What BestPlaces Users Say about Seattle
Seattle, Washington is a major city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, thriving tech industry, and vibrant cultural scene. However, like any city, it has its own unique set of pros and cons when it comes to living there.
According to reviews on BestPlaces.net, many users have shared their experiences living in Seattle. Overall, it seems that the city's natural beauty and diverse population are highly praised, while the high cost of living and traffic are common complaints. User "Samantha" writes, "Seattle is an amazing city filled with art, nature, and opportunity. It's a melting pot of different cultures and I love the diversity here." Similarly, user "David" says, "The scenery in Seattle is breathtaking. You have mountains, lakes, and forests all within reach." However, the cost of living is a recurring concern. User "Emily" states, "The cost of living here is exorbitant. It's difficult to find affordable housing and the traffic is terrible." Another user, "Mark", adds, "I love Seattle but I wish it was more affordable. The high cost of living can make it challenging to enjoy all the city has to offer."
based on 321 ReviewsGet to know Seattle with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Seattle
View from an Insider - 1/9/2010
My grandparents on both sides were immigrants to Washington in the very early 1900s. My parents grew up in Seattle before most people from other states had ever heard of it. Before the 70's I think Seattle could be characterized as more of a blue-collared medium-sized town that Boeing (and Weyerhauser) had built. Yet, being on the Pacific Rim had always kept the town/people open to other cultures, to travel, and to higher education (after all, the immigrants and settlers worked hard so their children could have a better life). Traffic was snarl-free up until the 90's. People were friendly, open, curious, polite, although a little reserved (hey, with many having Scandinavian and Asian roots, what do you expect?). As transplants came into the area because they loved our cheap housing in the 80s (at the time -compared to other bigger West coast cities), our scenery, and the year-around activities, they brought with them their arrogance!! The Seattleites my generations of family grew up
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Cloudy, but not rainy - 12/26/2009
It actually doesn't rain that much in Seattle, we just have a lot of cloudy days. But even that isn't too bad. The "blah" days start around mid-October and continue through mid-June but from mid-June to mid-October we actually have quite a few sunny and even quite warm days. We even tend to get clear days aplenty during some periods in December-February. And on these clear days, when one can gaze out at snow-capped mountains to the south, east AND west, geographically and climatologically, there's no place I'd rather
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Lots to like, but rain does wear on you - 12/11/2009
I moved to Seattle from Denver about three years ago. Weighing both the positives and the negatives, I really like it here, even though I might move down to Southern California for more sunshine. I'm shocked at some of the very negative reviews that Seattle is getting, such as how the people are rude. I understand there are some cold people around here, but I've met plenty of nice, normal people that I go out with for beers on the weekend or hang out with. I think sometimes when it comes to making friends you have to make an effort, step out of your comfort zone or look in the mirror and maybe change your outlook. When I first moved here I didn't know anyone and it was lonely, not going to lie, but then I decided to go out to different things, get involved with certain clubs, and I met friends that I still hang out with to this day. Sure I've met some jerks or arrogant snobs, but you will meet those in any city you're in, trust me.
Back to the city... I love the nature
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The meaning of a cat's smile - 12/10/2009
After five years in metro Seattle, I moved to another West-Coast city. I have never been so glad to get out of a place in my life, and I've been in a few pretty dismal places. I’ve never “lost touch” with “friends” so quickly.
Seattle people are intelligent, but incredibly insular. They see themselves as knowledgeable, but they know little of people outside the Portland-Everett corridor (nor do they really care to know - the stereotypes are just fine with them). They are quick to judge and feel superior to others whose intellect, economics, or views are different from theirs, though they make absolutely no effort to understand others' sociology (thus, the "Wal-mart", "pickup trucks with W stickers" and other snicker-at-the-rednecks type comments in some of these postings by people who "love" the place).
I've never encountered so many people who were so sure they were right and who were so averse to self-evaluation. I came in to lead a failing non-profit
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Fantastic, but after 10 years, it's wearing on me. - 11/30/2009
I've been here for 10 years and have loved it. I love that it's a big city, more is more analogous to a bunch of interconnected neighborhoods, which makes it feel a little bit more neighborhoody. This is one reason that I'm a bit sick of the small town feel to it. The winters are getting to me, though I do love the seasons. Perhaps it's just that 10 years is a long time for a 29-year-old to spend in one
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Beautiful place, but not for everyone - 10/15/2009
After many years of living a variety of places around the country, most recently in California, we moved to the Seattle area a little more than two years ago. We'd been here many times before on vacation or passing through on the way to Canada, and we'd always wondered what it would be like to live here. We loved the water, mountains, and trees; we also liked the educated population and lower (relatively) housing costs.
Well, after two years, we're ready to leave. Yes, it's still beautiful, and yes, the housing costs are lower than in California, but the weather can be really hard to take. This year was actually a good one--lots of sun from May-September, but the two preceding years were awful. Day after day of gray, rain, and snow. No summer in 2008--just a few weeks of sun in July.
Plus, since moving here, we've been shocked by how many people come down with various serious diseases (MS, cancer, etc.)--the rates are extremely high. I'm convinced it's
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Health Care - 10/6/2009
The Seattle area has some of the best Doctors and hospitals. If healthcare is a concern, this is a great place to be. If you have to pay for it yourself, like everything else here..lit's
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Seattle - key city in the Puget Sound - 10/5/2009
Seattle is a great city -- Mountains, the Puget Sound, great shopping, the arts the art, sports, great schools, the worlds second largest ferry system, island hopping, great food, super entertainment and mild temperatures. What more could you ask
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Seattle - Lots of Thinking Heads, but No Heart - 10/3/2009
There is no other place like the Pacific NW. You either love it or you don't. I happen to be in the camp that doesn't. It just wasn't a good fit for me.
On the upside are the mountains, the fact that it is a compact area and easy to get around, not overly crowded, ferry boats that take you to the surrounding islands, and just extremely unique. On the bad side are the people;(yes the Freeze is real), the cost of living, undersized, overpriced ugly houses and architecture, and just the negative vibe here, along with the weather. Prices are down 20% here, but it still isn't enough to tempt me. It feels cold to me all the time, but I'm a sun and warmth person.I think 60 and rainy is cold, not refreshing. I'm not of the "rain is magical" ilk.
It is a very cynical town and despite always talking about change, no one ever steps up to lead and really change anything. There seems to be a dark cloud over people, just like the sky most of the time. Plenty of people
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Seattle - 7/12/2009
The climate in Seattle is changing.....it is cooler than I remember it ever
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