Seattle area vs. Phoenix area? (transplants, neighborhoods, schools)

[mom2mns]

Hi, we are relocating this summer and are torn between these two areas. Both have pros. and cons. I am looking for feedback from people who live or have lived in either area. Why are you there or why did you leave? Thanks

[NJ-201]

Seattle has warm & mostly dry summers and chilly, rainy winters with lots of cloudy and rainy days.

Phoenix has very hot summers and cool winters with plenty of sunshine and very low rainfall throughout the year.

[josehernandez017]

I lived in Seattle area for 17 years and Phoenix for 11 years.

I left Seattle because I couldn't stand the weather and plus I just wanted to see something else. Seattle is more beautiful has water everywhere, the mountains, forest, hills, and outstanding scenery. When I got to Phoenix I loved the weather. In March I was out in the pool and it was warm and always sunny. Phoenix has a totally different vibe that Seattle.
Phoenix is made up of transplants whereas Seattle is mostly comprised of natives. It is easier to start in Phoenix and easier to make friends.

Seattle has the dreary rain and cold most of the year, Phoenix has better weather but gets EXTREMELY HOT!!!! in the summer for about 5 months. Phoenix is and endless flat expanse of tile rooftops, concrete and rocks. Seattle is a green forested scenic area with breathtaking and refreshing views and tons of nature. Phoenix is a concrete jungle. Seattle is a green paradise.

Housing cost is much higher in Seattle. Phoenix is a few hour drive from a lot of cool places like Las Vegas, Southern California Etc. If you like VEGAS TRIPS, Beaches, Going to the pool, driving to Disney Land once in a while and live in a desert go to Phoenix. If you prefer to SKI, go Hiking, drink coffee if you are Hip and tech savie go to Seattle. Seattle is mostly white, educated and established people that area from the Seattle area. Phoenix is a lot of Hispanic and often illegal aliens not as educated but more opportunistic and a much newer area.

[mom2mns]

Thank-you very much for the information. It is just what I was looking for.

[eskercurve]

I have to disagree with josehernandez on Seattle. Seattle has TONS of transplants because many multinational corporations are here, especially in IT. Microsoft, Amazon.com, and many other smaller outfits are here. Boeing is here as well. Given those specialties, it is obvious that more locally-grown talent isn't possible so they have to recruit from all over.

I am one of them

I can't say though that I lived in both areas as long, though. I frequently went on business trips to Phoenix for extended (3+ month stays) and have lived in Seattle for 3 years. Here are my thoughts:

1) Seattle is more beautiful and diverse in terms of landscape and climate.
2) Seattle is overcast and drizzly for ~6-7 months out of the year. The summers, though, are GLORIOUS!
3) There are more public activities and a hipper vibe than Phoenix.
4) Seattle is many times more "liberal" than Phoenix.
5) Seattle city proper has walkable neighborhoods with shops, restaurants, housing, and things to do all within a mile of each other typically.
6) Seattle is more expensive to live in than Phoenix.
7) Phoenix has crazier drivers ...
8) ... but Seattle drivers can be equally bad but at least slower
9) The people of Seattle will welcome you, once they get to know you. Phoenix people not so much I've learned.
10) Seattle schools are better.
11) Seattle is more diverse ethnically, musically, and culturally.

Those are my perspectives. In all, I would say that Seattle is a better place to live because you don' thave that tired cowboy mentality with the same idiotic trucks driving at 200 mph and blistering heat and boredom. I would much rather prefer some rain and drizzle to the Phoenix area's blandness and heat.

[Soul Survivor83]

i lived in phoenix, but have thought about seattle myself

[Azjimmied]

In Phoenix, be prepared for 5 months of heat in excess of 100F up to 119-121F during the middle summer months. Everyone who can remains inside day & night for 5 months per year. There may be some outdoor concerts, but you pay the price. Also, there is no water anywhere, except for man-made fountains. Tempe Town Lake is for small boats, rafts only, no swimming. Extreme desert landscape. Perfect winters(springs) though, just not long enough. Lows in winter mornings 30-38F. I've wanted to check out Seattle for a long time. The idea of lots of water and greenery sounds great, not to mention low temps.

[azoria]

Neither.

[synapse]

They're as different as you can get. Seattle is a walkable, very liberal, rainy and grey city much of the year, and Phoenix is a drivable, conservative, sunny and deserty city much of the year. It really depends what you like. Seattle has more of a city vibe.

[eskercurve]

... you guys do realize that the original question was posed in April? And Seattle's beaten many cities in polls, etc. etc. Further, this person was simply asking for advice. So why resurrect it?