Are you considering moving to Seattle? It’s hard to blame you.
I currently live in Seattle and can confirm that life in this robust city feels like a privilege most days.
There’s no denying that the city has an inexplicable draw on folks looking to start afresh in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
But, as with anything in life, there’s also downsides.
Sure, living in Seattle is great for some — but is it the right decision for you?
If you’re considering moving to Seattle, I’d like to share my personal list of the honest pros and cons of living in Seattle to make your decision process easier.
While reading this list, please keep in mind that this is my personal list of the pros and cons of living in Seattle, not everyone will feel the same way.
With that said, let’s jump right in!
Pros & Cons of Living in Seattle Washington
Note: This post is part of the Local Living Series, wherein locals share honest insights of living in a specific city through comprehensive pros and cons lists. If you’d like to reach out to the author directly with questions, please do so in the comments below and our team will ensure it gets to the right person.
Pros of Living in Seattle
#1. Proximity to nature
Seattle’s nickname as the Emerald City is well deserved. The nickname is directly related to the nature and greenery surrounding the city year-round, even during the dreary winter months thanks to evergreen forests that enclose the city on all sides.
When considering moving to Seattle, the access to nature is possibly the biggest draw.
I think nature is a big reason so many people choose to live in the Pacific Northwest, in general.
Seattle is a mere two-hour drive from all three of Washington’s breathtaking national parks. Not to mention the plethora of hiking trails just a stone’s throw from the city’s limit.
All this to say, Seattleites take outdoor recreation seriously, and thankfully, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.
#2. Great career opportunities
Seattle has an astounding amount of career opportunities, especially in the tech industry.
In fact, Seattle consistently ranks as one of the top 10 best cities in the country for jobs, thanks to the strong job economy in this tech-centric city.
And since some of the biggest tech companies (in the entire world) are clustered into Seattle’s city limits, it probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that Seattle is considered one of the best cities in America for tech jobs.
Home to Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, Nintendo and Microsoft. Over the past few years a handful of other notable companies moved to Seattle like Adobe, Google, Apple and Facebook.
But don’t let me fool you – competition is fierce. These renowned companies have a very large and talented pool of applicants to choose from, so folks that live in Seattle can’t help but take their careers seriously.
As such, Seattleites are sometimes considered workaholics.
#3. There’s no state income tax
Washington is one of only nine states in the country that doesn’t have a state income tax.
Which is actually a big deal when you think of it this way: The exact same salary in the neighboring state of Oregon would automatically bring in 10% less because of Oregon’s income tax.
Say you’re bringing in $50,000 per year, that’s a savings of $5,000. In fact, it’s not uncommon for life-long Oregonians to retire in Washington for this very reason.
But I’m all for transparency, what Washington lacks in state income tax it makes up for in sales tax (6.5%) and Seattle has an additional sales tax of 3.75%.
Essentially this means you will be paying a hefty 10.25% in sales taxes on anything you buy in Seattle. Which is one of the top 5 highest sales taxes in the country.
Hence, some Washingtonians head south to Oregon for large purchases like electronics and jewelry. Funny how that works!
#4. Seattle is a safe city
I’ve never felt unsafe living in Seattle. Like most folks my age (mid-30s), I wake up around 6am and drive to work. After parking my car, I walk 8 city blocks to my office.
Sometime I grab drinks with friends after work and wander downtown until 9pm. Other times I’m home by 7pm.
I’m definitely not living on the edge by any means, my life isn’t overly exciting but it works for me.
All this to say, I’ve never experienced anything eventful safety-wise, even while walking back to my car alone at 9pm.
I don’t want to paint a false picture though because Seattle is definitely experiencing a housing crises (like most overpopulated cities in America). As such, homelessness is rampant and very apparent.
Some people associate homelessness with crime, but that is not always the case.
Most of the homeless in Seattle don’t pose a threat and leave folks alone – I’ve yet to have a memorable interaction in that department, but wanted to mention it regardless.
#5. The incredible food scene
Seattle restaurants are all about quality ingredients and local produce and let me tell you — we are all better for it. Local reigns supreme and you can definitely taste the difference.
The seafood dishes in Seattle are some of the best you’ll find in the country but there’s also a great selection of Asian cuisines as well.
Seattle has the 5th highest concentration of restaurants in the country (per 10,000 households). Plus, both chefs and critics love partaking in the city’s diverse culinary scene here — for instance, Anthony Bourdain is quoted as saying:
“Seattle has one of the best and most interesting food scenes in America.”
Anthony Bourdain
Anthony, you’re making us blush.
#6. Seattle is an intellectual city
Seattle is full of intellectuals, so much so, that is has earned the ranking of America’s smartest city in 2018.
In fact, 47% of Seattleites hold bachelor’s degrees — the highest percentage of degree holders in the country (and double the US average of 24%).
But we all know how it goes – for every true intellect there’s always two know-it-alls.
So take this pro with a grain of salt, because if you’re moving to Seattle you’ll be surrounded by folks who think they know best.
I will add that I enjoy living in Seattle because there’s never a shortage of interesting conversations to be had. You know how it goes, there’s pros and cons to everything.
#7. There’s no need for air conditioning
Seriously, apart from maybe two weeks a year, there’s no need for AC when living in Seattle.
In fact, Seattle is the least air conditioned city in the US and one of the best cities in the country to live for people with allergies.
#8. Seattle is downright beautiful
Seattle is genuinely a beautiful city.
Between the city’s famous skyline (looking at you, Space Needle), the jaw-dropping Olympic mountains looming in the background, swaths of healthy evergreen forests and the scenic Puget Sound – it’s hard to find another American city that compares to this level of beauty.
Living in Seattle feels like a treat because the city is a joy to look at. From the hilly city streets to the charming homes and quaint cafes. Seattle is a treat for the eyes.
Plus, the infamous rain keeps things green and fairly clean – always a perk!
#9. Seattle has phenomenal summers
Seattle has some of the best summers in the country. Humidity is nonexistent, temperatures are mild (seldom exceeding 75-80 degrees) and sunshine is reliable.
For many people, the nature is the biggest draw of moving to Seattle and the spectacular summers make it possible to take advantage of outdoor recreation without constant fear of oppressive heat.
I mean, just take a day trip to Mt. Rainier National Park in July and you’ll be hooked in no time.
What’s more, we don’t really have massive bug problems here, so you can easily spend time outside late into the evening — a perk of living in Seattle that is not to be underestimated.
And evening temperatures dip to comfortable lows, which make early mornings and late evenings rather enjoyable because you get a break from the summer heat.
Further Reading: 10 Jaw-Dropping Things to Do at Mt. Rainier National Park
#10. Seattle is a dog friendly city
When you live in Seattle you’ll notice that a handful of your neighbors, coworkers and friends will have a dog. It’s no surprise that the home of the beloved puppuccino caters to dog lovers in every way imaginable.
You’ll see dogs at restaurants, cafes, parks and even a handful of workplaces.
If you plan on moving to Seattle with a dog, you have a clear advantage of making friends because you’ll be meeting other people at dog parks or during your walks.
#11. Seattle is the best coffee city in America
Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks Coffee, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice by skipping out on the incredible local coffee shops while living in Seattle.
It’s no coincidence that Seattle is often ranked as the best coffee city in America. With one cafe for ever 2,300 residents, there’s no excuse to drink bad coffee while living here.
If you consider yourself a coffee-aficionado, pay homage to the company that put coffee on the map by visiting the original Starbucks store at Pike Place Market — or better yet, swing by the Seattle Roastery for an experience you won’t soon forget.
Cons of Living in Seattle
#1. High cost of living
As mentioned earlier, the cost of living in Seattle is a major con. We’re not even in the same timezone as affordable.
In fact, in 2019, Seattle was ranked the 5th most expensive city in the country – trailing behind Manhattan, San Francisco, Honolulu and Brooklyn. Ouch.
On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the downtown core area will set you back $2,200. It’s not uncommon for folks with well paying jobs to have roommates.
Sure, Seattle jobs pay more than the national average, but rent typically far exceeds 40-50% of take-home pay.
All this to say, if you’re moving to Seattle, expect housing to take a big bite out of your budget.
#2. The weather
As you may know, Seattle is known as a rainy city. And yes, it does rain in Seattle but not as often as some people think.
For instance, Seattle gets less rain than New York City and Washington D.C. In fact, Seattle isn’t even in the top 10 rainiest cities in America.
Based on firsthand experience, one of the biggest cons of living in Seattle isn’t the rain, it’s the forever-looming gray clouds taking residence above the city.
The sky is gray and gray most months of the year, which makes winter feel so long. It also doesn’t help that the sun rises later and sets earlier from November to February
Knowing this, it’s no wonder Seattleites are desperate to take advantage of the quickly-fleeting blissful summer months.
Hiking trails are packed during summer because everyone wants to take advantage of the sunshine.
The best way to combat Seattle’s dreary winter weather? This handy device. I honestly couldn’t live in Seattle without it during the winter months.
Also worth mention, Seattle locals take great pride in shunning umbrellas (similar to Portlanders). Oftentimes the joke is that an umbrella is a clear sign of a tourist. Heads up!
#3. The Seattle Freeze
If you find yourself having a hard time making friends after moving to Seattle, don’t worry, you are not alone.
Seattle’s cold shoulder is so infamous, there’s an actual term for it — The Seattle Freeze.
Life-long Seattle residents take great pride in their city and sometime dislike newcomers.
If you’re feeling the sting, I suggest befriending other newcomers but getting involved in your local community and putting yourself out there.
Attend work events, compliment someone at a cafe, join a book club or find a workout group.
I don’t want to sound naively optimistic, but I feel like the Seattle Freeze is slowly starting to soften because of all the recent transplants.
Seattle was considered the third fastest growing city in America by population in 2018 and I think we’re all better for it.
With so many new folks moving to Seattle, it’s easier to make friends than it was in the past.
The Seattle Freeze is real, just know it’s not personal and you’ll be able to find ways around it.
#4. The constant traffic
Time and time again, Seattle clocks in as one of the worst cities for traffic in the country. Rush hour lasts about 5 hours a day (yes, really) and the city is in complete gridlock during that hour.
It’s safe to say that when you live in Seattle, traffic is all but guaranteed in your daily life.
As Seattle grows, the aging infrastructure can’t keep up with demand. As such, plan to spend a lot of time sitting in a car practicing zen mantras over and over because you’ll need it.
Most locals prefer driving to taking public transportation… which probably tells you everything you need to know about public transportation in Seattle, but we’ll cover that shortly.
#5. The housing market
Seattle is considered one of the most expensive cities in the country to buy a home — which is definitely something to consider if you plan on moving to Seattle to settle down long-term.
If you’d like to live close to downtown, starter homes (requiring some work) start around $799,000 and increase annually.
The housing market in Seattle is nowhere near affordable. If I finally save enough for a down payment, my only option is to move out of Seattle proper to buy a home.
It’s unfortunate because I enjoy living in Seattle’s vibrant downtown core, but a long-term stay is just not realistic.
And yes, I understand that exorbitant housing costs are not unique to Seattle – but it’s still very unfortunate.
#6. Seattle lacks diversity
One thing I learned quickly after moving to Seattle is that the city is overwhelmingly white. Aside from a healthy Asian community, it’s hard to find diversity in the Emerald City.
I moved to Seattle from Brooklyn, so the lack of diversity was a brutal wake up call, to be sure.
However, based on what I hear from coworkers and friends, it seems like the the Pacific Northwest lacks diversity in general.
Here’s some data to back this up: The racial composition of the Seattle in 2016 was 65.7% white, 14.1% Asian, 7.0% Black, 0.4% Native American, 0.9% Pacific Islander, 2.3% from other races, and 5.6% from two or more races.
#7. High rate of homelessness
Seattle has the third highest homeless population of any US city and I would be remiss to exclude this fact because it impacts my perception of living in Seattle.
Tent cities are quite common and drug use is rampant. It seems like homelessness gets worse by the day.
Homelessness is a tough humanitarian issue to solve and the city is working on it, but I personally have no idea what the solution is and doubt it will get addressed anytime soon.
#8. There’s a rise in wildfires
As of lately, the biggest con of living in Seattle is the constant threat of wildfires.
If 2020 and 2021 has taught me anything about living in Seattle, it’s that wildfires are becoming a part of my daily life.
It’s heartbreaking to see record-setting wildfires fill the city with dense black smoke during the summer months and the occurrences are definitely on the rise.
The wildfire smoke is so bad you can’t leave your house some days because of the poor air quality.
This is one of the biggest factors in my decision to potentially move out of Seattle.
#9. Public transportation is lacking
Public transportation in any city depends on where you live and where you work and play. Living in Seattle is no different.
Seattle has public transportation, but based on my personal experience it’s not effective enough to rely on. Service shortages, heavy traffic and delayed buses and trains are not uncommon.
People often ask me if they should get rid of their car before moving to Seattle and I say no, not until they’ve lived here for 3+ months and get a feel for the public transportation.
I know that most folks complain about public transportation and don’t get me wrong — I’m grateful that Seattle has options, it’s just that living in Seattle without a car isn’t a no-brainer.
Moving to Seattle (Post Conclusion)
In short, here are the honest pros and cons of living in Seattle, Washington:
- Proximity to nature
- Career opportunities
- No state income tax
- Seattle is a safe city
- The foodie scene
- Home to the best coffee in America
- Seattle is an intellectual city
- No need for A/C
- Seattle is a beautiful city
- Seattle is dog-friendly
- Great summers
- High cost of living
- The weather
- The Seattle Freeze
- Nightmare traffic
- The housing market
- Lack of diversity
- Homelessness
- Rise in wildfires
- Public transportation is lacking
Further Reading
Washington’s beauty is hard describe using pictures and words, if you’d like to see some of the beauty surrounding Seattle, the video below may prove helpful.
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Until next time!
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Seattle used to be cool and affordable back in the 1970’s and 80’s, Microsoft and the Californians ruined that.
Yep, at one time, it was cool to live there
Agree with most of this but saying it’s a very safe city feels disingenuous given that so many businesses have left due to the high crime and inadequate police support. Have lived in the area 10+ years and grew up in Central Washington. Seattle downtown used to be one of my absolute favorite places in the world, and I said I’d never leave the area. Now I will not go downtown unless it’s absolutely required, and we are likely going to move our family in the next couple years.
I agree with you. I came in 1991 and over the 30 years the city (as anyplace will) has changed immensely.
The disparity between those with immense wealth and those who can barely survive is growing: along with the luxury high-rises are increases in housing insecurity and the burgeoning tent cities all over the city. It is very sad and discouraging as a longtime social worker to see people suffering so; it is a complex issue but it certainly undermines the positive qualities of this beautiful place.
The grey skies throughout winter are hard to take without a getaway plan. Those are the two main factors in my desire to relocate when I am able.
People either seem to love this area or hate it and/or talk about “the good ole days before the lib-ruhllss ruined it”. I moved here from Austin (born and raised, though lived for short periods in DC, Hawaii, and Asia), and while Austin waaaaay tops on the food scene, and yes Seattle is whiter and less diverse than Austin which is pretty white to begin with, I still love it in Seattle and prefer it here.
The Seattle freeze hasn’t been an issue for me–I’m a passive-aggressive introvert anyway so I understand them 😛 I feel safer raising my daughter here, in a political climate where I’m not terrified of her getting shot in school while the senator says “it could have been worse”, or her losing her bodily autonomy due to archaic, patriarchal bible-thumper politicians.
If you’ve spent time in any city, you know how to conduct yourself in Seattle, what to avoid, and which interactions to stay away from. I’ve never felt unsafe walking downtown after dark, but be smart. Groups, pepper spray, parking in garages close to the elevator, being self-aware. Despite what conservatives think, leftists like firearms too 😉 and it’s easier to get CC here than in Texas.
The rain sucks, but so does 5-6 months a year of 95+ degrees sweating constantly. I think people need to take a look at their values, what’s important to them, AND VISIT IN JANUARY before deciding to move here to avoid disappointment. If you’re from small town Texas, a hard conservative, and religion is part of your identity, you’re not going to like Seattle–so don’t move here based on your 5 day visit in June and then complain once you’re here.
I come from dallas, texas which is definitely unfriendly city. I would like to move to a place where the people are friendly, the housing is affordable, and the jbs are plentiful.
You completely underplayed the homeless tent encampments and crime. We also do not have enough police for public safety and everyone knows it. It will take years for the police departments to recover.
The wildfire smoke hijacks the late summer weather every year. It rains. Let me say it again, it rains. Last year it rained every single day from September through January and then continued through June. It became miserable. Especially if you work outside.
Summers are nice but it only lasts about forty five days and that is if we’re lucky enough to not be smoked out by the wildfires cutting the summer short. I didn’t even mention Seattle has almost zero leadership and accountability. We are now at crisis levels because of this. Seattle isn’t that great. Sorry to say.
Seattle has just become a boring tasteless nowhere filled with “intellectuals” that have zero nutritional value.
And it is because they THOUGHT they wanted an edgy place they came here cuz we had weed, an intelligent outspoken cornerback the invasive species of thrill seekers who “love nature” but have no problem with the fact that their invasion is the cause of so much natural loss and beauty.
The beautiful air and water are becoming as gross as the places these creatures fled.
It’s a no tax state but people cry and moan because the fact that they came here with all their needs and trucks to build their homes and Amazon deliveries the streets are a mess and need repair. As to the traffic what was a 30 minute drive from Olympia to Seattle is now 2+ hours.
They tore up all the cool places, they gentrified everything! They haven’t clue about any history here.
They thought they wanted edgy but they were scared and wanted bland boring micro studios that go for$2100 and a shared kitchen.
No one else can afford Seattle but people that work for the tech brands that squatted their greedy butts down and in turn ruined what was a great place.
I literally laughed out loud upon reading the #4 pro – Seattle is a safe city. Thanks for the much need hilarity.
From Vegas a drive to Mt Charleston gives a refreshing change of temperature and scenery. Hope you’ve tried that.
The gentrification of the Central district is what hurts me
I wouldn’t count on it being less expensive than California. Prices are soaring and we don’t have a cap on property tax like California put in place.
I have lived in Seattle for 63 years. Born and raised. I would never advise anyone to move here now. Crime, trash, traffic gridlock, expensive housing, far left politics have ruined this once great city. I love our weather, but that is about it anymore. Really sad.
I have lived here since 2006. From the day I got off the greyhound and almost got jumped, I’ve never experienced such animosity from… Everyone! In one place, against everyone that looks or lives different. Sure, it was almost a utopia when I was a kid. Now, political OVER-correctness has not just made life unbearable. It has crippled the population! I was beaten, mugged, then stripped of my clothing while being dragged down the street below the Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle. I managed to get my phone (after another beating) and called the police.
Wrong decision! Seattle’s finest, showed up and spoke with the group who beat me and robbed me first. So I was handcuffed and beaten again, but this time by the fascist regime. Now, during this time of viruses and ‘pandemics’. I am being charged with a hate crime and just a semester away from becoming a nationally cert. Medical Assistant. That’s my sorrow story.
I literally lead over 1000 people on a March for BLM! But it’s only made things worse. It isn’t because of differences in race or anything. It’s because the ever-growing gap between the wealthy and the not, is becoming more and more prevalent.
You read these stories about Seattle is so beautiful, and intellectual. Dog friendly and what have you. That’s if your some tech higher-up. Or business person with no conscience.
Just try to walk down a street in downtown Seattle without being in fear! Fear of robbery, or beaten? Sure! What I fear the most, and what WE ALL should be afraid of. Is the complacency of Seattle’s government to basically ‘let the problem run itself out’.
They are just not ‘feeding the birds’ anymore, in hopes they will fly away.
THEY broke OUR wings! This is their fault, and damn right I’m going to fight!
UNITED WE STAND! Divided WE fall…
I 100 percent agree. Coming from Austin and Houston, and having traveled to many other major foodie cities, the offerings in the PNW has been a major disappointment. If you’ve found anything good, please share. Not only is the food lackluster, it’s $$$ for it too. :(. Tired of wasting my money.
I feel Seattle’s good is not very incredible atleast nowadays. I feel like I am being charged exorbitantly for a decent meal.
I don’t think this was mentioned but one big CON in my opinion is something that every Seattleite, including my parents (I grew up there but no longer live there) seems to ignore, is the decent chance of a major earthquake within the next 50 years. As in a 7.0-9.0 scale earthquake that will, whenever it happens, most definitely be deadly, will destroy buildings and critical infrastructure and potentially knock out utilities for weeks or even months. The city is built on relatively soft soil which would make the shaking vastly worse. Some experts say the chance is about 14% this will occur in the next 50 years. You could take those odds and hope for the best sure, but it is definitely not insignificant.
Hey I recently moved to Seattle from Brooklyn… I like it so far but i lived a little outside of downtown Seattle so I’m missing out on the social atmosphere that’s the city as to offer..
Wow I’m glad I read your comment, so close to my life story. I lived in many places and when I left Miami in 92 for Seattle, queen Anne to be exact. I loved Seattle being a ex national bicycle road racer, the hills, the beautiful landscape, the parks and well educated people. The walkability and public transportation. I moved to green valley in 2019 after 27 years in seattle. I left because my life changed 180 degrees after my separation from my wife after 40 years. I retired to green valley because it was cheaper eventhough my condo was paid off , but I couldn’t afford the high hoa and taxes being alone retired. I wish I could go back . I had to spend 9.000 for a new ac , the power bills are much higher now , the car insurance is much higher with the crazy drivers. No public transportation, the low humidity will age you so fast . The education level of Vegas residents is the opposite of Seattle. The landscape here is so depressing, you have to go to California to see something beautiful. And most of all this place will run out of water and will the population growth it will be even sooner. Go to lake mead and you will see .
I’ll never understand why people say that Seattle is a great city for food. As an adult, I’ve lived in many cities: Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, London, Paris, Los Angeles, and now Seattle. When I moved to Seattle I was expecting the level of food I’d witnessed in other west coast cities. But, no…. I’ve been mostly disappointed. Seattle does coffee, pizza, pastries, and vietnamese food well. Other than that, I’m not impressed.
This reads that you don’t live downtown, but in a farther from central neighborhood. Seattle has one of the best public transportation systems in the country. Those neighborhoods, however, tend to have higher crime rates.
Also, rent for $2200 monthly would be a dream. That sounds like 6 months ago rates, not today
You are right on with your analysis. I grew up in Seattle and whenever I visit I hardly recognize the place.
I will add that
1) because Seattle is at the farthest NW city in the US, is costs more to visit other cities and states in the US.
2) there’s no NBA basketball team anymore in Seattle, after the Sonics brand was sold to another city, making sports watching locals bored in the winter months. Thank God, we have an upcoming ice hockey team- Seattle Krakens
3) this goes with lack of diversity. Apart from the Jazz Alley, very few other places to hang out for authentic jazz, pop and soul music.
Bayo
i lived in the core area of seattle w/o a car for 10 years and was fine with walking and public transportation. i actually moved out of the city to the burbs because i needed a car for work.if you live in the downtown area, a parking slot is usually 300.00-400.00 extra a month on top of rent.
Super helpful; thank you!
I lived in Seattle in the 70s until early 90s. The intellectual claim has always bothered me and I’m surprised to hear someone from Brooklyn say this – Seattle has nothing like the Met museum or the Frick, or any of the other world class museums on the eastern seaboard. It’s true the city has more Bachelor degrees so on a curve of degrees it looks like it’s better educated. However, it’s skewed heavily towards tech and medical education although I think Boston has them beat in that area. In terms of liberal arts education and arts and culture eastern cities are tops.
Agree on that. Somebody once said that you can judge the intellectual quality of a city by the quality of the eavesdropping in a local coffee place. I don’t drink coffee, but I can say after 3 years of trying that the quality of the conversation in Seattle (assuming anybody will talk to you at all) is abysmal. I’ve spent my whole time looking for something that resembles an intellectual or artistic center to the city and come up empty. The only city I’ve ever lived where there are no regular events that cater to my (admittedly nerdy/intellectual) interests at all. (I’m too old to hang with college students.) Until my work situation allows me to leave, I’ve found that the best thing about Seattle is the road to Vancouver, which is thankfully now open again.
Having lived in the Capitol Hill neighborhood for six years, I would say summers are no longer perfect. Now you need air conditioning but no one has it and the smoke from the fires just kills your lungs.
The fires were terrible in 2020, weren’t they?! It was impossible to go outside, thankfully this isn’t an annual occurrence, although fires are on the rise.
For what it’s worth, we still don’t have an AC in our unit and we’re getting by summers alright (with the exception of 2-3 days a year).
Seattle is realistically going through shrinking pains instead of growing pains. Downtown buisneses have closed at a dramatic rate or moved to a more livable area. Looking truthfully in the mirror, as people get older they change preference in what they want in the city (and what irks them). I couldn’t imagine retiring in Seattle and that’s just as well, to make room for someone else. This article may be written from the perspective of a recent transplant who lives north of the ship canal. I was that person 33 years ago. But have lived south of the ship canal for 22 years. It is a different demographic, but gentrification has taken its toll here too. A good litmus test for living in Seattle: do you like to buy a coffee everyday or are you happy making your own coffee everyday.
Dave, thank you for this thoughtful feedback. It’s always helpful to hear from a longtime local because the perspective is different.
I also like your even-handed approach in understanding that different demographics have different needs. Your comment lacks criticism and judgement and offers valuable insight into your experience – a rare feat!
Also — great litmus test! 😉
I miss Seattle and can’t wait to get back to the suburbs.
It’s such a lovely city 🙂
Moved to Seattle in 2016. Agree with the Pros and cons except for safety issues. Since defunding the police, petty crime has skyrocketed. As to pro/con list….I have loved the pros and absolutely hated the cons, no middle ground. To be clear, the Seattle freeze is passive agressive rudeness and uncivil behavior.
The Seattle Freeze is too real!
Did anyone actually “defund the police?” Crime has skyrocketed from the pandemic everywhere, and police departments have been spread really thin.
The food is definitely a con. If you have been to any other city or even small town Seattle falls flat out the gate. Honestly I’ve never been so disappointed by my food. Seattle made me stop going to restaurants entirely. Waaaaay overpriced for incredibly disappointing food.
I love Seattle as a clean and beautiful city. The dating scene here is much better for women than other parts of the country. However, the passive/aggressive behavior has gotten completely out of hand, especially on the East Side. It’s not uncommon for people who take a disliking to you to actually threaten bodily harm. (I kid you not.) I have actually looked into hiring a security guard so I do not have to walk or drive around by myself. Another thing: residents of the East Side are calling the police on their neighbors for no other reason than extreme intimidation. Doctors falsify notes; your next door neighbor might falsely accuse you of theft. The neighborhood watch groups have made life a living hell because they are gang stalking innocent individuals.
I lived in Seattle for 22 years. It used to be such a great City but the last 10 to 12 years has really gone downhill. I’ve been a victim of crime (theft) over 12 times in the last five years. And I got to the point that I don’t even call the police anymore. Drugs and homelessness are rampant and city and state leadership seem to just turn their backs to it. And protesters have been carrying the city apart almost nightly since last May. It is sad to see Seattle on such a decline. I finally moved to Las Vegas and love it here and wouldn’t wish living in Seattle on my worst enemy. Clearly if you have only lived there for 10 years you probably never saw the actual City when it was in its prime. That’s nice that you wrote an article trying to see some positives though.
Justin,
Thanks for offering your input, very helpful to know! And yes, it sounds like you’ve lived here much longer than I have, therefore you’ve seen things I’ll never know about. I’m glad you shared your experience, I think a lot of folks will find it helpful.
Also, glad to hear you’re enjoying Las Vegas!
Oh you are from Brooklyn yayyy Home????????wish we could exchange info. I’m trying to understand this place. It is beautiful though.
I moved to Seattle in 1986. I loved the eclectic feel and diversity. Over time that seems to have gone away. I feel like homelessness in this city has always been a problem here. I used to walk downtown and the homeless lined the streets. Don’t misunderstand me. The homeless people are not the problem. And yes, for the most part like every other Seattlite they keep to themselves. I see so many LUXURY apartments being built that no one can afford. And the eclectic shops are being torn down to be replaced with major chain stores like Rite Aid and Target. Not saying I don’t like those stores but I just think the eclectic has gone away.
Tina, I agree with you on this one. The influx of growth has changed the feel of the city. I, too, miss the small shops and can only imagine how hard COVID has hit them. I think about Seattle’s re-birth (and revival) almost daily.
I lived in Seattle for 68 years…born and raised. In July, of 2017 I wore tights, jeans, t shirt and a sweatshirt and topped it off with a parka and I was freezing. I moved in August, 2017 to Scottsdale, Az. and I’d never I’d never go back…I love the weather…even in the summer. I only wish I’d moved sooner. The only thing I miss is grass and automatic sprinklers.
Hi Martha,
Seems like you found your little slice of heaven in Arizona 🙂 It’s a lovely state!
I lived is Seattle for a few years and moved to Sonoma county, now living through ever increasing temp’s and fire’s being evacuated 4 times in 4 years has been such a stress on us and our pet’s my wife and I are so looking forward to moving back to the Seattle area where life is better and a lot less expensive than California and the ever so nasty politics of the state
Hi Henry,
I love visiting Sonoma county! But yes, from what I hear, the cost of living is so much higher in California. I hope you and your family are able to make it back to Seattle, sounds like you love it here!
Microsoft, Nintendo and most Boeing jobs are not within Seattle city limits.
Hi Perry,
This is true, but they’re right on the outskirts — which is the case with a lot of large employers that employ folks from cities (for example, Nike is in Beaverton but the majority of its younger workforce lives in Portland, etc.).
Thank for adding this though — it’s good to keep in mind!
Microsoft and Nintendo are located in Bellevue and Redmond, densely populated areas along toll roads with high commute times. One has to consider parking costs, toll charges, gas, and other driving costs.
Boeing lies in Everett and most employees live in Lynnwood and Edmonds. Everett is a working class city and does not have the genteel tech vibe as Seattle.
I lived in Seattle for 46 years. I saw Seattle go from a beautiful friendly city to a not friendly city. I do not know abut the north end but the south and southwest part of the city are predominate black and Asian. As far as the homeless goes it is a problem. One the city council has really done nothing about until they squandered 200 million of Federal funds not on doing anything for the homeless but on studies to see what Could be done. I loved Seattle and I miss the beauty of the city but I do not miss the taxes nor the politics which is turning that beautiful place into a mess.
I miss Seatle too!
Seattle is definitely going through some growing pains, no doubt about that. The houseless situation is such a tough one, I’m not sure what city council can do about it, I’d love to hear more about the $200 million you mentioned (do you have a link?).
In any case, it will be interesting to see how the city emerges from the depths of COVID.
Thanks for your helpful input. 🙂
Why do you make a note of what the racial makeup of certain parts of the city is? A very odd comment.