My knowledge of Seattle is from a previous visit, would I like living here? (apartment)

[PDF]

I'm going to be moving and I have Seattle on my shortlist, but there are a few things I'm curious about. I spent two weeks there in 2008, but that was before the light rail begun service and I know living somewhere is different than visiting.

One factor is I don't know how to drive, so I would be living in Seattle without a car. And without a job, but I wouldn't be coming with any less than 10 grand. I might even save up more.

When I was there, I saw most things but not everything. But I loved it. I thought the bus system was really great, which is a rarity for one to be that good. On-time, clean, and free downtown rides are cool. I was under the impression that if I lived there, it would be super easy to get around, as I took the bus everywhere and had no problems.

I'd be living pretty minimally, so figure a max rent of $500 or so with roommates. I realize Seattle is more expensive than some other areas, so what areas should I be looking at? University District? Queen Anne? Somewhere else?

Aside from those factors, how would someone like me like living in Seattle? I am considering some other cities, mainly Philadelphia, so I'm wondering how Seattle would compare to a more urban-built city.

I suppose my main concern would be meeting people and just enjoying the quality of life there. I've somewhat experienced that having been there for 2 weeks, so I know there's plenty to do.

I'm 22, so I'm sure I could transition quite well. I'm just making sure what it would be the right fit for me based off my prior visit there. Almost feels like I'm missing something, but I did really like the city. So maybe it is really that simple.

What should I know? Thanks!

[Inkpoe]

Starting in October 2012, there will be no more Ride Free Zone in DT Seattle.

Given your young age, Capitol Hill and U-District would sound like the best fit. Lower Queen Anne is more mid-20s Yuppie/Professional scene-- but no reason why you shouldn't look into it. If you like it, then you like it.

There is a thread on this forum where people talk about making the move on 6K (or whatever)... it's quite an interesting read. //www.city-data.com/forum/seatt...00-no-job.html

If your budget is 500 bucks with room-mates... do-able, but probably would take some time setting it up finding that right apartment. You also have the option of checking out "apodments"... a new and interesting concept-- it would cost a little more than $500/mo-- but it could work as a temporary situation.

Its hard to compare Seattle to a more urban built city like Philadelphia... a completely different set up and culture. Its more "new" as well.

[robertpolyglot]

Lived in Seattle metro for 3 and 1/2 years. Are you able to and actually prefer to strike up conversations with people on a bus, in a coffee house, at the gym, etc? I know that you can do this in Florida and most places where there is an abundance of sunshine.

If yes, then you'll find this is NOT easy to do in Seattle.
If you don't care, go for it.

Beaches: they suck...they are all mossy pebble beaches except for Alki...and forget swimming in the water, it's freezing. Right now, a FL beach seems REAL nice.

[Apathizer]

I think your situation is very doable. I've been car-free for about 8 years now, and absolutely love it. When I want to escape the city, I just rent one for a day or two. If you live and work (or attend school, etc) primarily within about a 5 mile radius of downtown and keep fairly normal hours (6a-10p or so) not having a car is easy - maybe even preferable considering how much money you'll save. The bus will take you just about anywhere worth going, and Seattle is geographically compact enough that you can even walk many places; the walk between downtown and Capital Hill only takes about 20 min.

There are many great things about Seattle, but the weather really is a major downside. If you can handle the 9 mos of overcast, drizzly weather, and can organize your life so you aren't subjected to a horrible commute (usually between the suburbs and downtown during rush-hour), Seattle is certainly one of the best major cities around.

[Cementface]

Ok so I've done a ton of research about moving to Seattle and places to live and what not and from what Ive come across 10k is far More than you need. I'm moving into an apodment April 1st in first hill from Delaware. I'll have about 4k with my lease being paid in full already. I plan to stay there 6 months to get me on my feet then get a bigger place. Jobs are easy to come by if you don't care what your doing. In fact my cousin moved last feb. with about 6k. After all moving costs were accounted for(rent paid as well) he had about 2000 left to live on , worked a few crumby jobs to get by until he landed the job he wanted 6months later at Amtrak. You just have to ask yourself how bad do you want it.