Am I going to be poor?

[onmywaythere]

Originally Posted by aa85

A+ for making in DC on 28k - this will seem easy.

Thanks! It wasn't easy, wasn't fun, but definitely a wonderful learning experience. I have loads more self confidence now.

[rbkoreaus]

Not a problem for you to live off that sum of $. My coworker opted to live in a downtown apartment 1-BR (pretty much in the middle of things) for $800 a month, within walking distance of Pike's and most other things. He doesn't drive either. Monthly parking expenses could be a killer though if you opt to live in that area. Another alternative would be to live closer to Renton/Tukwila area for even less rent money (think $600-$800), and then just take your 15-20 minute drive up to downtown Seattle for just.

Either way this would be a cake walk compared to what you managed to accomplish in DC on 28K.

[eskercurve]

If you don't have a lot of stuff or can find cheap storage, you may want to consider living with roommates or in a shared house. This is quite common in the city.

Don't buy the BMW, don't get the $3000 mountain bike, bypass the flat screen TV if it costs more than $1200, etc. This area is also mecca for outdoors, so if you invest in a good waterproof jacket, pants, boots, a backpack, etc. you can easily pay for it by not getting cable TV. I've done it. All the interesting shows I like to watch are available through Hulu or iTunes now anyway, and I can watch it whenever I want.

Also, learn to cook. The area is replete with tons of organic farm to table places around here. Yeah there's tons of awesome restaurants, but that gets expensive fast.

[HometoGeorgia]

Drinks: I still think the price of drinks (non happy hour) in the trendier places are outrageous. I don't know if the state monopoly on booze has anything to do with it or not, but the bars/clubs have to obviously pass those high taxes onto their customers, $6-9 wells can create an entire city of teetotalers, no wonder coffee is so popular.

Capital Hill: Rental prices are comparable to downtown, not necessarily safer, some pockets of it can be iffy. It's the most densely populated zip code in the state, so be prepared for a crowded in feeling. And it's very liberal in the extreme sense, so keep that in mind if you have right wing political views; to the closet you will go, where you'll find me and the 2 or 3 other republicans in Seattle where we huddle together and sing Kumbaya. But it's the main location of the gay/lesbian community, so no closet required in that sense.

Cars: With all due respect, if your working/living downtown or on Capital Hill, you really don't need one. You'll spend most of your time looking for parking if it's the latter. I only bring this up because it's a great money/time saver in not owning one, you can pocket the savings, put it toward rent or start a house down payment fund.

Rent: And speaking of rent. This is one of those cities where it has never gone down, building owners would rather have empty units or offer a special then lower the rent. In my waning days here in Seattle I have reflected a lot on this, as a bluecollar guy I always felt like I was spinning my wheels. I think you'll do fine given what you're used to, but it's a tuff city to get ahead in even for the middle class. I know couples that are both fulltime professionals that can't afford mortgages here, but it still might seem cheap compared to DC/NOVA.

Overall I think you'll fit in just fine given your education and career; it sounds like it will be a lateral move for you to maybe slightly better if you continue to put your frugality to good use. But I'd strongly advise a condo/home purchase down the road if you can swing it because like I said, the continued upward direction of rents will always be the one sticking point, especially if you plan to stay here through midlife/retirement.