Capitol Hill is a long ridge running north to south above downtown, with Broadway East as its main artery. First Hill, south of Capitol Hill proper, is the hospital nexus, a venue for life’s entrances and exits.

Capitol Hill is the tableau for everything in between.

The neighborhood remains the epicenter of Seattle’s youth and gay culture, though its hipness quotient has tilted from Broadway East to the East Pike-Pine neighborhood.

The Hill is home to all kinds of people: The cliché word is “eclectic.” Yet, something unifies the different types, from the dark-clad, urban existentials to the mansion dwellers near Volunteer Park: They’re here because they love the Hill.

BOUNDARIES:

North: East Roanoke Street.

South: Most pick Pike Street as the dividing line between Capitol Hill and First Hill, with First Hill running south to Yesler Way. West: Interstate 5. East: 23rd Avenue. Broadway unites First and Capitol Hill. ZIPs: 98112, 98122, 98102