Seattle urbanity (Spokane, Vancouver, Everett: transfer, neighborhood, university)

[jakebarnes]

Seattle isn't as vibrant as more established, larger cities. But compared to most mid-tier cities in the United States, it has a lot going for it. Physically beautiful, walkable in most parts, clean air, things to do both indoors and outdoors and a good bus system. The city overall is safe compared to peer cities.

Seattle has a less urban feel in many parts because most of the city was developed in the automobile age. The architecture really varies, but a lot of it is mid-century modernist boxes, and newer modernist boxes, neither of which are that aesthetically pleasing (in my opinion). It also lags in public transit. It also has a bad case of "whimsy" in architecture and design, which I'm not a fan of. (See any of Sound Transit's public art for an excellent example).

I've been here 22 years and it's gone from feeling like a big small city to a small big city. It's got everything a big city would have, but it's not at NYC or SF levels. It's less laid back than it used to be (negative) but there are more amenities and things to do now (positive).

People who say there aren't good restaurants here (or in Portland) are just being snobs. There are plenty of good restaurants here. There are fewer really expensive restaurants than NYC and SF. So if "good" equals "expensive" then yes, there are fewer of those in Seattle. I consider this a positive.

[Tim Randal Walker]

Originally Posted by jakebarnes

I've been here 22 years and it's gone from feeling like a big small city to a small big city. It's got everything a big city would have, but it's not at NYC or SF levels. It's less laid back than it used to be (negative) but there are more amenities and things to do now (positive).

"big small city"-interesting way of putting it.

Seattle can be an appealing place, if a combination of a fabulous natural setting, and a moderate level of urban amenities are to your liking.

[Tim Randal Walker]

Originally Posted by 509

I lived in Vancouver in the early 1970's and Seattle was a gritty, blue collar town at that time. TOWN...not a urban area. .

Much of Seattle consists of Single Family Homes/with yards-a sort of old school version. Much of Seattle does feel like a town. Like a larger town, rather than a small town, in my opinion.

Not a bad option to have!

[homesinseattle]

Just enough urban, just enough cool neighborhoods and just enough nature interspersed for my taste.

[RotseCherut]

If you have a couple million dollars you may even be able to afford one of those homes.

[usamathman]

Originally Posted by batcat

seattle falls short of bigger, older us cities in those departments. We have a "real" downtown for sure, but most parts of it keep banker's hours, and public transit is finally approaching acceptable, but still behind.

There's art, museums, ballet, concerts, good cuisine... But it's not going to quite compare to a serious metropolis.

+1

[homelessinseattle]

Seattle traffic is world class.
Some of the homeless camp garbage dumps are up there too.

[jakebarnes]

Originally Posted by homelessinseattle

Seattle traffic is world class.
Some of the homeless camp garbage dumps are up there too.

Ha!! Seattle's traffic is definitely world class.

[homesinseattle]

Seattle is undeniably the best city in the world to buy miniature Space Needle replicas.

[Kayela]

Typically you don't move to Seattle for its 'urban-ness' - you move here because what other large city, with this kind of job market, with an airport that is a hub for a couple airlines, has this kind of access to alpine wilderness? I have always wondered why people who are not into the outdoors move here, I'd think it would be rather disappointing and limiting (and expensive) if you aren't. To me, having this kind of access to incredible mountains and water makes up for it, but if it weren't for that, I'm not sure that we would have stayed as long as we have.

Someone moving here from older, established east coast cities would probably find our little pockets of urban neighborhoods to be few and far between.