I find Seattle kind of a dingy place

[seattlenextyear]

Originally Posted by CityGirl72

I THINK SO TOO!!

Sometimes I think I shouldn't because of all the "green" - but truthfully I think it's dirty looking - like not groomed, and too natural.

First time I drove by downtown (on the 99) I thought it looked all old and industrial too - and the grey days don't make it look clean and green - it makes it look depressive and be draggled.

It's like the whole area looks like the equivalant of a drowned rat.

But maybe that's because I come from the land of manicured lawns and HOA dues? :P

Weird. I took a walk in your neighborhood on Sunday morning. The sun was shining, the lake was shimmering, and the leaves were falling. The houses around the lake and up towards Meridian were gorgeous. I loved the really interesting landscaping and care that people put into their gardens. Tons of fragrant lavender, rosemary and strikingly red Japanese maples.

But, uh, I guess miles of Fescue is nice too.

[toughguy]

If you compare Seattle to Chicago, NYC, San Francisco, Boston, or Philly, then it is tame in comparison. But name me another downtown that has the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle on any given day. L.A., Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Detroit, all have dead downtowns compared to Seattle. Perhaps Denver might come close. But seriously, I mean you have to give Seattle some credit here. The downtown area is very dense and alive.

[SweepingTheNation]

I couldn't disagree more with the notion that Seattle is run-down. I can, however, see why someone would percieve that. The city, I believe, strives to keep some of its older buildings and landmarks intact. Pike place market might seem to some as outdated (especially downstairs), but I see it as historical. I think that a lot of the residential neighborhoods look very homely. Some might see those neighborhoods as unrefined.

I think you have to remember that Seattle's culture is very much relaxed and it avoids grandiosity. I think the numerous bodies of water and mountainous horizons add a lot of natural beauty as well as opportunities to pursue outdoors hobbies. That being said, the city does lack eye-catching architecture. This doesn't mean that its rundown, though. Also, consider that there are no true ghettos. Many cities including philly, NY, Chicago ,etc are comprised of 75% liveable neighborhoods and 25% "dont ever go there" neighborhoods. Seattle is all very liveable, mostly unlittered, especially when compared to other cities and surrounded by some of the best scenery (again, water and mountains) out there.

[Jennibc]

I think this really amounts to where one spends most of his time in this city. If you spend a lot of time on Aurora Avenue, Seattle seems run down. Drive down parts of Rainier Avenue and it seems worn down. That if you are talking about Seattle proper. There are cities north and south of Seattle that do seem a bit worn down too. It seems that a lot of people when they are saying 'Seattle' mean Everett all the way down to the Peirce county line.

[seattlerain]

Originally Posted by Jennibc

I think this really amounts to where one spends most of his time in this city. If you spend a lot of time on Aurora Avenue, Seattle seems run down. Drive down parts of Rainier Avenue and it seems worn down. That if you are talking about Seattle proper. There are cities north and south of Seattle that do seem a bit worn down too. It seems that a lot of people when they are saying 'Seattle' mean Everett all the way down to the Peirce county line.

I believe that this is the case in every major metro area in the country, they all have their nice, and not so nice areas.

The OP is seems to think that Seattle is particularly run down, which seems beyond bizarre to me.

[seattlenextyear]

Anyway, here's the alternative:

Painting your lawn green?

Yes folks. People in other parts of the country feel the need to PAINT their lawn in order to fit in with the neighbors. Be glad you're living in a place with a little character. Or maybe just some common sense.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by SweepingTheNation

I couldn't disagree more with the notion that Seattle is run-down. I can, however, see why someone would percieve that. The city, I believe, strives to keep some of its older buildings and landmarks intact. Pike place market might seem to some as outdated (especially downstairs), but I see it as historical. I think that a lot of the residential neighborhoods look very homely. Some might see those neighborhoods as unrefined.

I think you have to remember that Seattle's culture is very much relaxed and it avoids grandiosity. I think the numerous bodies of water and mountainous horizons add a lot of natural beauty as well as opportunities to pursue outdoors hobbies. That being said, the city does lack eye-catching architecture. This doesn't mean that its rundown, though. Also, consider that there are no true ghettos. Many cities including philly, NY, Chicago ,etc are comprised of 75% liveable neighborhoods and 25% "dont ever go there" neighborhoods. Seattle is all very liveable, mostly unlittered, especially when compared to other cities and surrounded by some of the best scenery (again, water and mountains) out there.

Good post.

[Gidget32]

You have to look at Seattle in the big picture! Sure there are run down buildings you get that any where. You have to look out over the bay or towards the mountain. You see the city, but you see all the openness all around. You can't get that in a lot of other cities.

[Aylalou]

Originally Posted by SweepingTheNation

I couldn't disagree more with the notion that Seattle is run-down. I can, however, see why someone would percieve that. The city, I believe, strives to keep some of its older buildings and landmarks intact. Pike place market might seem to some as outdated (especially downstairs), but I see it as historical. I think that a lot of the residential neighborhoods look very homely. Some might see those neighborhoods as unrefined.

I think you have to remember that Seattle's culture is very much relaxed and it avoids grandiosity. I think the numerous bodies of water and mountainous horizons add a lot of natural beauty as well as opportunities to pursue outdoors hobbies. That being said, the city does lack eye-catching architecture. This doesn't mean that its rundown, though. Also, consider that there are no true ghettos. Many cities including philly, NY, Chicago ,etc are comprised of 75% liveable neighborhoods and 25% "dont ever go there" neighborhoods. Seattle is all very liveable, mostly unlittered, especially when compared to other cities and surrounded by some of the best scenery (again, water and mountains) out there.

I agree. I don't live there, but I love it!!

[pwright1]

Originally Posted by CityGirl72

I THINK SO TOO!!

Sometimes I think I shouldn't because of all the "green" - but truthfully I think it's dirty looking - like not groomed, and too natural.

First time I drove by downtown (on the 99) I thought it looked all old and industrial too - and the grey days don't make it look clean and green - it makes it look depressive and be draggled.

It's like the whole area looks like the equivalant of a drowned rat.

But maybe that's because I come from the land of manicured lawns and HOA dues? :P

You have got to be kidding. Most people that come and visit me from other parts of the country always say how remarkably clean and beautiful Seattle is. I've lived in a few big cities and I can tell you what dingy is and Seattle imho doesn't compare. In California I've seen dingy from San Diego to Sacramento.