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Parks, Recreation, and Greenspace in Seattle, Washington

15 local experts
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From neighborhood playgrounds to flagship parks, what does Seattle have to offer? Here's what 15 local experts had to say about parks and greenspace in Seattle, Washington.

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Seattle is a good city to live if you have a tech job or other very high paying job. If you’re introverted and indoorsy, you’ll love it year-long, especially if you’re somewhat alt and fit in one of the many subcultures present here. If you like hiking, you’ll love the PNW, but it’s rainy and dark for most of the year, so don’t forget your vitamin D pills.

Nassim, says: 2023

Nestled in the beautiful and picturesque Pacific Northwest, living in Seattle means you are only 20 minutes in any direction from extravagant forests, mountains, coastlines, and other scenic outdoor activities. First inhabited over 15,000 years ago by indigenous tribes of Native Americans, Seattle is an iconic center of culture, enjoying lovely waterways, ocean views, and endless activities. However, be aware that this is one of the most expensive places to live in the entire United States. Housing, education, childcare, among others, are generally higher than the national average. Corporate behemoths like Amazon essentially control the city, to the extent that many of the hip areas formerly dominated by young people and bohemians are slowly (read quickly) being taken over and transformed. Despite the rising costs, the city is absolutely breathtaking, boasting many popular entertainment activities including theaters, festivals, world-class shopping, restaurants, as well as a bustling nightlife. The downside is the exponential growth of income inequality that has become quite visible, especially in the downtown areas. The city is very diverse and has some of the best Indian food on the West Coast of the U.S. The University of Washington is also headquartered here (considered the Ivy League of the West Coast), so there is an abundance of youth as it is a preeminent college town.

We have the most beautiful mountain range across our state. We are on the Pacific Ocean. It doesn’t rain as much as you’ve been lead to believe but it does stay cloudy more in winter. We have something for everyone here. Restaurants to hiking trails to hot air balloon races. Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing are our biggest employment resources. The traffic is hell but the people are diverse. It’s one of the most beautiful places to see from an airplane on a sunny day.

if you’re moving to Seattle, bring your rain coat, umbrella and galoshes because, like everybody says, it rains in Seattle… a lot. And for some Seattleites, they even have moss growing between their toes. But the area also has access nearby to incredibly lush forests, mountains, lakes and waterways, so outdoor adventures are near. So, when the sun comes out, oh my, Seattle and the surrounding scenery is out of this world beautiful!

It rains 9 months out of the year, has a mass transit system, friendly welcoming city, has plenty of tourists attractions, malls, shopping centers, hiking, ski resorts, casinos, museums. The ethnic diversity of the city’s population is comprised of many nationalities from all over the world. Seattle is surrounded by many lakes and streams providing fishing, water sports, boating, diving and swimming. It is the perfect location to start and raise a family. Seattle is home of professional sports… Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Hockey. There are more than five universities and junior colleges, vocational colleges.

Christopher, says: 2022

Seattle is a city with many exciting attractions. The metropolitan area, which includes a number of interesting and distinct neighborhoods, is both sprawling and approachable. The University District is full of quaint parks and restaurants. The Downtown and Capitol Hill areas are home to well-known tourist destinations like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. If a visitor desires experiences in the outdoors, Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier are both an hour away.

Leslie, says: 2020

While Seattle is certainly one of the most beautiful places to live in the United States, anyone considering moving here should be aware of the high price of living. However, the vibrant city life, excellent coffee, and stunning wildlife just outside the city make it well worth the cost. It’s an excellent place to raise a family, as well, with a strong public school system as well as a network of green areas and parks. Politically, Seattle is fairly far to the left, which anyone with fierce political opinions should take into consideration.

Samantha, says: 2020

Seattle is a city full of amazing views and creative and quirky people. There is an abundance of activities available year-round from kayaking and hiking to skiing and sailing. Seattle is a bike friendly and walkable city so there is no need to own a car. Last but not least we have an exciting coffee and beer scene! Wherever you decide to live in the city you are always a short walk to a local coffee shop!

Someone moving to Seattle should be prepared for windy and rainy weather, plenty of weekend hikes to nearby State and National Parks and one of the country’s best public transportation systems. Seattle has an abundance of lakes, water bodies, trails and is one of the most dog-friendly US cities. There are coffee shops all over the city, and one will almost always have a Starbucks location within walking distance.

Shelley, says: 2020

Seattle is known for its rain and cloudy skies, but it’s actually an ideal place for about four months of the year. Between June and September, the temperature stays around 75 degrees, and Seattle residents regularly flock to parks and beaches to enjoy the pleasant weather. I’ve noticed that Seattleites never let a sunny day go unappreciated. You could say that we live for summer!

Mikaela, says: 2020

Although Seattle is known for its gray skies and rainy weather, outdoor recreation opportunities abound. The Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Pacific Ocean are within arm’s reach of those who seek the water. Similarly, the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Range, and Mount Rainier are equally accessible to hikers, climbers, and camping enthusiasts. Finally, Washington Wine Country is only a few hours away for those who appreciate the art of vinification.

Aolani, says: 2020

Someone moving to Seattle should know it does rain a lot; perhaps not as much as people say, but certainly a great deal. They should also know that it is a beautiful city, filled with parks, beaches and forests. And finally it is superb coffee!

Michael, says: 2020

It’s beautiful. Seriously, it really is. It’s clean (due to ocean air and rain). It’s lush. You’re surrounded by mountains (including volcanoes that you can see form the city). The sunsets are gorgeous. It’s very hilly, so you have good viewpoints from all over the city.

Great food (There is a serious ‘foodie’ scene here, though not a ton of variety. Most of our food is fancy comfort food or locally sourced fish/veggies. We do have a little Asian food scene, but, I’ve been told my multiple sources that it’s not the best Asian food. Good news though, you’re 2. five hours from Vancouver BC! They know how to do sushi/pho/ramen very well.)

Lots of outdoor activities and close to the city (you can work up a sweat hiking around Discovery Park 10 min from Downtown, kayak in the city, swim in Lake Washington 10 min outside the downtown core (clean water too!), bike the Lake Washington loop (100 miles or so) or the Burke Gilman trail (40 miles from Fremont to wineries RT) etc) or outside the city (too many options to list! Ski, backpack, hike, hang-glide, you name it basically).

Seattle is notoriously known for being cold and rainy, however there isn’t a more picturesque place in summer and fall. With beautiful snow-covered mountains and lush green trees, the city is just a short distance from plenty of outdoor recreation. Pike Place Market is an iconic place to visit and allows locals to play tourist in their own city.

Seattle is a cultural and technological hub. Companies such as Boeing, Starbucks, and Amazon are centered in the city, giving Seattleites a unique advantage when searching for jobs. Additionally, the northwestern environment is perfect for outdoor exploring. Many locals enjoy hiking, paddle-boarding, rock-climbing, and camping. All are welcome in Seattle. Capital Hill is a cultural hub for members of the LGBTQ+ community, seeking solace or a sense of celebration surrounding their identity. The Pride Parade is an annual event in downtown Seattle, in addition to Black Lives Matter and the Women’s March.

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