What area to move to...

[Inkpoe]

Hockey: we have seattlethunderbirds.com I have a couple friends who enjoys going to these games (they're definitely waiting for NHL). It's in Kent.

Of course, it gets cheaper the further away from Seattle. Though I'm not sure why PP thinks there's no express lanes down there (it ends in Pierce county). Federal Way has a huge Park and Ride/transit center for Public transit to Seattle. Auburn has the Sounder train. It is otherwise "suburbia" and easier to get around with a car.

Friends say the Seattle's homeless issue is far worse than Denver.

I don't find U-District cheaper. For the more urban experience, without the car central, look into Lake City, Columbia City area, White Center/Southern parts of West Seattle.

You might also check into northern/DT Tacoma, but a lot of people will try to scare you off.

[CarlB328]

How is the downtown area? safe? expensive? homeless people everywhere like Denver?

Think Denver on the ocean and you get the idea.

[BestFriend4ever]

homeless pirates?

[GM1258]

I love Seattle.
Its my favorite town in all the US.
The people are cool and its incredibly beautifull.
I'm in San Francisco but I get up there to visit friends every chance I get.
You can take these boat tours out to the islands on the Puget Sound.
You can spend most of the day out there, stop for lunch, etc.
You can look behind you as yer going out and take in the majestic Seattle skyline over the water.
Its a one of a kind scene and takes yer breath away.
Pioneer Square is also interesting.
Lots of quaint little shops and cafes up and down the street.
And if you get the chance you can take in the Seahawks at the Kingdome.
You also have the Olympic Park a little further out but well worth the drive.
Lake Crescent (near Port Angeles) is a great place to spend some time.
There an abundance of magnificent scenery and things to do in the area.
One o these days I'm going to pull up stakes and move there.

[BestFriend4ever]

gm, from my research, what you just said is the reason I want to move there. Forget the clouds/dreary/and rain. I feel all th other things would make up for it.

[Rcsligar]

Originally Posted by branh0913

Bellevue or anywhere on the East side fits the bill

Disregard this post.

In all seriousness, Capitol Hill and Fremont are the youngest neighborhoods with the most nightlife. Belltown certainly has some nightlife but I don't think of it as a "desirable" neighborhood. It is more of a spot that people from the city and surrounding suburbs venture out to to go clubbing and play "big city gangsta" as some people say, but as a whole it's not the most residential friendly. And if you're concerned about living around too many homeless people, it is definitely not an option.
The U-District is younger but the actual neighborhood is not as happening as Cap Hill/Fremont. The "nightlife" there consists mostly of frat parties, which I don't assume would be your scene.
Ballard, Queen Anne, Columbia City and Georgetown may also be worth looking into but from what you described I think Cap Hill or Fremont would be your best bet, especially if you desire vibrant nightlife.

[Boxkicker]

I will chime in on the hockey front....

Seattle has the Thunderbirds (Western Hockey League) - Average Attendance 2013-14: 3,680/game - Showare Center in Kent.

Everett has the Silvertips (Western Hockey League) - Average Attendance 2013-14: 4,716/game - Comcast Arena in Everett.

Portland has the Winterhawks (Western Hockey League) - Average Attendance 2013-14: 6,342/game - Moda Center in Portland.