Advice about moving to Seattle? (Bellevue, Renton: 2014, cheap apartment, houses)

[bridgetteannem]

So my sister and I are planning on moving somewhere in the US in a couple of years. We're young (early twenties) and are just excited to graduate college, work hard, save up money, and move to a new place and have some adventures. We love the outdoors so we're looking to move to a city that has a national park nearby with mountains, rivers, waterfalls and places to hike, camp, kayak, swim, etc. and I've always heard how beautiful the Northwest is, especially Seattle area. We grew up in the south so we're used to the warm, laid-back, and friendly hospitality of southerners and our parents are from Long Island, so we're also used to a more aggressively friendly "we'll take care of you" attitude too. I've heard Seattle-ites aren't so outgoing/friendly? Also, we're very conservative Catholics (pro-life/anti-gay marriage) and I know Seattle is a very liberal city, however, I have liberal friends so I'm not in your face about it. Would this be a problem? We would be looking for a cheap apartment also since we would be just starting out. I would love to move to a laid-back, outdoorsy, artistic, fun city. Any advice about Seattle? Thanks!

[angelenogirl]

Good luck.

(Not on your move, but on the responses you're about to receive.)

[Adrian71]

If you think you want to come out here and explore the Pacific Northwest, do it! You'll regret it later in life if you don't embark on these adventures when you're young and not yet tied down with the responsibilities of career and family. This is the time to do it. Explore and enjoy.

We moved here about four years ago, and my only regret is that we didn't do it sooner. It's the most beautiful part of the country I've seen. Water, trees, and mountains everywhere you look. The nine months of clouds and drizzle aren't for everyone, but the summers are gorgeous, sunny, and warm but not hot.

Attitudes: The Pacific Northwest tends to attract introverts, and the rainy weather keeps people holed up in their houses. People are friendly but tend to keep you at arm's length until they warm up to you, which can take a while. Just be patient, don't push, and don't get discouraged if you just can't make a connection with some people.

Politics: Yes, Seattle is pretty hard-left liberal, but people don't really get in your face about politics. This is kind of a live-and-let-live area. Someone with conservative politics would probably feel more comfortable on the east side of Lake Washington, in places like Bellevue and Redmond. It's also not cheap to live there, however. Nowhere is cheap to live here, to be honest. You can find better bargains in the south suburbs, which are more working-class and ethnically diverse than some other parts of the metro area. I live in a great, clean, quiet neighborhood in Renton, which is about a 20- to 30-minute drive to Seattle, depending on traffic.

[tobester]

[quote=bridgetteannem;34125760We would be looking for a cheap apartment ...[/quote]

Define "cheap" - that will be a barometer of where you can live ...

[Hemlock140]

There are plenty of Catholic churches around here, people just don't go around talking about their religion. As long as you don't mind the rain and lack of sun
it's beautiful here, and July 5-mid September is amazing, sunny all day, light until 10:00 or later, and not over about 85 often. Even then it cools off at night. The only problem is affordability. The average 1 bedroom apartment is at about $1,200 in King County, Seattle at that or more in the more popular and safest areas.

[Blondebaerde]

Originally Posted by angelenogirl

Good luck.

(Not on your move, but on the responses you're about to receive.)

LOL. Astounding, agreed. "Laid back, outdoorsy, artistic, fun." Hmm: "no, yes, no, and yes".

Hearing more and more often this place is increasingly discouraging for those without specific skills/chops and a crystal-clear understanding of the weather and culture-thing, discussed here ad nauseum. Median home price (Seattle proper) now $435,900(1). No wonder the Middle Class is disappearing.


(1): Zillow, Feb 2014

[beautifulseattlehomes]

Took my daughter to the playground/park yesterday and two women walked by holding hands and stopped for a kiss....daughter said "Mama is that like ....s two moms at school...are they married like ....two moms"...yes honey they probably are...end of conversation with daughter and she was back to climbing trees...

Gay marriage is legal and gay couples are out and proud here and share their affection and love just like straight couples do...if your cool with that and Washington getting an A+ from the National Abortion Rights Action League for women's access to abortion services than you will be just fine! Seattle is one of the most open minded cities I have ever lived in!

Oh btw Pot was legalized here and will start being sold at stores in July to anyone 18 or older!

[angelenogirl]

You say Seattle is extremely open minded...immediately after stating she will be fine AS LONG AS she's cool with stuff she already stated she's not cool with (kudos for adding the drug thing to really scare her away).

[bridgetteannem]

I'm okay with marijuana lol. And I expected there would be openly gay couples in Seattle just as there is in any other city. I just meant is there any type of conservative community there. I don't mind being friends with people that have a different mindset than me, but after awhile, it's nice to have friends that you have more in common with.

[MissAlexRZ]

I live in Seattle, and I heir on the more conservative side, and to be honest, it can be quite draining; even with friends who have conservative aspects to them. Maybe their's a meet-up club of conservatives? If you want me to answer more of your questions, let me know.