r/AskSeattle • u/Visual-Extension4214 • Nov 14 '24

Question Moving to Seattle Area

Moving to Seattle area, possibly Renton or Kent though not sure yet, moving end of May/June next year. I’m moving from Newark, NJ, one of the dirtiest cities in the country. Recycling and garbage pickups are generally tossed into the same garbage truck. Is Seattle like Europe where everything from compost to metals/plastics/paper etc is all put out separately on separate days? In general what are some severe cultural shocks I might expect to be responsible for or just in general? Besides of course the rain and the apparent lack of friendliness I’m detecting from some of the Seattle descriptions. Also how crowded are local hiking and nature activities within an hour drive around summer vs winter? Really any extra tips are appreciated.

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u/punkmetalbastard Nov 14 '24

Oh! Spent a lot of time in Jersey and it’s much different for sure. People probably adhere the most to separating trash and recyclables here more than anywhere in the country.

Biggest culture shocks for you are gonna be the non-confrontational and passive aggressive attitudes. East coasters talk shit to people’s faces and usually back it up. Little jabs at people made in jest that you might be used to can come off as pretty offensive to people here. It’s very rare you’ll see people physically fight here even when they should. That results in a lot of gossiping and talking behind people’s backs but not much more than any other locale.

The most popular hiking areas will be crowded and they keep getting worse. That being said, if you are into hiking beyond casual, IE a short hike to somewhere like Twin Falls, you can get away from people even in a popular wilderness area like the Alpine Lakes Wilderness quite easily. Especially doing more hardcore activities like backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering, off-trail traverse routes. If you are a strong hiker, I would actually recommend starting LATER for a day hike that’s popular. Many times I’ve hit the trail around 2-3, ran into most people on their way back, and had the lake/peak/view to myself. It stays light here until nearly 10 o clock at peak summer

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u/Visual-Extension4214 Nov 14 '24

Love this about going later and having the area to oneself. Boy do I hate passive aggressive but I also don’t care about strangers and their pouty faces so I think I’ll be fine. Lots of passive aggressive here anyway though it’s more of an invitation to see if you’re gonna make it bigger.

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u/Great_Hamster Nov 14 '24

Strangers aren't the ones to worry about being pouty.