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Raleigh has more black/white diversity but less overseas diversity.
That is changing very fast within the city limits and Western suburbs of Wake County. Many international transplants and especially South Asians have been relocating in steady numbers to suburban Raleigh towns such as Morrisville, Cary, and Apex. With that being said, of course, Seattle is going to have a more worldly feel than Raleigh.
Seattle had 24 murders in 2017 compared to 26 for Raleigh.
Seattle has a 2017 estimated population of 713,000 compared to a 2017 estimated population of 468,000 for Raleigh. Raleigh is higher in overall numbers and in rate.
You may be comparing 2018 but those numbers don’t count until year-end. Hot cities tend to ramp up in the summer.
I was looking at city data's crime statistics page which only goes up to 2013 for Raleigh. Between 2010 and 2013 Seattle had more murders each year and the rate was higher for most of those years. Based on the article you linked, it sounds like 2017 was an exceptional year for Raleigh with the highest murder count on record. Whereas Seattle had a fairly average year.
More importantly, look at overall violent crime rates for any year - Seattle's is way higher (e.g. in 2013 Raleigh had an overall violent crime index score of ~260, while Seattle's score was ~450.)
Again, both are relatively safe cities by American standards, but I think it's hard to argue that Raleigh is not safer than Seattle based on the numbers.
That is changing very fast within the city limits and Western suburbs of Wake County. Many international transplants and especially South Asians have been relocating in steady numbers to suburban Raleigh towns such as Morrisville, Cary, and Apex. With that being said, of course, Seattle is going to have a more worldly feel than Raleigh.
I would argue, by definition, that Seattle is slightly more diverse based on the 2010 census.
- Seattle has 8% or higher for 4 categories (White, Asian, Black and Hispanic) while Raleigh only has that for three (White, Black, Hispanic) with no other category above 5%.
- Seattle's foreign-born population is 19%, Raleigh's is 13%.
- Seattle has over 5% of its population listed as '2 or more races', while Raleigh's is under 3%.
Also, if you look at the metro areas the comparison is more pronounced in Seattle's favor. There are a lot of jurisdictions in the Puget Sound Region (particularly in South King County and Pierce County) that are far more diverse than Seattle itself. In Raleigh that is not the case.
Raleigh has more black/white diversity but less overseas diversity.
Raleigh is less White and less Asian than Seattle. Seattle is less Black and less Hispanic than Raleigh.
In total, Raleigh has a larger percentage of non-White residents.
This is an interesting comparison. On paper it seems like a total apples to oranges comparison. However when you dig deeper it's easy to see some similarities. I'll do my best.
Best universities: Raleigh, Duck and UNC are close by
Weather: I prefer Raliegh. Seattle has better Summer's but Raleigh easily has better Springs and Falls. Winters are about the same with Seattle being slightly milder and wetter.
Cost of living: Raleigh easily
Crime: Both are pretty safe but I think Seattle edges Raleigh out.
Political outlook: I prefer Raleigh. Seattle is too liberal for my test. Raleigh is more politically diverse
Culture: Seattle, good mix of Asian and traditional NW culture
Nightlife: Seattle, although Raleigh is underrated here
Outdoor activities: Seattle easily. Mountains, forest, lakes and beaches nearby.
Public transit: Seattle
Economy: Both have good economies. Seattle pays more, Raleigh is less competitive.
More accepting to transplants: Raleigh for sure. Seattle people can be a little cold. Raleigh natives might call you a "damn Yankee" but generally they are quite friendly to transplants.
Most diverse: Seattle. On paper Raleigh, but I think Seattle is a little more integrated.
Best food: Raleigh. Seattle has salmon, but Raleigh has much better BBQ, sweat tea, and seafood isn't too hard to find. Seattle is pushing a lot of that "health conscious" food these days. I'd rather just eat fruit and veggies straight up.
Most bike friendly: Seattle. It has more bike lanes overall, only downside is the hills.
Overall this is tougher than it appears. If I had to pick one to go to for a week vacation. Seattle easily. But for living I might actually give Raleigh the edge. It has more of what I'm looking for. Reasonable COL, good weather, friendly, and strong economy for the young workforce.
Best food: Raleigh. Seattle has salmon, but Raleigh has much better BBQ, sweat tea, and seafood isn't too hard to find. Seattle is pushing a lot of that "health conscious" food these days. I'd rather just eat fruit and veggies straight up.
Seattle is in a completely different tier than Raleigh when it comes to all Asian cuisines and seafood (including fish, crab, oysters, other shellfish, raw, cooked, chowders, fancy, casual, etc.). The quality of ingredients available, particularly produce, is vastly superior. Seattle is also significantly better across most other ethnic cuisines, upscale/fine dining, food trucks, pub grub, etc. The only types of foods that I would say are clearly better in Raleigh would be BBQ, soul food, and traditional southern fare (although, for what it's worth, a New York Times review recently said that "the hottest new Southern restaurant in the country is in Seattle". https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/17/t...nt-review.html)
When you add one of the largest concentrations of micro-breweries in the country, the exceptional regional wine, a number of award-winning local distilleries, Pike Place Market and a broad array of outstanding neighborhood Farmer's markets - I think Seattle clearly wins out in this category.
Best universities: Raleigh
Weather: Raleigh
Cost of living: Raleigh
Crime: Raleigh
Political outlook: Raleigh
Culture: Seattle
Nightlife: Seattle
Outdoor activities: Seattle
Public transit: Seattle
Economy: Both
More accepting to transplants: Raleigh
Most diverse: Seattle
Best food: Seattle
Most bike friendly: Seattle
I like both cities but would choose Raleigh because it is affordable, safe, and offers a high quality of life.
I was looking at city data's crime statistics page which only goes up to 2013 for Raleigh. Between 2010 and 2013 Seattle had more murders each year and the rate was higher for most of those years. Based on the article you linked, it sounds like 2017 was an exceptional year for Raleigh with the highest murder count on record. Whereas Seattle had a fairly average year.
More importantly, look at overall violent crime rates for any year - Seattle's is way higher (e.g. in 2013 Raleigh had an overall violent crime index score of ~260, while Seattle's score was ~450.)
Again, both are relatively safe cities by American standards, but I think it's hard to argue that Raleigh is not safer than Seattle based on the numbers.
A common theory is that places with higher murder rates might report a lower percentage of smaller crimes. In Seattle a broken window (proverbially speaking) or a small tussle will get a police report.
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