Seattle Keeps On Calling My Name... Please Make It Stop (Kent: appointed, renting)

[Miss Pip]

But this is the thing... I've never even been to Seattle! I just keep meeting people from there, a lot of great bands and my favourite film 'Fear' is set in Seattle. All these little things build up and now I'm just so curious of the place. I will go and visit first but I just have this sudden urge to move there. I'm so desperate for a change. I don't care about the weather... I'm from London (currently living in San Diego) so I'm use to crap weather. I wouldn't move there for good, it would be for a year or 2.

I want to hear real talk about Seattle from you guys. The good and bad.

[Ira500]

The good:
It's got to be one of America's prettiest large cities, with lots of trees and water and mountain views, and year round greenery.
Lots of cultural activities: Art, theatre, music of all kinds, ballet, opera.
Strong environmental ethos.

The bad:
Holier than thou self righteous people.
Although there's lots of good food here, especially seafood, there's not a lot of good inexpensive or street food.
Housing prices are pretty high.

[Miss Pip]

Originally Posted by Ira500

The good:
It's got to be one of America's prettiest large cities, with lots of trees and water and mountain views, and year round greenery.
Lots of cultural activities: Art, theatre, music of all kinds, ballet, opera.
Strong environmental ethos.

The bad:
Holier than thou self righteous people.
Although there's lots of good food here, especially seafood, there's not a lot of good inexpensive or street food.
Housing prices are pretty high.

What about renting? I just looked on craigslist and it seems okay but then again I don't know anything about the areas i'm looking at i.e Renton, Kent...

[Ira500]

Renton and Kent are less expensive areas and are not in Seattle proper. Renton's actually pretty close to Seattle, the express bus takes about 25 minutes. I happen to live just outside of the Renton city limits and feel that the city of Renton is greatly underappreciated.
There is definitely a snob factor where some Seattle folks look down on places like Renton because of Renton's working class roots ( it's a former coal mining town, and still has a Boeing airplane plant there), and it's mix of ethnicities.
Renon has some parts to avoid, and Renton has some gorgeous parts too, as well as lots of good restaurants and bars, movie theatres, live theatre, espresso places, wine bars, barbecue joints, etc.

[rmkiefer07]

Originally Posted by Miss Pip

What about renting? I just looked on craigslist and it seems okay but then again I don't know anything about the areas i'm looking at i.e Renton, Kent...

Renton & Kent are suburbs south of the city. I am not too familiar with them other than Boeing has a plant in Renton.

If you want a more urban environment, consider Capitol Hill, First Hill, or Queen Anne. They are all very walkable and Downtown adjacent - it will be more expensive though.

If cost is a priority, West Seattle tends to be more affordable than the rest of the city, but there are some areas that are questionable.

Of course, a visit is wise. Seattle is not for everyone. Some move here with expectations that are not met, and are then dissappointed. I made two trips (Summer & Winter) before moving. Been here eighteen years and still happy with my decision!

[pw72]

Let me correct one idea you have. If you make it through two years, you will never leave.

[BellevueGuy]

I have friends moved from London and they actually like Seattle's weather better.

Do visit for a week or so before you move though, I also have friends from big cities who absolutely can't stand Seattle.

[eskercurve]

All the British guys who I work with adore Seattle, though they do miss the cosmopolitan nature of London (except the one dude from Birmingham).

I've lived in a few cities, so here it goes:

The good:
- Culture, activities, cleanliness (in most areas),
- one of the safest major metro areas in the USA
- I disagree with Ira ... there are some cheap eats places that are good. Try the U district's mediterranean food places, the George & Dragon (a pub in Fremont - do remember to say it isn't Irish or British ... it's a Welsh pub ... they're quite sensitive about it)
- Coffee is far above and beyond anywhere else I've been
- natural scenery
- mild climate

the bad:
- RUTS in the roads
- rabid environmentalists
- cost of living, in general

[seattlenextyear]

I agree with Ira's assessment about how good, cheap food is hard to find. We've actually resorted to going out to nice restaurants for a weekend lunch instead of dinner: good food at a more reasonable price.

[JesseJB]

Originally Posted by seattlenextyear

I agree with Ira's assessment about how good, cheap food is hard to find. We've actually resorted to going out to nice restaurants for a weekend lunch instead of dinner: good food at a more reasonable price.

Great idea indeed.

We've been going to happy hours and brunches (there are many great deals now!)