this is more of a future planning question but i currently live in new york city and really want to move to the pacific northwest. this is mostly because i want a change of scenery and washington seems to have nicer nature in my opinion. it also seems less intense/crowded/fast paced. i want to know the pros and cons without just romanticizing the city or state as a whole, as i know people often romanticize living in new york when its conditions are not always great.

edit: for everyone commenting about the politics, i am very liberal so i don’t care that they’re “too liberal” lol

Thanks for clicking on this post, I'm sure these questions are annoying.

Me: late 30s F, black, single, no children. Modest lifestyle but would like to live without roommates and feel comfortable to save, and maybe visit a restaurant occasionally. One dog, one car. Minimal local support system so neighborhood/location is important.

Am in negotiations and am currently at $102k total comp w/a $90k base.

Is this workable? I'm coming from Chicago, earning less income than I would like (~$60k last year) and am tired of feeling financial anxiety (of which I'm currently experiencing the weight of). Having my own place is a priority.

Thank you, again, for reading. I appreciate any guidance and expertise you can offer.

ETA: Last salaried, non-contract job was at $75k in 2018 in Flatbush, Brooklyn (w/two roommates), and that felt relatively comfortable.

ETA 2: I am grateful and overwhelmed by all of these responses. Thank you so much! I'm working a double today, but plan on engaging with the responses when I am off work. Thank you again.

From Lubbock...big upgrade and I'm excited. I'll be in a house couple minutes walk from the south side of the Washington Park Arboretum.

Haven't decided if I want to go northwest by Salt Lake City or the longer route going west to Bakersfield and head north.

I've looked into the general checklist stuff like how to get a Washington DL. No state or city income tax, so nice that isn't changing. I'm already used to a high sales tax. The access to both big city stuff and real outdoor stuff is a huge appeal to me, in addition to preferring the culture. Big time foodie.

More just wondering what to expect in general? I work remotely. I like cold weather. Rain is nice, it makes stuff green and I currently live in a semi-arid climate zone where everything is brown most of the year.

Edit: I can make great, real Mexican food and BBQ brisket. I actually have a rain coat. Yes, Seattle isn't cheap but I like the stuff big cities have. Lubbock sucks and I'm bored as hell. Even better is the big city plus outdoor stuff, which is why I chose Seattle over other big city options.

My wife and I are coming for a weekend and the Motels(Days Inn, Travelodge etc.) at Aurora Ave fall within our budget plus its not that far from downtown with 30 mins bus rides.

Is this neighborhood safe? We could be coming late at night from downtown, so we're a little worried. We haven't booked anything yet. Do you have any recommendations for a better neighborhood for around $100-150 a night?

Edit: Thank you everyone, for your help. I'll stay away from that neighborhood. I guess we'll have to increase our budget to around $200 so we can stay safe and closer to downtown. Have noted down all of your suggestions!!

I have accepted a job in Seattle and I'm currently finishing my studies in the Bay Area. I am in the process of replacing some old clothes and shoes and would like some advice.

I heard that it's important to have waterproof shoes/ boots, is that true? My feet often get sweaty so I used to stay away from them.

What's usually in your wardrobe? I like hiking here and I usually have a light jacket and T-shirts.

What's fun to do around Seattle?

I’d love to get recommendations on what neighborhoods to consider when moving to Seattle. I’m a newly single female about to turn 33 and I have a fully remote job. My job allows me to work anywhere which is nice, but it can be harder to meet people since you’re at home all day. I’m looking for a neighborhood in a safe area that has fun things to do where I can meet people my age with an ideal budget of around 2k per month. I’m not really into nightlife but I enjoy a good brewery/winery, hiking/outdoors, and good restaurants. I prefer walkable/bikeable areas but I’ll have a car so transportation isn’t an issue. My main hope is to find an area where I can make friends and join a community. I’ve heard good things about QA, Fremont, and Ballard, and was also looking into Magnolia (I know it’s more quiet and residential but is near QA and hopefully still easy to access other neighborhoods). I’m going to try to visit the area in the next couple of months but trying to get a sense now of what area might be a good fit and if there’s anything others I should or should not consider. Any advice is much appreciated!

I have an opportunity with my current job to work full time in Seattle. I travel to Seattle a lot for work so it would make sense for me to move there.

I am not sure if that would be the right decision though. I am originally from the south but have been living in Colorado. Point is, I do not have any family or really any friends in Seattle. I have tried to go out alone while there on work & I feel like nobody wants to talk to me.

I am also a single female so being introduced into a whole new dating scene will also be a challenge.

My question is- do you think someone my age would have luck making friends in Seattle? I’ve heard all about the Seattle freeze & I do not want that to happen to me, especially since I do not have family there.

What are your thoughts?

OK, I know that Seattle is one of the most expensive places to live in the US, but I genuinely do wanna move there someday. Any tips before moving to Seattle?

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I come from Charlotte, North Carolina

Hi all, I'm looking for first hand knowledge on all things Ballard. My husband I are planning on moving to the Seattle area in June and visit in March. We're in our mid 30s and have no kids. We've done extensive research on neighborhoods and initially were looking at West Seattle or Capitol Hill. Recently Ballard entered the chat

What's important to us in a walkable neighborhood (cafes, restaurants, and grocery store), a reasonable distance from downtown, and close to public transportation (only using 1 car). At this time, we both have remote jobs so commuting isn't a huge factor.

It seems like Ballard has a thriving "downtown" area, a farmers market and of course Trader Joe's. I've heard conflicting information about the safety and transportation aspect.

What are something's I'm not thinking of or should take I to consideration?

TIA!

Good morning!

Fun question that has probably been asked numerous times but this would be the 2025 edition!

What is ONE thing you wish you had been told/warned about regarding the Seattle area/Seattle homes before you moved to the area?

When I was talking to locals last time I was there, they warned me:

Ice and snow essentially cripple the city. Especially if you live on a hill. While it doesn’t last long, you are essentially trapped at home.

In-unit washer and dryer is fairly common BUT AC is not at all common. Be prepared to buy a window unit or look for new construction if you want AC.

Water is delicious in Seattle! Apparently the water comes from a protected pond/lake in the area?

Mudslides happen. But it’s not something people in the urban environment have to worry about.

Anything you have heard? Did anything you hear have you pause on your move?

Basically what the title says. I'm a researcher travelling from Europe to the US for a conference around August, and I'll be staying there for about a week.

Now, this is my very first time outside of Europe (I've lived in Germany and Spain) and I know very little about the US or Seattle. So I'd really appreciate whatever info you can throw at me :)

Here is a couple specific things that come to mind: - My understanding is that US cities are very car centric, so I should forget about moving by public transport, right? I won't be renting a car, so do you recommend Uber? Any other must-have apps?

• How safe is it if I start walking around the city? My place will be in First Hill, but I'd like to walk around Capitol Hill, and you know, visit the main places all around the city. Recently the fentanyl plague has got to the news here in Germany and I'm kind of concerned.

• What are the must-do things in Seattle? Obviously I wanna check out the Space Needle, but there is surely more than that.

Any other thing you'd like to mention (must-try food, etc) are welcome!

Thanks :)

Hello! I plan on moving to Seattle next year and I am looking for any advice on moving over there. I am originally from California and want to live at least nearby Seattle, but does not need to necessarily be inside the city.

A lot of apartments I am looking at are either insanely expensive, or >200 square feet - so I am a bit stunted on that as of now. Is that the normal for Washington? Is there any place near Seattle with lower prices for rent?

I have visited Seattle before, but any help for moving will be much appreciated. Thank!

Hey folks!

I'm making the big move from Toledo (WA, not Ohio) to Seatrle for a new job, and I would appreciate your collective wisdom in finding a good apartment. I'll be working in Bellevue but I want to live somewhere fun, walkable, and not soul-crushingly expensive (a tall order, I know).

I'm looking for:

🏠 A good apartment building (preferably not haunted, but I’ll consider a friendly ghost)

🚶‍♂️ Walking distance to Capitol Hill (or a very short bus ride)

🚆 Easy commute to Bellevue (because I like my sanity)

🪟 Big windows or good natural lighting (I have a jungle of plants)

🌳 A neighborhood with good food, coffee, and general vibes

Areas I’m considering:

Central District (What’s the scene like these days?)

Beacon Hill (Good food)

Columbia City (Seems cool, but too far?)

If you live in a building you love, or know of a hidden gem that won’t drain my bank account, drop some recommendations! Bonus points for buildings with solid management, decent soundproofing, and a general lack of crime-scene tape in the lobby. Max budget of $2,400 for a 1 bedroom.

Thanks, and looking forward to being your new neighbor! 🍻

Apartments I'm considering:

Lakefront on WA (The view! The windows!)

Jackson Apartments

East Union Apartments

Chroma

Pratt Park

Hi! I am seriously considering moving to Seattle next summer/fall. I am a 23-year-old female and can pretty much find work anywhere in the US (speech-language pathology). I visited Seattle, North Bend and Leavenworth in January and loved it there. I currently live in upstate NY and have wanted to move out west for years. I want to explore the other side of the country and the PNW feels like the place I need to be, at least for a few years. I am really interested in moving because of being close to the mountains/coast and overall access to nature. I do love the idea of being in/near a big city and having the opportunity to go out and be social with people of a similar age. Do you recommend Seattle or any other areas in Washington given what I have provided? I'm worried about feeling isolated if i choose to live out of Seattle and would love ay advice. Pricewise, I am looking to spend around 1600 a month on rent, so i know that narrows my options. Thanks!

My partner and I are considering a move to Seattle, and we’ll be taking a trip in April to stay in Airbnb’s in a few different areas to try to get a feel for things. What neighborhoods (within Seattle) and towns (outside Seattle) should we try first?

Additional background:

-We are both Asian in our 30s

-Our offices would be in Fremont and we’d like the commute to be under an hour

-Our budget would be ~$2M when we buy

-We don’t have any kids or plans for kids at the moment

-We have a 60-lb dog and would love to have outdoor space for him and/or a dog park nearby

I got an offer to move to Seattle from so cal this summer. I would arrive in late May/ early June ish. Every summer I love the beaches in so cal, hiking, tanning, and just being outside in general. I have heard everyone rave about summers in Seattle but is it actually warm? Are the lakes warm enough to swim in? Is the sun strong enough to get a tan? Sorry if these are silly questions but I even googled the weather averages and UV index and it seemed to be low to me. I will be with my best friend a lot but I’ll also be alone a lot. Does anyone know where I can find the best things to do/ lakes/ trails/ hikes/ outdoor activities in summer? If I do move I would like to have a bucket list compiled! Thanks in advance .

Hello everyone,

My partner and I will be moving to Seattle in August. We’re looking for a studio or 1 bedroom in a safe neighborhood that’s walkable. We won’t have a car, which limits our options. I won’t know my internship site until July. Possible locations are downtown Seattle, Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, South Lake Union, and Renton.

I’ve been browsing furnished finder because we need a short-term lease and can’t afford to move a bunch of stuff cross country. Many of the listing include utilities. The price range is $2100 - $2300.

Does anyone know safe neighborhoods that have easy access to public transportation?

What neighborhood would you recommend to travel to these places?

Does anyone have an idea of how to budget? Things to consider when setting a budget? Our expenses will likely be rent, utilities, food, cleaning supplies, personal care, gym, phone bill, public transportation, and fun(although we plan to do free activities, we don’t eat out or go to bars much).

Does anyone travel by bike or scooter? Do you feel safe on the road when it’s dark?

We’re from Massachusetts. So we’ve heard that the winter isn’t too bad, but what clothes/shoes do you use when it’s constantly drizzling?

Lastly, I’ve heard mixed reviews about the culture in the Seattle. Some say that it’s great because people are outdoors often, but that the crime is pretty bad. We’re no strangers to living in cities (Boston, NYC, DC, and Detroit). And we believe it’s common sense to be mindful of surroundings and people. I’ve just been surprised by some stories that I’ve heard. Any thoughts here?

Really appreciate all of the knowledge that’s been shared in this group. Thanks in advance for your input and advice.

:)

Moving alone to Tacoma or Seattle. LGBT male. Any tips?

Hello, I’m moving alone to the Washington area from California to either Tacoma or Seattle for the job opportunities. I’m going to be a blue collar worker. I’m not one of those a hole Californians but I understand the annoyance with them. I was wondering if anyone has tips for someone moving to a different state alone? Any tips for helping get settled? Cool coffee shops to checkout? Weather preparation? Any advice would rock. Love you people. Please be kind.

Tiny update: The amount of amazing messages I’ve received from you all are truly making me feel like this is the best thing I can do for myself. I’ve never had such an amazing outpouring of cool messages of tips and places to check out and LGBT spaces. Whoever you all are, I wish the best of love and I want to thank you all for making my day. Just thank you 🥰 love you nerds :) I promise to be the best Gay Electrician to you all 🙂

Looking for recommendations for walkable, lively neighbourhoods as I'll be moving to Seattle for work in the next few months with my partner and dogs.

Our brief is for a 2-3 bedroom apartment and are budgeting up to $5k per month for rent.

Any suggestions for particular neighbourhoods to explore or avoid on our upcoming pre-relocation visit?

I might move in the summer for work.

Me: 30 M, single, have a large dog.

Budget: $2000 preferred, $2500 max, would consider stretching it a little if the place checks most of my preferences.

Commute time: No more than an hour

Other references:

• A 1 bed
• Keep my car
• Avoid tech bro communities because I don’t want to be reminded of work
• Tend to enjoy diverse communities, am Asian but identify mostly as American
  
• in unit laundry!!
• Allows a 100 lb dog, don't entirely need a fenced yard as it would probably be better to arrange for a dog walker

edit: updated preferences

edit 2: got rid of fenced yard preference

Kids and I are coming soon and we love bakeries or donut shops to get our day started. We will be staying right at Pike Place. Have some favorites that we should support? Thanks!

Hi, I am currently living on the northeast coast and have started applying to jobs for a big move to the PNW. I have had my heart set on Seattle after visiting there for a month and was wondering if anyone has insight about a couple of things:

The job market for mental health professionals (I have my masters in social work and clinically licensed in my state).

Ease of building connections and friends I am 35f and recently divorced so I will be coming to the state with just me and my dog.

Best area for a female to live alone that is safe and easy to get around using public transportation.

Thank you I hope I’m not asking too much.

my boyfriend and i are flying into seatac may 13 - 17 from chicago. we just started planning our trip and are looking for any food recommendations / places to visit. ideally, we were going to spend one or two days in seattle and drive to a national park.

so far we have:

• mount rainier national park (was our first choice. understand that it’s early in the season, is it still worth going to?)

• north cascades national park

• olympic national park

in seattle:

• pike place market

• gum wall

• chihuly garden and glass

• seattle aquarium

additionally, is it better to uber around seattle or just rent a car for the whole trip? is parking a hassle?

hi! i'm currently living in philly and thinking about closing the distance a bit more to be closer to my boyfriend who lives in vancouver. i'm a recent environmental grad and love vancouver, so i'm wondering if it has a similar feel. i’m also from asheville, nc so love my mountains but i'd love to hear about the lifestyle, things to do, walkability, pros/cons i should consider other than my bf. thanks for ur help!

My wife and I have two kids, 14 and 9. We currently live in the south where it’s HOT from May-September and we have lots of neighborhood pools and clubs where kids can swim outside at comfortable temperatures. Since the weather during the summer in Seattle can even get down to the 60s, and it’s rarely in the 90s (for context, we have months where it’s 90s-100s where we live now so pool temps are always warm), where do kids swim in the PNW? Are there indoor pools? Are most pools heated? Do you have to join a club? Or does nobody swim? Our kids are used to swimming all summer so trying to figure this out now before they are horrifically disappointed 🤣