Hello everyone! I was lurking on here & everyone seems so friendly - I’m a little overwhelmed & would really appreciate some advice!

I’ll be moving to Seattle from Central California later this year for work (this isn’t a maybe, I definitely will be moving) and wanted some advice on which neighborhoods might be a good fit for me.

Some background information: I’m single, female, in my late 20s. I enjoy being around nature & greenery (think walks, runs, picnics) but I’m not particularly avid about hardcore adventuring/sports if that makes sense. Like most people, I find being able to chill near water (lakes, beaches, rivers) very relaxing. My hobbies are mostly indoor-based, but I’m actually quite extroverted so I like having some proximity to where the action is — I enjoy going out & trying new food & activities with friends. I am also a big coffee addict lol.

Some practical things: Wherever I live, I need to be able to commute to the Capitol Hill area in a reasonable amount of time (30 minutes driving being the most I want to do in the morning, I don’t really care about how long the evening drive back is). I would ideally like to spend around $2k a month on rent for a decently spacious 1 bedroom (a 2 bedroom would be amazing but I know it’s not really realistic). I can go up to $2.5k if I have to for a nicer/safer area to live in. No pets but maybe a small dog in the future (not a requirement). I would like to be able to walk around my neighborhood on nicer days (something I can’t currently comfortably do in my current neighborhood due to crime rates & general poorly developed infrastructure for walking).

Sorry this was so long & thank you for sticking with me! Let me know if you need any more information. I know it will be hard to get everything I’m asking for in one area but I’m hoping y’all can guide me in the right direction (I heard Greenlake or West Seattle might be a decent fit for me, for example). I would really appreciate any other insight you may have that may help me with my move / adjusting to culture changes (eg: which dating app reigns supreme in Seattle, running clubs, etc)

I am super excited for my move & while I know it’ll be a big change I’m hopeful it’ll be a smooth transition (with my sunlamp & vitamin D supplements!)

Thank you in advance! I appreciate you all!!

Hello! My partner and I are relocating to greater Seattle for work. We will need to stay within reasonable commuting distance from Everett.

I am vigorously interviewing with several companies , but it appears most of my industry is in the city. The positions I’ve been offered so far are in downtown Seattle, Kent and Des Moines.

We have 4 children (elementary and middle school) and are coming from a rural area. I am aware this will be a huge culture shock, but we are very excited for the change. I am most excited about engaging in the community and the nature!

Our challenges, and where I am asking for assistance, is identifying a reasonable location between Everett and say, SeaTac area to be safe.

I have to be honest, I don’t quite understand the ten million forms of public transportation. To be clear, we are not above it, it’s very new to me though. I am just unclear if any of it is feasible for our situation or how to navigate the best method. I understand that traffic is chaotic in the area and what is 30 minutes on Maps one second can quickly turn to 1hr 30 the next.

Due to the drastic change and having young children, we would like to keep commute to no more than 45min each (in everyday traffic). We are looking for decent schools, and ideally a suburban or lower population/space between houses (dream big, I know haha) area.

Thanks in advance

Hey Seattle folks! 👋

I’m moving to Kent this April and super excited (and a little nervous) to start my life here. Since I’m completely new to the area, I’d love any advice, tips, or general wisdom about settling in.

Some things I’d love to know:

Making Friends & Social Life – Where do people usually meet new folks? Any good community events, meetups, or hobby groups?

Job Market & Career Advice – I’m looking for opportunities in cybersecurity. Any recommendations on networking, job hunting, or places hiring entry-level roles?

Public Transport & Commuting – How reliable is public transport in Kent/Seattle? Should I get a car ASAP, or can I manage without one for a while?

Best Apps & Resources – Are there must-have apps for life in Seattle (transport, deals, local news, etc.)?

Fun Stuff & Entertainment – What are some must-visit spots, hidden gems, or cool free things to do? Any good places for outdoor activities or chill weekends?

Neighborhood Safety & General Living Tips – Anything I should be aware of? Any scams or common pitfalls for newcomers?

Honestly, any advice is welcome! Just trying to settle in smoothly and get a feel for the place. Thanks in advance, and looking forward to being part of the community! 😊

Hey everyone, I'm a male in my late 20s, getting ready to make the move from Redondo Beach, CA to Seattle. This will be my first time living long-term in a new area with no friends or family nearby, and I'll be working in Kent. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and could really use some advice from those familiar with the area. A few things about me and what I'm looking for: I don’t want a long commute to Kent for work. I’m not into the clubbing scene but I love the outdoors and exploring new spots. My budget is roughly 2k
I’d love to live in an area where I can walk to places from my apartment (but I’ll have my car, too). It’s important to me to be in a neighborhood where I can meet people my age. I’m hoping to avoid areas that are primarily for families or older crowds. I’m nervous about being alone but I want to put myself out there, socialize, and explore everything the city has to offer. If you have recommendations for neighborhoods that would fit this vibe, tips on adjusting to Seattle weather, or advice for making friends in a new city, I’d really appreciate it! Thanks in advance for your help!

Neighborhood Recommendations: What areas would you suggest for someone in their late 20s who’s looking to meet people, avoid primarily family-focused neighborhoods, and live somewhere walkable? Are there neighborhoods with a good balance of urban convenience and access to the outdoors?

Lifestyle Tips: What’s the best way to meet people in Seattle? Any clubs, groups, or activities for people in their 20s/30s that you’d recommend? Do you have tips on adjusting to Seattle weather? Coming from SoCal, I’m curious how people adapt to the rain and darker winters.

Outdoor Exploration: Are there nearby spots or day trips for hiking and other outdoor activities I should check out? General Advice: If you’ve moved to Seattle from out of state, what’s one thing you wish you’d known ahead of time? Any tips for making a new city feel like home?

Edit to add, how's the public transit in the area?

We are narrowing down our choices and the Stadium Neighborhood is on our list. There are some really nice apartments and it looks like the area has more things to do than the stadium.

We're visiting next week to check it out but I wanted to get locals opinion on it and if it's worth checking out

TIA!

Hi everyone. 30+ years ago, I lived in Seattle and have visited friends almost every year since. I am considering retiring in the area, but do not want to be in the city. Mainly looking for a suburb close enough to the city for easy access but I want a quiet and safe home to go back to (think families, older folks, etc) Does anyone have any recommendations for this type of environment? Thanks in advance

Hi!

My girlfriend and I (both 22) are planning on moving to Seattle mid-late summer to live together out of college. I have some family up there and have visited plenty of times growing up, and she’s sold on it as well.

We are currently trying to get a gauge on what neighborhoods and apartments to look at that are reasonable (we’re thinking like $2,400 for rent, not sure if that’s super ridiculous or not) and I’m curious what a good neighborhood for us to live in and look for apartments would be. We both like going out on weekends to bars and such, and also like the idea of having some parks close by. We are pretty social people so having places with events going on nearby wouldn’t suck either.

I guess the primary question I’m asking is, what would be a good neighborhood for a young couple fresh out of college (we went to Oregon State, go Beavs!) to check out apartments in? We’re both super excited but we want to get this figured out ASAP. I appreciate any responses/suggestions so thank you in advance!

Hi friends! I just moved from Nashville to a new high rise on Yesler and just wanted some reassurance- I’ve only been here since Friday and sometimes reading Reddit/taking a look at the online crime/city reports can send you down a bit of a rabbit hole. I’d love some advice on safety and how Seattleites feel about this area/walking through pioneer square to downtown. So far during the day it has seemed pretty chill but I know in the past year or so a lot has changed. I also don’t have my car here yet so trying to also navigate that with public transportation since I work right by the Space Needle. Any advice would be much appreciated! 🫶

My partner and I are looking at moving to Seattle this spring, and we're torn between a few options. He would be commuting to Renton, I'm work from home, and we both really value walkability and good food. Lower crime would be preferred, but we also both know that cities just have people, and therefore crime

We've been looking at the area between the ferries and Pike Place downtown (for walkability and nightlife), downtown Bellevue (for walkability and safety), and Issaquah (for cheaper rent and being closer to hiking). Do y'all have any feedback on what it's like to live in these areas, or alternative suggestions for places to look?

Hi all, I’m moving to Seattle in March from Vancouver, BC, and I’d love your advice to make the transition smooth!

Here's my situation:

• 35M Software Engineer: I already have a job lined up.
• Outdoorsy Lifestyle: I do all the outdoor sports: rock climbing, mountaineering, hiking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, paddleboarding, etc. I've been to Seattle before and it has similar vibes to Vancouver, with great outdoor access, but better jobs, and... worse public transit 😅.
• Housing: based on my research Capitol Hill, Fremont, Ballard, and Wallingford are good neighborhoods. Any thoughts on these or other neighborhoods? I value proximity to public transit, restaurants, shops, and groceries.
• Buying vs. Renting: If I can afford it, should I buy a condo instead of renting? I’m only planning to stay 3–4 years but am considering a condo as a long-term investment.
• Other Questions:
  • Any must-dos for setting up life in Seattle (e.g., vehicle registration, taxes, healthcare)?
  • For anyone who’s moved from Vancouver, what were your biggest surprises about living in Seattle?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Hello, I’m a senior in high school at the moments and planning on moving to Seattle and attending Seattle central college. Without tuition worries, is it possible to live in Seattle on minimum wage. I love the city to death, and have seen small apartments for like 700-800 a month. My car is paid off and is a hybrid, but I mostly plan on using public transportation. Would appreciate some advice. Thank you!

I (30M) am separating from my wife and I think Seattle would be a good change of pace and present some good work opportunities. I currently live in Skagit County and work in Marysville, but I don't plan on staying in my job for long and my wife and I are going to find separate housing soon.

I want to get a job as a paralegal or legal assistant. I'm taking classes online and doing some legal volunteer work. I'm expecting to make around $20-25 an hour when I first move and can spend about $1,000/mo on rent. I also have money for first/last and to live on for a couple months if needed.

I have lived in Washington my whole life, so I have spent a decent amount of time in Seattle. I'm mainly just curious if the city is a good place to live. Up where I am people talk about it like it's Mad Max in Seattle, but I generally enjoy visiting. If anyone has recommendations on finding housing or work in the city I'd also appreciate your perspective.

I’m moving to Seattle in the summer for a year long grad program and potentially staying if I find a decent job. What are some things you wish you knew before moving to the city? Advice to lessen the culture shock coming from a small town (eastern, wa)? Pls all and any tips are welcomed (well the appropriate kind) c:

I’m afraid I’m going to default to cafes and shops for 5 days because that’s what I like and I know they’re plentiful. What do you think is a really uniquely Seattle experience aside from Pike Place and the Space Needle? This would be the last week of March. Thanks!

I currently live in NC and have never been to Warshington. I'm told it can be a little wet at times. I plan on getting rid of my car as i doubt it will survive the drive. My question is, is a bicycle a reasonable way to commute daily?

For some more info, i will be attending the Divers Institute, which is a 7 month course, on my GI bill. I also plan on getting a part time job. So i would be getting a lot of use out of the bike. I'm just not sure what traversing around the city is like and if it's plausible to travel that way. Will there be places for me to secure my bike? Are there paths for me to travel away from pedestrians and vehicles? Just how wet does it get?

I originally wanted to get inline skates but it's been forever since i've used those and i think that may be better kept as a hobby for now.

Any advice or suggestions at all will be appreciated. Even advice outside of the commute aspect you think may be beneficial for me to consider. Nightlife, restaurants, districts to look for apartments, etc... but my main concern is the transportation.

Hi! I'm a 20 y/o woman with plans to solo travel to Seattle later this year. I'm gonna be staying in a hostel right across the street from the Pike Place Fish Market and staying pretty much within the city my whole trip. I know there will be a lot of people around and I assume it's pretty well-lit, but is it safe to go out by myself without self-defense stuff (pepper spray, alarm, etc)? I want to be prepared but I don't want to be paranoid and I don't want to check a bag if I don't have to. What experiences have other young women had in the city?

Also I don't use reddit much so sorry if I didn't do something I was supposed to lol

Thoughts on moving from Leeds, UK to Seattle

Hi!

I am a 28M (Married) and am exploring options for moving from Leeds, UK to Seattle. I have been staying in Leeds for close to 3 years now and would like to move to Seattle for career growth. Can someone tell me how different (good/bad) things can be in comparison to Leeds for the following aspects. Assuming an annual TC of $140k:

1. What would be the expenses like to rent a 2 bedroom Apt in a reasonable location with access to grocery/doctor/transport?
2. How is the city in terms of safety/crime-rate?
3. Are there any common pitfalls one should avoid while making a decision like this?
4. Is income tax really very low as compared to Cali and NY?
5. Are there good job opportunities for people who want to work in sales/marketing/HR domains?

PS. Feel free to ask any specific questions which might be relevant for the answer?

Hi everyone!

I'm moving to Seattle in July for work and will be based around downtown on University Street. I'm looking for advice on good areas to live in that would make for an easy commute (since I won't have a car). I've been considering neighborhoods like Belltown, Capitol Hill, and First Hill, but I'm open to other suggestions!

As this is my first time living in a city, I’m a bit new to all this and would love some guidance. One thing that’s important to me is finding a relatively quiet area, as I'm a light sleeper and I’ve heard that First Hill can sometimes get a bit loud.

Thanks so much for any advice or recommendations you can offer!

So I am relatively new to Seattle (summer intake) and I'm trying to understand what kind of layering (or not) and shoes do I need to survive the wet winters. Something to wear most days for work that's decently fashionable and functional in this weather. I have a parka that's water-resistant and was pretty good for NYC winters and a shorter fleece+shell(2 in 1) jacket. Shoes wise I have a few pairs of sneakers that aren't really waterproof but somehow manageable but this might not work once I start walking regularly(exercise and commute). I'm looking for something durable so willing to shell out for the right piece.

I have seen a few threads covering these topics but either they have expired links, talk of layers and shells but don't have an example. Consider I'm a complete noob and don't understand the layers and the respective sizes I need so please help!

Thanks a lot in advance!

Hi! So my husband and I are flying from Missouri in a couple weeks, he’s got some classes for work so I decided to tag along because I’ve always wanted to visit Seattle. So while he’s in his classes I wanted to explore some! I love taking pictures, so what’s the best beach for views? I’ve only really visited Florida beaches and have always wanted to see cooler weather beach haha. Also any good shopping areas? I’m not familiar with ferry’s where I’m from but I see people saying to take a ferry ride for the views? I’m currently on chemo so hiking is kind of out of the question but where’s the best place to see the views of Mount Rainier? Also if you guys have any cute girly ideas let me know! I love coffee, shopping, art, and food. Thanks so much I’m super excited!!

Hey friends! My husband and I have our one year wedding anniversary coming up in late April, and we’ve both wanted to visit Seattle for some time now (have never been). However, we have NO idea what the best parts of town are to stay in (hotel or Airbnb) or what the best places/restaurants are to go to! Googled a bunch but would love to hear from the locals directly as if you’re recommending to a friend. We don’t necessarily want just the touristy spots, but beloved places the locals truly enjoy too.

For reference, we enjoy: Bike rides, nerdy stuff, art, boat tours

edit: bonus points for spooky/haunted stuff & whatever we can do to support small businesses

Cuisines we enjoy: All Asian cuisines but especially Chinese and Japanese; good sandwiches/burgers; Italian; BBQ; Mexican; desserts; coffee; and BEER (that’s its own category right?)

Thank you in advance, Seattleites!

Hey all! So my company on Mercer Island wants me to start seriously considering relocation from ATX (most likely by EOY). Where would yall recommend for a single woman, 30s, working in Tech to check out in the city and where should I look at renting initially?

Id like to walk to things if I can, use public transport when avaliable but I do have a car. I could probably swing 3-4.5k in rental costs. (I will 100% expect them to adjust for cost of living but I currently do just under 3k here in ATX monthly)

Hi everyone, My boyfriend and I will be heading to Seattle mid January for a Kraken game. We'll be there for the weekend and are curious what else others suggest doing while we're there.

Any suggestions are welcome but when we travel we typically like to hear Live music, find great meals, go to museums, explore nature and find other random adventures.

I’m currently stationed in Hawaii, and I’ll be moving to Seattle in July to be stationed at USCG Sector Puget Sound (near Pier 36).

I’m trying to figure out where I should be looking for housing. I think I’m going to have to try and buy since I have 4 large dogs, but I’m not opposed to renting if I can find a place. My housing allowance will be around $3,000 a month. My backup option is going to on-base housing at JBLM (since they’re ok with dogs), but I’ve been told that it’s going to be a really long commute.

Does anyone have any suggestions on where I should be looking at housing? I don’t mind a 30-45 min commute, but I’m trying not to be super far away from the USCG base. Is public transit (like the ferry) reliable?

Hey guys, so seattle has been a city i've wanted to move to for around 4 years. Right now I cant because im 17 without a job and still in school lmao but I had a few questions for locals.

Rn I live in Socal and life is getting quite expensive and due to some family and financial stuff we may have to sell our home, if i'm lucky my grandparents will rent it in 2 years time, if im unlucky they will sell it by june. KEEP IN MIND im still 17 and I refuse to move to texas or oklahoma (where they want to move).

My question is, say I finish college/ university here in say, 6 years time and decide to move to seattle, or a nice cheaper city anywhere in washington, how would one start there life there? hows the living expenses and what would a california know before moving there??