How true is seattlesucks.com (Bellevue, Kirkland: home, unemployment rate, school)

[malarkey]

Originally Posted by NYSooner

I and my wife moved here about 4 months ago now. We moved from New York city, and have both lived there for over a decade. Before that we are from Pennsylvania and Oklahoma respectively. We have tried very hard to like it here. We both wanted to get out of New York even though it is a great city so that we could build a better life together outside of the intensity of Ny.
We had heard great things about the NW from friends and when she got a job offer out here we decided to move. The people are absolutly frustrating beyond belief. I am actually shocked at the over all extreme laziness and half assness here. The drivers are absolutly horrible and think that there ovezelous courtesy is good driving. THe night life is a joke. Everyone no matter what their age are high schoolish. It is hard to explain, but it is like everone is in highschool. THey are imitative posers, as well as strange folks who have weird 70s Heather Locklier hair, or strange dudes who think they look cool in black dusters and cop shades, or women with fake mohawks(foehawks). The people who wear suits walk about in them awkwardly as if they have never worn one before. You look around a bar or resteraunt and think it looks like a colledge hangout or highschool lunch room and then realize everyone there is in their forties. The way the city is arranged is nightmarish, It is civic design pandemonium. The people of the city were asked what to do about a new tunnel system and an alternative system to fix a current road that is falling apart and might be destroyed by an earthquake. THey voted no on both proposels by an overwhelming margin!
The SOnics basketball team wants to leave because after years of trying the city will not spend a dime to support them, and the prices you pay to live in a dinky little city of under 2 million for housing or rent is insane. It is a city on the way down and down from here is way, way, down. I really tried hard to like it. It's green everywhere I said to myself. I have a back yard and can grill now, I said to myself. My wife and I have stopped pretending just in the past week. It sucks. Most people here know it too.
especially transplants. ALmost all of them would agree I think. We do not want to raise children here for fear they will turn out lazy uneducated and fake. I am not kidding it really worries us. I am sorry if I sound nasty and please excuse my grammer. I just wanted to type this off for you and let you know not to listen to these other people. If they have just visited or
are from here pay absolutley no attention, trust me. It is hard to explain and I am ranting I agree, but trust me.

LOL Where the hell do you live?!

[NYSooner]

Good point. However you will notice I asked to be excused for my grammer, because I was indeed ranting. So please excuse my spelling as well. I went a little over board, but understand I was not just comparing Seattle to New York. You will notice that I previously lived in poor little old Oklahoma and my wife in tiny little Kutztown Penn. I have spent quite a bit of town in run down old Pittsburg as well, by the way. A much better town. In a calmer state of mind I suppose I should take back the uneducated remark however, that was a little out of line and not really all that correct I think. I stand by the rest of it however. Except for the spelling. LOL.

[HockeyMac18]

Uneducated? I have always been told, and informed by various statistics, that the Seattle area is very well educated; especially compared to the rest of the country. In fact, I believe Seattle is right up there with Boston, and parts of California, as some of the most educated cities in the country (sorry, I don't have any links...perhaps someone could verify/deny this? and by "most educated", I mean a large amount of people with a bachelor's degree and/or a higher degree). I cant speak for the school systems per se in Seattle, but I don't imagine them being any worse then the rest of the country. In this regard, I'm not trying to come off as being overly defensive; rather I'm just trying to get/keep facts straight. Please, anyone: feel free to confirm or deny this.

I do understand NYSooner does not like it in Seattle, but outside the weather, some minor issues with congestion, and high living costs, I have only heard and experienced great things of Seattle. Seattle doesn't suck by any means, but then again, its not perfect for everyone. Consequently, no area is perfect, as there are faults associated with every city. What one might find "boring", might instead be a relief from a hectic lifestyle to another.

To comment on the thread, I personally don't think Seattle sucks. However, that is not to say there isn't any truth to some of these claims. However, I would be willing to bet that every area of the country has issues similar to these. For example, I would say that every area of the country has a time of year when people tend to stay inside, or are introverted. In the south, it might be during the hottest time of the year when people would rather be in the AC then be outside in the 100 degree weather. Or, in the North, it may be in the winter when people want to stay inside their heated homes rather than journey into the cold weather outside. People can harp about the negatives of Seattle all day; and while some issues they speak of may be true, it doesn't mean the city sucks. In fact, quite contrary to those running these websites, I think Seattle is one of the best cities in the country (and I have no bias (that is, I didn't grow up here, or anything of that nature)).

Every place has its negative aspects, and as a result, no place is perfect for everyone. And often times, the people who are not meant for a place the most (for whatever reason that may be) will be the most outspoken and adamant about spreading their beliefs/opinions. So, while it's good to get a feel for an area by taking into account the options of those those who don't like it (or the opinions of those who do like it), take these thoughts with a grain of salt.

Above all, if you really want to experience the area, visit it at various times of the year. Then formulate your own, individual, opinion(s). Who knows, you may love it; or you may hate it...but, in the end, you will at least have to come to that decision yourself based on your own experiences, and not someone else's experiences. You will be very glad for it.

[NYSooner]

Funny. Have you noticed that most of the pro seattle comments on here say seattle doesnt suck, well it kind of sucks but it doesnt suck? Then they give you un-asked for advice on how you should go about evaluating a city in general. Very fair, very subdued. Perhaps that is what you would rather hear than my admittedly, hastily written rant, but I think that it hints at what I was speaking of. It is sort of Stepford wives thing here. My wife is the sweetest young lady you would ever meet, but this place drives her absolutly batty. She is a proffesional person and has a hell of a time getting straight talk form anyone where she works for instance. I myself have always been described by people who know, or work with me as being passive aggressive.
Here I feel like a high strung aggressive jerk. I know I just left myself open for a good razing with that last sentence. The weather by the way is great so far. I have been here a couple of months and actually the weather is the one thing I think I like out here. Seattle does suck, and by the way it's ugly. I know, I know, someone will say "now you may think it's ugly but ugly depends on who you are, and how you see things, let me give you some advice on how to tell if you think somethings ugly." At least tell me I am stupid to say it is ugly and how its not ugly. I just ranted again. Rant back, or at least insult my intelligence like the spelling guy. It seemed to me like the person who started this threed was looking for actual oppinions
not parental self help advice.

[5chevin5]

Hey NYSooner,

Dont worry man, when I rant and rave I have typos AND I have no idea where to put a semi colon!!! (not to mention small amounts of spittle) I can see how you would feel like a "high strung jerk" (just quoting you) Coming from New York, you would march at a different pace drum then the kids up in Seattle (vive la differance!!) I currently live in Tokyo, trust me the cultural quirks are enough to drive me bonkers sometimes (I'm originally from NYC) Seattle kids ARE kind, and smart...just give them some time...drop the NYC "guard" that you most likely have subconsciencely developed after ten years...and enjoy!! If your wife truly is a sweet person (which Im sure she is) The right friends will gravitate towards her in time..4 mos is nothing after the comfort level of 10 years somewhere. Im sure when you first moved to NY....it took a few months to get in the groove. All I recommend is ...give Seattle a chance. Now for the city planning...I agree. But in their defence, Im sure they never dreamed that so many people would move WAY up there!! It is horrible...but hey its no worse the other major cities. Take a deep breathe...ah clean air!!! Give Seattle at least a full year....go into it with zero expectations, and just enjoy your time. You may or may not "get it" but at least you will have enjoyed the journey. I wish you well...as we would say in Japan "gambate!!"

[asassyvic]

NYsooner, Seattle is a very different place than New york. You have not been there long enough to really know if it sucks for you or not. Stay maybe a year and see how you feel then.
I moved from Nevada to KY, guess what, I liked KY, soooo green lovely.
But, life is very different than Nevada. I had to leave and go back to Nevada for a time just to re-do my own thinking and attitude. Had to force myself to slooooooow down, be more patient. It was very good for me to see that I had a bad Nevada, Calif attitude that ooozed out of every pore. Just becomes part of your demeanor and self expression. People do pick up on it.
It's that touch of superior attitude that tells everyone how much you think of yourself. I'm not talking about you personally. It's the high paced and hurry up fast lane and I'm more important than you so let me in, let me pass, get out of my way. lol. In other words you got attitude babe and don't even know it. I've heard that if you live with crazy people long enough you become crazy yourself and don't even know it. yep, that's a fact.
I bet if you stay in Seattle a year and return to New York you may not even like it there anymore. Slow down to their pace for a bit. lots of people are two faced, shallow and whatever else you want to add to the list but every day I meet lovely, friendly and kind people because I've learned to over look things and hope they over look my faults too.
I've been to Seattle many times and found the people friendly and out going. maybe your meeting too many people from other places that are just as unhappy as you think you are. Take a ferry trip to Whidbey Island and chill. Find a place to go regular till people get use to seeing you and then they will drop the fake veneer. If you want real fake go to Hollywood. gasp... Your judging people by what they wear and how they seem to you. Look inward for peace and outward will take care of itself.

[HockeyMac18]

I'd like to echo 5chevin5's comments. The city planning could have used some work. Out of curiosity NYSooner, what do you find ugly about Seattle? This isn't meant to stir you up, I'm just wondering. I personally find the Seattle area to be very beautiful (the most beautiful area of the country I think...but then again, I'm an outdoor nut) because of the sound, Olympics, and Cascades surrounding, so I'd like to hear what your thoughts are. Also, just like 5chevin5 said, if you can get past the first year or so in Seattle, make some friends, and get past the brutal traffic/driving, you might enjoy it a lot.

As an aside, NYSooner, I didn't mean to come off as writing a rebuttal to your initial rant. I appreciate your opinion, and the original poster does as well. It's nice to have honest thoughts, so that people can really see what people think. However, I too was just being honest. I happen to think Seattle doesn't suck (in fact, I love it, despite it's faults). I never said it sucks and it doesn't...rather, what I said was that it doesn't suck, but it isn't perfect either. Then again, like I said before, no place is perfect. I know you've just moved to Seattle NYSooner, so I hope things get better for you. I know personally that I've always had a hard time moving places where I knew no one going in, as I'm not one to meet people just around. I like to meet people at school/work, and I take time developing friendships. No matter where you're moving to/from, it's always hard to adjust, so I really do hope things improve. And if they don't, I hope you get a chance to move somewhere where you'd be more happy, because that is really what life is all about.

Getting back to topic, though, just as the original poster should take opinions of those who agree with the statement that "Seattle sucks" with a grain of salt, he/she should also take opinions stating the otherwise (such as mine) with a grain of salt too. One thing I've learned about Seattle (and the Pacific Northwest in general) is that a lot of people either really hate it, or really love it; and you won't find too many people who are just in the middle about it...as a result, you get some very adamant opinions, and there really is no way to know for sure how a person will feel about Seattle unless they visit the area. This is why I recommend that anyone thinking of moving to Seattle should visit at multiple times of the year to get a feel for the city overall. While listening/reading people's thoughts on their experiences in Seattle is a great way to get an estimate on how one would handle living there (for instance, a person from the south who loves sun, heat and humidity would be advised to listen to those stating their experiences of moving to Seattle from similar environments/those who've dealt with SAD issues, etc), it shouldn't be the major persuasive force. Other people's opinions are no replacement for a visit because ultimately that is the only way to really get to know an area. I hope these thoughts have helped, and it's great to hear people being truly honest about all of this. It's good to not just read positive remarks, because although I think Seattle is great, it's not perfect. There are things people should know coming in, and so it's great to see varying opinions. Above all, take a look at Seattle sometime, and let everyone know what you think.

[pwright1]

I'm another east coast transplant. Yes it took some getting use to but I do love living up here. I was that guy who walked fast, drove fast, ran to the subway to get a seat and honked my horn all the time. I tried bringing that here and it soon wore out fast. As someone mentioned, not a perfect city but one I do enjoy living in.

[5chevin5]

I think it gets back to....taking time to stop and smell the roses (evergreens).

Yes in some cities (most east coast), life comes at you hard and fast and its the "norm"....But it, at sometime, becomes your choice of how you want to live. Stress is not a good thing, and self inflicted stress about "city planning" or "lack of sunshine" or "this wasnt what we expected" ...will　only lead to your own misery while the people that have come to grip with the brief lifespan we all have.....are smelling the roses and smiling... NYSooner, you seem like a person that left NY to find a better life, a different life, a different pace for you and your beloved....just let it happen. 4 months?? Geez you cant even grow grapes in that time...No sense makin them "Sour Grapes" (sorry bad pun)

Dont turn your back on the "edge" you may have developed while in NYC....but just realize when and where it is in your advantage to utilize it. The checkout person at Safeway...doesnt stand a chance (No insult to clerks at Safeway...just an example)Not their fault. Seattle is unique, and when you have come to accept it for its positive and negetive..I hope you realize how fortunate you really are.

Right now I live somewhere were I cant barely read the signs, order a cup of coffee or get directions. BUT is it Tokyos problem? Or mine? And as I spend more time here, I find the harmony that makes this a world class city, and I learn more about myself...(just an example)

[D Kenady]

I've lived in the Seattle area since 1979. And I've lived in Georgia, Ohio, Maryland and California (San Francisco bay area and Sacramento).

When I moved here, I was moving from sunny California. It took me 5 years before I stopped bouncing off the walls by mid January due to lack of blue skies and sunshine. A very difficult adjustment. We really do have grey, dark and wet winters. Often, our summer weather won't be consistently nice until mid July. Some years are better, some worse.

My little saying is, "On a nice day, Seattle is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S....... the catch is, on a NICE day! The area is picture postcard land with beautiful evergreen forests in every direction and a 14,000 ft snow capped mountain in our back yard; Mt Rainier. (see photo below).

Seattle is a VERY liberal town. And the people here are downright religious about the environment. This is where they stomped the lumber industry into the ground due to a owl's habitat that was supposedly in danger. One community in north Seattle actually has a statue of Lenin in the middle of town! Eastern Washington is more conservative, but the 3 big counties in the Seattle area rule the state because of their size.

My wife and I are leaving Washington when we retire in 10 years or so. We want to go back to the land of the sun even though I've gotten acclimated here. We're going to Houston!

Mt Rainier in our back yard: