I'm a college student here and Crime rate is something to consider — Seattle sits at 585.4 per 100K. It's a a major city city with about 741K people. Rent is about $1,998/month for a decent place. With a population of 741K, Seattle is a major city. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Growing food scene
- Easy commute
- Strong sense of community
Cons:
- Lack of diversity
- Boring for young people
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Am I overthinking this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Luke Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 13 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Julia Ross
not my experience at all
36 upvotes
Brenda K.
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 9 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to weather but Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Brooks Wilson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
kcsoul2023
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
Maverick White
hmm interesting perspective
21 upvotes
Delilah G.
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
18 upvotes
Everett Smith
I've lived in Highland for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Everly Parker
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
portlandchef2021
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Lucas
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much established but now it's tough.
8 upvotes
Noah Roberts
I've lived in Springfield for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
All Countries
