Seattle has a reputation for being the rainiest city in America. This fact alone is enough to make people decide against moving to Seattle. On the other hand, it is precisely what would attract many other people. The truth is, just like with any other city, living in Seattle has its pros and cons. It is up to you whether you can deal with all the good, as well as bad sides. Our job is to help you decide whether moving to Seattle is the right decision for you. Here is everything you need to know!
Facts about the life in Seattle
Before we get into details, we would first like to mention some facts that you should know before moving to Seattle. These are important, so you might want to pay close attention:
- Living in Seattle is expensive.
- Seattle has no income tax.
- This city is the 4th safest city in the country.
- You will enjoy some great nightlife after moving to Seattle.
- You will never be bored because there are a lot of things you can do.
Having a successful relocation implies doing a lot of research. This research should include facts such as the state taxes, safety, and entertainment options. We listed just a couple of them to get you started, but the rest is up to you!
Learn the truth about the weather before moving to Seattle
The rainy weather is the first thing anyone thinks about when they hear the word Seattle. While it undeniably rains a lot in Seattle, it is not as bad as you might think. A fact is that people living in Seattle sometimes don`t even bother putting on their hoodies, because there is not a lot of rain. The real problem about the Seattle weather is that it is cloudy. Moreover, this city has more cloudy days than any other US city, with winter days being very short. Those are just the peculiarities of the weather in Seattle.
However, summers in Seattle are just perfect! Witnessing a summer in this city is enough to convince you to live in it forever, patiently waiting for those sweet summer months. Although very short, summers are hot but not humid. The only downside is that you will get only two months of this perfect weather. Having in mind the weather in Seattle and the duration of the summer, the chances are you will have to move during the winter, so you should be prepared for that as well. Weigh the pros and cons and decide whether relocating to Seattle is an option or you.
Learn about the housing prices before moving to Seattle
As we have already mentioned, Seattle is an expensive city. It is slowly becoming one of the most expensive cities in the US, which should tell you a lot about the housing market in Seattle. Naturally, the amount you will have to pay for your residence depends on a couple of things. The price of your mortgage depends on the number of rooms, as well as on the type of the property (an apartment or a house.) Here is how much you can expect to pay:
- Price per square meter in the center of the city – 5 700 dollars and up.
- Price per square meter outside the center of the city – 2 900 dollars and up.
If you are renting, we regret to inform you that the situation is not much better. Again, the prices vary between the center of the city and the outside of the city:
- One bedroom apartment in the center of the city – 1 400 dollars and up.
- One bedroom apartment outside the center of the city – 1 000 dollars and up.
- Three bedroom apartment in the center of the city – 2 700 dollars and up.
- Three bedroom apartment outside the center of the city – 1 650 dollars and up.
Looking at these prices, we are sure you realize that you have to get your finances in order before moving to Seattle. It is the only way to financially survive in this expensive city. And, besides worrying about the housing prices, you also need to think about the in-house costs estimates of your relocation. Moving is not cheap, as we are sure you already know by now.
Learn about the lifestyle before moving to Seattle
There are so many things we would like to mention about the life in Seattle. It is only fair to begin by saying that Seattle is a place known for its coffee! After all, the first Starbucks coffee shop was founded right here in this amazing city. Besides coffee, great food is something you can enjoy after relocating to Seattle, too. This unique city has a vast variety of restaurants, ranging from luxurious to cheap ones. The city`s favorite is without a doubt Dick`s Drive-In. It is a place where you can get a perfect, mouthwatering burger with French fries and tartar sauce for an affordable price. What could be better?
The locals in Seattle
The locals in Seattle are polite and approachable. They are not as mean as everyone makes them out to be. Also, contrary to the popular belief, Seattle is a culturally diverse city. If you randomly picked two people, chances are they would be of different races. For example, Asian people make up 13 percent of Seattle`s population. It helps to know that you are about to live in an open-minded and hospitable city.
We really hoped we were able to help you in making this important decision. Bear in mind that moving to Seattle is not for everyone. And that is okay. However, if you think that this is the right decision for you, we fully support you. After all, you could do a lot worse than Seattle! And, if you have already made the decision and your moving day adventure is approaching, stay calm. Enjoy it while it lasts!