeattleSouth-Lake Union The Cairns

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. For Rental Qualifications, please visit: http www essexapartmenthomes com rental-qualifications


Go to property website

Zumper Expert Rating

Our expert rating is based on a weighted average score of property attributes that renters care about most: price, amenities, location, quality, and trust.
9.9
/10
Excellent
With an impressive overall rating of 9.9 out of 10, The Cairns is one of the top properties in South-Lake Union. It stands out for Price, Amenities, and Location, so residents can expect their monthly rent payments to give them elevated features, an exceptional standard of living, and a phenomenal experience.
How we rated The Cairns
Price·10A score that weighs the cost and location of the property, which we calculate by comparing rent prices of recent units to the median price of nearby rentals, adjusting for overall quality and features.
The Cairns offers an excellent balance between price and value. It's priced competitively for its amenities, location, and other key features. Compared to the median price per bedroom in the area, this property is less than, or about the same as, nearby rentals, so residents can expect great value without too many compromises on their desired standard of living.
Amenities·10A score based on the amenities offered at this property compared to other rentals in the area. We consider the quantity, quality, and popularity of features both on site and within the units.
The Cairns stands out as a premier property with an impressive array of amenities and an excellent standard of living. Residents here have access to many of the most popular and desired perks—pets allowed—making this one of the top choices for renters seeking unparalleled comfort and convenience.
Location·10A score based on proximity and ease of access to shops, restaurants, schools, and public transportation while considering the desirability of the area.
The Cairns offers residents unparalleled convenience to popular points of interest, transportation, schools, and more, which provide an elevated quality of life. Communication with management is usually quick and easy, allowing for a more expedited application and renting process, saving you time and money.
Quality·10A score based on what makes the property stand out, such as luxury features, unique offerings, age of the building, and our ability to verify the accuracy of these details.
The Cairns has notable characteristics that give it an edge. It is a verified property that stands out from others nearby as an exceptional choice for renters looking for a specific lifestyle. Offering a combination of prestige, modernity, and tailored living experiences, residents can expect nothing short of excellence at The Cairns.
Trustworthiness·9A score based on the accuracy, completeness, recency, and usefulness of the information provided by this property, so you can trust that what you see is what you get.
The Cairns has gone above and beyond to craft a useful, detailed description, demonstrating transparency and trustworthiness, and giving renters a clear picture of what to expect from the property and its management, so they can make an informed decision about whether the rental meets their needs.

Reviews from the web

Showing 8 highest rated

I absolutely love living in this apartment building! The location is perfect, offering easy access to everything Seattle has to offer. The amenities are top-notch, with a well-equipped gym and a beautiful rooftop terrace that provides stunning views of the city. The management team is incredibly responsive and friendly, always going above and beyond to ensure residents are happy. My apartment is spacious and modern, with high-quality finishes that make it feel like home. Plus, the community here is welcoming and vibrant. Special Thanks to Mila Sandoval for Going above and beyond in helping us out.

Rushabh J Shah

Rushabh J Shah

Oct 01, 2024

Even I just move here for three weeks, I enjoyed it very much. The location is convenient and the staff(like Sharif) are very nice and they deliver a very comfortable environment to our residents. Hope it better and better.

涛江

涛江

May 29, 2018

We’re sharing just 8 of many, sorted highest to lowest. Visit the Google business profile to view all reviews.

The Cairns is great for:

Social life

  • 954 restaurants within 1 mile of this property
  • Community gathering spaces on-site (lounges, rooftops, etc.)
  • This community has public spaces on site, like fitness centers or pools
  • 120 local event hubs within 1 mile

Wellness

  • On-site fitness center or gym
  • HVAC systems available onsite
  • 59 sports facilities (like tennis courts) nearby
  • On-site fitness or wellness programs

Pet owners

  • 7 dog parks within 1 mile
  • Outdoor spaces are available at this property
  • 9 pet grooming services nearby
  • 29 pet supply stores near the property

Property highlights

We compared every listing in the surrounding area to determine which amenities are most common. If a building lacks an amenity that most others in the area have, it is a con. If a building has an amenity most others in the area do not, it is a pro. Similarly, price, schools, and size are calculated relative to the size, price, and distance to schools of the other properties nearby.

How The Cairns compares to other nearby properties.

Positives

Middle school nearby
There is a middle school 1 mile away
Elevator
Improved accessibility features
Images Available
There are at least 10 photos of this address
Walk-in closet
More closet space on average

Considerations

Greater distance from high schools
The nearest high school is farther than 1 mile away
Greater distance from grade schools
The nearest elementary school is farther than 1 mile away

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Rent trends in South-Lake Union

Studio apartments at The Cairns cost about 15% less than the average rent price for studios in South-Lake Union.

1-bedroom apartments here are priced 29% lower than 1-bedrooms in South-Lake Union.

If you decide to upgrade your space, you can expect 2-bedrooms at The Cairns to be 35% less than the average for similarly sized apartments in South-Lake Union.

Median rents as of Apr 25 2026.
South-Lake Union
Seattle
A table of studio rental data trends in Seattle
MonthMedian Rent
May 2024$1,398
June 2024$1,396
July 2024$1,425
August 2024$1,419
September 2024$1,398
October 2024$1,386
November 2024$1,384
December 2024$1,392
January 2025$1,395
February 2025$1,376
March 2025$1,387
April 2025$1,395
May 2025$1,395
June 2025$1,396
July 2025$1,396
August 2025$1,400
September 2025$1,397
October 2025$1,392
November 2025$1,374
December 2025$1,382
January 2026$1,352
February 2026$1,363
March 2026$1,379
April 2026$1,373
A table of studio rental data trends in South-Lake Union
MonthMedian Rent
May 2024$2,092
June 2024$2,068
July 2024$2,052
August 2024$2,058
September 2024$2,073
October 2024$2,117
November 2024$2,117
December 2024$2,064
January 2025$2,111
February 2025$2,059
March 2025$2,067
April 2025$2,083
May 2025$2,110
June 2025$2,139
July 2025$2,130
August 2025$2,135
September 2025$1,941
October 2025$1,961
November 2025$2,011
December 2025$1,914
January 2026$1,953
February 2026$2,074
March 2026$2,044
April 2026$2,053

Affordability calculator

Can I afford to live at 422 Yale Ave N?

Bedrooms

Rent-to-income ratio

30%

Slide to adjust the percentage of your monthly income you are willing to spend on rent.
The general rule of thumb is to spend around 30% or less of your income on rent.
Recommended income

$70,680/yr

With your selected rent-to-income ratio, you'd ideally want to make $70,680 annually to afford this studio monthly rent price of $1,767.
For more information on rent affordability, visit our rent calculator.

Schools near The Cairns

Lowell Elementary School

1058 e mercer st

seattle, WA, 98102

PK, K-5Public
B

Private School Services

2445 3rd av

seattle, WA, 98124

PK, K-12Public

Queen Anne Elementary School

411 boston st

seattle, WA, 98109

K-5Public
A-

TOPS K-8

2500 franklin av e

seattle, WA, 98102

PK, K-8Public
A-

Cascade Parent Partnership Program

2919 1st ave west

seattle, WA, 98119

K-8Public
A-
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Internet available near The Cairns

Neighborhood

South-Lake Union | Seattle, WA

NEIGHBORHOOD VIBE
Lively and energetic
You’ll be in the heart of the action in this bustling and vibrant area with plenty of shopping, nightlife, and culture.

Getting around Seattle near 422 Yale Ave N

Walking

10/10
No car? No problem. Everything you need is within a few blocks.

Driving

5/10
This area is accessible to thoroughfares and has ample parking options.

Cycling

6/10
Peddling isn’t a problem with cyclist-friendly streets and bikeable destinations.

Transit

9/10
Getting around is a breeze; rapid transit and bus lines are a few blocks away.

Points of interest for 422 Yale Ave N, Seattle

Groceries

9/10
At least one grocery store within a few minutes' walk

Shopping

9/10
Variety of shops within a few minutes' walk

Cafes

9/10
Variety of cafés within a few minutes' walk

Restaurants

9/10
Variety of restaurants within a few minutes' walk

Primary schools

8/10
At least one elementary school within a 10-minute walk

High schools

6/10
At least one high school within a 30-minute walk

Parks

8/10
Large amount of park space nearby

Nightlife

9/10
Variety of bars within a few minutes' walk

Explore the area around 422 Yale Ave N

Summit Food
530 Summit Ave E
Mercato Bellagio
745 Bellevue Ave E
King of the Hill
1705 E Olive Way
City Market
1722 Bellevue Ave
QFC
417 Broadway E

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