Suggestions before moving to Seattle from Florida? (Pacific, Rainier: appointed, rentals)

[jabogitlu]

If your budget for a studio is between $1000 and $1500, I would suggest Capitol Hill or First Hill. You will be close to the large hospitals on First Hill for employment, close to the light rail train for UW/UW-Med, and Cap Hill typically has tons of hospitality industry jobs during non-pandemic times.

[thatguy950]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Thatguy, I don’t think you really get how weird Florida is. Check these stories out. https://www.boredpanda.com/hilarious...mpaign=organic

That’s true, but what we often miss on the Florida crazy train is a lot of the “extra crazy” we associate with Florida is happening all over the country in similar numbers, but with the big difference being Florida’s public disclosure laws that let us view the crazy more easily

[rfomd129]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

I’m born and raised in Miami (parents still live there) and in Seattle 32 years now. I don’t miss the humidity, don’t miss the aggressive drivers and can’t imagine living (ever again) in a place without mountains.

That is, when you can see them Just kidding - certainly there is a lot of beauty in Seattle and the surrounding areas but first and foremost it is incredibly expensive to live there and to do just about anything. I would focus on doing a truly realistic budget about what kind of housing you can afford and then actually go see it for yourself and also check out the area that you can afford. The city is very walkable if you are within the city but if you venture outward where the rents are lower, you'll find it more difficult without a car.

My daughter lives in Ballard and she couldn't be without a car. You cannot underestimate how bad the homeless problem is in Seattle even in the so called good neighborhoods. If you go there with your eyes wide open and a realistic budget you might find that it suits you just fine. I haven't been there since Covid restrictions started but every time I've visited, it's been more and more shocking.

One last thing, Seattle had some very strict Covid restrictions and there have been restaurants that have not survived. If you're looking for a job in hospitality, there might not be a lot offered. I don't know that for a fact but just common sense with the restrictions and many young people just not going out like they used to.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

........ Just get out there, unless it's pouring rain.

There is a large selection of excellent companies that make weather appropriate clothing. So even when it is raining, you can get out there and do outdoor things. A little wet never stopped anybody who grew up local.



When there is a raging storm, it is a bit less fun to be biking or hiking, so we PNWers do winter storm watching. Head to the coast and watch the weather attacking the ocean. It's an awesome experience, with the original meaning of "awesome".

[Sockeye66]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

There is a large selection of excellent companies that make weather appropriate clothing. So even when it is raining, you can get out there and do outdoor things. A little wet never stopped anybody who grew up local.



When there is a raging storm, it is a bit less fun to be biking or hiking, so we PNWers do winter storm watching. Head to the coast and watch the weather attacking the ocean. It's an awesome experience, with the original meaning of "awesome".

Are you actually "schooling" Ruth4Truth?
Dick.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by Sockeye66

Are you actually "schooling" Ruth4Truth?
Dick.

lol. I didn't take it that way. I guess I'm not a born-and-raised PNW-er. I still can't imagine going hiking in the rain, although members have actually posted photos of a family on a hike in rain gear. I could see taking a walk/hike on a misty day, but not in outright rain.

[Sockeye66]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

lol. I didn't take it that way. I guess I'm not a born-and-raised PNW-er. I still can't imagine going hiking in the rain, although members have actually posted photos of a family on a hike in rain gear. I could see taking a walk/hike on a misty day, but not in outright rain.

I grew up in Puget Sound, been here 54 years. I've known lots of people over the years and when it's pouring, most stay inside. Every one of them knows about weather appropriate clothing.

You're an active and helpful contributor here, no need for snark or insult.

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by mmann.11

I am going to book a flight with my boyfriend to visit there soon - probably near the end of July, maybe sooner.

I also would like to not have to depend on a car to get me everywhere like I have to do here in Florida.

Also, here's a little bit of background info about myself: I am 27, hospitality background (bartender), and currently a pre-nursing student. I currently work as a Nursing Assistant at a local hospital too.

If your boyfriend will be moving with you, that will help pay the rent while you go to school and work part-time.

Neighborhoods where you can easily live without a car, look at Capitol Hill, First Hill, U-District, Roosevelt/Ravenna, Lower Queen Anne, Fremont, Wallingford, Ballard, North Beacon Hill.

Will you be looking at a 2-year or 4-year nursing school?

4-year nursing schools: University of Washington, University of Washington Bothell, Seattle U, Seattle Pacific, Northwest University.

2-year nursing schools: Seattle Central College, Shoreline Community College, Bellevue College.

[jerzdevil]

Keep your winter wardrobe out for basically the whole year.

[Blondebaerde]

Curious the answer(s) OP is fishing for: "what places to visit and scope prior to moving" or "what should I consider" are vague. When relocating: risk analysis on one hand (expected gain must exceed outlays in time and resources, amortized over expected duration in town), bound by constraints. Money is usually no. 1 constraint, and relates to economic expectations at the destination vs. source. $3,900/mon at the Bravern in Bellevue for a two bedroom is a far cry from an "affordable" place at c. $1,200/mon in a shady part of Seattle.

First suggestion or idea: define personal skills and expected income based on demand, and expected job opportunity and growth over a 5-10 year horizon. Then visit: July has nothing to do with c. mid-December, about the time weather and darkness bottom out. Shortest day of the year is exactly when I would visit just to see what's what. Growing up in Michigan, I toured Seattle in February some years ago and was impressed by how mild it was in comparison. Florida to Seattle is the most extreme culture shock I can imagine in the CONUS.