Seattle, Washington
SperlingViews

Living in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle area) - 9/1/2011

I was born in Kirkland and have lived all over the USA (ex Navy). Yes, it's overcast here often but the temperatures are MILD. I have lived in Puerto Rico where you sweat as you towel off after a shower and Wisconsin where talk about gaining weight because you can't do anything in the winter! It saddens me to see so many people from out of the area have moved here, THAT is why our traffic, parking, prices, etc. have gotten so bad. In the 70's this was still as affordable as it is beautiful place to live. They chop trees down now like they grow as fast as your lawn. Out of state drivers don't know how to drive in the rain. I miss Emmett Watson and I am STILL a proud member of the KBO club. Google that![more...]

climate - 8/21/2011

Temperate, no extremes in temperature, humidity, air pressure. I can live with gray skies.[more...]

Please help me select a Seattle or (Seattle Area) - 8/13/2011

I am a retiree in search of a neighborhood that is safe, affordable, has ample public transportation, walkable sidewalks and easy access to fresh markets that have a good variety of vegetables, fruits and wholesome foods. Other neighborhood attributes could include easy accessibility to community theater, cinemas, restaurants, community centers, libraries, good cell phone and internet reception, bowling lanes, parks, good views, sports, music venues, etc. etc. Thank You in advance for your kindness in helping me with information describing your favorite neighborhoods in Seattle (or surrounding area). [more...]

Great but dark - 7/25/2011

I love Seattle and the Pacific Northwest; however, the weather is too overcast for me. That's too bad because there isn't much else that I would change. If you have seasonal affective disorder, this is not the place for you. [more...]

Expensive and Gloomy - 6/29/2011

I moved to Seattle from Portland, Oregon. Pluses first...very cosmopolitan progressive city. I have found people friendly here, contrary to other posts. When there is a clear day, it is paradise. The geography is breathtakingly beautiful. Lots of trails and outdoorsy stuff to do. So if you are outdoorsy and love beautiful scenery, it is the place for you. Now the down side...EXPENSIVE! Wages do not match cost of living here. HORRIBLE TRAFFIC! I live on the Eastside and do not go into downtown Seattle unless there is a baseball game or some other perk. The horrible traffic is compounded by the lousy metro transit system which spans three counties and none of it is interconnected. So to take a bus you have to go to three different web sites. Seattle could take a clue from Portland. The bureaucracy here moves along at a snail's pace and the politicians have taken rehashing stuff over and over to a new level. Finally the WEATHER. For every clear day there is a week of gloomy, dark, rainy weather. Summer doesn't begin (using the term loosely) until mid July...if you are lucky. The past two years have been especially bad. We were able to get a fantastic deal on a house in Kirkland and both of us have steady jobs here but the TRAFFIC, WEATHER, AND EXPENSE make the Seattle area a negative big time. Would NEVER retire here. [more...]

Quirky Town, Mixed Feelings - 5/10/2011

I've lived in several areas around Seattle for the last ten years and I'm ambivalent about Seattle. The rainy, gray weather is about to drive me insane, every winter I get severely depressed -- and put on weight from lack of outdoor activities. On one hand, I love something about the Seattle people, they are highly intelligent and easy-going compared to the East Coast. The summers here are wonderful, very beautiful and full of activities. There are many intellectual and artistic activities, lots to do with the kids. The air is always fresh, the traffic easy, nothing is really crowded, and the cost of living not great, but not terrible. It's a pretty town, very quaint. On the other hand, I haven't made a single real friend in ten years, I'm unemployed -- yet again even though I have really good tech skills, my boyfriends lack a certain ambition and drive -- very sweet but-- boring? I crave a real man, someone who doesn't wear a baseball cap and dress like a ten year old. The winters are too long and dreary. Every year I plan on leaving and get beguiled by the summers into thinking this place isn't so bad. This year I'm going to leave... really.[more...]

High quality, diverse culture - 5/10/2011

Symphony, opera, art, theater, jazz[more...]

Seattle - 4/17/2011

Seattle is a good home base for me. I love the cool, green and easy living, the beauty of the mountains, lakes, forests. I love the city and all the culture that is available. Great book stores. Intelligent people. I am an introvert and Seattle works for me that way, people do not get in your face. I love that all is available to me as great music, theatre. It is an easy city to get around. There is too much traffic and winters do get boring with all the rain and grey skies. But the springs and summers and fall are mostly wonderful, mild. I like that I can go camping, run on a beach that is not crowded, explore nature, and still be cultured, and have all the conveniences of the city. We have the most beautiful library in our downtown Seattle and our library system is excellent with generous and current books for lending. I feel alive here.[more...]

Wet and gray, need I say more! - 4/10/2011

I've lived in Seattle since 79' with the exception of a few years in Hawaii and the weather here is horrible. Mostly cloudy and gray year round, summers can be nice but never enough sunny days. People live here because of other qualities, weather isn't one of them.[more...]

The Pike Place Market. - 3/22/2011

Many people come to our famous, Pike Place Market for the food, entertainment, hand made items and historical buildings. It is a great place to visit, thousands of tourists visit the market every year as well as many local come down for fun. If you are a tourist I'd like to remind you of a few things: First, Seattle is the home of many creative, original people. Since I have worked at the market, I've heard my share of rude comments on how people at the market are dressed, complaining about how a lot of locally owned businesses don't "haggle". Then the people that are for some reason rude to the sales people. First, if we don't dress how you dress, it's really none of your business. Second, a lot of people don't haggle because the product is already at it's lowest price, some people barley making money as it is. Thirdly, people who work at the market are some of the hardest working people I've ever met, if they are helping a customer and you are mad they don't get to you right away, please remember: Ever sale counts for them. They work hard and deserve some respect. Some of them work 12 hours a day, owners often 12 hours a day, seven days a week. I will also bring up how some tourist like to "poke" at the fruit. Just what we need, a line-up of fruit with finger holes in them. Be polite, and they'll be polite to you. Also-just to let you know, if you are a tourist don't kiss, or let your kids kiss the famous street pig, "Rachel", I've seen more than one time people pee on her. [more...]

Dont' Drive...The Speed Limit??? - 3/20/2011

I have lived in several other cities, and have traveled quite a bit as well too, so I think what I am saying is true. It's funny, people in Seattle drive freaking slow. I have never driven in a city where people actually drive SLOWER than the speed limit on the freeway, and for NO REASON! It's like they took a bunch of sleeping pills washed down by some warm milk then decided to jump into their Subaru Outbacks and head to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's to buy some organic something or other. Also, I have read a lot about how people here are not as friendly, are kind of stand-off-ish, and I thought that would not apply to me, I am rather friendly and outgoing. I take my dog to the dog park daily, always try to be friendly, it's amazing how many people will talk to my dog (who doesn't TALK BY THE WAY) but will completely ignore my presence. What is wrong with people around here. Also, does everyone in Seattle feel that wearing anything but grey or black is a sin? Or does your recycled microfiber artificial fabric clothing from REI not come in any other color but earth or tree or pavement or abyss or emptiness? Yes, Seattle beautiful in the summer (what day will it fall on this year?) or all other times if you like green mold growing on the pavement, sidewalks, side of your house, stairways, walkways, or black mold growing on the inside of your windowsills, etc. But seriously...there are some great companies here to work for, and some smart people here. It might be a good place to live/work, for you. Very diverse, there are good reasons to live here. Just not if you like a fast pace, a warm climate, fashion, style, or friendliness. [more...]

Has Not Been Easy - 3/20/2011

I have lived 10 minutes outside of Seattle for the past 5 years, and visit Seattle just about every weekend (I adore the Market, and the many neighborhoods). As my title states, it has not been easy for myself, or my family. As others have stated,too, it is difficult to make true friends in Seattle, and the Seattle area. So, it took three years of my trying to discover that the secret to finding friends of any sort, is to find the relo's to the area. It worked! I found out the hard way, that people who originate from the Seattle area are very polite, but that is as far as goes. They are not interested. Someone told my husband after one month of living here, that it took his wife 5 years to really make friends. I thought the man was exaggerating, but he wasn't. The only reason we are still committed to living here,is that my son has two more years of high school, and I would feel terrible moving right now. I know that no one place is perfect, I am not in search of perfection, but the passive aggressiveness that exists here is insane. And maybe it takes an outsider to really see it. It's unfortunate, because I think Seattle, and Washington state as a whole, is gorgeous,and the climate doesn't bother me at all. I love how in Western WA it really doesn't get too cold in the winter, or too hot in the summer. I really want to like living here, and I have surely tried. I suggest looking up an article for those really considering moving to Seattle, called, "The Seattle Freeze".[more...]

1000 Opportunities - 3/10/2011

Seattle is a combination of urban business and retail, with neighborhood living and dining. It has unending options for different ethnic cuisines, local small business and real communities to live in. It does not have many nationwide chain locations - no Walmart or Olive Garden, although there is a Target and Starbucks/fast food is a given if you need those types of comforts. Amazing public transit system - a car is not a necessity in this city.[more...]

natural beauty - 3/7/2011

Seattle has Puget Sound, Lake Union, Lake Washington and a few other lakes. When it is clear, you can see mountains. Very lovely, great parks, great views, lots of things to do. Cathy [more...]

My silver platter - 2/8/2011

For 30 years I have lived in Seattle and love it here. There are no deep snows, no dehydrating sun, fresh air to breath, tons of beaches, outstanding restaurants, and people that are relaxed (except for some of the status-seeking East Siders and financially stressed South Enders). It's possible to become the kind of person you want to be here, like having chickens in your yard in Ballard, listening to International lectures at Kane Hall at the UW, visiting 100 artists in one residence at Western Studios on First Thursdays, or just hanging out on the waterfront while pretending to be a tourist. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to drink coffee. There are an incredible array of tea houses that cater to those who like to get out and not get buzzy. Yes, grunge was here, and mostly it's gone. House music is prevalent, but you can always go to Neighbors for the best sound system, and dance like a maniac until 4:00 am. Personally, I've explored many types of churches: Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, New Age, Evangalist and the list goes on and on. Never have I been made to feel like an outsider. It's easy to talk to anyone on the street, but yes, I do reserve the long conversations for my tight friends. The closeness that we have fills my mind and heart. My friends are few in number, but very dedicated to my personal happiness. For the socially inclined, the Meet-up Groups have been very helpful. OK Cupid is pretty good for date-ups. Just google Burning Man Seattle to find a wonderful way to find cool parties with entertainment like fire spinners and acrobats. There are also a lot of sponsored team sports you can join in on, like volleyball tournaments on Alki Beach, or soccer at Greenlake. There is an extensive array of bike trails, and that seems to be a good way to meet new friends. The people that complain that Seattle sucks, I wonder if perhaps this would be their view no matter where they lived. Because life doesn't come on a silver platter - it's your personal creation for good or bad. The expectation of the quality of life improving is always why anyone leaves current friends and family behind, to venture to a new place. Seattle offers a lot and introspection is one attribute. Once I watched the sun rise while camped on a alpine mountain top, sipping tea, and observed the morning mist evaporating into the day. This is the day I came to love the Seattle area, and I can never think of any place better. [more...]

Great, but socially difficult for 20-30s - 1/25/2011

Seattle is a charming city. It's safe, clean, and there is a lot of natural beauty (hills, lakes, and mountains very close). The weather is mild, the summers are beautiful, and chances are what you've heard about the rain is greatly exaggerated. It has darker winters, but overall the climate is very nice. It's great that you can take public transport here. The bus system covers the city well and more importantly, the buses are safe and clean. Growing up in Philadelphia, it was inconceivable that you'd take public transport on a daily basis; it just wasn't safe or clean. When I lived in Raleigh, NC, crime wasn't a factor, but you really had to drive if you wanted to get around easily and meet friends places. REI clothing is the standard uniform for most people, which I love; there are very few restaurants that will treat you any differently in that than if you were wearing a suit. People are generally polished and keep to themselves. What people say is true: it can be somewhat difficult to make friends, especially if you don't have an job that inherently attracts social people (like bar tending or nonprofit work). There is also a lot of hipster competition and ass sniffing. The plus side of this is that it's a great place to get good music recommendations that are not top 40 or have supper somewhere other than Applebee's. But of course, there is a downside, too. For straight 20-35 yr olds, it is much cooler to smoke unfiltered cigarettes and be in a band than to work on a career (although the gay community seems exempt from this-- good for you guys/girls!). It isn't a very religious city, which I also enjoyed; no one I ever dated or befriended tried to convert me. But in a similar complaint regarding straight 20-35 yr old culture, there is a common immaturity where people try to have their cake and eat it too. I've met a few people who bemoan the difficulty meeting someone fairly wholesome who doesn't take shots every night, but after getting better acquainted, they'll reveal that they're polyamorous or into hard drugs, etc. I think it's completely understandable to either sow wild oats or to settle down, but I think there is a tendency for this age group to feel entitled to have both, despite the contradiction. I didn't really take many humanities classes in college, but the phrase "prolonged adolescence" comes to mind. Overall, I think it's an effect of the fact that Seattle is not encumbered by a very strict and structured idealogical constraints. It's great to not have to wear a suit every day and nice that preferring public transit to driving is not stigmatized. But it's pretty annoying when when you ask a hipster waiter what they do for a living and they say "working on a graphic novel" or when your date casually mentions that she used to be a sex worker and might get back into it. Oh, Seattle! Seattle is a nice and comfortable city to live in. I think the main downside is the difficulty making friends and having relationships compared to other places I've lived. It would be a nearly ideal city if I were settled down and in my late 30s on. [more...]

Seattle Living - 12/8/2010

People: Passive aggressive. Customer service is excellent compared to Chicago, and people you meet on the street are polite, but beyond surface interaction they have little to them. There has been an unfortunate influx of twenty-something hipsters in recent years, driven to this city no doubt because of tales of eco-friendly grocery stores and innumerable grunge bands. They are aloof, obnoxious know-it-alls with sticks up their asses. I find myself afraid to go into a number of coffee shops for fear that they will all laugh at me if I pronounce my order wrong. Racial diversity: Racism exists, as it does everywhere, but you cannot feel it as heavily because people are either more tolerant or more passive aggressive. There are a lot more mixed people and a lot less segregation than in a city such as Chicago. Unfortunately, there is a huge amount of gentrification in Seattle and many minorities are being pushed into neighboring suburbs. Culture: Lacking. This city has little passion when it comes to the arts, visual and performing. If you're not an art connoisseur or a hipster, you'll feel out of place at art galleries, and if you're not interested in producing indie or grunge music, you'll have little audience or support in Seattle. Food and Drink: There are many great authentic Ethiopian, Japanese and Vietnamese places to eat. See a taco truck? Trust that it will also be authentic and delicious. (I am speaking in general terms. There are gems from alot of other cultures too, as with any major city.) The seafood is particularly superb. Also a bevy of cafes to choose from. And I mean, about five on every corner. Get learned in the art of coffee, and do it fast. This ain't no Dunkin' Donuts, so no ordering of "a large coffee" allowed. Environment: One of the great things about Seattle is that you don't have to go far to find nature. You're right next to Puget Sound, there are an innumerable amount of park and hiking trails. There are many, many hills, which is great if you want to work on that killer ass you've always been dreaming about, and awful if it decides to snow or get icy. It is rainy and gray a lot, and when it rains, it is often mild and halfhearted rain that drags on for days at a time. Load up on vitamin D if you want to save yourself from seasonal depression. Energy: Considerably low. I blame the hipsters, for their nonchalant attitude. Downtown is dead by 12 on weekends. Fashion: Very laid back. We don't give a damn whether you wear Ferragamo heels or socks and sandals. [more...]

Rude? Visit the Midwest. - 11/24/2010

Seattlites are rude to you once they learn where you've come from. People in the Midwest (where I live after leaving Seattle) are rude because no one ever taught them otherwise; the phrase "Excuse me" is very, very seldom heard and practice of the concept behind it even less so.[more...]

Seattle weather, residents and culture defined in - 11/6/2010

I have live here for over 30. I moved here a young man. I noticed that a lot of people on this site complain about the weather and the people. This bothers me. The people that are from here or have been here a long time are the nicest people I have meet. It's because it is a such a beautiful place that jerks have moved here and messed it up. Like all great cities. I see some people complaining that people are too smart for their own good here. Perhaps those people should just move back to their hick towns and get on with life? Seattle is a great town compared to other fantastic cities that everyone wants to move to. Sure the weather is wet, but didn't you know that before you moved here? It's not like we pretend it's dry here just to get you here so you can complain. Have you seen the skin of a 70 year old here compared to one in Palm Springs? The sun ages you. Have you ever thought that perhaps it's hard for you to make friends here because all you do is complain about the weather and the people. Life is what you make of it where ever you go. You decide everyday you get up if you are going to smile or frown. What are you going to decide today?[more...]

Expensive and Rude!!!! - 10/30/2010

I moved to Seattle in 2008 and got out of there in 2010! It is over priced in everything! The housing maket is insane with what they charge! And alot of what people have posted about the people is correct! I have lived all my life in Houston, Texas. And contrary to belief Texans are not hicks! The entire time I was there I met a few friendly people! Alot of what I read from people commenting about the culture and the people not being friendly is so true! Most of the people there are more concerned about where their next organic meal will come from instead of being friendly and kind! The are very judgemental people that think they are better than eveyone else! And with the cost of living being so high the salaries are no different than Texas. Actually, your dollar goes much further in Texas! I am an educated woman that was looked down upon b/c God forbid I wanted to dress nice, color my hair and wear some make up! I've never seen so many wanna be hippies in my life! The politicians are corrupt as someone else pointed out! And don't try and find a decent church! This is the most un-christian place I have ever seen! I am so glad to be back home in the land of friendly, more reasonalbe living! Seattle you might be nice to visit from time to time with you mountains and pretty countryside.... but, you are not the place for warmth and hospitality! [more...]