Yet another "thinking of moving to Seattle" advice thread (Bellevue: quality of life, living in)

[ajikan81]

Hi everyone,

I am living in the UK right now, American citizen, and thinking of moving back to the states. I have been thinking of places I'd like to live, and I think the Seattle area might be a good fit for me.

I'm late 20s, single, no kids, and have lived abroad, and in Texas and DC. I can do a variety of admin work, but would like to get into non-profit work even if only on a voluntary basis.

So, my basic questions are about quality of life in the city. I know it is expensive, probably in the same way DC was. It is easy enough to live without a car? How is the public transport/biking/walking situation? Could I live in Seattle and commute say to Bellevue easily without a car, or should I look into living in Bellevue if I want to work there?

Is it easy to meet people in Seattle and is the population internationally diverse? I am trying to get a general feel for the city and any advice or thoughts would be most appreciated.

Thanks

[Yorukosan]

Yes, I live here and I don't even own a driver's license. If the buses weren't pretty good, I would have been forced to get one. Parking downtown and probably in belleuve is a pain in the butt. I have a friend who lives in belleuve and there's express buses that go there from seattle. The culture is very diverse. Someone actually asked this question, and someone posted pics of the city with people, and you can see for yourself, good pic btw... I'll see if I can't find the thread

[baba_yaga]

If you don't plan on having a car, live in Seattle and commute via bus to Bellevue. Lots of people do it. Seattle is a better place for a young, single person.

[JustCallMeTC]

It's also better for older farts too. Bellevue sucks.

[blueshogun96]

What's so bad about Bellevue? I'm thinking about moving there myself if Seattle doesn't work out for some miracle.

[Inkpoe]

Its not even a rivalry thing going on. But Seattle people do not regard Bellevue as a CITY, whereas people in Bellevue see it as being the next Seattle (big city) and so on. Bellevue has grown a lot to a point why shouldn't it be considered a "city"? Besides, Seattle people likes to put down Bellevue because Bellevue is too "rich" and "unaffordable" with a "nasty attitude" for the Average Joe.

I like Bellevue DT area because it's clean and has free parking. I don't go to Bellevue expecting a night-life (I would go to Kirkland instead). I don't go to Bellevue expecting grid upon grids of sky-scrappers. Bellevue has its own thing going on and doesn't have the feel of Seattle. And contrary to what some Seattleites say, I actually don't encounter more snobs there than anywhere else. Read the sound-off sections of the online papers, people are ALWAYS bickering Seattle vs Bellevue. It's not even that serious an issue.

[JustCallMeTC]

Originally Posted by blueshogun96

What's so bad about Bellevue? I'm thinking about moving there myself if Seattle doesn't work out for some miracle.

Nothing if you like a mall and a city center with ZERO character.

[seattlenextyear]

Downtown Bellevue is like the Arlington Ballston/Courthouse area. Except substitute Tyson's Corner II for the Ballston mall. Also, substitute buses for the metro.

[ladygrace]

I'm also thinking about a Seattle relocation but there is something that I just can't seem to get a grasp on. How is it that Seattle is great for outdoor activities but all everyone says is that it rains alot and the evenings are dark and gloomy...????

[JustCallMeTC]

Even in the dead of winter the temps are mild...typical 43 and rain...

There are 3 National Parks within around 60 miles of Seattle. There's water everywhere and two mountain ranges. As soon as the sun appears, people go outside.

And snow skiing is an hour away.