Seattle vs Los Angeles (Bellevue, Kent: townhome, neighborhoods, high school)

[woodinvilleguy]

Having lived in both places, I would never move back to CA. The taxes are higher overall in CA by a lot. The schools aren't as good, LA is ust overcrowded and expensive. Now I am actually moving to Austin because the weather in Seattle just isn't right for some people (me). If you Ski it is awesome.

[renaejrf]

I lived in Seattle for 3 years and now live in California (also where I was before the 3 years in Seattle)....I wish I had stayed there. It is amazingly beautiful and there's something about Seattle that made me feel like i was living life instead of just living as I do in California.... I didn't think traffic was as bad as many made it out to be but then again, I think it was just cuz I didn't drive around 8 or 5 on the freeways.

[pwright1]

I lived in L.A. and live in Seattle. I actually love Los Angeles, but I love Seattle too. If I ever did move back to L.A. I could easily adjust. I love both cities.

[fairweathergolfer]

This is exactly my opinion too. Although I live just a few miles north of Santa Monica and I lived in Seattle. Love both, could live in both, and could adjust quite easily either way.

I had no idea you had lived here pwright1! What a great and special addition you are to Seattle and her city-data thread .

Originally Posted by pwright1

I lived in L.A. and live in Seattle. I actually love Los Angeles, but I love Seattle too. If I ever did move back to L.A. I could easily adjust. I love both cities.

[pwright1]

Thanks. I have a brother who lives there. Its such a cool and unique metropolis imo.

[Vripper]

Do you like walking around? If so, consider the homeless factor... Seattle has quite a few homeless folks roaming in the downtown area, but Santa Monica's got homeless crawling out of its ears!

[foos]

Nitro, I like your open minded approach to trying new things, but after living in both Los Angeles and Seattle, you absolutely will not find a city that offers the natural beauty that Seattle does. If you're looking to expand your outdoor lifestyle, believe me, this won't happen in Los Angeles. Stay in Seattle.

[foos]

Hands down, Seattle is a much better city. I've lived in both places. Yes, the weather is nicer in Southern California...big deal. That's about the only thing that makes it worth living there. The traffic is horrific, the people are completely self-centered and vain, not to mention rude as hell. The cost of living is retarded as ****. Getting around in LA is a headache and unless you can afford to live near the beach or you want to drive 4-5 hours to get out of town, there is no natural beauty.

Let's also not forget that LA is rated as the #1 most polluted city in the nation. So for health reasons alone, forget about LA. Seattle, the people are more humble, they are real. You don't feel pressured to "Keep up with the Jones's." If you looking to avoid housewives who live to have their hair/nails done, show off their diamonds while driving around in their mercedes, by all means avoid LA. In Seattle, the beach, the mountains, the forest, the city is all within 1 hours reach. The air is crisp and clean, the city is gorgeous with an abundance of great cuisine to choose from. And yes, no THUGS in Seattle.

I can't stand those LA gangsters with their stupid ass jeans down to their knees with tube socks and gold dangling from their necks. What a bunch of friggin morons. The people in Seattle are far more sophisticated and interesting to talk to. One can instantly spot the intellectual differences. They have something to say because they are saturated in politics, art, music and provoking thoughts that are enlightening. Did I mention all of the great festivals Seattle hosts year round? There are tons and tons of brew festivals, musics festivals, (after all, Seattle is a music city). You could attend a festival everyday of the year and still not be able to enjoy all of them.

It's a very active city and walker's paradise. Just like the song goes.."Nobody walks in LA" hence the congestion, eh um. Cost...it's a no-brainer! I had a two bedroom condo in So Cal for $360K. In Seattle, (Kent 25 min from the city) I had a 5 bedroom home with a view of the city lights and the cascade mts. for $340K. Why in the hell would anyone want to live in LA? It sucks! sorry all of you LA fans, but if you read through all of the comments posted in this site, the majority of people opt for living in Seattle because they know how much better it is.

Oh damn, how could I forget parking? In So Cal, you can't park anywhere!!! If it's not a home owner's association telling you how to park, it's all the stupid street sweeping signs. And what good does that do, beings LA is still dirty as hell? Getting into Seattle is breeze, getting out of the city is easy, getting around in the city is easy. If you're environmentally conscious, then Seattle offers much more in public transportation than LA. LA has nothing but a Metro which doesn't really go where you need to. Sure the winters are gray, but if you're a four season type of person, Seattle offers that too. The summers are beautiful with an average temp of 85º. Who wants to be in 110º heat everyday in LA? I'm not one for sweltering heat that doesn't allow me to enjoy the days unless I'm near a pool or beach every minute of the day. I guess that's for some people, but too hot for me. SEATTLE RULES!!!!!

[foos]

Great place to raise kids too. Seattle is the most educated city in the U.S. need I say more?

[foos]

Couldn't agree with you more renaejrf. I think it's the pace of the lifestyle. It's not as fast, so you can stop and smell the roses, take in life and appreciate everything around you much more than you can in LA.