Southeast Seattle Just five miles southeast of downtown Seattle, the Rainier Valley encompasses some of the city’s most colorful and diverse neighborhoods, including Columbia City, Genesee, Hillman City, Mount Baker, Seward Park, Lakewood, Rainier Beach and Othello. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the 98118 ZIP code – which includes much of Rainier Valley – is America's most diverse. A third of the population is African American, a third white and much of the balance includes immigrants from across the globe –Spanish to Somali, Vietnamese to Chinese, Japanese to Malaysian. More than 50 languages are spoken here. This diversity is celebrated by locals and is more accessible than ever to visitors. In 2009, Sound Transit opened the first line of its new Link light rail system, connecting downtown Seattle with the airport via the Rainier Valley.
