Seattle, WA


321 Reviews



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Seattle, WA

About Seattle, WA

Seattle, Washington is a vibrant city with something for everyone. Enjoy stunning views of the Cascade Mountains or take a stroll down the iconic Pike Place Market and sample some of the best seafood around. Take in the sights at the Space Needle or explore history by visiting Chihuly Garden and Glass. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails within city limits, as well as many parks and gardens to explore. With its eclectic culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and abundance of activities, Seattle offers something for all kinds of travelers! Regional center - East shore of Puget Sound in west-central Washington.

Location Details

State: Washington
County: King County
Metro Area: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metro Area
City: Seattle
Zip Codes: 98115, 98103, 98133, 98105, 98118, 98125, 98122, 98117, 98144, 98109, 28 total
Cost of Living: 58.1% higher
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Elevation: 125 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on Seattle

The Seattle, WA metro area, nestled in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is a place where nature and city life blend beautifully. It's surrounded by water, with Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east, while the Cascade and Olympic Mountains provide a stunning backdrop. This setting offers both urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a unique place to live.

Seattle's history stretches back thousands of years, originally home to Native American tribes like the Duwamish and Suquamish. European settlers arrived in the 19th century, transforming it into a bustling hub during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it's known for its significant role in the tech industry, housing giants such as Amazon and Microsoft.

The local economy is robust, driven by technology, aerospace (thanks to Boeing), healthcare, and retail. This mixture of industries creates a dynamic job market but also contributes to a high cost of living, particularly regarding housing prices.

Politically, Seattle leans towards progressive and liberal ideologies, often at the forefront of environmental sustainability and social justice initiatives. The community is politically active, championing causes from LGBTQ+ rights to climate change action.

Living in Seattle offers a lifestyle filled with outdoor and cultural activities. Residents enjoy hiking, skiing, and boating thanks to the nearby mountains and waterways. The city boasts a lively arts scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and music venues. The food scene is noteworthy too, offering a plethora of international cuisines and a celebrated coffee culture.

For those considering moving to Seattle, it’s important to be ready for its weather – the city is famous for its rainy and cloudy days, especially during fall and winter. However, this contributes to its lush, green landscapes. Newcomers should also prepare for the high cost of living and potential traffic congestion. Despite these challenges, many find the quality of life, access to nature, and the community's progressive values well worth it.

In summary, Seattle provides a blend of opportunities and experiences, from its economic vitality and political activism to its natural beauty and recreational activities. While adjusting to the cost of living and weather may take time, many who move here find a welcoming and engaging community.

Seattle Cost of Living
$$$$

Attractive setting, arts and culture, and nearby recreation make Seattle a great place to live.

$823,900
+59.0% higher than avg
$105,391
+34.5% higher than avg
$2,108 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+45.5% higher than avg
Seattle Crime
76.9 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Seattle, Washington
$158,040
for a family
$82,400
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Seattle
   Attractive setting
Sprawl and traffic
   Arts and culture
Clouds and rain
   Nearby recreation
Cost of living
Reviews for Seattle
    See all (321)

I have lived here since 1975, I moved here from California but was born and raised in Michigan. I would have to say that I never regretted leaving Michigan and their  More

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Over 2 years ago

I’ve lived in Seattle for just under 7 years and while it can be a stunningly beautiful place, I am very excited to leave. I’ll start with some of the positive aspects.  More

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if you can afford it, Seattle is a very nice place to live and raise a family! however, it is extremely expensive and in the winter, it's rather gloomy. i love gloomy  More

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