What is the Expat Scene Like in Seattle? (Rainier: transplants, homes)

[tekniskagal]

Hello,
I've been searching around the forum and haven't quite found a full discussion of my query....

Basically I'm curious to know - what is the expat scene like in Seattle?

I'd be particularly interested in the experiences of European transplants to Seattle and American expats who returned to the city after living quite a while in Europe (particularly up North), Asia or Africa.


Cheers!

[tekniskagal]

Geez - not one expat in Seattle?!

[knucklehead_vol]

I am coming from Memphis. Does that count?

[homesinseattle]

Hey There,

Oh, there are plenty. I'm not one (I live in Seattle), but am a frustrated world traveler. I have lots of clients relocating from Europe, they tell me Seattle proper is the most European feeling part of America. Perhaps as a traveler, I feel that way too. Some things to substantiate: excellent access to organic food and farmers markets, great beer, huge soccer (football) culture, neighborhood pubs and cafes everywhere, many seattle area have great walking access to these things, excellent respect for the environment, gorgeous parks all over the place, very open minded, non-judgmental, expressive, unique, fantastic theatre.
Great ex-pat gathering groups for Brits, French, Germans, Irish, and loads of others. See some links below:

Alliance Française de Seattle | Seattle's French Language and Cultural Center | Welcome | Bienvenue
Seattle Brit Meetup (Seattle, WA) - Meetup
Irish Heritage Club of Greater Seattle
Seattle Auf Deutsch - Your German Resource in Seattle
Norwegian Organizations - NorskSeattle.com

[tekniskagal]

Originally Posted by knucklehead_vol

I am coming from Memphis. Does that count?

Do you have your visa and shots already?
haha, j/k

[tekniskagal]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Hey There,

Oh, there are plenty. I'm not one (I live in Seattle), but am a frustrated world traveler. I have lots of clients relocating from Europe, they tell me Seattle proper is the most European feeling part of America. Perhaps as a traveler, I feel that way too.

This is what has piqued my interest in the city! Things like:
1) no loathsome reliance on cars (I'm told it's very walkable and bike-friendly
2) water, air and mountains (and people who don't think you're 'weird' because you want to
look out and see those things - all at once
3) no heat/crappy hot weather and bugs
4) politically-progressive (ex. legal pot and gay marriage)
5) clean air and water
6) (european) football and rugby
7) mixed/interracial relationships don't seem such big deal
8) not to mention being able to pop up to Canada or fly down to SoCal and over to Baja


I've been seeing people talk about the so-called seattle freeze. But having lived in Budapest and Stockholm, I can't imagine Americans being more introverted. I also think it's mindset thing and if you meet other expats or well-traveled Americans you might get along...

The only downside is I like Snow and seasons, but I'm told one can find snow further north, yes? Or is it another area...

If you know of any blogs or articles comparing Seattle to other American-cities in terms of "old world" (European vibe), that'd be great. Don't get me wrong, I was born yank and by the grace o' god plan to die that way but having spent years abroad one chances.....

[Seacove]

You can find snow and skiing less than an hour away in the winter plus we have this really snowy mountain called Mt. Rainier. Webcams - Mount Rainier National Park

[knucklehead_vol]

Originally Posted by tekniskagal

Do you have your visa and shots already?
haha, j/k

Yes. Took two shots of Jack not to long ago.

[Arushan]

Originally Posted by tekniskagal

This is what has piqued my interest in the city! Things like:
1) no loathsome reliance on cars (I'm told it's very walkable and bike-friendly
2) water, air and mountains (and people who don't think you're 'weird' because you want to
look out and see those things - all at once
3) no heat/crappy hot weather and bugs
4) politically-progressive (ex. legal pot and gay marriage)
5) clean air and water
6) (european) football and rugby
7) mixed/interracial relationships don't seem such big deal
8) not to mention being able to pop up to Canada or fly down to SoCal and over to Baja


I've been seeing people talk about the so-called seattle freeze. But having lived in Budapest and Stockholm, I can't imagine Americans being more introverted. I also think it's mindset thing and if you meet other expats or well-traveled Americans you might get along...

The only downside is I like Snow and seasons, but I'm told one can find snow further north, yes? Or is it another area...

If you know of any blogs or articles comparing Seattle to other American-cities in terms of "old world" (European vibe), that'd be great. Don't get me wrong, I was born yank and by the grace o' god plan to die that way but having spent years abroad one chances.....

I would say that Boston has a lot more of that European vibe, but Seattle has more European-type weather.

[tekniskagal]

@ knucklehead, you are witty