"Why the HELL would you move to Seattle?" (Bellevue: apartment, tornado)

[cowbell76]

New to this particular regional forum...

I'm sort of surprised that most of the people on this thread seem to be coming from warm places (and maybe California, in particular?) I guess it makes sense, given Washington's proximity to California. But when we move to Seattle we'll be coming from freezing northern New England, and the weather will be a definite improvement in the eyes of most people. I'd rather have clouds and light rain and moderate summer temps over a fair amount of sun but sub-freezing temps and snow half the year, and hot summer temps.

The only people who have asked why we would want to move to Seattle are people who have never been anywhere, view it as another planet, and are anti-city. They'd ask the same question about a move to any bigger city.

Why Seattle? A dramatically-improved climate means the ability to enjoy the outdoors pretty much year-round, and substantial greenery year-round. There is stunning natural beauty, proximity to great hiking and kayaking, a huge craft beer scene (which is actually pretty good where I live, but it's still not the same) great coffee, and just a nice vibe. I want to return to the energy of a bigger city, and Seattle has that all wrapped up in a fairly laid-back package.

[beautifulseattlehomes]

Seattle is not for everyone and that is the honest truth. In fact I can hardly think of a city in the US that gets such divided opinions as to either loving or hating it. In fact I have known more people than I can count who have fled, yes fled and have never looked back vastly increasing their happiness somewhere else! That being said, for every one of them there are many who move here and fall in love with it.

My advice would be to spend a lot more than just a week here and try as much as possible to take off the vacation rose colored glasses and really try to envision what life here would look like. Take your kids to parks to play. Go to the neighborhood breakfast place. Sit down in a pub for a beer...go on one of the art walks in different neighborhoods throughout the city. Visit the museum and strike up a conversation.

I think for most people new to Seattle, the most shocking thing about it isn't the weather (everyone knows what the weather is like) but the fact that compared to many places this is not an effusive, gregarious town, except when we win the Super Bowl! It's a laid back chilled out city! I have grown to appreciate it but for many it can be a tough place socially...just some honest food for thought!

[tofur]

why I'm considering moving to Seattle from south florida and a childhood in upstate NY:

1. Legal pot. Hey, its better and safer than alcohol yet insanely illegal most places, I want to get my smoke on legally.

2. normal gun laws. Might seem like these first two shouldn't go together, but its the mixture of the two that could create negligent discharges and such things. I've grown used to FL's proper gun laws and it would suck to give up my 2nd amendment rights by moving to say, NYC or Boston.

3. Great mountain biking. Yeah, not much of that here in Florida, where the highest points are highway overpasses and landfills.

4. Skiing that can be gotten to via car, as opposed to by airplane which is my current setup.

5. 4 seasons but without the bitter cold and very hot summers that the NE has. I swear NYC in the summer really isn't much better than south FL, and that's saying something because this place turns into a oven.

6. A chill atmosphere. I'm fine with people not requiring social communication all the time, or even most of the time. It's still a large city, and finding the extroverts can't be that difficult if you feel the need to socialize.

7. Hawaii and Vancouver and Cali and even Japan are easier to get to. I haven't spent much of any time on the West coast.

8. Growing up in NY state, I miss deciduous tree's and elevation change.

[JonasW]

You really really really like your thick black horn rimmed glasses and they look ridiculous anywhere else....


It's the only place as a nerdy misfit you can actually sport tats that would get you killed anything place....

You enjoy snarky hipsters and are one!

[Chilkoot]

Originally Posted by cowbell76

New to this particular regional forum...

I'm sort of surprised that most of the people on this thread seem to be coming from warm places (and maybe California, in particular?) I guess it makes sense, given Washington's proximity to California. But when we move to Seattle we'll be coming from freezing northern New England, and the weather will be a definite improvement in the eyes of most people. I'd rather have clouds and light rain and moderate summer temps over a fair amount of sun but sub-freezing temps and snow half the year, and hot summer temps.

The only people who have asked why we would want to move to Seattle are people who have never been anywhere, view it as another planet, and are anti-city. They'd ask the same question about a move to any bigger city.

Why Seattle? A dramatically-improved climate means the ability to enjoy the outdoors pretty much year-round, and substantial greenery year-round. There is stunning natural beauty, proximity to great hiking and kayaking, a huge craft beer scene (which is actually pretty good where I live, but it's still not the same) great coffee, and just a nice vibe. I want to return to the energy of a bigger city, and Seattle has that all wrapped up in a fairly laid-back package.

Yes, this is why we're moving from Alaska to Seattle. Better weather, to name one reason. It's all relative.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by Traversant

I get this every single time I tell someone I am moving there. People in Georgia evidently don't get the appeal. I like rain, mountains, four seasons, greater concentration of like minded people, and perhaps most importantly it's about as far away from my family as I can get.

Originally Posted by kyled;

I don't live in Seattle but I'm thinking of moving to the area...there are a few reasons why I'm considering Seattle (looking more eastside actually) but really when it comes down to it the temperature difference from where I currently live is the biggest reason...I'd rather freeze or drown than bake or dessicate.

I'd say these are two pretty good reasons. lol!

[Carrie2979]

Because it is an awesome city! My family lives there and I visit once maybe twice a year and I love it more and more each time I go.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

Why do I want to move to Seattle?

Because I like watching the faces of San Diegans contort in crippling bewilderment when I tell them I prefer Seattle to San Diego.

It won't be long before those San Diegans will envy your access to water. Don't be surprised if by summer they'll wind up on your front porch.

[Adrian71]

Because it's geographically secluded, it's beautiful, the weather is mild, and the people are laid back. Just about everything I could want in a city/region.

[bloom]

Originally Posted by Dreadnought

I have had job offers to move to Seattle in the past, and I visited for about 10 days to see what I thought. While it's a nice city, I knew after about 3 days that it was not the place for me. It had nothing to do with the weather; It just wasn't my kind of city. Visit for at least a week before you move there, but this is true of any city you might want to move to.

What is your type of city/place, deadnought?