10 Things to Consider When Moving to Seattle

Credit: Image by inboundREM

Nestled between the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, along the shores of the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle’s natural beauty is one of the many reasons visitors wish they could stay in this city forever.

Are you considering moving to Seattle? There are a few things you might need to know about the Emerald City to help you make your decision. Let’s get started!

1. Cost of Living

The cost of living is 46% higher than the national average. 

Housing is the highest among the basic expenses, 114% higher than the national average. 

The median home price in Seattle is $1,066,787, while the median rent is $3,243 per month.

Healthcare is 34% more expensive than the national average. A doctor's visit typically costs $188.78, a dental consultation is $155.23, and an eye checkup is $172.91.

Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 30% higher than the national average. Gas costs $4.40 per gallon, on average.

Food and grocery prices are 14% higher than the national average. The average cost of a loaf of bread is $4.54, a gallon of milk is $5.35, a carton of eggs is $3.97, a bunch of bananas costs $0.82, and a hamburger at a fast food restaurant costs around $6.33.

Utilities are 2% higher than the national average. An average phone bill amounts to around $196.44 per month and a monthly energy bill would cost approximately $203.07.

Credit: Image by Georg Baumann | Unsplash

2. Job Market and Career Opportunities

Seattle, WA, offers good employment opportunities, particularly in the tech sector. The city is known for its thriving economy and a wide range of industries that provide numerous job opportunities.

Some of the prominent employers in Seattle include, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Costco, Nordstrom, Starbucks, The University of Washington, Alaska Airlines, and Weyerhaeuser.

In general, salaries in Seattle are above the national average. The median salary in Seattle, WA, is $76,147, with 80% of salaries falling between $39,150 and $165,300. 

3. Weather and Climate

Seattle is known as a gloomy, gray city where it rains constantly. 

But while the Emerald City experiences heavy cloud cover 226 days per year on average, the rain in this city is typically more of a persistent drizzle and mist rather than heavy downpours. 

In fact, Seattle receives less annual rainfall than many other major cities, including New York, Boston, Miami, and Philadelphia.

Summers in Seattle are gorgeous, with clear skies that highlight the nearby peaks of the Puget Sound and Cascade mountains. Fun fact – the nickname “Emerald City” is from the lush green landscape that comes alive when the sun emerges.

Credit: Image by Alan Liu | Unsplash

The comfortable summer weather in Seattle is one of the best in the country, with mild temperatures and little humidity perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

4. Neighborhoods and Housing Options

Seattle, WA, is a "a city of neighborhoods," with many distinct neighborhoods, from historic districts rich with culture to vibrant locales bustling with new businesses.

Some of the neighborhoods worth exploring are West Seattle, Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Pioneer Square.

The housing market in Seattle features a diverse array of residential styles, including Queen Anne and Craftsman bungalows, floating homes, traditional single-family homes, rowhouses, townhouses, and apartments. 

5. Transportation and Traffic

Cars are the dominant form of transportation in Seattle. But with Seattle confined by Lake Washington on one side and Puget Sound on the other, the expansion of roads is limited, and so you can expect commutes to be long and frustrating. 

Bike commuting and walking are popular in Seattle, despite the city’s colossal hills. In fact, more people walk, bike, or use public transportation in Seattle to get around than in other areas of the country. 

Most tourist points and major neighborhoods in Emerald City, particularly those closest to the downtown area, are served by King County Metro, the local bus system. 

6. Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty

Opportunities to enjoy nature abound in this city. If you live in Seattle, you won’t have to take the hour drive to the Cascade Mountains to go for a hike. 

Discovery Park, a 534-acre patch of wilderness located along the shores of the Puget Sound, is just a few miles from downtown Seattle. 

Other popular places for outdoor recreation include Golden Gardens Park, Green Lake, Alki Beach, Washington Park Arboretum, Lake Washington, and Mount Rainier.

Credit: Image by Marco Bicca | Unsplash

7. Culture, Diversity, and Community

Seattle's culture is a vibrant mix of diverse influences, from its storied musical history to its thriving coffee culture and commitment to the arts. 

The city is home to Indigenous, Black, Latino, Nordic, and Asian communities, which are celebrated through various museums, festivals, and cultural centers. 

8. Education System and Schools

The primary school district serving Seattle is the Seattle Public Schools. It is the largest public school district in Washington state. The district has over 90 schools and educates more than 50,000 students.

Seattle is also home to many universities and colleges, including:

• University of Washington

• Seattle University

• Seattle Pacific University

• Seattle Central College

• North Seattle College

• Seattle University School of Law

Credit: Image by Junru Pu | Unsplash

9. Healthcare Access

Seattle is known for its excellent healthcare system, providing residents access to a variety of providers and hospitals.

It is home to leading medical institutions, including the University of Washington Medical Center, which consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the state and in the nation, and Harborview Medical Center, a Level I trauma center serving the Pacific Northwest.

10. Local Laws and Regulations

If you’re relocating to Seattle and you are bringing your car along with you, you are required to get a Washington driver’s license and register your vehicle within 30 days after moving. This can be done by mail or by visiting a Department of Licensing office. 

For those with pets, Seattle law requires that you purchase a pet license. This includes dogs, cats, miniature goats, and potbellied pigs. Failure to do so could result in a $125 citation. 

Conclusion

Seattle is an amazing place to live, offering a beautiful natural landscape, thriving economy, vibrant culture, and so much more.

If you’d like to explore the housing options available in the area, please give me a call today at (206)-501-8484 or email me at matthewbchapman@windermere.com to schedule an appointment. You may also contact me using this link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it expensive to live in Seattle?

Yes, it is. The cost of living is 46% higher than the national average. Housing is the highest among the basic expenses, 114% higher than the national average. 

What jobs are in high demand in Seattle?

Jobs that are in high demand in Seattle include those in the technology, healthcare, and construction sectors.

How rainy is Seattle?

Seattle has a reputation for being so rainy, but, in fact, the city only experiences rain 152 rainy days a year, with only about 0.01 inch of rain or melted snow per day, on average.

What’s the best neighborhood in Seattle to live in?

Some of the best neighborhoods to live in include West Seattle, Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Pioneer Square.

How pet-friendly is Seattle?

Seattle is known for being a very dog-friendly city, with numerous dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and other venues.