Seattle is an amazing city. People move to this city because it is perfect for food and coffee lovers, bookworms, technology geeks and of course, nature lovers. Known as America’s Queen City, Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. It is also one of the busiest ports. Nowadays the city is known for its environmental-friendly industry, low unemployment rate, tolerance, and liberal views. The city’s population has been rapidly growing in the past years as well. We hope our Moving to Seattle Guide will help you understand that moving to this city is probably one of the greatest decisions you can make in your life. Keep reading and you will understand why.
Moving to Seattle Guide — First things first:
It rains … most of the time, not all the time!
Yes. It rains. A lot. The city averages 37 inches of rain per year. This is not a high amount compared to other US cities. But in Seattle, it tends to be a constant drizzle instead of heavy downpours. Yet, you won’t notice people using umbrellas. Sounds weird, right?
Most people who have lived for a long time in the Seattle area, say that they never use an umbrella. Unless it’s dumping rain or they have to walk a very long distance, they just don’t see the need to use one. So, as a newcomer in Seattle, try to use an umbrella as less as possible. Don’t worry. After some time, you will get used to rain too. It won’t be long before you reach for a hoodie instead of an umbrella.
Seattleites own a lot of shades
While I am pretty sure that you will get used to the rain, I am not quite sure you will get used to Seattleites’ overuse of shades. Despite the lack of sunshine, Seattleites are known for collecting sunglasses. In fact, Seattleites buy about 50 percent more sunglasses per capita than the national average.
Seattle’s summers are awesome!
It is true that it rains a lot during the year. But all those rainy months are totally worth it. Why? Because they are followed by a lovely summer full of long days and perfect weather. Usually, the summer season starts at the beginning of July and lasts until the end of August. But if you are lucky enough, it might continue to be sunny until the end of September.
Summer in Seattle!
The Seattle Freeze
Most people living in the Emerald City, don’t realize the Seattle Freeze because they are used to it. For newcomers, however, the city offers an icy welcome that is believed to be caused by the Scandinavian factor. You see, a long time ago, Seattle was a Scandinavian town. It was home to Swedish and Norwegian people.
The city is not made for snow
Ironically enough, the city is allergic to snow because snow in Seattle turns into ice really quick. This, in turn, makes it very dangerous and almost impossible to drive. That’s why whenever it snows in Seattle, as a newcomer, you will notice that you might be the only one walking down the street. Everyone else usually locks themselves up in their homes. You will get used to this too. In fact, you will get so used to it, that you will look forward to snow to use it as a very good reason to stay home.
Moving to Seattle Guide — Interesting facts
The hometown of Jimi Hendrix and Quincy Jones
Locals are very proud of their city’s rich music history. If you too are a Hedrix fan, or just enjoy good music, Seattle is the place for you. The city is also the hometown of SubPop records. KEXP radio station which covers a wide variety of genres like hip-hop, indie, and reggae is also located there.
A foodie’s dream come true
The city is well known for its best northwest restaurants like Lark, The Walrus and The Carpenter, Revel, Hitchcock, and Sitka & Spruce. Its cuisine is unique and delicious. It showcases the best northwest’s seafood and award-winning wines.
Moreover, if you are a coffee lover, you have one more reason to move there. Seattle is known as America’s Best Coffee City and home to the first original Starbucks and its corporate headquarters. Besides restaurants, you will discover many small places hidden in the side streets, or showcased in the public market.
This “Moving to Seattle Guide” won’t be complete without showing you some pictures of Seattle so take a look:
And there is more of simply everything!
Be careful though. Being surrounded by delicious food everywhere you go might make you gain a few extra pounds without you even noticing it. But, even if you gain a little weight, don’t fret. Seattleites are an athletic bunch and they like to keep healthy. Its great strategic location makes it an ideal city for outdoor activities. There are tons of activities you can explore that will help you shed those pounds quickly and easy.
High on tech
If you are looking to find a job in the tech industry, you’re in luck. In 2012, Forbes rated Seattle the best city in America for tech jobs. The city is also home to major corporations like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. This means that the city is basically full of smart, nerdy young people. Actually, Seattle was ranked number 3 on the top 10 nerd-cities in America.
A very liberal and politically active city
Seattleites pride themselves about their tolerance, their legalized same-sex marriage, and legalized marijuana. Seattle is also known for its political rally and marijuana festival, Hempfest. It takes place every August.
America’s #1 Most Literate City
Home to the University of Washinton, Seattle is America’s number one most literate city. As a book lover, I would personally love to live in this city. The Seattle Public Library system has the highest percentage of library card-holders per capita in the country. If you are a bookworm as well, being surrounded by other people who also read a lot would be like a dream come true, wouldn’t it?
Seattle Neighborhoods
Getting information about the neighborhoods of the city is always helpful, and that is why we are including it on our “Moving to Seattle” Guide. There are many districts and neighborhoods in Seattle. This link will take you to a map of Seattle. You will also find a list of all its neighborhoods. They are divided into 3 groups: good, average, and below-average neighborhoods.
It is always safe to check the neighborhoods before you move. On the same site, when you scroll down you will find a table that can help you find homes for sale, apartments, and roommates. This Seattle Neighborhoods Guide is also helpful. It can help you find a lot of information about neighborhoods history, a list of various attractions and in-depth information on home prices and schools.
Cost of Living
Currently, the cost of living in Seattle is 24% higher compared to the national average. If you are moving from a less pricy city, you will pay more for the same. But if you are moving from San Francisco or New York, for example, Seattle would seem a bit cheaper.
Taxes
Washington is one of the nine U.S. states that doesn’t have a state income tax. That is why the sales taxes are relatively higher compared to other states. Right now Washington sales tax is 9.6 %, but it might be slightly higher in some cities that add an additional city tax.
Transportation
The city of Seattle has an amazing public transport system. The city’s transportation system was once dominated by railways and streetcars. Nowadays you can find all kinds of transportation modes. The streetcar lines and light rail routes are being rebuilt and remodeled. Automobiles and buses are the most common way of transportation, but bicycles are also widely used.
In fact, there are plenty of bicycle clubs and tours such as the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Cascade Bicycle Club, and Seattle Bicycle Club. Walking tours such as the Public Art Walking Tours, Seattle Underground Walking Tour, Seattle Walking Tours, and Pike Place Market Tour are also popular. Just like Boston, Seattle is pretty walkable.
Relocating to Seattle
If you think you have done most of your job by picking the right home and location, you are wrong. Your relocation has just started and there are many other things you need to take care of. Of course, it will be easier for you if you are moving alone, as you will not have a lot of things to relocate. But if you are married, have kids and you have almost an entire home to move, your case is a bit more complicated.
But don’t stress out! You are about to move to one of the most beautiful and safest cities in the USA. Hire a professional moving company and you will have peace of mind. If you have a car, feel free to contact us by phone or get a car shipping quote online on our website. We are ready to help you ship your car to Seattle safely and in a timely manner.
Seattle attractions
Some of the best things you don’t want to miss when you first arrive in Seattle are the Seattle Great Wheel, Original Starbucks, Bill Gates House, EMP Museum and of course, the Space Needle.
And one place you don’t want to miss is the Pike Place Public Market. Let me show you why:
Find out more about the public market here. Besides visiting the best places in Seattle, you also want to enjoy some of its best views. Make sure to include these ones on your list:
- The observation deck on the 73rd floor of Columbia Tower
- The Smith Tower Observation Deck
Would you like to add any other attractions to this “Moving to Seattle” guide? Let us know in the comment section below.
Now check out some more photos of Seattle to get an idea of where you will be moving to.
If you have decided to move to the city alone and don’t know anyone there, Couchsurfing.org and Meetup.com might help you meet new people. We hope you enjoyed our Moving to Seattle guide. Please let us know in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions. Thank you!
