Why do I like Seattle more than San Diego? (crime, houses)

[Woof]

I have a choice now of moving to either. I know that San Diego is in almost every way better for me than Seattle .... financially, in the awesome paradisical climate of San Diego, less crime in San Diego (surprisingly), less in the way of allergenic molds, and beaches where the water is occasionally warm enough to swim in. Oh, and reasonably priced all-you-can-eat buffets, important to a man who likes to stuff his face.

The only things Seattle has going for it are the scenic beauty, and an undefinable "character" vs the bland San Diego.

So why do I come to this forum and feel nostalgia, while when I go to the San Diego forum I think "yeah, it was a good place to live .... but I just don't care". I've spent about as much time in both places.

[Yurt]

I am strangly in the same situation. I lived in WW and Salem for 10 years, grew up in San Diego, now live in SLO and am seriously debating between SD and Seattle. Been to Seattle many times when living in the PNW, but never lived. My wife is from Canada, so it would be close to her family. My family is in San Deigo, but I really have no desire to return.

What is your biggest draw to Seattle?

[Woof]

I don't really know, Yurt. I just liked walking around, stopping a moment in the little shops .... I liked the parks, especially Discovery Park, and the fresh cool air. Also the city actually looks good in the rain or with bit of mist drifting up the hills ... sometimes it looks uncomfortable or slightly worn in direct sunlight. Kind of like a middle-aged woman who looks really good in a dimly lit bar, but then she steps outside during the day, and you can see every line in her blinking, sallow face.

Oh, did I say "bar", if I remember correctly there are only taverns and cocktail lounges. And some pubs, microbreweries, and alehouses. And a few dives. But no bars, except for espresso bars.

I liked the new library a lot, but that's hardly a reason to fall in love with a city. I just don't know what draws me.

Oh, by the way, why are you bailing out of SLO? I've thought about living there, but it's way beyond my reach financially. Seems to me like it's one of the best places in the country to live if you can, aside from all the noisy, drunken university students.

[VeronikaW]

We moved from San Diego to the Seattle area in June 2007. We cannot wait to go back. So the only thing I can think, is you must be crazy. =)

V. =)

[Huckleberry3911948]

my uncle in mississippi says, bunky, livin in california is like livin with a beautiful woman that has a headache all the time.

[SaltyDawg]

That is an awesome description.

I'm a little surprised to see the post that San Diego has less crime. Less of what type of crime? I've never felt safer in in-city neighborhoods than I do in Seattle. Yes, Pioneer Square and parts of the Valley are rough, but any 'name' neighborhood (e.g. Ballard, Greenlake, Madrona, Laurelhurst, Fremont et al) feels incredibly safe.

[Woof]

I was referring to the stats on the main site, Salty. I haven't had any trouble with crime in either area, although thugs do seem to like riding the trolleys in San Diego and the buses in Seattle.

[CityGirl72]

You find San Diego bland???

[_Charles_]

We moved from San Diego to the Seattle area in June 2007. We cannot wait to go back.

I wonder if the same thing is driving you out of Seattle that is pushing me out? Please respond I am curious to know.

[SaltyDawg]

There seems to be a consistent theme on this site, and that is that some people, for whatever reason, cannot hack the weather in Seattle.

I'm sorry if you're one of those people. It is unfortunate.