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If you want non cookie cutter neighborhoods then Seattle is probably a better bet. Fremont, QA, Eastlake, Montlake, Madrona all good options in the city proper. Seattle is very much a city of neighborhoods with each neighborhood having a walkable strip of commerical/restaurant activity and their own attractions.
Seattle is more expensive though if you want SFH in the city proper.
Seattle does more medical research...the UW, Fred Hutch, etc., are juggernauts, particularly now that Gates is giving much of his money to health causes.
Denver is cheaper, but you can go without a car more easily in Seattle as shown in commute stats.