No more pretty pics...What Seattle is REALLY like (Snoqualmie: living, statistics)

[MacFan]

Great post and a good reality check for people who don't live in Seattle. Otherwise people would think it really looks like the pictures in the tourist guides and they would be greatly disappointed.

Again. Great post.

[pw72]

Come on everyone, how about a dose of reality here?

Is Seattle sunny everyday? Absolutely not. I believe it ranks near the top of the list of cloudy days, along with places like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Portland, and close to many others. But many more cities have more actual rain. And the first three I mentioned get about 5X the snowfall.

Is it cloudy for 9 or 10 months of the year? Absolutely not. There are ALWAYS sunny or partly sunny days EVERY month of the year.

Climate is a subjective thing. Mild weather year 'round suits many just fine. Cloudy days don't bother everyone. I have lived in many parts of the US and there are good and bad componets to almost everywhere. Except San Diego. That may be the only perfect climate in the US! (If you're willing to pay for it!

[Botev1912]

Originally Posted by pw72

Come on everyone, how about a dose of reality here?

Is Seattle sunny everyday? Absolutely not. I believe it ranks near the top of the list of cloudy days, along with places like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Portland, and close to many others. But many more cities have more actual rain. And the first three I mentioned get about 5X the snowfall.

Is it cloudy for 9 or 10 months of the year? Absolutely not. There are ALWAYS sunny or partly sunny days EVERY month of the year.

Climate is a subjective thing. Mild weather year 'round suits many just fine. Cloudy days don't bother everyone. I have lived in many parts of the US and there are good and bad componets to almost everywhere. Except San Diego. That may be the only perfect climate in the US! (If you're willing to pay for it!

exactly!!!

[Muhnay]

Originally Posted by Botev1912

exactly!!!

I SECOND THAT!

[41Willys]

,,,,,,,,,Third!

[SaltyDawg]

and a fourth from me.

Those pictures are as disingenuous as the crystalline chamber of commerce photos. It's neither beautiful and perfect everyday nor so grim and wet as the photos posted.

It's a city with a mild climate and a higher-than-average number of overcast days.

Those who love the climate cite the lack of sweltering humidity and months of frigid temperatures, as well as the perpetual greenery. There is really no season in which you can't be outdoors with a minimum of preparation.

Those who hate it (including a number of folks who curiously stay here despite hating it- I'm looking at you Jenbear, geometricdisaster, sirocco) cite the darkness of the winters, the damp fall/winter/spring, and lack of true heat - while simultaneously (and bewilderingly) bemoaning the lack of air conditioning.

If you crave serious heat, it ain't for you. If you crave snow-covered houses with blazing sunshine and freezing temperatures, probably not gonna work out for you.

It's not for everybody, to be sure. But don't let the malcontents make your decision for you - only you know what you like, and it's neither perfect nor awful.

[41Willys]

With that being said can we get some "more" of those pics,, please?

[jwb123]

Those who hate it (including a number of folks who curiously stay here despite hating it- I'm looking at you Jenbear, geometricdisaster, sirocco) cite the darkness of the winters, the damp fall/winter/spring, and lack of true heat - while simultaneously (and bewilderingly) bemoaning the lack of air conditioning.

Uh, I think you can point that finger elsewhere.

First, I haven't said much about the weather in Seattle for some time. I have made my point about it in posts long ago. I also have never said a thing negatively about the lack of air conditioning. Never. I loved that I didn't have to use AC there, and thus, didn't have the AC bills, could open the windows etc.

I don't love the gray endless drizzle - and for that I am truly glad to be gone from the place.

None the less, I lived in the area for some time and have been there recent enough to offer current advice and information on specific areas. I DON'T hate Seattle, there are things I still very much like about it - it was good while it lasted, maddening in the end and I am happy to have moved on. Doesn't make my contribution any less valid than anyone else's.

[scirocco22]

I didn't stay here, I left ...well, I'm here now but only temporarily. And I've never really complained about the lack of air conditioning. I lived in the state for decades without it and never complained.

I don't HATE Seattle either. I was born here and lived most of my life here. I love it in a lot of ways. I just don't like the weather.

Me too, I also don't think it makes my contributions any less valid than anyone else's.

[Wanderlust07]

Originally Posted by SaltyDawg

Those who hate it (including a number of folks who curiously stay here despite hating it- I'm looking at you Jenbear, geometricdisaster, sirocco) cite the darkness of the winters, the damp fall/winter/spring, and lack of true heat - while simultaneously (and bewilderingly) bemoaning the lack of air conditioning.

It's not for everybody, to be sure. But don't let the malcontents make your decision for you - only you know what you like, and it's neither perfect nor awful.

Hmm...I guess that under your criteria, I'm a "malcontent". That strikes me as a bit pejorative, but that's your opinion, so I can live with it.

As they have mentioned already, Jenbar & 'rocco don't live here anymore, so they're not just complaining without doing anything to improve their level of happiness. They've already done it. In addition, it's inaccurate for you to describe their posts, wherein they described their dislike of the weather and the reasons for their feelings, as "hate" for the area. They are entitled to their perspectives, regardless of whether you or others agree (or want to read it).

I am a WA native. I guess I didn't get the memo about not saying anything that might be perceived as "disloyal" to the area, because there are many aspects that I don't care for: the expensive housing, the terrible traffic, and of course, the unpredictable and often inclement weather. Seattle used to be about accepting all perspectives and viewpoints, even if you didn't personally agree with them -- I've seen a number of posts, including yours, that suggests that has changed. No doubt you'll be pleased to hear that I'm going to leave the area...but I'll keep posting here as long as I have something to say, as should Jenbar, 'rocco, and anyone else who wishes to.