Emerald City is a beautiful place with so much to offer to its residents. However, if you’re considering moving to Seattle, it’s important to know what to expect – and we can help you with that. From weather and taxes to transportation and culture, we’ll cover everything you need to make an informed decision about living here. So if you’re thinking about becoming a Seattleite, read on!
Pros of Moving to Seattle
People who want to move and start over in the wonderful Pacific Northwest can’t help but be drawn to the city for many different reasons. There are simply many relocation benefits to making Emerald City a new home. Besides obvious ones, such as career advancement, here are some other advantages this metropolis brings:
- The scenery is marvelous – between the famous skyline, mountains in the background, and the healthy evergreen forests, it’s hard to find another American city that’s as beautiful as this one.
- The food scene is amazing – whether you’re a foodie or just enjoy good eats, you’ll love Seattle’s dining options. At the same time, don’t forget that Seattle’s also The Coffee Capital of the World, so you can get delicious coffee at every corner.
- The people are friendly– Seattleites are some of the friendliest people around. You’ll quickly find that Seattlites are passionate about their city and more than happy to help you find your way around.
- It’s a pet-friendly metropolis – It’s no surprising fact that the place that makes the popular puppuccino has everything a dog lover could want. Furry friends can be found in restaurants, cafes, parks, and even a few places of work, which is especially important if you plan to move with pets.
At the same time, keep in mind that it doesn’t rain here as much as you think. Although having the nickname Rain City, with 150 days of rain, on average, it’s far from the rainiest city in the country. On the other side, when the sun does come out, there’s no better place to be than one of Seattle’s many parks or coffee shops.
Neighborhoods You Should Consider for Your Future Home
If you want to narrow down your house-hunting area, we recommend you take a look at some of these neighborhoods, and pick the one that suits your lifestyle.
Fremont - for those searching for a lively community
Fremont is one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, with a history dating back to the 1850s. Over the years, Fremont has undergone several transformations, from a rural farming community to an industrial hub to its current status as a hippie haven.
Despite all of these changes, Fremont has retained its small-town feel. You won’t find any high-rise buildings or corporate chains here. Instead, you’ll find locally-owned shops and businesses. Fremont is also known for its public art scene, with numerous sculptures and murals on display throughout the neighborhood. This vibrant community is home to a diverse mix of people, including artists, musicians, young professionals, and families.
Fremont is centrally located in Seattle, just minutes from downtown. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring all that the city has to offer, it’s easy to get around when you live in Fremont. On the bonus side, compared to other neighborhoods, housing here is relatively affordable.
Greenlake - for the active lifestyle
Love being active? You’ll feel right at home in Greenlake. The neighborhood is surrounded by parks and green spaces, so you can get outside any time you want. There are also several gyms and fitness studios in the area, as well as organized sports leagues for both adults and children. Whether you’re a runner, a yogi, or a tennis player, you’ll find your niche in Greenlake.
Greenlake is situated in the heart of Seattle, which means that you’ll have access to all the city has to offer while still being able to enjoy some peace and quiet. That’s one of the reasons why Greenlake is perfect whether you’re relocating to a new city alone or with a family. Still, note that this neighborhood is home to excellent schools, both public and private, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Capitol Hill - for amazing nightlife
Vibrant and welcoming, Capitol Hill is one of the neighborhoods with the most character. It’s perfect, especially for younger generations and those young at heart, due to the amazing nightlife scene. When it comes to entertainment, few areas could compare with Capitol Hill.
Diverse, inclusive, walkable, and beautiful, it’s considered to be Seattle’s melting pot. Therefore, if you’re looking for an area that is the epitome of a stylish and trendy neighborhood, you won’t make a mistake by choosing this. However, don’t neglect the high prices that come with it – it should come as no surprise that a highly regarded area will have high living expenses.
Seattle’s Famous for Its Job Opportunities
Relocating to a new city can be exciting, but it can also be a bit scary – and finding a job is part of it. One of the most important things to consider before the move is the job market in your new city. However, if you’re thinking about making Emerald City your home, you’re in luck. The job market in Seattle is strong, with an unemployment rate below the national average and with plenty of opportunities in a variety of industries.
Still, due to the city’s popularity, there are often more job seekers than there are available positions. At the same time, note that this city was named America’s smartest city a few years back – almost half of all Seattleites are degree holders. So, if you want to get a job here, keep in mind that the competition can be fierce.
What Are Seattle’s Biggest Employers?
Besides many opportunities in the tech industry, Seattleites can find employment in other sectors, including biotech and health care, as well as maritime businesses like shipping and fishing. Seattle’s metropolitan area also has a sizable manufacturing sector. Companies such as Amazon, Starbucks T-mobile, Nordstrom, Microsoft, and the University of Washington are some of the biggest employers in the area. At the same time, keep in mind that salaries tend to be higher than the national average.
If you’re organizing a move and looking for some of the best companies to work for when after getting packing services and relocating away, take a look at the video below:
The High Cost of Living Is One of the Rare Cons of Life in the Emerald City
According to PayScale, the cost of living is currently 53% higher than the national average, which is quite a lot, especially if you plan on living on your own. Housing costs will be the biggest hit to your wallet – the median home price in Seattle is $834,000, which is double the national median home price of $413,000. Rent is also significantly higher in Seattle than in the rest of the country. If you’re looking to save on housing costs, your best bet is to rent an apartment outside of downtown or relocate to a small home.
Other living expenses are also higher than what many are used to. Therefore, besides the high mortgage, monthly installments, or rent, you’ll also need to deal with the high costs of utilities, groceries, and transportation.
Take a look at the table below to find out more about Seattle’s cost of living:
| Expenses | Prices |
|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $220 |
| Apartment (one-bedroom) outside of center | $1,780 |
| Apartment (one-bedroom) in city center | $2,240 |
At the same time, note that Washington’s among a small number of states that don’t have an income tax – one reason more to get long-distance moving services and make Emerald City your home. This is actually a substantial thing when you consider that, for example, neighboring Oregon reduces the value of the exact same pay by 10%. Still, remember that Washington has higher sales taxes.
Seattle’s Traffic Can Get On Your Nerves
Seattle consistently ranks as one of the most congested cities in the nation. It’s reasonable to say that relocating to a big city such as this one means dealing with traffic on a daily basis. Seattle’s old infrastructure can’t handle the load as the city expands. As a result, prepare to spend much time in a car repeating zen mantras because you’ll need it.
Additionally, most Seattleites prefer driving to using public transport since it’s not reliable enough. Therefore, not getting car shipping services and failing to transport your vehicle to your new home would be a relocation mistake.
Packing Services
Our professional packers have methods and techniques to ensure all your items are intact during and after the move.
Car Shipping Services
We can ship your vehicles using the best freight options available. Your car will be moved safely and securely and arrive as planned.
Storage Services
Looking for storage space while you get settled? California-Seattle Express provides 30 days free storage with your move.
Seattle’s Home to Top-Rated Schools
When it comes to education, Seattle is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the city boasts some of the best schools in the country. On the other hand, public school funding in Washington state ranks near the bottom of all states, which affects various aspects of education, such as class sizes.
However, if you’re looking to move with kids, keep in mind that in 2019, Niche ranked nearly 100 Seattle schools, and more than 20 of them received an A+ rating. This number places this city in the top 20 cities nationwide. Some of the best schools here are Cascadia Elementary School, McDonald International School, and Stephen Decatur Elementary School.
As for higher education, know that the University of Washington is one of the top-ranked universities in the country, and it’s well-known for its strong programs in medicine, engineering, and business. UW also has a very active research program, and it’s one of the largest employers in the city. There are also many excellent private universities, such as the University of Puget Sound, Gonzaga University, and Pacific Lutheran University.
Entertainment Options in Emerald City Are Endless
There are so many things to do and see in Emerald City, and it can be tough to figure out where to start. When planning a move here, discover some of the best entertainment options:
- The Museum of Pop Culture – a must-visit for any music or pop culture lover. With rotating exhibitions on everything from Nirvana to The Stranger Things, there’s always something new and exciting to see at MoPOP.
- The Space Needle – a 605-foot tall tower offers breathtaking views of the city and is the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
- The Crocodile or The Showbox – places with some of the best live music in town. From up-and-coming indie bands playing at small clubs downtown to world-famous musicians headlining arena shows, there’s always a great concert to catch.
- Discovery Park – this park is a 534-acre urban oasis offering breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park is perfect for a leisurely hike or picnic on a sunny day.
- Pike Place Market – this market is home to dozens of independent businesses, from farmers selling fresh produce to artisans selling handcrafted goods. There’s also a wide variety of food options, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.
For more amazing things to do when you finally unpack after the move, use some tips from the following video:
FAQ
Are people moving to Seattle from the Bay Area?
There has been a trend of people choosing a cross-country moving company and moving from the Bay Area to Seattle in recent years. This is likely due to Seattle’s growing tech industry, as well as its relatively lower cost of living compared to the Bay Area. Additionally, Seattle offers many outdoor recreational opportunities and a thriving cultural scene.
Are people moving to Seattle from California?
Many people have decided to hire movers from California to Seattle, pack their relocation essentials, and organize a move to a new state. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the rising cost of living, as well as the growing tech industry in Seattle, which is attracting highly skilled workers. Additionally, Seattle offers a higher quality of life with its lush natural surroundings and vibrant cultural scene.
Are people moving from San Francisco to Seattle?
There is no clear answer to this question, as there are both people getting movers from Seattle to California and vice versa. Some may be drawn to Seattle’s growing tech industry and lower cost of living, while others may prefer San Francisco’s cultural offerings and diverse population.
Are people moving from Los Angeles to Seattle?
There has been an increase in the number of people relocating from both cities. Overall, the movement of people between Los Angeles and Seattle is fluid and constant since both of them have a lot to offer.
Get Long Distance Movers and Make Your Upcoming Move as Simple as Possible
Once you decide Emerald City offers plenty of benefits that must not be missed, make sure to hire cross-country movers who can handle the job. With the right long-distance moving company, your move can be stress-free. Therefore, make sure to give yourself enough time to research various companies to avoid relocation scams. This will help ensure that you’re getting the best possible price for your move – and the best possible experience.
